PRK-1.19 - Washington Park Parking & Transportation Administrative Rules

Introduction

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) maintains a robust transportation and parking program in Washington Park. This program requires a set of standards and rules to ensure the efficient operation and proper use of park roads and parking areas. Because a parking and transportation program is unique to the PP&R portfolio, a policy formalizing program administrative rules is necessary.

Policy Statement

The Director hereby implements the administrative rules herein for Washington Park.

Rules

1. When payment is required
   1. Payment is required when parking in areas signed as pay to park during the hours and days posted on parking meters in the park.
   2. Payment must be made in the manner indicated on the parking meter or via mobile payment using the zone information on posted signage.
   3. Vehicles without valid payment or whose payment has expired are subject to enforcement action.
   4. Vehicles are exempt from payment if:
      1. they are displaying government or school bus registration plates.
      2. they are displaying an Oregon Wheelchair User, or Wounded Warrior disabled parking placard. 
   5. Parking payments cannot be refunded, used in another park, or used in another parking zone.
       
2. Monthly permits, special parking permits, and parking cards
   1. The PP&R Washington Park Program Coordinator is responsible for the issuance and management of special parking permits, monthly parking permits, and parking cards.
   2. Parking permits issued by the Portland Bureau of Transportation are honored in Washington Park when displayed properly.
   3. Permits and permit cards are the property of PP&R and must be surrendered upon demand. Misuse or alteration of a permit or permit card will result in a citation and voiding of the permit, in addition to other penalties allowed by City Code.
   4. Digital permits issued by PP&R are honored in Washington Park when the parked vehicle is appropriately registered in the PP&R permit system.
       
3. Storing of property in parking areas or park roads
   1. Parking areas are for the use of motor vehicles only unless a permit is issued by PP&R for the storage of specific items in a specified space.
   2. Placement of non-vehicular equipment in a parking area or park road, including but not limited to construction machinery, unhitched trailers, or traffic markers is considered a safety hazard and such equipment may be removed or relocated by a Park Officer.
       
4. Parking space closures
   1. Parking spaces may be closed by PP&R for maintenance or PP&R permitted event activities. Authorized closures shall be marked by an authorized sign, cone, or barricade bearing the closure information and permit number, when applicable.
   2. A vehicle parked prior to placement of a space closure sign will not be considered parked in violation until 5:00 a.m. the day of the closure, so long as the signage is properly placed by 5:00 a.m. (park opening).
       
5. When vehicles may park overnight
   1. Vehicles are allowed to park overnight between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. in Lots A, B, and C for a maximum of one overnight stay, up to one time per month.
   2. Parking in any other area of the park during park closure hours (10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) is prohibited and may result in enforcement action.
       
6. Oversize vehicle rules
   1. An oversized vehicle in Washington Park is any Motor Bus, School Bus, Recreational Vehicle, Truck, or Utility Trailer that can’t fit within a single parking space without the tires being on or over a parking line, and/or if the vehicle overhangs into an adjacent travel lane or walkway preventing free passage.
   2. Oversize vehicle parking is allowed in Lot A, SW Sherwood Blvd, SW Washington Way, SW Lewis and Clark Circle, and in any gravel trailhead. Buses are allowed in appropriate bus zones for the time limit posted on those zones, if applicable. Payment must be made for each space occupied by an oversize vehicle.
   3. Signage prohibiting oversize vehicles supersedes this section and takes precedence. Signs may be posted in certain areas or lots due to events.
       
7. Rules for reserving parking or park roads
   1. Reserving parking or park roads is allowed in exceptional circumstances. Reservations may be considered for:
      1. filming.
      2. a cultural institution no more than once per calendar year.
      3. maintenance or construction activities.
      4. a limited number of spaces for accommodations of special event visitors with special accommodation needs or limited mobility.
   2. PP&R will recover all costs from the permittee and assess fees associated with reserved parking and park road closures.
   3. Reserving parking or park roads must be approved by PP&R through a special use permit with the Customer Service Center.
       
8. Traffic control plans required
   1. When a permittee proposes work that may affect park roads or parking areas, the permittee shall submit a temporary traffic control plan to be approved by PP&R. PP&R may require the permittee to submit such plans to the Portland Bureau of Transportation for review.
   2. No person shall restrict, direct, or otherwise hinder movement on park roads or parking areas without a permit by PP&R. PP&R may recover costs associated with the improper closing of parking areas or park roads.
       
9. Conduct on park shuttles
   1. All park rules in Title 20 apply on shuttles operated by or contracted for park service by the Washington Park Transportation Management Association.
   2. Operators of park shuttles may require a person disembark from a park shuttle if they are in violation of park rules.
       
10. Carshare parking
    1. Carshare vehicles, as defined by PBOT Administrative Rules TRN-3.309, may be permitted in Washington Park through a permit issued by PP&R or reciprocal agreement with PBOT. The permit is to be similar in form to the permit required by the Portland Bureau of Transportation for carshare vehicles in the right-of-way.
        
11. Regulated Parking Zones
    1. Parking Zones are designated by the Program Coordinator to manage parking and congestion.
    2. A sign which regulates the time a vehicle may park such as “1 Hour Parking” is in effect during the pay to park hours including holidays.
    3. A sign which regulates parking zones such as “No Parking”, “Bus Zone”, or “Shuttle Only” is in effect all hours of all days including holidays.

Authority

The rules are adopted pursuant to rulemaking authority in PCC 20.04.040. In addition, park roads and parking areas are under the authority of the Director of Parks & Recreation through City Code Title 16.70.560 - Traffic Regulations in Parks. This authority is granted by City Council via ordinance (Ord. 165594 and 185779).

Related Policies, Procedures & Forms

City Code Title 16
Portland Policies Document – Bureau of Transportation Parking Operations TRN-3.309