Should Portland amend City Code to transfer oversight of portable sign placement in the right of way and remove registration requirements (amend Code Title 32 and add…

The City of Portland ordains.Section 1. The Council finds:Modern sign code in the City of Portland was established in 2001 under Ordinance 175204 as a part of a general realignment of the permitting process related to sidewalks, signs, and public right of way.The Portland Bureau of Transportation Right of Way Compliance Program (TRN-8.14) has authority over the right of way and responsibility of ensuring accessibility for all Portlanders.The City is obligated to fulfill requirements set forth in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and City Council adopted the ADA Title II Public Right-of-Way Transition Plan Update on July 21, 2021, which identifies and addresses barriers to access and use of the public right-of-way for people with disabilities, including obstruction-free sidewalks.Portable signs are currently regulated under PCC Title 32, which requires all portable signs to be registered with the City. The City also requires fees to be paid with any permitted sign.In 2013, revenue from portable sign registration fees totaled $181,295, but revenue decreased to $39,308 in 2025.Portable sign registration revenue is currently used to support the work of Permitting Services staff who process registrations. In FY 2025, permit center allocations for this work are approximately 0.6%, equating to $46,705 in costs, while portable sign registration revenue only totals $39,308, representing an operational loss of $7,397.Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) has acknowledged that decreased revenue from registration fees is most likely due to low compliance rates, and PP&D does not have current staffing capacity for actions beyond complaint-based enforcement.Requiring a permit while performing limited compliance work unfairly burdens small business owners who follow the rules.Resolution 37718 passed by Council on October 8, 2025, directed the City Administrator to submit a report to Council outlining a plan for the creation of the Storefront Support Program that will identify barriers to operating small business in Portland and develop an action plan to address them.On February 10, 2026, the Arts and Economy Committee received a framework for the Storefront Support Program that included the following insights:Portland's daytime and nighttime economy relies on the "Portland Vibe" – a sense of grit, joy, and safety that allows for exploration in the city.Diverse ground-floor storefronts are critical to supporting jobs, stability, and culture in the city.Sidewalk routes need to feel accessible, well-lit, and safe.When storefronts are filled, and blocks are bustling, staff and customers feel confident and safe.Storefront owners do not feel heard or supported.Small businesses are key to the health and livelihood of Portland's neighborhoods. However, since COVID, small businesses across Portland have struggled to keep up with economic pressures, including rising inflation, relatively high rents, and other impacts. While some data suggest stabilizing or slightly improved business conditions for small businesses, significant challenges remain.Small business owners have been vocal in their frustration with the many layers of fees, permits, and taxes from various jurisdictions that impact already thin margins during challenging economic times.The City of Portland wants to show support for small businesses. Created as a central point of entry for Portland's small businesses, the Portland Office of Small Business launched in early 2025 with funding allocated by Portland City Council. While changing sign codes may seem like a minor change, reducing or removing barriers for small businesses in the City frees up resources for other needs.NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:Amend City Code Title 32 as shown in Exhibit A.Add City Code Chapter 17.110 as shown in Exhibit B.