Street vendor permits in Federal Way, WA — sometimes called sidewalk vendor licenses, mobile vendor permits, or peddler permits — are the licenses required to sell goods or food on public property.
Mobile food and retail vendors operating in Federal Way must complete a Mobile Food or Retail Vendor Supplemental Checklist with their City Business License under FWRC 19.290. Use of public right-of-way (street or sidewalk) requires a Right-of-Way Activity Permit under FWRC 4.30.050.
Federal Way regulates street and mobile vending through a combination of land-use rules (FWRC 19.290 — Vehicle and Mobile Sales/Services), business licensing (FWRC 12.05 Business Registration), and right-of-way controls (FWRC 4.30 Right-of-Way Activity Permits). A vendor operating on private property must obtain a Federal Way business license and comply with FWRC 19.290 location standards including parking, signage, and adjacent-use compatibility. A vendor operating in the public right-of-way must additionally obtain a Right-of-Way Activity Permit under FWRC 4.30.050. Vendors operating for 90 days or fewer in a 365-day period may use a Temporary Business License instead of a full annual license.
Operating without the required licenses or permits is a civil code violation under FWRC 1.15. Typical penalties begin at $100-$250 per day and may include cease-and-desist orders.
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