Background
In Portland City Code Chapter 17.28 (Sidewalks, Curbs, and Driveways), responsibility for the construction, reconstruction, and repair of a sidewalk, as well as liability for any damages or injuries resulting from defective conditions, is assigned to the adjacent property owner. Authority is delegated to the City Engineer to require the repair or construction of the sidewalk where it is needed. Per Section 17.88.020 of the Code, private development may trigger the need for right-of-way improvements and property dedication along a property’s frontage. This includes providing or improving sidewalks or walkways in a manner consistent with the City’s Pedestrian Design Guide.
The purpose of the Pedestrian Design Guide is to integrate the wide range of design criteria and practices into a coherent set of standards and guidelines that, over time, will promote a walkable City while acknowledging the flexibility that will have to take place due to constraints. It establishes sidewalk design criteria, including requirements for minimum sidewalk widths, furnishing zone requirements, street corners, and crossings, among others. The Pedestrian Design Guide was developed in collaboration with City programs and agencies responsible for the form and function of the right-of-way, to address and understand the competing needs within the pedestrian realm and be realistic in how the space can be designed to address all its functions.
Requirements
The Pedestrian Design Guide is an administrative rule. Every project that is designed and built in Portland must conform to its requirements.
While the Pedestrian Design Guide establishes the baseline requirements for the design and provision of pedestrian facilities in Portland, its requirements may be superseded by an adopted Streetscape or Area Plan where specialized or unique design treatments are desired.
However, where an adopted Streetscape or Area Plan is silent on any particular element of the right-of-way, the requirements of the Pedestrian Design Guide will apply.
Central City Sidewalk Standards
Sidewalk corridor width requirements for the portion of the Central City west of the Willamette River and south of Burnside Street are shown on this map (below). Most of this area is densely developed with consistent sidewalk widths along each street. The sidewalk standard is based on the prevailing existing conditions for each street. Streets with a 12-foot standard must follow the requirements for a Civic Corridor and streets with a 15-foot standard must follow the requirements for a Civic Main Street. In the remainder of the Central City, sidewalks must comply with Table B-3 of the 2022 Pedestrian Design Guide, except where superseded by an adopted Streetscape or Area Plan that specifies sidewalk dimensions for the street.
Reference
Portland City Code Chapter 17.28: Sidewalks, Curbs and Driveways.
Portland City Code Chapter 17.88.020: For Buildings and Planning Actions.
History
Adopted by Director of Bureau of Transportation on May 12, 2022 and effective July 1, 2022
Amended by Director of Bureau of Transportation August 30, 2024.