The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) through the Portland in the Streets program issues Vending Cart permits to allow vendors to sell food or merchandise using a small mobile cart. Vendors with a permit can vend at specific locations on the public sidewalk.
This application can take up to 30 minutes to complete. Additional materials may take longer to prepare. After we receive an application, it may take 6-8 weeks to issue a permit.
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Find a location
Where can a vending cart be located?
Any public sidewalk located in a commercial zone in Portland. Vending carts are only allowed on sidewalks 10 feet or wider. Please contact us with any questions.
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Learn about vending requirements
Please refer to the site requirements in the Sidewalk vending permit application packet:
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Complete the application and gather supplemental materials
- Fill out the application form:
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Submit your sidewalk vending permit application
Mail the completed application packet and supplemental materials to:
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Provide insurance documents
We require you to submit a certificate of insurance and an endorsement naming the City of Portland as additionally insured.
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Wait for processing and review and pay permit fees
The vending cart coordinator will complete a site inspection and a city engineer will review your cart designs. A summary of the visit, the plan, and the total permit fees will be sent to you.
You will receive your payment total once your application is processed.
A vending cart permit costs $75 per year. A separate insurance processing fee of $30.92 will also be assessed.
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Attend final inspection and receive your permit
When your cart is ready and you’re ready to begin operating, we will schedule a final inspection. If your cart meets all the requirements and is approved at the inspection, you will receive your permit.
Need help with your application or have questions or concerns? Contact us:
-
Find a location
Where can a vending cart be located?
Any public sidewalk located in a commercial zone in Portland. Vending carts are only allowed on sidewalks 10 feet or wider. Please contact us with any questions.
-
Learn about vending requirements
Please refer to the site requirements in the sidewalk vending permit application packet:
-
Complete the application and gather supplemental materials
- Fill out the application form:
-
Submit your sidewalk vending permit application
Bring the completed application packet and supplemental materials to the front desk:
-
Provide insurance documents
We require you to submit a certificate of insurance and an endorsement naming the City of Portland as additionally insured.
-
Wait for processing and review and pay permit fees
The vending cart coordinator will complete a site inspection and a city engineer will review your cart designs. A summary of the visit, the plan, and the total permit fees will be sent to you.
You will receive your payment total once your application is processed.
A vending cart permit costs $75 per year. A separate insurance processing fee of $30.92 will also be assessed.
-
Attend final inspection and receive your permit
When your cart is ready and you’re ready to begin operating, we will schedule a final inspection. If your cart meets all the requirements and is approved at the inspection, you will receive your permit.
Need help with your application or have questions or concerns? Contact us: