Mobile Food Vending
Food Trucks and Food Carts
This is a great way for food and beverage entrepreneurs to bring their concept to market quickly, as well as provide a wide array of choices to customers and enliven city streets and sidewalks.
Below you will find information on the different types and locations of mobile food vending in the City of Vancouver. This includes required licenses and permits, mobile vending in the public right-of-way, mobile vending at special events and in public plazas, and contact information for City staff that can answer your questions.
Requirements differ depending on location and whether the unit is temporarily or permanently located in a given location.
Required Permits
WA State Department of Labor & Industries
Food trucks and trailers are reviewed and inspected by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries to ensure they meet health and safety standards, and a state permit is posted on each vehicle.
Review requirements at Food Trucks and Trailers.
Clark County Public Health
All food businesses must get a license to operate a food establishment from Clark County Public Health.
Review both Food Safety and Permitting Information.
City Business License
Each business operating in the City of Vancouver is required to hold a city business license, in addition to any state-required licenses. The city partners with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) and Business Licensing Service (BLS) for the administration of its new and renewing city business licenses.
For more information and instructions on how to apply for a city business license: DOR BLS’s Vancouver website
Food Vendor Special License
Each mobile food vendor operating in the City of Vancouver is also required to hold a city food vendor special license issued by the city’s Finance Department.
To apply, complete and return the Special Licenses Application along with the required fee.
Street Use Permit
Any mobile vending unit that operates in the public right-of-way is required to obtain a Street Use Permit.
Applications should be submitted to TrafficEngineering@cityofvancouver.us or at the customer service desk in the lobby of City Hall.
Special Events and in Public Plazas
There is an annual submission deadline, please review Food Vendor Opportunities or contact covspecialevents@cityofvancouver.us.
Special Event vending is approved through Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services. Interested parties should complete and submit a vendor interest form.
Esther Short Park is considered an event venue, and mobile vending in or adjacent to the park is only allowed, as part of City-permitted special events. This includes the park, the immediately adjacent sidewalk, the street, and the far sidewalk.
Still have questions?
City staff will sit down with you to help you understand what is required and how the process works before you apply for any approvals, permits or licenses.
For more information or to set up a meeting, please contact Krystal Sanchez at krystal.sanchez@cityofvancouver.us or 360-487-7820.