What permits do you need to open a food truck in Yakima County?

Fire Code Operational Permit — Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle (IFC 105.6.30)

A food truck that cooks on board needs a fire code operational permit when it operates under the Yakima County Fire Marshal's jurisdiction. The Yakima County Code 13.24.060 fee schedule (Building and Construction Fees, effective 1/1/2026) lists 'Section 105.6.30 Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle/Itinerate Food Vendor' at $183.15. The county program description places the Building and Fire Safety codes over 'all buildings and structures in unincorporated Yakima County', and YHD's Mobile Food Units page lists a city or county fire department inspection among the approvals a mobile unit may need, so a truck working inside a city checks with that city's fire department. This fire permit is separate from, and in addition to, the Yakima Health District mobile food unit license. The schedule provides for annual adjustment, so confirm the current amount with Building & Fire Safety at (509) 574-2300.

Mobile Food Unit License (Risk Level 1, 2 or 3)

A food truck, coffee trailer or other mobile food unit operating in Yakima County needs a mobile food unit license from the Yakima Health District. YHD's Mobile Food Units page and its Food and Beverage License Application/Renewal form (revised 10/23/24) print the same 2026 fees, through 12/31/2026: Level 1 (cold foods or reheating fully cooked foods; for example ice cream trucks and coffee trailers) $261 new and $118 annual renewal; Level 2 (cooking raw foods and hot holding, no cooling) $615 new and $428 renewal; Level 3 (full preparation, with cooling done at a commissary kitchen) $791 new and $560 renewal. The page states that the L&I inspection and tag must be obtained before applying and that YHD cannot give final approval until the L&I certification is provided, and it tells operators to 'check with the City or County for any additional approvals needed', including a city or county fire department inspection. The Board of Health adopted a new fee schedule for 2027 on August 26, 2026; its figures are not published in YHD's posted documents, so confirm any fee for 2027 with the EH Help Desk at (509) 249-6508.

Temporary Food Establishment Permit (single event)

A restaurant, food truck or coffee vendor serving food at a fair, festival, fundraiser or other single event in Yakima County needs a temporary food establishment permit from the Yakima Health District. YHD's Temporary Food Establishment Application and its Temporary Food Events page both set the 2026 fee, through 12/31/2026, at $54 for a temporary event of up to 21 days of service at one location. Both state that an application submitted within 7 days of the event incurs a $50 late fee and that YHD may deny an application submitted within 48 hours of the event; incomplete applications are not accepted, and a copy or photo of the event advertisement goes with the application. Vendors at a recurring market or concession use the seasonal permit instead (recorded separately). The Board of Health adopted a new fee schedule for 2027 on August 26, 2026; its figures are not published in YHD's posted documents, so confirm the fee for any 2027 event with the EH Help Desk at (509) 249-6508.

Shared with other businesses in Yakima County

• Seasonal Food Permit (farmers and flea markets, concessions) — Yakima Health District, Environmental Health, $116–$348 per season of up to 6 months, by hazard level (2026 fees, through 12/31/2026): Low Hazard (Level 1) $116, Moderate Hazard (Level 2) $232, High Hazard (Level 3) $348, one season: up to 2 days per week for up to 6 months at the same location. Also required for restaurants and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.
• Food Establishment Permit — Washington State Department of Health, Food Safety Program, $240–$1,386 a year, set by the local health jurisdiction — there is no state fee, annual, on a cycle the local jurisdiction sets. Also required for restaurants and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.
• Food Worker Card — Washington State Department of Health, Food Safety Program, $10 per card, 2 years first time, 3 on renewal, 5 with extra food safety training. Also required for restaurants and coffee shops; what it involves is set out on the coffee shops page.