The days of free rein for food carts in Portland may be coming to an end.

Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard today announced he has informed property owners allowing food carts on their lots that they must bring their carts up to building code or face enforcement action. The Bureau of Development Services hasn’t had the resources to enforce codes against food carts over the past couple of years. But because of an increasing number of complaints about illegal additions and overhangs associated with the food carts, he has asked resources to be reallocated to allow for more enforcement, he said.

“There are increasing concerns around improper, if not illegal additions being added to food carts,” Leonard said. “Some cities like Seattle have decided to ban these carts. We are trying to find a balance.”

A building code made specifically for food carts is also being developed by BDS, Leonard said.