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Food carts

A food cart is a mobile unit where food is prepared and sold. The term "food cart" includes all mobile food units such as food trucks, trailers, and vending carts. Vending carts must be on wheels and are typically built on trailers or trucks. Get permits for your food cart or pod.

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Get inspections

All permitted projects will need final inspections to get approved. Some projects will need inspections before and during the work, as well.

You'll need an inspection for any food cart pod, even if there's been no construction. This is to confirm the building meets all the rules for its new use.

Here’s the basic process of getting an inspection: 

  1. Schedule an inspection. 

    You'll do this by scheduling on DevHub (under Inspections) or by calling 503-823-7000. Find more details in the next section

    Schedule on DevHub.

  2. The inspector will show up and review the work. 

    Inspectors will communicate any issues to you via email. If you need to make changes, you'll do that and then schedule another inspection. You can also see the inspection report in DevHub. 

  3. Once all the work passes the final inspection, you're done! 

    Your permit is finalized. Congratulations! 

Does your project include the public right-of-way or fire safety work?

Some elements of your project might need inspections City staff other than Permitting & Development inspectors.

Check your specific applications to see who needs to inspect this work and how to schedule an appointment.

If you have questions about who should inspect this work, reach out to ppd@portlandoregon.gov.

Contact

Permitting & Development

503-823-7300 The phone is answered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please leave a message if you call outside of those hours.
711 Oregon Relay Service
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