TRN-17.05 - Private Property Impound Tows Prohibitions

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 implements PCC Section 7.24.080 (Prohibitions).

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.  Coercion

1. PPI towers must not require payment of fees before allowing a vehicle owner or operator to inspect the condition of their towed vehicle or its contents, during regular business hours anytime within the first 30 days after the tow, provided that the vehicle owner or operator can show proof of ownership or authorization by the registered owner.  An after hours or gate fee may be applied for such requests outside of regular business hours.
2. PPI towers must not require, as a condition of releasing a motor vehicle or personal property in the motor vehicle, that the owner or operator of the motor vehicle agree not to dispute:

   1. The reason for the tow;

   2. The validity or amount of charges; or

   3. The responsibility of the tower for the condition of the motor vehicle or personal property in the motor vehicle.

3. PPI towers must not require payment of fees before allowing a vehicle owner or operator to recover any animal left in the vehicle or contents of an emergency nature as specified in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Section 98.858, provided that the vehicle owner or operator can show proof of ownership or authorization by the registered owner. An after hours or gate fee may be applied for such requests outside of regular business hours.

2.  Gratuities

It is unlawful for a PPI tower to pay a private property owner/operator or staff any gratuity or provide any goods or services below market value to secure towing privileges. Violation of this prohibition may result in penalties, suspension, and/or revocation of the PPI permit.

3.  Predatory practices

1. It is unlawful for a PPI tower to park within 1,000 feet of, or post a monitor at, a private parking facility for the purpose of covert observation in order to obtain PPI tows. 
2. A parking facility monitor may only be utilized if:

   1. The monitor provides a verbal warning to persons leaving their cars; or,

   2. All signs clearly warn that the lot has on-site monitoring and the hours during which monitoring occurs.

3. Failure to provide any of these notices will invalidate the tow and may result in a refund to the complainant and/or civil penalties.

4.  PPI police tows

1. PPI towers may not release a vehicle with a police hold without first obtaining authorization from the police agency. PPI towers will cooperate with police agencies whenever a PPI-towed vehicle is of interest to the police for any reason.
2. If a police agency takes custody of a PPI tow, that agency will pay for the initial tow costs and costs resulting from police orders unless the tower is taking final possession of the vehicle, in which case the tow fees are at the expense of the owner.

5.  Pay and Park lots

Towing from pay-and-park or non-pay private parking facilities is subject to provisions of PCC Chapters 7.24 and PCC 7.25.