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Urban Design and Planning

Food and Beverage Carts

  • The City is reviewing and refreshing its Food and Beverage Cart review process and standards.

    The current standards were adopted in 2013. Since then, the population, economy and what we spend our time doing have changed. Council has asked staff to update City regulations based on these changes and what we have learned in the years since we adopted the regulations.

    Three phases of this update have been identified:

    • Revisiting system development charges and review protocols (completed)
    • Refreshing the regulations (in progress)
    • Updating communication, application materials, outreach and business assistance (expected early 2023)

    To provide input or be kept informed about this project, email FoodCarts@GreshamOregon.gov.

    Project information

    • Meetings
    • Draft Code
    • Project Background
    • Contact
    Meetings
    Draft Code
    Project Background
    Contact

    For more information about this project, contract FoodCarts@GreshamOregon.gov.

  • Applying for a permit

    Food and beverage carts are mobile, non-motorized units that sell mostly food and/or drinks. They are generally allowed where commercial uses are allowed. 

    Food and beverage carts on a site for four or more hours must have the required permits, meet all City standards, and be approved through the appropriate review process. To learn what type of review your food and beverage cart will need, see our food and beverage cart flow chart.

    Flyer and frequently asked questions

    See the tabs below to see what documents you'll need to submit to receive your food and beverage cart permit.

  • Type I (Replacement cart within a year since the old one left)

    Reviewed by City of Gresham:

    Reviewed by Multnomah County:

    Once you've received Type I approval, you will need:

    • Gresham business license
    • Fire protection permit

     

    Type II (New site, new cart, or additional area/features)

    Reviewed by the City of Gresham:

    Reviewed by Multnomah County:

    Once you've received Type II approval, you will need:

    • Gresham business license
    • Fire protection permit
    Carts in Pods

    Reviewed by City of Gresham:

    Reviewed by Multnomah County:

  • After initial approval, the following permits may also be needed:

    • Building permits may be needed for:
      • Structures (tents, canopies, etc.)
      • Utilities (temporary connections to municipal and electrical services)
    • State permits such as:
      • Insignia from the prefabricated structures section of the Oregon Building Codes division
      • DMV vehicle registration for trailers

    Utilities

    Cart operators wishing to connect to municipal and electrical services will need to acquire permits and establish temporary (such as RV-style) connections so the units can remain mobile.

    Contact Permit Services for more information about appropriate permits at 503-618-2845.

    More information about utilities for food carts

    Contact

    This page provides a summary of rules for operating a food and beverage cart in Gresham. To learn the specific rules and requirements for your site, contact the City's Planner on Duty at POD@GreshamOregon.gov or 503-618-2780.