City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 12
Chapter 12.15
Section 12.15.070
 

Title 12 Public Ways and Property

Chapter 12.15 Activation of Public Places

Section 12.15.070 Mobile Food Vending Requirements

  

  1. The mobile food vendor must have a City general business license and necessary Washington State Labor and Industries, Spokane Regional Health District, and Spokane Fire Department permits and approvals to operate as a mobile food vendor within the city of Spokane.
  1. The mobile food vendor shall maintain a minimum five-foot clear pedestrian pathway along the public sidewalk at all times. Placement of the mobile food vending unit shall be consistent with any applicable standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  1. A mobile food vendor shall comply with all applicable parking regulations, except that a mobile food vendor operating is exempt from SMC Section 16A.05.280, and the parking time limits of SMC Section 16A.05.310.
  1. A mobile food vendor vending from any public property including public streets, sidewalks, plazas or parks shall maintain in full force public liability insurance in the amount specified by SMC 12.02.0730(B) to cover potential claims for bodily injury, death or disability and for property damage, which may arise from or be related to the use of the public property for mobile food vending purposes, naming the City as an additional insured.
  1. Mobile food vendors shall not sell or serve liquor, as defined in RCW 66.04.010, in the public right-of-way. Mobile food vendors shall not sell or serve liquor on private property without approval and licensure by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
  1. A mobile vending unit may not be within fifty feet walking distance of the front entrance of an existing and open restaurant located on the same block face without the documented approval of the restaurant owner or authorized representative of the restaurant.
  1. Mobile food vending is prohibited in City parks or on a street adjoining a City park without documented approval of the Director of Parks and Recreation or their designee.
  1. A mobile food vending unit vending from private property shall have documented consent from the owner(s) of the private property or their designated property manager, as to the use and location of the mobile food vendor on their property.
  1. A mobile food vending unit vending from private property shall be subject to the same land use and development standards applicable to the property as if the unit were a permanent structure, except that a mobile food vendor shall not be required to make any additional site improvements when:
    1. The mobile food unit is located on a surface parking area that will provide circulation for any other existing uses on the property;
    1. The mobile food unit is a licensed, wheeled vehicle, and the wheels will not be removed;
    1. Any canopies, awnings, or any other attachments are supported entirely by the mobile food unit and do not touch the ground, provided temporary seating, sandwich board signs, refuse collection containers, and other temporary appurtenances may be allowed;
    1. The mobile food unit is self-contained, with no plumbing connections; and
    1. The mobile food unit will not be used for “drive-thru” vending.
  1. Mobile food vendors may vend from residential zones, under the following conditions:
    1. The owner of the property where an event such as a community event, special event approved by the City, a neighborhood block party, wedding, or birthday party will occur has invited the mobile food vendor to participate, and mobile food vending is part of the event activities.
    1. The mobile food vending unit may not remain at the location for longer than the duration of the special event and must avoid creating conflicts with pedestrian or vehicle traffic or creating other public safety problems.
  1. The City may order a mobile food vendor to depart from a specific location when the mobile food vendor is creating an imminent public health or safety hazard.
  1. The mobile food vendor operating from any public property, including public streets, sidewalks, plazas or parks, shall restore the site location occupied by the mobile food vendor to the original or better condition upon removal of the mobile food vendor unit. 

 

Date Passed: Monday, May 4, 2026

Effective Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

ORD C36863 Section 6