Washington city permit guide
Seattle food truck operators usually need Public Health Seattle & King County approval, and food trucks or trailers may need Washington L&I approval before the pre-operational inspection can be finalized.
Last reviewed May 2026. This guide is informational and is not legal advice.
Photo: Seattle food truck, via Wikimedia Commons.
Permit checklist
The exact checklist depends on the address, business model, operating details, and whether the site is new, remodeled, changing use, or changing ownership.
Also seen as: King County mobile food permit, mobile food unit plan review
Seattle's mobile vending handbook says a Public Health permit or exemption is needed to operate a food cart, food vehicle, trailer, or kiosk in Seattle.
Also connected to: food truck or trailer approval before pre-operational inspection
Seattle notes food truck and trailer applications can be submitted before L&I approval, but L&I must approve the unit before King County approves the pre-operational inspection and permit application.
Also connected to: public right-of-way, route vending, sidewalk vending
Seattle has separate vending permit paths, and route vending can be limited or exempt depending on the food and location.
Also seen as: business license application, DOR account
Washington vendors should track business license registration and tax account requirements separately from health and street-use permits.
Why it gets missed
For trucks and trailers, L&I approval may be needed before the final King County inspection approval.
Some route vending scenarios hinge on whether Public Health requires a permit or grants an exemption.
Seattle vending permits are different from the health permit.
A commissary, private lot, park, or street route can all change the document set.
PermitWatchdog workflow
PermitWatchdog helps Seattle food trucks track King County health, L&I, Seattle vending, state business license, commissary, and route/location records.
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