Public Comment
Draft Vending Director’s Rule Public Comment Period
We invite you to share your thoughts on proposed updates to Director’s Rule 01-2023 - Vending in the Public Place. This rule explains how people may sell food or goods in public places.
Please review the draft rule and submit your feedback during the public comment period using the options listed below.
What the Draft Rule Does
We are proposing this update to make the vending permit process clearer, fairer, and more predictable for vendors, the public, and City staff.
The draft rule supports small businesses while helping us protect public safety and keep our streets and sidewalks accessible for everyone.
Why We Are Updating the Rule
Unpermitted vending has increased in the city and can block sidewalks, curb ramps, and exits during crowded events.
We have also received reports of conflicts between permitted and unpermitted vendors, which raise concerns about public health, safety, and fair access.
What Is Changing
The draft rule includes these proposed changes:
- We may remove carts or equipment in posted no-vending areas after required outreach without an additional warning.
- We may take enforcement action, such as issuing notices or citations, after one attempt to educate or warn a vendor.
- We may close a vending application if an applicant does not pay permit fees within 30 days of notice.
- Vendors may renew annual permits by submitting a renewal application instead of starting a new application each year.
What Is Not Changing
We are not proposing changes to approved vending locations, such as sidewalks, plazas, curb spaces, and permitted districts citywide.
You can still apply for sidewalk and plaza, curb space, stadium, route, or temporary vending permits under the draft rule.
Siting requirements and the lottery process for competing applicants will continue to work as they do now.
Review the Draft Rule
During the comment period, you can review the draft Director’s Rule and related documents using the link below.
View the Draft Director’s Rule
Submit Your Comments
We want to hear from you before we adopt the updated rule.
Please submit your feedback during the public comment period using one of the following options:
-
- Email: publicspace@seattle.gov
- Mail: Seattle Department of Transportation, Attn: Street Use Division, P.O. Box 34996, Seattle, WA 98124
Comment Deadline
The public comment period runs from May 29, 2026 through June 19, 2026 to give you time to review the draft rule and share feedback.
You must submit your comments by June 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM so we can consider them before adopting the rule.
We will review all comments received by the deadline before filing the final rule with the City Clerk.
Need Help or Accommodations
If you have questions or need this notice in another format, please contact us at publicspace@seattle.gov.
To request a disability accommodation, please contact us at (206) 684-5253 or publicspace@seattle.gov.
Street Use Public Comment
What is a public comment period?
A public comment period is a specific timeframe during which the community may submit remarks for consideration specific to a proposal or project under review.
The following Street Use proposals require a public comment period:
- New permit applications for long-term outdoor seating, vending, and communication cabinets meeting the requirements for notification in Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 15.32.200
- State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) threshold determinations
- Director's Rules and other legislative actions
Note: Other Street Use permits may be required to provide public comment at Street Use's discretion per SMC 15.04.030.
Open Proposals
For more information on a specific proposal email publicspace@seattle.gov.
How do I submit comments?
To submit a comment, please include the permit number (if applicable), your name and contact information, and your specific comments. All comments must be postmarked or emailed to us before the project's public comment end date.
Send your comments by letter or email to:
OR
Email: publicspace@seattle.gov
Request a Permit Decision Review
After the public comment period has ended, we will decide to approve, modify, or deny the application. Anyone may request a review or reconsideration of a permit decision that we've made. This must be sent as a written request to the Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation within 10 calendar days of our decision date (SMC 15.04.112). The request must identify the decision for which review or reconsideration is requested, the grounds for objecting to the decision based on City standards, and the specific remedy being proposed. The Director will designate a review officer who will make a recommendation to the Director. The Director's decision on review or reconsideration is final.
A request for review or reconsideration should be submitted to:
Director of Transportation
Seattle Department of Transportation
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3800
PO Box 34996
Seattle, WA 98124-4996
OR