Multnomah County, OR Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Triggers permit
- 2+ carts at one site
- Issuing agency
- Health Department
- Max civil penalty
- $1,000 per day
- Permit transferable
- No
- Covers
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
In unincorporated Multnomah County, not Portland, a permit from the Health Department is required whenever more than one mobile food cart operates at the same sidewalk or lot location as a "pod."
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
Multnomah County Code 21.625 to 21.634 regulate "food cart pods" to limit public health impacts. A mobile food unit or food cart is any vehicle or structure moved down a sidewalk, street, highway or waterway from which food is sold. A pod permit is only triggered once more than one cart shares a site and the carts aren't tied to a single temporary public event with its own license. Permits are issued by the Health Department, are non-transferable, and each permit holder must apply directly. This chapter governs only the unincorporated county; Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village enforce their own vending codes.
Violations & Fines
Letting a pod operate without a permit, or failing to follow permit terms or Department rules, is a violation under section 21.629. Violators face a civil penalty up to $1,000 per day under section 21.634(B), with a hearing process available under section 21.633.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does one food cart on a sidewalk need this permit?
Does this cover food carts in Portland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon food trucks & mobile vendors overview
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