Authorize exception to Title 17 Underground Wiring Districts Code to allow for the placement of decorative lighting across Portland Bureau of Transportation designated pedestrian plazas and the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District and the New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District (allow exception to Code Section 17.60.020)

The City of Portland ordains.Section 1. The Council finds:The City, through the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), manages the public right-of-way to shape a livable city for all. Council passed Ordinance 188556 on August 16, 2017 to establish pedestrian plazas under PBOT for the enjoyment, safety, comfort and convenience of the public and to enhance the orderly administration of the pedestrian plaza. Council passed Resolution 37325 on October 25, 2017 adopting the Livable Street Strategy to prioritize people and encourage community placemaking in the public right-of-way. Since 2017, PBOT pedestrian plazas, as defined in 17.43.020, have contributed to a re-envisioning of city streets as spaces for people. PBOT has partnered with Old Town China Town Association (OCTA) to activate Old Town by allowing the installation of illuminated lanterns across the roadway to enhance livability and economic vitality of the district. The project is located in the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District and the New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District. OCTA and staff, therefore, briefed the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission on November 14, 2022, and received their support for the project. On March 1, 2023, Transportation Commissioner Mingus Mapps designated 18 PBOT Pedestrian Plazas, seven of which are located within the City’s underground wiring district. Decorative lighting has been planned in two priority plazas to enhance these pedestrian-scale public spaces. PBOT is coordinating closely with staff in the bureau and across the City to finalize design specifications for the decorative lighting, and will be subject to all reviews, approvals, and permits as required by the City of Portland. Supporting utility infrastructure will follow all placement criteria as outlined in Transportation Administrative Rule TRN-10.19. Per Portland City Code (PCC) Chapter 17.60 Underground Wiring Districts, overhead wires are prohibited in underground wiring districts in the City of Portland (PCC 17.60.020). Approval of this ordinance would permit the exception to PCC 17.60.020 Overhead Wires Prohibited for decorative lighting across the commercial shared street for PBOT designated pedestrian plazas and in the historic districts. PBOT documents current Pedestrian Plazas are presented in Exhibit A. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:Portland City Code Section 17.60.020 is waived to allow for the placement of decorative lighting across PBOT designated pedestrian plazas and in the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District and the New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District. All decorative lighting installations will be subject to all reviews, approvals, and permits as required by the City of Portland.