About the Rose Quarter Sign Code Project

Information

Information about the Rose Quarter Sign Code Project, including background, what's in the proposal, and timeline.

About the project

The Rose Quarter Sign Code Project amends Title 32, Signs and Related Regulations, of the City Code (also known as the Sign Code) to provide greater allowances and flexibility for large, elevated signs within the newly designated area called the Rose Quarter Entertainment subdistrict.

These changes are the result of an updated agreement between Portland’s Spectator Venues office, which oversees City-owned venues, and Rip City Management, which operates the Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the City. The amendments recognize the changes in major event entertainment areas, which provide more interactive activities both within and outside of the buildings. The amendments also address updated sign technology, including changing images and messaging, especially in larger areas where the public gather.

Background

Current sign code regulations address the total amount of allowed signage on a site, the maximum size of any one sign, and the maximum height of free-standing signs. They also limit the size of changing-image (dynamic) signs, prohibit signs on a rooftop and curtail signage along I-5.

The Rose Quarter Entertainment site is in the CX – Central Commercial zone and the Central City Plan District. This area includes a ‘d’ Design overlay zone, which requires design review for signs larger than 32 sq ft. Currently, sign size requirements in the CX zone accommodate smaller signs geared toward street level pedestrian interaction within the downtown street grid. Larger signs required for greater visibility for larger destination sites trigger modifications to the Sign Code (Title 32) as part of a Design Review. This can lead to greater uncertainty and is a concern during ongoing negotiations between the City and Rip City Management.

What’s in the proposal?

This project addresses these issues with the following proposed changes:

Create a map illustrating the boundaries of the Rose Quarter Entertainment subdistrict to include the boundaries of the Moda Center, the building west of the Moda Center, the parking structures, and much of the plaza areas. Due to the current historic landmark status of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (including its front plaza), it will continue to be subject to the sign code, and alterations would be subject to historic review.
Exempt the subdistrict from the base standards that apply to the CX zone (32.32.020), including limitations on size, height and other parameters.
Exempt the subdistrict from the additional standards applicable in all zones (32.32.030) that limit changing image signs, signs located near freeways, etc.
Add a new set of regulations within the Central City Plan District section (32.34.030). The regulations will include an overall maximum sign allocation for the site. The standards will also include more modest limitations on changing-image signs near roadways but allow larger changing-image signs away from the streets. The new regulations incorporate some of the sign limitations for signs alongside I-5.
Incorporate some standards for sign lighting and operation to address potential light pollution and offsite impacts.
Continue to require discretionary Design Review through Title 33, Planning and Zoning Code, for signs larger than 32 sq ft. However, the review will no longer have to consider most modifications to the sign code.

Note: The Oregon Constitution applies the same rules of free speech to commercial and noncommercial signage; therefore, local regulations cannot consider the content or message of a sign.