TRN-17.03 - Fees for Private Property Impound Towing and Storage in the City of Portland

Purpose

Portland City Code (PCC) Section 7.24.010 requires that towing from private parking facilities be performed safely and at a reasonable price. This administrative rule establishes the rates towers are allowed to charge for all aspects of the tow process.

Authority

Under the authority of PCC Chapter 3.12, the City Administrator may adopt administrative rules.

Definitions 

Certain terms used in this administrative rule are defined by PCC Section 7.24.030 (Definitions). 

Effective Date

This administrative rule takes effect February 15, 2026.

Policy

1. Fees charged to vehicle owners or their agents for PPI towing and storage may not exceed the following: 

   Tow base rate	Fee
   Class A hookup fee (includes hookup, dollies, 30 minutes on scene, tower's dispatch and photo fee)	$202.00
   Class B hookup fee (includes hookup, dollies, driveline or axle pull, 30 minutes on scene, tower's dispatch and photo fee)	$286.00
   Class C hookup fee (port-to-port hourly fee includes hookup, driveline or axle pull, tower's dispatch, mileage and photo fee)	$410.00 per hour

2. The following fees may be added, as appropriate. The PPI tower must provide documentation to support such additional charges upon request. 

   Fee Classes	Fee
   Towed Mileage, up to a maximum of 8 miles: Classes A and B	$6.00/towed mile
   Labor/Standby time on-scene in excess of 30 minutes	$27.00 per 1/4 hour
   After-hours release or gate fee	$50.00

   The after-hours release gate fee is billable when a vehicle owner requests access to or release of a PPI -towed vehicle outside of regular business hours: after 6:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday; all day Saturday and Sunday; and on City holidays. If the tower arrives more than 30 minutes after the time agreed on for release of the owner's vehicle, the tower may not charge a gate fee.

3. Release at Scene (RAS) - Includes appropriate class hookup plus Dispatch fee plus City service fee. 

   This fee may be assessed only if: 

   1.  The required prior notification to City dispatch contractor has been carried out; and
   2. The PPI tower has completed the hookup and attachment of all safety equipment, including tow lights, and is in the cab of the tow truck in full possession of the vehicle as defined in PCC Chapter 7.24.

   RAS fees must not exceed: 

   1. Class A: hookup fee + dispatch fee + City service fee
   2. Class B: hookup fee + dispatch fee + City service fee
   3. Class C: port to scene hourly + dispatch fee + City service fee

   Storage Fees: 

   Fee Class	Fee
   Storage fee per 24-hour period from the completion of the tow (After a four-hour grace period, starting from notice of completion to City dispatch contractor)	$32.00/day
   Vehicles over 20' long (After a four-hour grace period, starting from notice of completion to City dispatch contractor	$41.00/day

4. Lien filing fee (Chargeable after a vehicle has been in storage 5 days)

   Lien filing fee	Fee
   Vehicles valued under $1,000.00	$50.00
   Vehicles valued $1,001.00 - $2,500.00	$75.00
   Vehicles valued more than $2,500.00 or registered in any state besides OR and WA	$175.00

5. Cost of Living Adjustment 

   These rates are subject to change to reflect inflationary costs of business. Approval of such an increase will be at the Bureau Director's sole discretion and is subject to the public hearing process detailed in PCC Chapter 7.24.