Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Bend
Renew your business license and mobile food vendor permit annually.
Ensure compliance with Fire Safety Regulations, including fire extinguishers and suppression systems for cooking equipment.
Complete a Food Safety Certification course recognized by the Oregon Department of Health.
Obtain a Business License from the City of Bend.
Adhere to zoning and location restrictions, particularly near schools, parks, or residential areas.
Pass an Annual Health Inspection conducted by Deschutes County Health Services.
Apply for a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from the Bend Fire Department and the Deschutes County Health Services.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Bend
Required Permits:
Business License – Food truck operators in Bend must obtain a business license from the City of Bend.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Issued by both the Bend Fire Department (for fire safety inspection) and Deschutes County Health Services (for food safety inspections).
Steps for Obtaining Permits:
Business License – Apply through the City of Bend by submitting an application, providing proof of compliance, and paying the required fee.
Mobile Food Vendor Permit – Apply for this permit through Bend Fire Department (for fire safety inspection) and Deschutes County Health Services (for health inspections). Submit required documents like food safety certification, business insurance, and proof of passing inspections.
Health Inspection – Schedule and pass an inspection with Deschutes County Health Services to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including food handling, storage, and sanitation.
Fire Safety Inspection – If your food truck uses cooking equipment (grills, fryers, or propane tanks), you must pass a fire safety inspection with the Bend Fire Department. Fire extinguishers and suppression systems must be installed to meet safety codes.
Unique Rules/Conditions:
Food trucks in Bend must comply with zoning regulations which may restrict operations in certain locations (e.g., near schools, parks, or residential areas). Temporary permits may be required for event-based locations or special events.
Cost of Business Permit
$258
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Bend
Inspections:
Food trucks must undergo an annual health inspection conducted by Deschutes County Health Services. Inspections focus on food storage, sanitation, food handling, waste disposal, and equipment standards.
Food Safety Certification:
Operators must complete a Food Safety Certification course approved by the Oregon Department of Health to ensure safe food handling and sanitation practices.
Truck-Specific Requirements:
Food trucks must have handwashing stations, waste disposal systems, refrigeration for food storage, and meet local health and safety codes for cooking equipment.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Bend
Food trucks in Bend can typically operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Special permits are required for extended hours or operations in temporary event locations.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Bend
Fire Safety Inspections:
Food trucks using grills, fryers, or propane tanks must undergo a fire safety inspection by the Bend Fire Department to ensure compliance with local fire codes. A fire safety certificate may be required for trucks with cooking equipment.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Bend
Zoning and Location:
Food trucks in Bend must follow local zoning regulations that may limit operations in certain areas (e.g., near schools, parks, or residential zones). Operators should confirm with the City of Bend for approved operating zones.
Special Events:
Food trucks must obtain additional permits to operate at special events, festivals, or pop-up locations. These permits may have rules regarding location, hours of operation, and health and safety compliance.
Temporary Operations:
For temporary or pop-up operations, food trucks must obtain temporary permits. These permits often specify location, operating hours, and health and fire safety compliance.
The information on this page is collected through collaboration with local food truck owners and occasional voluntary submissions from local government and health officials. Food Truck Profit is not a government agency and cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. All food truck owners are strongly encouraged to consult directly with local government officials, including fire and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations. Food Truck Profit assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content provided.