Food Cart Regulations Go Into Effect January 2019

graphic image of food cart truck

A new year could mean new food options where you work and play around Tualatin! Starting in 2019, food carts will be allowed to operate in select locations throughout the city.

Previously, food carts were only allowed temporarily, with the trial period set to end in December 2018. Council voted to remove this end date and established new rules to give food vendors more certainty in how they can operate their businesses while protecting community goals.

Under the new rules, food trucks may set up business on private property within certain industrial areas and office parks. Hand-pulled pushcart vendors can also operate in both industrial areas and a broader range of commercial districts. To address concerns from existing local business owners, locations will be limited near existing restaurants and food markets.

The food cart scene won’t look like the sprawling food cart pods you may see in other cities; only one food cart is allowed to operate at a time per property. Additional rules are in place to ensure that vendors have a plan for collecting trash, and that cart locations leave plenty of room for walking and driving safely around parking lots.

Interested in launching your own food cart or bringing your delicious bites to Tualatin? Review the Community Development Food Cart webpage for information and the application. If you have questions, please email Steve Koper, Planning Manager or call  (503) 691-3026.