Seattle, WA Street Vending: Cart & Stand Rules (2026)

Mobile Food Vending — Mobile food vending is a popular entry point for many food business entrepreneurs who want to enter the food service industry. [...] What is a Mobile Food Business? A food cart on the sidewalk; A vehicle used to prepare and serve food; A truck that drives through the city and vends on the curbside. [...] Steps for Opening or Expanding a Mobile Food Business: 1. Business Planning [...] 2. Business Licensing — State of Washington Business License: All businesses are required to register their trade name and obtain a state business license prior to operating in Washington state. City of Seattle Business License: If operating in Seattle, every business in Seattle is required to have a City of Seattle business license. 3. Location — Locating on Public Property, Private Property and City Parks: Public Property (Public Right of Way) - Street, Sidewalk, Public Plaza - Permit Required. Visit SDOT's Vending Permits page to learn more about the different Street Use Vending permits for businesses operating in the public right-of-way. [...] Street Use Vending permits are required for any vending in the public right of way. Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) issues all Street Use Vending permits in the public right of way. [...] Vending is only allowed for food and flowers except for Stadium and Event Center Vending which also allows for merchandise, services, and nonalcoholic beverages.