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

Operating a food truck in Kirkland requires a layered set of permits. At the state level, operators must hold a Washington State Business License through the Department of Revenue. King County handles health permits through Seattle and King County Public Health as mobile food unit (MFU) permits, which come in tiers based on menu risk and operating mode. The health department inspects trucks, trailers, and carts for water, wastewater, refrigeration, hot holding, and commissary arrangements. At the city level, vendors must obtain a Kirkland business license and, if operating on public right-of-way or public property, a separate right-of-way or special event permit. Trucks serving at private businesses like breweries or offices need the private site owner's permission and must still have health and state licenses displayed. Propane tanks must meet fire code separation distances; cooking exhaust often requires a Type I hood for grease-laden vapors. Public event operations at Marina Park, Juanita Beach, or Kirkland Uncorked require coordination with Parks, Special Events, and Kirkland Fire. Sales tax must be remitted under RCW 82.08. Kirkland Finance at (425) 587-3140 handles licensing questions.