Vending Fee Update
By City Ordinance and as part of Seattle's Downtown Activation Plan, all permit fees for vending in public right-of-way have been waived effective November 5, 2023 through December 31, 2025.
Vending in Public Right-of-Way
How to Get Your Vending Permit
Follow these steps to apply for your permit.
Step 1: Learn About Vending Permit Rules
First, learn about the different types of vending and their rules. Choose the guide that best fits your business.
Vending Applicant Guides
- Curb Space Vending
- Sidewalk or Plaza Vending
- Stadium and Event Center Vending
- Route Vending (for approved food and drinks from a cart or vehicle)
You should also research the specific rules for street vending:
Step 2: Find a Place to Sell
You have two options for finding a vending location. You can:
- propose a new location, or
- find an available spot at an existing location.
We encourage you to apply for new locations, as this is how they're created! We will review your proposed location to ensure it meets our standards.
To see existing locations, you can use our vending location map. The map shows all yearly vending locations and which days and times are already taken. You can apply for any available times.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
You’ll need to gather several documents before you apply.
- Business License: As a vendor, you must have a current City of Seattle business license.
- Health Permits: A permit from Public Health - Seattle & King County is required for most food vendors. If you are exempt, you must upload proof
- Fire Marshal Permit: You must have a permit from the Seattle Fire Marshal if you cook with propane.
- Photos of Your Vending Unit: Current photos of your complete setup from at least two sides. If you use a vehicle or trailer, make sure the license plate is easy to see.
- Site Plan: A drawing of your proposed vending space and the surrounding area.
Application Dates and Deadlines
Our vending year runs from February 1 to January 31.
- If you miss the November 30 deadline, you will lose priority for your location and you will need to submit a new application. Your application will enter the lottery for available locations in January.
Key Dates for Renewing a Permit and the Site Lottery
| Date | Details |
| November 1 | First day to submit a Renewal Application. |
| November 30 | Last day to submit a Renewal Application. |
| December 1 | First day to apply for unrenewed locations. |
| January (first week) | We hold a lottery for unrenewed locations. |
| January 31 | All one-year vending year permits expire. |
| February 1 | The new vending year begins. |
Important Notes
- After we approve your permit, you have 30 days to pay the fees. If you do not pay on time, your application will close, and the location will become available to others.
- If we ask for corrections to your application, please respond promptly to avoid losing location priority.
- If you receive a new permit for the first time after November 30, it will automatically renew for the following year.
More Resources for Your Mobile Food Business in Seattle
- New to Street Vending? The Office of Economic Development has a guide for starting or growing a mobile food business.
- Vending in a Seattle Park? See Seattle Parks and Recreation's Seasonal Concessions guide.
- Want to vend at the Waterfront Park? Visit the Friends of Waterfront Park page or email vendors@waterfrontparkseattle.org.
- Vending on Private Property? If you plan to sell in a parking lot or private plaza, speak with the property owner. Then, visit the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections' page for street food carts or trucks.