On this page
- How much are fees increasing?
- What do license fees pay for?
- What does the Health Inspections program do?
- Establishments we inspect:
- What happens during a health inspection?
- How are fees decided?
- What are the current license fees?
- Why are fees increasing now?
- When will new fees take effect?
- Will there be an option for a payment plan?
- What if I have questions or comments?
- Documents
For the first time in 5 years, Multnomah County is proposing to increase health license fees starting January 2026. License fees have been frozen since 2020 to help support community and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was made possible by pandemic relief funds and the County General Fund.
Because relief funds have ended, an increase is needed to pay for the full cost of providing health inspections and licenses.
Increased fees will apply to businesses that handle food, provide lodging and operate pools. It will not apply to tobacco retail licenses.
The proposed fee increase is subject to approval by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.
How much are fees increasing?
We estimate 33%, depending on the license type and establishment. We will share the proposed fee schedule once it’s available.
Since July 1, 2020, Multnomah County has spent over $13 million dollars to cover program costs to support the food and hospitality industry. These funds included:
- Over $8 million in General Fund
- $5.3 millions of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds given as grants
License fees have historically increased 5-7% each year to cover necessary program costs. The proposed 33% increase will bring us back to being fully funded by license fees.
What do license fees pay for?
License fees are only allowed to pay for the Health Inspections program. By state law, they cannot be used to pay for other programs.
Approved costs include:
- Routine health inspections
- Food safety training (training food handlers on how to keep food safe)
- Outbreak inspections (investigating food and water outbreaks)
What does the Health Inspections program do?
Multnomah County is required by state law to license and regularly inspect restaurants, food carts, lodging, pool and spa establishments, and temporary food events.
The Health Inspections program safeguards public health and supports a strong restaurant, food cart and hospitality economy. It conducts over 12,000 annual inspections, responds to hundreds of public complaints, and investigates numerous food and waterborne illnesses at facilities throughout Multnomah County.
We set standards, conduct inspections, enforce regulations and provide education. Our goal is to ensure that businesses operate in a safe and healthy manner.
These efforts support business growth and disease prevention, fostering a safe environment for the public.
Establishments we inspect:
- Restaurants, food carts, temporary food events, food cart pods
- Schools
- Hotels and motels
- Swimming pools and spas
- Childcare facilities
*Not included: Tobacco retail license inspections
What happens during a health inspection?
Trained health inspectors conduct regular, unannounced inspections to check compliance with health and safety regulations. These inspections cover:
- Food safety. Proper food handling, storage, preparation and temperature control to prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Sanitation. Cleanliness of facilities, equipment and restrooms to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria.
- Safety. Ensure safe working conditions for employees and to prevent accidents.
- Structural integrity. Maintain the physical condition of buildings and facilities to prevent hazards.
How are fees decided?
Fees are based on the:
- Number of facilities that require inspections
- Types of facility (restaurant, food cart, pool/spa, etc.)
- Average amount of time needed to complete those inspections
What are the current license fees?
Why are fees increasing now?
We have frozen license fees since 2020. This was part of Multnomah County’s support to community and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Availability of pandemic relief funds and County General Fund made this freeze possible. Federal, state and local funds for post-pandemic relief have now ended.
The County is proposing the Health Inspections program be fully funded by license fees. This includes an annual assessment of program costs and incremental increases to license fees.
When will new fees take effect?
January 1, 2026. All licenses renewed or issued on this date will pay the updated fees.
Will there be an option for a payment plan?
Yes. Existing customers will be able to make 3 equal payments when it’s time to renew your yearly license.
We will provide more instructions about payment plans during the yearly renewal process in late 2025.
What if I have questions or comments?
Documents
