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Label:
Ordinance
The City of Portland ordains.
Section 1. The Council finds:
- A new Regulatory Coordinator was appointed in 2025. The coordinator conducted an in-depth review of all regulatory programs, including the Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program.
- Seattle closed their comparable program.
- Similar municipalities are considering reduction or elimination of comparable programs.
- The Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program, which to the best of our knowledge was added to Portland City Code in 1929, is outdated and unnecessary.
- The requirement to obtain a permit for amusement devices such as pin ball machines and pool tables places an unnecessary burden on small business that chose to comply.
- The success of small businesses, which hold the vast majority of these permits, is a benefit to Portland's economic rebound and prosperity.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:
- Repeal City Code Chapter 14B.110 effective December 31, 2026.
- That the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Revenue Division, takes the necessary actions to close the Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program.
Exhibits and attachments
Impact Statement
Purpose of proposed legislation and background information
After reviewing the regulatory programs administered by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Revenue Division, the division recommends the Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program to be repealed effective December 31, 2026. The division's research indicates this program is no longer necessary.
Financial and budgetary impacts
This ordinance is submitted as part of an overall package of ordinances to update the regulatory programs administered by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Revenue Division, and ensure adequate funding for the current position performing the regulatory work. The package adjusts applicable fees and charges, adding an inflationary adjustment to support the programs that continue. If the other ordinances are not adopted along with this ordinance, the position currently performing the regulatory work for those programs will require another funding source.
Economic and real estate development impacts
We expect that the removal of the permit requirement will provide economic benefit to the 199 businesses that hold them, the vast majority of which are small businesses that have been acknowledged as a vital competent of Portland economy. These businesses are spread across Portland and will support the success of small businesses in all four Council Districts. We do not expect there to be any negative impacts from the removal of this permit. Notices were sent to the addresses and emails listed for each permit holder with information about the proposed changes, the public comment period, and a link to the website where they could learn more and provide comment. The public comment period was open for one month with no feedback received.
Community impacts and community involvement
This legislation will eliminate the regulation of 199 businesses engaged in amusement devices, games and machines activity. These businesses will no longer be required to file for an annual license or pay the related fees.
100% renewable goal
Not applicable.
Economic and real estate development analysis
Analysis provided by Prosper Portland
Prosper Portland staff has reviewed the Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis submitted for this action and finds that it satisfies the requirements set forth in City Council Resolution 37664. The analysis is sufficiently detailed and complete to be considered a final statement for purposes of this action.
Document history
Document number: 2026-329
President's referral: Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole