Mobile Food Vendor Guide

Lynnwood now permits food trucks and trailers to operate on property in permitted zones. This guide will help you get started!

Step 1: Acquire a City of Lynnwood Business License.

  • All vendors must have an active business license to operate in the City. If you are operating in the City for less than 60 days, a reduced business license is may be available. You can apply for a business license online at through the Department of Revenue license portal.

Step 2: Are you operating only as part of a special event? Or are you operating in Lynnwood throughout the year?

  • If you are attending a special event that is approved by the City, you are done! No additional permit is required!
  • If you plan to continuously operate in Lynnwood, Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor permit.

Step 3: Apply online! The online application can be found at www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Services/Apply-for-a-Permit.

What do I need to apply?

The basics all food trucks need to apply are:

  • An approved Snohomish County Health Department Permit.
  • A picture of your Labor & Industries (L&I) Insignia from your unit.
  • A Lynnwood business license
    • Don’t have a license? You can apply for your business license and provide the receipt for your application when you apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit

Are you planning to operate on a site for more than 90 days throughout the year?

  • If yes, apply for a Mobile Food Vendor - Site-Specific Permit.
  • If not, apply for a Mobile Food Vendor - Multiple Site Permit.

Step 4: Permits should process in about 14 days.

Step 5: You’re done! Be sure to have your approved permit available at your unit.

Moving sites? Apply for a Site-Specific Mobile Food Vendor Permit.

What do I need to apply?

All mobile food vendors submit the following:

  • Approved Snohomish County Health Department Mobile Food Unit Permit
  • Image of the Unit’s L&I Insignia (Should be bolted to the Truck/trailer)
  • City of Lynnwood Business License or Receipt for an Active Business License Application.

 

Are you planning to operate on the same site for more than 90 days in a year?

  • Site Plan: Site plans can be as simple as a screenshot of google maps images with drawings over the top.
  • A site plan must show the following:
    • Electrical Hookups (description)
    • Food Truck Location
    • Location of other food trucks on the property
    • Location of Seating
    • Location of Signs (not attached to the truck)
    • Location of Parking (no parking is required for food trucks, only show parking if you are planning to designate stalls for your business)
    • Distances between the food truck and any structure
  • Owner Authorization and restroom agreement

 

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