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

Yakima's food-truck framework sits in three layers. (1) State (WA Department of Health / Yakima Health District) — every mobile food unit operating in WA must hold a WA mobile food unit permit under WAC 246-215 (Food Service), administered locally by the Yakima Health District. WAC 246-215-09100(3) governs the location and approval of the servicing area where the unit is parked, cleaned and stocked when not in operation. WAC 246-215-09120(3) requires a commissary; the unit must return to the commissary as required by the regulatory authority for water replacement, waste disposal, and food restocking. WAC 246-215-09160 requires the business name to be posted on the unit in a manner easily visible to customers during operating hours. Yakima Health District categorizes mobile food units by risk into Level 1 (prepackaged / limited-prep), Level 2 (more complex food preparation), and Level 3 (full meal preparation). (2) City — YMC Chapter 5.57 (Mobile Food Vendors). YMC 5.57.020 (License Required) — 'No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of a mobile or street vendor without having first obtaining a business license pursuant to Chapter 5.52 of the Yakima Municipal Code. All mobile or street vendors must fulfill the requirements of this chapter prior to a license issuing. All business licenses for mobile and street vendors must be prominently displayed upon all vehicles, conveyances, or temporary structures from which a mobile or street vendor conducts business.' YMC 5.57.030 (License Requirements) — the applicant must submit (1) proof of approval from L&I, the Department of Health and the Yakima Health District, and (2) a written narrative answering the WAC-tied questions: where the unit is stored when not operating (WAC 246-215-09100(3)); the name and address of the approved commissary (WAC 246-215-09120(3)); where the permit will be posted on the unit (WAC 246-215-09160); confirmation that all accessory items (waste cans, step stools, picnic tables, propane tanks) will be removed at end-of-day and that any awnings/canopies/umbrellas/signs are permanently attached to the unit; and confirmation that only authorized employees will be inside the unit. YMC 5.57.040 (Geographical Restrictions) — see Vending Zones subcategory. YMC 5.57.050 — a restaurant vending on the sidewalk in front of its own permanent establishment does not require a permit. YMC 5.57.060 (Time Limitations) — Level 1 vendors leave their locations according to their plan of operation; Level 2 and Level 3 vendors must leave their location(s) daily and may not stay overnight. (3) Other licenses — applicants must also hold a WA Department of Revenue Business License (UBI) and any required Liquor & Cannabis Board approvals if alcohol is involved. Yakima Office of Codes (509-575-6126) handles applications; Yakima Health District (Environmental Health, 509-575-4040) handles food-safety inspections.