Temporary modifications to commercial, industrial and institutional land uses may be requested to support physical distancing
If your business or organization is on land zoned for commercial, industrial or institutional use, you may ask to have specific provisions of county ordinance waived to allow for temporary modifications to allow for physical distancing and other actions to keep people safe from COVID-19. News release
To request a waiver, please contact Planning & Zoning at zoninginfo@clackamas.us or 503-742-4500. All requests must be reviewed by Planning, Development Services and Public Health staff, and have to be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
Public Health Licensing Information
- Current fees
- Emergency Information – flooding, power outage, contaminated water
- General Information for restaurant operators
- Online License Renewal
- Oregon Food Sanitation Rules and Operator Fact Sheets
Restaurants
A Public Health plan review is required for new restaurants, before remodeling or when the menu is changed. The Public Health review is separate from the building department plan review.
- Health inspection results are posted for public viewing
- How to open a restaurant
- Restaurant license application
- Restaurant plan review application
- Restaurant plan review guidance
Temporary Restaurants
A temporary restaurant requires a license when food is prepared or served for consumption by the public at events.
- Temporary restaurant license application
- Temporary restaurant operation guide
- Temporary restaurant plan review application (seasonal and intermittent only)
Foods Exempt from Licensing
Applies to Special Events ONLY — a temporary restaurant serving only non-potentially hazardous foods may be exempt from licensing and may need to submit a one-time Exempt Foods Agreement Form.
Check Food Code Fact Sheet # 16: Foods Exempt from Licensing by the Local Public Health Authority at Temporary Events to see if this exemption applies to your food booth, and if you are required to submit the agreement form.
Exempt Food Agreement Forms should be submitted to Clackamas County Environmental Health with a $50.00 administrative fee.
Approved Exempt Food Agreement Forms do not expire; you must have a copy of your approved agreement form in your booth at all events and follow all of the requirements to remain exempt from temporary restaurant licensing.
Approved Exempt Food Agreement Forms are portable throughout the state of Oregon.
Please note: the regulatory authority may require a food establishment license if there are food safety concerns associated with an exempt food service operation.
- Exempt Foods Agreement Form
- Fact Sheet # 32: Prohibiting Bare Hand Contact at Temporary Events for Exempt Operations
Mobile Food Units (Food Trucks)
Food trucks are subject to the Oregon Food Sanitation Rules and must be licensed. A Public Health plan review is required for new mobile food units, remodeled units or when the menu is changed, and must be approved prior to starting construction.
- Mobile Food Unit Plan Review Application
- Mobile food unit, commissary, or warehouse license application
- Mobile Food Unit Operation Guide
Vending Machine Licenses
Vending machines that dispense potentially hazardous (perishable) food or unpackaged drinks must be licensed.
- For licensing information, please call 503-655-8384.
Food Waste Requirement
Implementation of a regional food waste requirement begins March 2022 and many businesses within the Metro district will need to comply by 2023. All businesses generating more than one 60-gallon roll cart of food scraps per week will be required to separate food scraps and keep them out of the landfill by composting, donation or upstream prevention practices. Our Sustainability & Solid Waste program provides free technical assistance and support to get started. Review their webpage for more information and contact them direct if you have any questions: online request form, call 503-742-4458 or email greenbiz@clackamas.us.
Other Resources
Food service businesses can take simple but effective steps to reduce food waste and improve the bottom line. There are many resources available to businesses to help reduce food waste. Learn more.
