About Non-Park Use Permits
A Non-Park Use Permit (NPUP) is required for any non-park use of Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) property by any individual, organization, business, or agency, other than PP&R or PP&R’s contractors. NPUP policies require all entities, including other City bureaus, private citizens, or businesses, to submit an application for review and pay any applicable fees for their proposed non-park use. In general, use of PP&R property for non-park uses is discouraged, though many NPUPs are issued each year.
Examples of non-park uses requiring an NPUP include:
- Construction activities
- Staging of materials or equipment
- Vehicle access while performing work
- Traversing park property with equipment for construction related work
- Utility related work such as internet/telecom, electric/power, gas, sewer, and water
Emergency Needs:
If someone is threatening anyone, has a weapon, needs emergency medical help, or is having a mental health crisis, or if a crime is occurring, please call 911. To report disturbances, unsafe conditions related to infrastructure, or violations regulated under Title 20, please call the Ranger Call Center at 503-823-1637 or call 311.
If you need an NPUP due to an emergency, follow this process first and then submit your NPUP application. Please note any emergency needs in your application.
Policies
All PP&R properties are subject to Portland City Code Title 20 and non-park use of park property policies PRK-1.02 and PRK-1.03.
The policies were developed and approved by the Portland City Council and state that the highest and best use of park property is to provide land for park and recreation use for the citizens of Portland. The ordinance adopting the policies requires that PP&R be reimbursed for all costs associated with non-park use of park property.
Permit Requirements
Please submit your application and associated materials online using the form below. During the review process of your NPUP application, PP&R will contact you regarding any additional materials that may be required for review.
An NPUP can only be issued after PP&R’s receipt of the following items:
Application
Please submit your application using the online form below.
Copies of the application are also provided below for review purposes only. If you would like to submit an application using a Microsoft Word or PDF version, please submit that request to NPUP.Parks@PortlandOregon.gov and provide an explanation for the request.
Fees
A permit application fee is generally required for the staff time to review and process your application, except for tenants with an agreement with PP&R or if a requested fee waiver is approved.
The application fee is non-refundable once application review has begun. The NPUP Administrator will contact you after receipt of your application to coordinate payment.
You may request a waiver or reduction to any fee in the “Other Comments” section at the end of the application. Fee reductions are generally only approved for tangible benefits to PP&R such as ADA improvements to parks.
The current NPUP application fee is $1,000.00.
Beginning July 1, 2025, fees for new applications will be tiered as follows:
- $284.00 for Category 1: Simple NPUPs
- $1,226.60 for Category 2: Standard NPUPs
- $3,110.00 or Deposit for Category 3: Complex NPUPs
All NPUP applications are categorized based on complexity of the proposed work as determined by PP&R.
Additional impact fees may also be assessed depending on the nature and extent of your permitted work. The impact fee for park or trail closures is generally determined using the formula dollar rate per square foot per week or day of use as shown below. Rates increase in relation to the duration of the closure.
- Weeks 1 - 8: $0.18 per square foot per week ($0.026 per square foot per day)
- Weeks 9 – 12: $0.36 per square foot per week ($0.051 per square foot per day)
- Weeks 13 – 16: $0.72 per square foot per week ($0.103 per square foot per day)
- Week 17 and longer: $1.44 per square foot per week ($0.206 per square foot per day)
NPUP fees may be subject to updates and changes.
Maps and Plans
You must provide an aerial view map showing the proposed location of the work on PP&R property. This can be a simple markup of a map produced by a mapping service such as Portland Maps, Google Maps, etc.
For construction or utility work, you must provide detailed drawings of all planned work on the property. Drawings should clearly show any trees in the vicinity of your work and the access route to the worksite.
You may also be required to provide additional project documentation as determined by PP&R. PP&R reserves the right to require structural assessments or other safety checks.
Insurance
The applicant and contractor, if applicable, must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance indicating:
- Current Commercial General Liability coverage
- Current Auto coverage
- Proof of Workers Compensation Insurance
- Additional Insured Endorsement Form (CG 20 12 or similar) naming “The City of Portland, its officers, agents, and employees” as additional insured
If your organization is self-insured, please send a Self-Insured letter or Certificate.
Please see standard insurance requirements: Non-Park Use of Park Property Permit Insurance Requirements
Things You Should Know
Trail Closures
If your work requires the closure of all or part of a trail or road on PP&R property, you must follow PP&R’s trail closure rules.
Permanent Installations and Long-Term Authorization
If your project includes any permanent installations on park property, you must provide digital as-built drawings of the installations once the project is complete in accordance with PP&R guidelines.
You will also need a separate long-term agreement, such as an easement or revocable long-term permit, with PP&R. Please indicate any long-term needs in your application answers. PP&R may choose to provide you with a long-term agreement applicable to your installation if you do not already have one. Long-term agreements may require that you pay additional fees.
Additional Permits
Work authorized under an NPUP may require additional permits, including permits or authorizations required by other City bureaus or other governmental entities. NPUP applicants should consult with any applicable permitting entity, such as the City of Portland Permitting and Development and City of Portland Urban Forestry, to determine if other permits are necessary.
Timing of Application Processing
Depending on the complexity or extent of the project, application processing typically takes anywhere from four to six weeks. Large projects may require additional time. Timely and comprehensive submittals are encouraged to facilitate application processing.
Questions?
Please contact NPUP.Parks@PortlandOregon.gov if you have any questions about the permit or application process.
Submit Your NPUP Application
Please submit your Non-Park Use Permit application through the online form below.
Please note: PP&R is working diligently to provide timely responses to the high volume of NPUP applications. PP&R will make every effort to respond to inquiries within five business days.
We thank you for your patience.
Disclaimer: Submission of an application for use of PP&R property does not guarantee that park land will be made available for the requested use.
Submit your permit application
The following forms are provided for review purposes only: