Mobile Food Units & Street Vending
Mobile Food Unit
Street Vending
Street vending is allowed in Thurston County by applying for a mobile food unit (MFU) permit and requesting a variance. The variance allows the use of a temporary-style setup, like using a pop-up shelter, temporary handwash station, and coolers with ice without being at an approved temporary event.
Submit the completed street vending application and variance request and pay applicable fees. Once accepted, the plan review process takes approximately 6-8 weeks. These costs are one-time fees and do not need to be renewed each year with the food permit. Both the MFU permit and the variance are required to operate as a street vendor.
Read the Street Vending Guide to learn more.
See list of commissary kitchens in Thurston County here.
Contact the Food and Environmental Services Section at 360-867-2667 or send an email to foodapplication@co.thurston.wa.us with additional questions.