Multnomah County, OR Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Food Truck Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- >1 mobile food unit at one site
- Enforcing agency
- Multnomah County Health Department
- Max civil penalty
- $1,000 per day
- Transferability
- Not transferable between permit holders
- Governing code
- MCC 21.625-21.634
Summary
Multnomah County requires a permit before two or more mobile food carts operate together at one location, whether inside Portland or the unincorporated county, under the Health Department's food cart pod program.
A food cart pod permit is required whenever greater than one mobile food units or food carts are at the same location and are not directly associated with a temporary public event.
Full Breakdown
The Health Department administers the food cart pod program under MCC 21.625 to 21.634. Any site where more than one mobile food unit operates together, pods like those clustered on downtown Portland lots, needs a pod permit unless the units are part of a licensed temporary public event. Permits are non-transferable: each new permit holder must apply directly with the Department, which sets fees by Board resolution, inspects pods, and can issue civil penalties or restrictions for violations, appealable through a Department hearing.
Violations & Fines
Operating or allowing a pod without a permit, violating permit terms, or ignoring Department rules is a violation; civil penalties can reach $1,000 per day per MCC 21.634(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover a single food truck parked alone?
Does the permit apply inside Portland?
Can a permit be transferred to a new operator?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon food trucks & mobile vendors overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.