Cities and towns across Oregon offer a smorgasbord offood cart pods, and each city has its own permitting quirks and design challenges. Froelich Engineers has supported multiple pods through design and permitting —helping developers transform underused lots into thriving destinations.

What We Do / Process

Our seasoned civil engineers guide developers through all phases of food cart pod development, including:

• Site feasibility and layout — determining space for carts, circulation, seating, and utilities within tight urban parcels.
• Utility coordination — design of new or upgraded water, sanitary sewer, grease waste, and electrical services to support multiple vendors.
• Stormwater management — design and permitting of drainage, treatment, and detention systems to meet City and DEQ requirements.
• Grading and ADA access — ensuring compliant, walkable surfaces and accessible connections to sidewalks and parking.
• Permit coordination — preparing, supporting and submitting drawings for Site Development, Public Works, Stormwater, and coordinating with local agencies (City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES), PBOT, Clean Water Services, etc., county governments, etc.).

What Sets Us Apart

• We know how each local jurisdiction interprets these projects — and how to untangle the regulatory spaghetti to streamline approvals.
• We work closely with project owner, project architect, and design team to make sure items are coordinated
• We help balance function, cost, and aesthetic appeal, integrating amenities like seating, landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian flow to make your cart development sizzle.
• Our designs focus on long-term durability and low maintenance, ensuring the site works as well on day one and into the future

What’s the takeaway? If you’re hungry for a civil engineer who can get your car pod permitted and on its way, contact us!