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

Yakima's location and operating rules for mobile and street vendors are in YMC 5.57.040 (Geographical Restrictions), YMC 5.57.050 (Exemptions) and YMC 5.57.060 (Time Limitations). YMC 5.57.040 — verbatim summary: (1) No mobile vendor license includes the privilege to conduct mobile-vendor business unless the vehicle is parked and operated 'in full compliance with the traffic and sidewalk ordinances of the city.' It is a violation 'for any person selling or offering for sale any article to obstruct or cause to be obstructed the passage of any sidewalk, street, avenue, alley or any other public place, by causing people to congregate at or near the place where any article is being sold or offered for sale.' (2) 'No merchandise will be offered, displayed, or sold, and no customers served, in any vehicle travel lane.' (3) 'No mobile or street vendor shall sell or vend any wares from his vehicle or conveyance within a residential zoning district unless associated with a special event or private catering function.' (4) No mobile/street vendor shall sell: (a) within 300 feet of any public or private school grounds during the hours of regular school session, classes, or school-related events, unless authorized by the school; (b) within 100 feet of the entrance of any business establishment open for business and offering similar goods for sale; (c) within 100 feet of any restaurant, cafe, or eating establishment open for business if selling food or food items; (d) in that portion of the public right-of-way abutting private property without the permission of the property owner; (e) within 300 feet of any public park of the city or other public space for which a special-event permit has been obtained during the course of a public celebration, unless the vendor has written permission from the special-event coordinator posted while operating; (f) the number of mobile or street vendors is limited to two per one linear block frontage, provided the 100-foot distance restrictions are met, unless a city-approved special-event permit site plan authorizes an exception. 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 — Level 1 vendors leave their locations per their submitted plan of operation; Level 2 and Level 3 vendors must leave their locations daily and may not remain overnight. YMC 5.57.030(2)(d) requires the operator to remove all accessory items (waste cans, step stools, picnic tables, propane tanks) at the end of each work day, and prohibits freestanding awnings/canopies/umbrellas/signs — all such items must be permanently attached to the unit. Operators must also comply with the WA mobile-food-unit standards in WAC 246-215 (storage at approved servicing area, commissary, posted business name) and any Yakima Health District plan-review conditions. Right-of-way / sidewalk use is also subject to YMC Chapter 8.20.