Basic Checklist to Start a Food Truck in Eugene
Renew the food cart license and business license annually to maintain operational status.
Follow local zoning and location regulations for food trucks, including restricted zones and operating hours.
Pass a Health Inspection conducted by Lane County Public Health.
Obtain a Food Cart License from the City of Eugene.
Display all necessary permits on the truck while operating.
Register your business with the City of Eugene and obtain a Business License.
Complete a Food Safety Certification from a state-approved course.
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City Specific Permit Background for Food Trucks in Eugene
Food Cart License: To operate a food truck in Eugene, vendors must obtain a Food Cart License from the City of Eugene. The license application requires submission of a completed form, proof of food safety certification, and a passing health inspection. This license is required for both mobile food trucks and stationary food carts.
Business License: Food truck operators must register their business with the City of Eugene and pay the applicable business license fee. This registration is separate from the Food Cart License and ensures the business is recognized legally.
Health Permit: All food trucks must pass a health inspection by Lane County Public Health, which focuses on sanitation, food safety practices, refrigeration, and cooking equipment. The health permit must be renewed annually.
Zoning and Location Requirements: Food trucks in Eugene must adhere to specific zoning regulations that govern where they can park and operate. Certain areas, such as near schools or in residential zones, may have restrictions.
Cost of Business Permit
$300
How Often Business Permit needs to be Renewed
Annually
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Health Requirements for Food Trucks in Eugene
Inspections: All food trucks are subject to an annual inspection by Lane County Public Health. The inspection ensures that the truck complies with local health and safety standards, including food storage, cleanliness, and equipment requirements. Specific inspection areas include refrigeration, food handling, waste disposal, and sanitation procedures.
Food Safety Certification: Operators and employees must complete a state-approved food safety certification program. This certification must be renewed every 3 years to ensure ongoing compliance with food handling regulations.
Truck Requirements: Trucks must maintain appropriate sanitation systems, including a working handwashing station, waste disposal systems, and proper food storage equipment. Food trucks are also required to operate from a licensed commissary kitchen.
Permitted Operating Hours for Food Trucks in Eugene
Food trucks may operate from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with extended hours possible for special events. Specific time restrictions may apply in certain zones, particularly near schools or residential areas.
Notable Fire Requirements for Food Trucks in Eugene
Fire Safety Inspection: Food trucks with cooking equipment (e.g., grills, fryers) must pass a fire safety inspection by the Eugene Fire Department. This includes verifying that the truck has fire extinguishers, a suppression system, and meets other local fire safety standards. A fire safety certificate may be required before the truck can operate.
Other Local Notes for Operating a Food Truck in Eugene
Food trucks must adhere to parking and zoning restrictions, including avoiding operating near schools during school hours.
Special event permits may be required for trucks operating at festivals or large public gatherings.
Vending is allowed in specific, designated areas, and operators should check local maps to ensure compliance.
Trucks are encouraged to work with approved commissary kitchens for food storage and preparation, ensuring both safety and health 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.