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.
Exhibits and Attachments
An ordinance when passed by the Council shall be signed by the Auditor. It shall be carefully filed and preserved
in the custody of the Auditor (City Charter Chapter 2 Article 1 Section 2-122)
Passed by Council
Auditor of the City of Portland
Simone Rede
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
The purpose of this ordinance is to allow an exception to the Underground Wiring District, title 17.60.020, for the installation of overhead decorative lighting (string lighting) across Portland Bureau of Transportation designated pedestrian plazas and in the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District and the New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District.
PBOT is coordinating closely with staff in the bureau and across the City to finalize design specifications for decorative lighting, and will be subject to all reviews, approvals, and permits as required by the City of Portland.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
This ordinance does not create a financial action.
Economic and Real Estate Development Impacts
This ordinance does not create an economic or real estate development impact.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
Overhead decorative lighting will support business and community activity along Portland’s commercial corridors. PBOT has received numerous requests from existing Street Plaza community partners to incorporate overhead decorative lighting as a standard treatment, as well as in the annual plaza survey and focus groups.
The City is partnering with the Old Town Community Association to assist small business owners and District residents in the revitalization of Old Town. Over-the-roadway illuminated lanterns In Old Town’s Chinatown-Japantown Historic District will celebrate the neighborhood’s Chinese and Japanese heritage, add festive color and additional lighting for public safety.
100% Renewable Goal
This program does not impact City’s energy consumption choices.
Financial and Budget Analysis
Analysis provided by City Budget Office
This ordinance authorizes an exception to City Code Section 17.60.020 to allow the placement of decorative lighting across Portland Bureau of Transportation designated pedestrian plazas and in the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District and the New Chinatown/Japantown Historic District. This ordinance does not create any new financial obligations or budgetary impacts for the City.
Economic and Real Estate Development Analysis
Analysis provided by Prosper Portland
An Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis was not submitted for this proposed action. Pursuant to City Council Resolution 37664, Prosper Portland staff has reviewed the action and agree that it does not require an Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis.
Document History
Document number: 2025-362
President's referral: Transportation and Infrastructure Committee