All food cart pods must be licensed and pass regular health inspections. This applies to anyone (owner or lessee) who allows 2 or more food carts to park continuously on a property in order to sell food or drinks.
You must apply for this license if you already have a food cart pod or plan to open a new one.
If you're remodeling a cart pod, contact us to see if you need a plan review.
Food cart pod licensing began in 2022. It introduced new rules that shifted some responsibilities for basic sanitation, health and safety from food cart to pod operators.
If you have a food cart, you do not need to apply for this license. However, the operator may ask you to make changes to comply with pod rules. For example, moving your cart in order to comply with the setback rule.
Requirements
Food cart pod operators are responsible for:
- Safe drinking water (You do not have to supply it, but you must make sure all carts at your site use it.)
- Wastewater disposal and spill control plan
- Garbage and recycling
- A plan to control rats and pests
- Spacing carts and structures 5 feet apart (setback)
- Power utilities
These requirements are covered in more detail in the plan review application.
A food cart pod license may not be transferred to someone else or to a different location.
Food Cart Pod Rules (178.83 KB)
Good to Know
Before you get your 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
Refer to this list of agency contacts for food carts»
Get a License
Submit plans for review. Send us completed plan review and license applications and fees.
Food Cart Pod Plan Review Packet (3.47 MB)
Example Site Plan (1.89 MB)
We will review your application within 15 business days. Next, we’ll send you a letter (by mail or email) that either asks for more information, or approves your application.
If we request more information, you’ll have a chance to make needed changes.
Schedule your pre-license inspection. You can do this once your plan is approved. You should complete this inspection within 30 days from the date on your approval letter.
You must pass this inspection before we can issue your license. For a new pod, you must get and pass an inspection before any operations start.
Additional Forms
Food Cart Pod License Application (79.68 KB)
Pest Control Plan (47.35 KB)
Example of Integrated Pest Management Plan (146.1 KB)
Wastewater Plan (38.5 KB)
Example of Wastewater Spill and Control Plan (155.83 KB)
Routine Inspections
After the initial licensing inspection, you will have 2 inspections every year.
Fees
Plan review - $580
License, based on the number of carts:
- 2-9 carts: $405
- 10 or more carts: $540
Pay Fees Online
We'll email you an invoice and you can pay online using your invoice number. Make a payment»
Renew
Licenses are good for one calendar year. Renew your license every year by paying the license fee by January 1.
Contact Us
Multnomah County Environmental Health
919 NE 19th Ave, Suite 170N *(temporary address through summer)
Portland, Oregon (Map)
503-988-3400
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 4:30pm
