Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
What are administrative rules?
An administrative rule is a binding requirement, regulation, or procedure formally adopted by the City Administrator under rule-making authority granted by the Charter or delegated by the Council. Most Bureaus typically implement rules to interpret their statutory authority.
Why is this happening?
In 2021, PP&R staff began the process of updating park rules Title 20, including presenting updates to the Parks Board and subcommittee meetings. On December 11th, 2024 City Council approved Ordinance 191989. The ordinance amended Park Rules Title 20, providing an opportunity to correct longstanding ambiguity around some city code sections. More information on that project is available on the Park Rules Update website. These Administrative Rules are helping to put the Title 20 changes into action.
Authority
Portland City Charter 2-406(I) (2025), Portland City Code Chapter 1.05 (2025) and Chapter 20.04.040 (2025) authorize the City Administrator to establish rules for park use and management. The City Administrator may delegate this authority to the Deputy City Administrator overseeing the Service Area under which the Bureau of Portland Parks & Recreation resides. Therefore, the Deputy City Administrator for the Vibrant Communities Service Area proposes the following rules for rescission because they are outdated.
Reviewing the Rules for Recission
Four rules are outdated and no longer needed, and are therefore proposed for removal:
| Rule for Removal | Reason |
|---|---|
| PRK-1.05 No Smoking in Pioneer Courthouse Square Transit Areas | This rule is no longer needed because smoking is now prohibited in all parks and at all TriMet stations and stops. |
| PRK-1.12 No Smoking in South Park Blocks Located on Portland State University Campus | This rule is no longer needed because smoking is now prohibited in all parks. |
| PRK-1.16 - Temporary Swimming Program to be Piloted at Poet's Beach: Special Park Rules | Temporary swim area programming has ended at Poets Beach, and special park rules are no longer needed. |
| PRK-5.01 - Emergency Park Hours Order in Response to COVID-19 | The emergency has ended, so this rule is no longer needed. |
| PRK-3.09 - Leash/Scoop Compliance Program Policy & Procedures | This rule has been replaced by the Civil Penalty Compliance Rule, enacted in December 2024. |
Submitting Comments
Portland Parks & Recreation invites the public to comment on the proposed revised rules. To be considered, comments must be received by 5:00 PM on April 30, 2025. Comments may be:
- Submitted through our form.