Issaquah, WA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)

LUC 18.510.030(C) sets the standards for every mobile food truck, trailer or cart operating on a private lot in Issaquah. A food truck operating longer than two consecutive days on the same private property must obtain a mobile food vendor permit annually. The vendor must also get permission from the property owner before operating, and the use must receive a City business license under Chapter 5.02 IMC, if applicable.

The land use fee schedule in IMC 3.64.010(C) prints the cost: Mobile Food Vendor Permit $363.17 and Mobile Food Vendor Annual Renewal $185.06. A technology surcharge is added to fees in that table under IMC 3.66.020 unless a footnote says otherwise.

The permit comes with operating conditions. The truck must have fully functional wheels and be able to move immediately by being towed or driven without the removal of blocks or other structural devices. It must be on a paved surface, cannot intrude into the drive aisle, block fire lanes or leave the site with fewer than the required minimum parking stalls, and cannot be parked where it impedes garbage collection. Signage must adhere to Chapter 18.612 IMC. Noise cannot exceed IMC 18.518.020, and mechanical audio or noise-making devices cannot be used to advertise products. The vending site must be clean and orderly at all times, with sufficient garbage, recycling and composting receptacles nearby under Chapter 8.07 IMC, Food Packaging. Illicit discharge is prohibited.

Two other permits sit outside the Land Use Code. IMC 16.06.025 amends the International Fire Code so that a permit is required for mobile food preparation vehicles equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors or use LP-gas or CNG systems, and valid operational permits issued by any King County Fire Agency are recognized. Roving vendors such as ice cream trucks that move constantly and do not remain longer than one hour in the same location are exempt from the temporary retail section and are directed to Chapter 5.06 IMC, Solicitor's License.

The Director holds the revocation power. Under subsection (C)(11) the Director can suspend or revoke any issued mobile food vendor permit at any time if the vendor lacks valid King County Health Department permits or other required approvals, if the truck location adversely impacts the primary use of the site, or if the truck does not adhere to the chapter and other applicable regulations in the Code.