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Urban Design and Planning

Food Carts

Food carts can be trailers or trucks that provide food or drinks directly to customers. Food carts on a site for four or more hours are required to have a permit. 

Applying for a permit

There are two types of permit applications. Food carts must meet Fire department standards and apply for a food cart fire permit.

Application steps

Type I: Food and Beverage Carts

Type I permits include:

  • Up to two carts or trucks on a developed site.
  • Additions of covered seating areas.
  • Adding paved area to sites.

Reviewed by the City 

  • Type I food and beverage cart application 
  • Property owner authorization 
  • Site plan showing:
    • Where do you want to put the cart
    • Where do you want to put any shelter/eating area
    • Where will the garbage and recycling be
    • Any drive-through window
  • Fee of $550

Reviewed by Multnomah County

All food carts (mobile food units) must be licensed by the Multnomah County Health Department.

Visit Multnomah County to submit plans

Next steps after approval

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

Type II: Food and Beverage Pods

Type II includes:

  • Adding a food cart pod
  • Adding enough carts to create a pod
  • Adding new driveways

Note: We recommend a pre-application conference for these applications. Contact the Planner on Duty.

Reviewed by the City

  • Type II food and beverage cart application
  • Scaled site plan, include:
    • Location of all carts existing or proposed
    • Location of all structures existing or proposed
    • Location of all driveways existing or proposed
    • Proposed site circulation plan
    • Location of all utilities (water, sewer, storm, gas, electricity) existing or proposed
    • Location of all existing or proposed solid waste and recycling containers
    • Location of all existing or proposed pedestrian paths
    • Location of any/all fences, children's play areas, stages, screen walls, bike parking, or seating
  • Covered outdoor seating plan, include:
    • Size
    • Design
    • Materials
  • Pods plans include:
    • The site plan should also show the site layout including all proposed carts.
    • A POD Responsible Party must be identified
  • For new access, the site plan include:
    • Any proposed/required right-of-way dedication
    • Any proposed frontage improvements (curb, sidewalk, street trees, ADA improvements, driveway apron, etc.)
    • Any required stormwater treatment/detention
  • For new access, the site plan should also show the location of all driveways and drive aisles on neighboring properties.
  • Fee of $1,300

Reviews by Multnomah County

All food carts (mobile food units) must be licensed by the Multnomah County Health Department.

Visit Multnomah County to submit plans.

Next steps after approval

Replacement Carts and Carts in Pods

Reviewed by the City 

Reviewed by Multnomah County

Multnomah County requires a mobile food unit license and health inspection. Visit Multnomah County for more information.

Additional permits

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

  • Building permits may be needed for:
    • Structures (covered eating areas, storage sheds, 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.