Lynnwood moves to simplify food‑truck permitting; council debates 30‑ vs. 90‑day site threshold

Community Planning Manager Simri Almgren told the Lynnwood City Council on April 15 that staff are preparing a draft ordinance to clarify permitting for mobile food vendors and remove current inconsistencies in how food trucks are reviewed and permitted.

Almgren said the proposed approach distinguishes between site‑specific vendors (those staying in one location beyond a short period) and non‑site‑specific vendors (rotating vendors), requires standard health and fire approvals, and would address grease disposal, restroom agreements for long‑term sites, and ADA access for customers. Staff proposed a 30‑day threshold in the draft ordinance to distinguish a temporary vendor from a site‑specific use; several councilors expressed support for a longer trial window (60–90 days) to allow operators to test locations and gather sales data.

Almgren summarized a city questionnaire with 139 responses (mostly residents): most respondents favored more food trucks and supported permanent site permits and food‑truck pods; responses were mixed on on‑street parking and hours of operation. Staff said they plan a public hearing at council on May 11 and anticipated an effective date of May 18 to allow SmartGov setup and vendor outreach. The staff proposal sets an interim miscellaneous fee of $410 for permit review while a formal fee schedule is developed.