Changes coming to Seattle food truck rules

Seattle might drop some restrictions for food truck businesses.

The Seattle Department of Transportation is revising regulations that have been in place since 2011, when the city allowed food trucks and carts on public streets and sidewalks. Before 2020, the city issued vending permits for food trucks, carts, and stadium vendors.

Alyce Nelson, public space manager for SDOT’s street use program, said they’re looking to remove some restrictions to allow vending opportunities for new and existing food businesses.

“Some of the restrictions that we had for vending pre-pandemic didn’t seem like they were necessary anymore,” she said.

Such restrictions include prohibiting vending within 50 feet of brick and mortar businesses.

“There’s this great symbiotic relationship between breweries and food trucks,” Nelson said. “A lesson learned from the pandemic is we removed that setback on a temporary basis.”

SDOT might drop that buffer requirement, but it will also look at other siting considerations before granting a permit. Nelson said she hopes these improvements will help businesses and create more active community spaces.

“We see our vending program as a way of adding vibrancy to neighborhoods, getting people more and active in their communities,” she said.

And it’s not just food vending. The city is considering expanding its Market Street program that works with community groups to close streets for events and arts and crafts vendors.

The department is finalizing the proposal before sending it to the city council for approval later next month.