Hermiston Cracks Down on Unlicensed Mobile Food Vendors

New local law allows city to fine noncompliant vendors daily

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Hermiston City Council has approved an ordinance adding unlicensed mobile food vendors to the city's nuisance code. The new law requires all mobile food vendors to have a food handler's certificate, permit from the county health department, Hermiston business license, and mobile vending license. Vendors must also have written permission from property owners to operate. The city can now fine noncompliant vendors up to $440 per day.

Why it matters

The new ordinance aims to address public safety concerns around unlicensed mobile food vendors, as the city has no way to ensure proper food handling, temperature control, and sanitation practices without inspections. The goal is to bring all vendors into compliance through education, rather than fines.

The details

The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption and does not affect existing licensed mobile food vendors. City code enforcement will first issue verbal and written warnings to unlicensed vendors before imposing fines. The city currently issues six annual mobile food vending licenses and one of three 30-day licenses, all of which have been purchased.

  • The Hermiston City Council approved the new ordinance on February 23, 2026.
  • The ordinance will take effect 30 days after its adoption.

The players

Hermiston City Council

The governing body of the city of Hermiston, Oregon that approved the new ordinance regulating mobile food vendors.

Clint Spencer

The Hermiston City Planner who said the city has received numerous complaints about unlicensed food vendors and explained the new requirements.

Rich Tovey

The Hermiston City Attorney who stated the city could fine noncompliant vendors up to $440 per day.

Krista Van Veen

A Hermiston City Council candidate who said she has heard from community members who want the city to issue more mobile food vending licenses.

Roy Barron

A Hermiston City Councilor who said he would like to see more mobile food vending licenses made available.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our goal is to get everyone into compliance. Education will be a big part of this.”

— Clint Spencer, Hermiston City Planner

“I've brought it up before and I was told there needed to be a demand. So, I'm really happy to hear from people coming forward to mention that. I've heard plenty of times in the community that there's a need for more mobile food vendors.”

— Roy Barron, Hermiston City Councilor

What’s next

The Hermiston City Council will consider making additional mobile food vending licenses available at a future meeting.

The takeaway

Hermiston's new ordinance aims to improve public safety by requiring all mobile food vendors to be properly licensed and inspected, while also leaving room to potentially expand the number of available licenses to meet community demand.