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Portland Parks & Recreation streamlines permit system for food carts wanting to pop up at parks

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — More food carts could start popping up at Portland parks, now that the city has made it easier for them to secure permits.

Portland Parks & Recreation announced on Tuesday that “self-contained mobile vendors,” like food carts and craft trucks, can now apply for same-day permits to operate at certain public spaces.

The new program allows qualifying vendors to pay for permits that range between $5 and $40 per day, with the highest fees imposed at Pittock Acres Park. Cathedral Park, Mt. Tabor Park and Willamette Park are among the other properties that allow the updated system.

“This initiative removes financial and administrative barriers for small, mobile vendors to operate within parks,” Public Works Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal said in the announcement. “It’s about creating opportunities on Parks property, bringing vibrancy to Portland’s public green spaces, and supporting local enterprise year-round in a way that benefits everyone.”

In order to be eligible for the initiative, the vendors must be entirely self-contained and licensed in a truck or trailer. They should also have the proper insurance and only use the parking spaces designated by the permit. Additionally, vendors are expected to manage their own trash removal and comply with the county and state’s health and business regulations.

The announcement from PP&R follows District 4 Councilor Mitch Green’s proposal to ease the restrictions that prevent some mobile vendors from operating on sidewalks. The amendment could boost downtown foot traffic while helping more residents to launch small businesses, according to council documents.

The proposal was referred back to Councilor Green’s office after its initial reading at an Arts and Economy Committee meeting.

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Jashayla Pettigrew

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