Food Cart Requirements

Rules and Requirements

All food carts must:

• Be a vehicle that does not require a special permit from the Oregon Department of Transportation to be moved.
• Be on wheels (except boats) and have the ability to move at all times.
• Not have a permanent connection to any utility, including water, sewer or electricity.
• Have built-in equipment, including tanks for both fresh and grey water.

Oregon Mobile Food Unit Operation Guide (PDF)
Oregon Mobile Food Units Rules (PDF)

Food Worker Cards

Food handler cards are required for all persons working in a food cart or commissary. You can take the test online»

Agency Contacts

Before you receive your food cart license from us, there may be other agencies that you need to get approval from. These include, but are not limited to:

• Planning (zoning)
• Building codes (structural, electrical, plumbing, prefabricated structures)
• Fire marshall
• City or county authorities

Portland

• Bureau of Development Services
  Permitting and development | 503-823-7300, ppd@portlandoregon.gov
• Bureau of Environmental Services
  Fats, oils, and grease, sewer overflow and backup | 503-823-7093
  Grease interceptor | 503-823-7093
• Bureau of Planning & Sustainability
  Recycling and compost | 503-823-7202
• Bureau of Transportation
  Sidewalk vending permit | 503-823-4026
• Fire Marshall
  Propane permit | 503-823-3712
• Revenue Bureau | 503-823-5157
• Water Bureau | 503-823-7770

Gresham

Food cart license requirements | 503-618-2780

Multnomah County

Business personal property tax requirements for owners of food carts

Oregon

• Department of Environmental Quality | 503-229-5696
  Wastewater haulers
• Oregon Department of Transportation | 888-275-6368
• Oregon Liquor Control Commission | 503-872-5000
• Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Administration