EVERETT—The Everett City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Wednesday cracking down on unlicensed mobile food vendors, citing rising public health risks and unfair competition from unpermitted stands.
The measure, which takes effect immediately, requires mobile food vendors — defined as movable stands, carts or kiosks selling prepared food for profit — to obtain a city business license and a valid Snohomish County Health Department food permit. Vendors must display the health permit prominently while operating.
It imposes operational restrictions, including a ban on sales between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. unless specially permitted, compliance with the International Fire Code, and restoration of sites to their original condition after use. Location rules prohibit vending in bus stops, disabled parking spaces, loading zones, within five feet of alleys or driveways, 15 feet of fire hydrants or lanes, or on public streets and sidewalks without a city permit. Vendors also cannot interfere with utilities or street fixtures.
Violations by a “responsible operator” — the person overseeing the stand — are misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Employers complicit in the activity face gross misdemeanors, with penalties up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both. Police can impound vending units upon arrest, and officers may detain suspects briefly to verify identities and permits.
The ordinance’s purpose is to bolster oversight and deter unpermitted vending, which undermines food safety standards and poses risks like foodborne illnesses from inadequate refrigeration, sanitation or water supplies. It complements county health regulations, as Snohomish County handles inspections but lacks strong local enforcement tools against mobile operations.
Reasons for the law include a surge in complaints, from 16 in 2022 to 203 in 2025, alongside reports of foodborne illnesses last year. Permitted vendors face higher costs — including a $1,100 plan review fee and annual fees of $500 to $1,025 — while unpermitted stands undercut prices by evading them. Council members also expressed concerns about worker exploitation, including potential human trafficking.
Exemptions apply to food trucks, lemonade stands run by minors, nonprofits, government agencies, farmers selling produce, door-to-door deliveries to regular customers, newspaper carriers, solicited salespeople, political campaigners and permitted market vendors.
Enforcement falls to the Everett Police Department and fire marshal, without superseding county or state authority.
Author: Mario Lotmore
