Food Carts
In the City of Corvallis, food carts can be permanently placed as "Mobile Food Units" (MFUs) within the downtown area, or as a "Temporary Outdoor Market" when operating on a given property for 45 calendar days or fewer per year. For both types, the use must be located on private property, with the property owner's permission, and the property must be zoned so as to allow the use. Food carts are generally not allowed to operate from public rights-of-way (streets or sidewalks), on public property (parks, etc.), or within residential zones. Any use involving food sales requires Benton County Environmental Health licensing (541-766-6841).
Mobile Food Units
City Municipal Code Chapter 8.13 outlines the process for establishing permanent "Mobile Food Unit" clusters within the downtown area of Corvallis (property zoned CMU-3.) A Mobile Food Unit permit must be obtained from the Development Services Division, prior to establishment of an MFU cluster. Please review the FAQ - Mobile Food Units and Temporary Outdoor Markets handout and Mobile Food Unit application form for more information, including permit application requirements, review fees, and review process.
Temporary Outdoor Markets
Temporary Outdoor Markets include retail, personal service and/or food and beverage sales uses that are temporary in nature and conducted wholly or partially in an outdoor setting. Typical Temporary Outdoor Market activities include fruit stands, seasonal sales (Christmas trees, fireworks, etc.) and food carts. Temporary Outdoor Markets are permitted outright within the CMU - Commercial Mixed Use, Professional and Administrative Office (P-AO), LI - Limited Industrial, GI - General Industrial, Intensive Industrial (II), RTC - Research Technology Center and MUE - Mixed Use Employment zones. City permits are generally not required to operate a Temporary Outdoor Market use; however, the use may not persist for more than 45 days per calendar year per property. Encroachment into required vision clearance and/or parking areas is not permitted. Prior to establishing a Temporary Outdoor Market use, it is recommended that you contact Development Services (541-766-6929) to verify zoning of the property. Disclosing the anticipated dates of operation is also recommended.
