Olympia, WA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Vending Zones (2026)

The City of Olympia, in Thurston County, Washington, places mobile vending under the temporary use standards of Olympia Municipal Code § 18.06.060(Z). No temporary use is allowed unless a temporary use permit is approved by the city, each separately proposed activity needs its own permit, and the fee is the one set in OMC 4.40.010(A). Section 18.06.060(Z)(3) lists mobile vendors among the temporary uses permitted in commercial districts and the Evergreen Park PUD. That list of districts is the answer to where: the section names commercial districts and the Evergreen Park PUD.

A mobile vendor permit is valid for one (1) year from issuance, and approval from the property owner, or the underlying property owner if the spot is in a right-of-way, is required. The code defines a Mobile Vendor as a vendor that sells food, goods or services from a non-permanent location, unrelated to the primary use of the property and readily movable at all times; it excludes ice cream or home delivery trucks that operate in constant motion within the street.

Sidewalk vendors have eight specific rules. Only one mobile sidewalk vendor is permitted per block face. The public sidewalk must be at least eight (8) feet wide. The clear walking area around the vendor can never be less than forty-eight (48) inches, and must be at least six (6) feet within the downtown Pedestrian Walking Lane area delineated in OMC 9.16.180(B), Figure 1. The vendor and equipment can occupy at most eight (8) feet of length, stands must be readily movable at all times, stands go at the back of the sidewalk away from the curb, locations are first-come, first-serve, and the vendor signs a Hold Harmless Agreement with the City of Olympia.

The general temporary use standards also limit hours of operation, including generators and lot lighting, to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. unless the Planning Director specifies otherwise in writing.

The downtown restriction is separate. OMC 9.16.180(B)(2)(b) treats it as obstructing traffic to vend at any time on any sidewalk, street or alley within the Downtown Commercial Zone shown in Figure 1, with affirmative defenses including operating pursuant to a street use permit or vending at an approved parade or festival.