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Urban Design and Planning

Food and Beverage Carts

  • 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. This flow chart will help you determine what type of review your food and beverage cart will need.

    Food and beverage cart handout

    Documents

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

    • Type II
    • Type I
    • Carts in Pods
    Type II

    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

    Type I

    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
    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 information about appropriate permits at 503-618-2845.

  • Wastewater and Graywater

    Dishwashing water may not be poured into storm drains, on the ground, or into indoor drains that are not equipped with a grease interceptor.

    Find a licensed hauler.

    Contact the City's Wastewater Services at 503-618-2525 for more information.

    The Multnomah County Health Department also has wastewater requirements.

    Waste Oil and Grease

    Grease or oil from commercial kitchens may not be disposed of in the trash, poured into indoor or outdoor drains, or dumped in any outdoor location. Oil collection containers must be kept securely closed and protected from rain.

    Find a grease hauler.

    Contact the City's Stormwater Compliance Services at 503-618-2525 for more information.

    Water

    Food and beverage carts may run water lines to the site, but water provided to a mobile unit must have a temporary (such as a hose bib) connection to that unit. A backflow prevention assembly may be required to prevent contaminated water from flowing into the public drinking water system.

    For more information, contact:

    • City of Gresham Water: 503-618-2525
    • Rockwood Water People's Utility District: 503-665-4179

    Food and beverage carts can still bring their own water to the site and are not required to hook up to City facilities.

    The Multnomah County Health Department also has requirements.

    Electricity

    Food and beverage carts may have electrical service.

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

    Garbage and Recycling

    Businesses must manage the garbage they generate.

    Gresham City Code requires businesses to provide recycling containers and post signs identifying recyclable materials in their work areas.

    For more information contact the City's Solid Waste and Recycling Program at 503-618-2694 or GreatBiz@GreshamOregon.gov.

    Restrooms

    Restrooms with handwashing facilities must be available for employees. Carts that serve food to walk-up customers must provide a restroom for customers. Restrooms must be open during the cart's hours of operation.

  • 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, 503-618-2780 or POD@GreshamOregon.gov.