Vancouver regulates mobile food vendors through VMC Chapter 5.34 and a city food vendor special license. Vendors in the public right-of-way require a Street Use Permit; Esther Short Park is restricted to city-permitted special events only.
Under VMC Ch. 5.34 (Food Vendors), every mobile food vendor operating in Vancouver must hold: (1) a City Food Vendor Special License issued by the Finance Department (~$51.40/yr, expires Dec. 31); (2) a City Business License; and (3) a Clark County Public Health food establishment permit. Vendors operating in the public right-of-way must also obtain a Street Use Permit, applied for through Traffic Engineering. Esther Short Park and the immediately adjacent sidewalks, streets, and far sidewalk are off-limits except during City-permitted special events (coordinated via Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services). Food trucks on private property operate with property-owner consent and are subject to underlying zoning. Vendors may not obstruct traffic or pedestrian access. Special events vending is approved
Operating without required licenses or permits subjects vendors to civil penalties and license revocation under VMC 22.02. Unlicensed vending in the right-of-way may result in immediate stop operations order.
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