Drawing a site plan

Public right-of-ways includes the street and elements between the street and property line. 

Public right-of-way elements

• Curb
  • Streets without a curb. Get a survey or locate an existing survey marker to identify the property line location.
• Planting strip (furnishing zone)
  • The area along the curb closest to the street. Typically "furnished" with with utility poles, street trees,
• Sidewalk (pedestrian through zone)
  • The specific width of a sidewalk
• Frontage zone
  • The area up against the property line and any public right-of-way. This includes alleys and pedestrian paths. Some properties have multiple frontages. The frontage zone is dedicated for public use.

Who owns right-of-way facilities?

• Most facilities in the right-of-way are owned by:
  • The City of Portland
  • Franchised utility providers (like internet, electric, or gas companies)

What are property owners responsible for?

• Sidewalks and roadway:
  • You must maintain the sidewalk (pedestrian corridor).
  • If the city or state does not maintain the roadway next to your property, you must maintain it.
    • Find out who should maintain your street.
  • A separate permit is required for any work in the public right-of-way.
    • The type and scope of work will be determined as part of your building permit review.
• Street trees
  • You must maintain the trees on the public right-of-way next to your property.

What might be required?

• Dedicate property. Set aside part of your property for public right-of-way.
• Street or sidewalk improvements. Build or upgrade the section in front of your property.
• Plant street trees according to the Street Tree Planting Standards.

When is this required?

For certain projects, these steps must be completed before a permit can be issued:

• Dedicate property as required.
• Agree to and complete street or sidewalk improvements.

All dedication and improvement requirements must be shown on your site plan.

You must draw your site plan on an 11-inch x 17-inch or larger sheet. All your permit drawings should be the same sheet size.

Drawing to scale lets you create an accurate plan in proportion to the real lot. 

Draw your site plan to a scale of 1 inch = 10 feet or larger. See Figure 1. 

Site plans must have an arrow that points in the north direction. See Figure 1. 

Plans must be in black and white, clearly legible, and reproducible.

Your site plan and other drawings will be used for permit review and inspections. They will be archived for future reference.

Lot dimensions

What is it?

• Lot dimensions are the measurements of a land area.

Find it

1. Go to PortlandMaps.com.
2. Enter your address in the search bar. You can also zoom in and click on a property.
3. Tap the “Assessor” section and click the “Assessor Detail” button. The property tax map shows your dimensions.

Show on your plans

• Measurements of the length of each side of your property boundary.
• The boundary is shown as a dash dot dot line.
• Example: Figure 2 shows the lot dimensions to be 50 feet wide and 98.5 feet long.

Questions? Call the General Inquiries line at 503-823-7300. Ask to speak with zoning staff.

Finished grade elevations

What is it?

• Finished grade is the ground level after construction is done.

Find it

• Use PortlandMaps: Topography and Contours.
  • Two-foot increments are shown.
  • Darker lines mark every ten-foot increment.

Show on your plans

• Ground level details:
  • Show changes in ground level across the lot (adding or removing soil).
  • For example, note if one side of the lot is 2 feet higher than the other.
• How the change happens:
  • Is the slope gradual?
  • Is there a wall causing the grade to drop by 2 feet?
• Plans must show how the ground will look after development is complete.
  • Show exactly where and how the ground level shifts across the lot.
• Note: Most building permits do not require ground elevation from sea level.
• You do not need to show elevations in the public right-of-way.

How to show it

• Flat Lots
  • How to mark elevation changes:
    • Mark all corners with 100.0' if the lot is flat. See Figure 2.
    • This shows no elevation change across the lot.
• Sloped Lots
  • How to mark elevation changes:
    • Use 100.0' as a base value.
    • Adjust for changes:
      • Downward slope: Subtract the elevation change.
        • Example: A 2-foot drop = 98.0' (100.0' - 2.0').
      • Upward slope: Add the elevation change.
        • Example: A 2.5-foot rise = 102.5' (100.0' + 2.5').
    • Contour lines for larger changes:
      • If the slope changes by 2 feet or more:
        • Show where the change occurs with contour lines.
        • Add a contour line for every 2-foot elevation change. This is common for gentle changes.
        • Use more lines for steep slopes.

What is it?

• Building setback distance is the shortest distance from buildings to property lines.
• The zoning code (Title 33) requires minimum building setbacks. In some cases, the building code has setbacks for fire separation. You generally cannot build within these setbacks.

Find it

1. Go to PortlandMaps.com. Enter your address in the search bar. You can also zoom in and click on a property.
2. In the “Property” section “Zoning” row, click the link to the base zone.
3. In the zoning summary, click on the link to the zoning code chapter, “Chapter 33.1XX”. The last two numbers indicate the zone.
4. In the base zone chapter PDF, search for a table labeled “Summary of Development Standards”. This table lists required setbacks. Learn how setbacks apply and exceptions.

Show on your plans

• The distances from the building to the property line.
• Streets without a curb. The precise location of the property line can only be determined by survey or survey markers.
• Example. Figure 2 shows the measurements of how far the building is setback from the property lines.
  • West side to West boundary line: 5'
  • East side to East boundary line: 5'
  • South side to south boundary line: 16'
  • North side to north boundary line: 47.5'

Questions? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a City Planner.

What is it?

• Front door. We want to know where the front door is.
  • The assigned address must be on the street where the main entrance faces. Why? So fire and rescue can find your house in an emergency.
  • When proposing a new unit on a lot, we'll assign an address to that unit with the building permit.
• Walkway. How people will get to your front door from the street.

Show on your plans

• The location of the front door.
• Walkway from the right-of-way.
• Example: Figure 2 shows the front door and proposed walkway.

Questions? Please email addressing@portlandoregon.gov. Or schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a Permit Technician.

What is it?

• Driveway requirements for corner lots 

  • Separation rule. Minimum of 25 feet from driveway edge to corner property line.
  • Exception. Narrow lots (less than 40 feet wide) may qualify.
     

• Attached housing driveways 

  • Shared driveway is required. The driveway must be along the common property line, with a single curb cut.
  • Non-compliant driveways must
    • Revise plans or
    • Get a Driveway Design Exception approved by PBOT Traffic Engineer.
       

• Driveways on busy streets  

  • Forward motion rule. Vehicles must enter or leave in forward motion. You might need a turn-around or "hammerhead" driveway.
    • Apply this rule to streets with higher traffic than local service streets.
    • Some local service traffic streets will need to follow the forward motion rule.
  • Find it: Is my street a "busy street"?
    • A busy street is classified as a “collector street” or is in a higher traffic class.
    • Use the PBOT TSP Classification Map to see if your street is a "collector." 

Show on your plans

• Show the width of the driveway at the property line.
• Show the distance from the driveway to the property line.
  • On the Sample Site Plan this distance is 6 feet. See Figure 2 under item A.

Questions? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a Transportation Expert.

What is it?

• Garage entry minimum setback is 18 feet.
  • This distance can be more, depending on the minimum building setback.
  • Ensures a vehicle does not overhang on the sidewalk.

Show on your plans

• Measure from garage entry to street property line. Measure along the center of the driveway.
• Example from the Sample Site Plan. The distance from the garage entry to the street property line is 20 feet.

Questions? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a City Planner.

What is it?

• Manage stormwater on your property. Ensure stormwater stays on-site.
  • Avoid runoff onto adjacent properties or the right-of-way.
• Underground systems. Locate away from property lines and buildings.

Find it

• Consult the Stormwater Management Manual.

Show on your plans

• Stormwater facilities'
  • type
  • dimension
  • distance from property lines and buildings
• Figure 3 shows the type and measurements of the stormwater facilities.

Questions? Schedule a pre-permit meeting with BES. Email besdevelopmentreview@portlandoregon.gov.

What is it?

• You must meet minimum tree density requirements.
• Plan for tree preservation or planting new trees when proposing new development.
• Tree location. The tree must fit the minimum planting size based on the size of the tree.

Find it

• On-Site Tree Density Requirements

Show on your plans

• New on-site trees

  • Show location, species, and size.
  • Label as "proposed".

Questions about trees on private property? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a City Planner.

What is it?

• Pertains to lots 5,000 square feet or larger

  • Existing on-site trees (12" or more in diameter)

    • Preserve at least 1/3 of all 12"+ trees.
    • Trees 20" or larger require preservation or pay a fee.

Find it

• On-Site Tree Density Requirements

Show on your plans

• Label existing 12"+ trees as "existing".
  • Include the species and size.
• If there are no trees 12 inches or larger. Add a note to your plan: “NO TREES 12 INCHES OR LARGER ON SITE.” 

Questions about trees on private property? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a City Planner.

What is it?

• Tree preservation requires root protection zones.
  • During construction and any ground-disturbing activities.
    • You must fence the area around the tree trunk.
• Root protection zone: 1-foot radius per inch diameter of the trunk.
  • The trunk is measured 4½ feet above the ground.
• Alternative protection measures are allowed with an arborist report.

Find it

• Protecting Trees During Construction

Show on your plans

• Root protection zone radius.
• Fence materials and location
  • Standard fencing
    • Fencing is six-foot high metal chainlink fence.
    • Secured the fence with 8-foot metal posts in the ground.

Questions about trees on private property? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a City Planner.

What is it?

• We need to know if you plan on removing any trees on your site for development.
• Fees apply for trees over 20 inches in diameter.
• Removing trees 36" or larger requires public notice and fees.

Show on your plans

• Trees to be removed
  • Indicate the location, species, and size of the tree.
  • Put an “X” through the tree symbol.

Questions about trees on private property? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a City Planner.

What is it?

• A dedication is required when the existing right-of-way is too narrow. This ensures space for standard improvements, such as:
  • Curb
  • Planting strip
  • Sidewalk
  • Frontage (buffer) zone
• Transportation code. Part of the private property must be dedicated to the public for right-of-way use.
• Property owner responsibilities:
  • Ensure compliance with dedication requirements
  • Make necessary improvements

Find it

Find out your required sidewalk corridor width and configuration:

1. Determine your street classification
   • Use the Transportation System Plan (Street Classifications map)
2. Check required sidewalk widths
   • Refer to Table B-3 in the Pedestrian Design Guide (page 14)
     • Download PDF filePedestrian Design Guide (2022) 12.02 MB

• Additional resources:
  • Right-of-Way Improvement Requirements for Land Use Reviews or Building Permits
  • Local Transportation Improvement Charge (LTIC) (new infill development fee)
  • Infill Development on Streets with an Existing Sidewalk Corridor (exception for existing sidewalks)

Show on your plans

• Dedication label and measurements.

Questions? Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a Transportation Expert.

What is it?

• The curb cut width in the right-of-way must match the width of the proposed driveway on your lot.
• Key requirements:
  • The driveway must lead to a legal parking space.
  • Driveway width is limited by zoning code.
  • In some cases, right-of-way regulations also apply.

Find it

• Zoning for driveways, parking, and garages

Show on your plans

• Curb cut width matches the proposed driveway width.
• Driveway alignment leads to a legal parking space.

What is it?

• Street trees and utility lines, like water and sewer, must be at least 5 feet apart.
  • Street trees should follow the City's Standard Street Tree Planting Guidelines.
• They must also be at least 5 feet from other elements in the right-of-way.

Find it

• To locate existing underground utilities, see Utility Locate Number.

Show on your plans

Include the location of:

• Utility lines (water, sewer, and other underground utilities)
• Street trees
• Utility poles, guy wires, and streetlights
• Fire hydrants, signs, meter and valve covers
• Above-ground utility vaults, fences, and walls

What is it?

• Your site plan must show where the water and sewer main lines connect to the street.
• It must also show where they connect to the proposed building.

Find it

• Locate underground utilities: See Utility Locate Number.
• Water Bureau's Engineering and Technical Standards Admin Rule
  • Download PDF fileAppendix C: Compliance with current standards149.26 KB
  • Download PDF fileAppendix D: Standard separation table186.75 KB
  • Download PDF fileAppendix E: Tap separations for new services149.73 KB

Show on your plans

• Existing connections
  • Label existing connections that will be reused with “(E)” for existing.
  • Label existing connections that will not be used with “(E) to be removed”.
     
• New water connections
  • Show the location of new connections and the water meter at the backside of the curb. Label with “(N)” for new.
  • The Water Bureau determines the size and materials for new water connections.
  • Label new water services as:
    “(N) (size and type of service) installed by the Portland Water Bureau.”
  • New water connections must meet separation requirements. Find these requirements in the Water Bureau's Engineering and Technical Standards Admin Rule. (Linked above in the Find it section)
  • Other utilities may run alongside your new water service. You must meet the required separations.
  • Neighboring street trees or utilities near your property line. Follow the same separation requirements.
     
• New sewer connections
  • Show size, material, and location of the new sewer connection.
  • Label new sewer connections as “(N)” for new.

Questions?

Water connection questions? Schedule a 15-minute appointment with a Water Expert. 

Sewer connection questions? Schedule a pre-permit meeting with BES. Email besdevelopmentreview@portlandoregon.gov.

What is it?

You need to show utility mains in the right-of-way on your site plans. This includes:

• Size, material, and location of utility mains
• Location of connections to properties on both sides of the street

Find it

• Water Mains:
  • Request underground utility location services to find water mains and connections. This service will mark the location on-site, which you can then transfer to your plans.
    • Request via: Oregon811 website, or call 811 or 877-668-4001
  • For preliminary info, check PortlandMaps:
    1. Go to PortlandMaps.com.
    2. Enter the property address or click on the property.
    3. Under “Utilities”, click “Water Assets” to see water main locations.
  • Water questions? Schedule a 15-minute appointment with a Water Expert. 
     
• Sewer Mains:
  • To find sewer main locations, check PortlandMaps:
    • Go to PortlandMaps and search for the property.
    • Under “Utilities”, click “Sewer Assets” to view sewer mains and connections.
  • Sewer mains are labeled with pipe sizes. Click on a main to view detailed info, including pipe type.
  • Sewer questions? Schedule a pre-permit meeting with BES. Email besdevelopmentreview@portlandoregon.gov.

Show on your plans

• Indicate connections to properties on both sides of the street.
• Type of sewer mains (combination, sanitary, and/or storm)
• Label each utility main with (N) for new or (E) for existing.
• Specify the method of connection
  • “Connect to existing public lateral”
  • “Contractor tap to main line”

What is it?

• Street trees are trees in the public right-of-way. Trees between the street and the private property line.
  • What defines a tree? 16' at maturity and generally single stemmed.
• If there are no existing trees, you may need to plant new street trees.
• Removing street trees? Consider changing your design to avoid tree removal.

Find it

For details on approved trees and planting requirements, refer to:

• Street Tree Planting Standards
• Approved Street Tree Planting Lists

Show on your plans

• Location, species, and size of proposed street trees
• Minimum tree size (measured 12 inches above the base)
  • One and two-family residentials: 1.5 inches in diameter
  • Multi-family residentials: 2 inches in diameter
• Label new trees as "proposed"
• Distances between trees and other elements in the planting strip
• Include the location of nearby neighboring street trees.

Questions about street trees?

• Email trees@portlandoregon.gov
• Call 503-823-TREE (8733)
• Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment to discuss trees on the right-of-way.
  • For trees on private property, contact a City Planner.

What is it?

• You must preserve existing street trees along your property frontage unless:
  • The project cannot be completed without trying to avoid tree removal, or
  • The tree is dead, dying, or dangerous

Find it

For more details, refer to:

• Tree Preservation Requirements

Show on your plans

• Mark all existing street trees over 3" in diameter
  • Location, tree diameter, and species
  • Tree measurement: Diameter measured 4.5 feet above the tree base
• Proposed tree protection fencing
• Show nearby street tees on adjacent properties

Questions about street trees?

• Email trees@portlandoregon.gov
• Call 503-823-TREE (8733)
• Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment about trees on the right-of-way.

What is it?

• If you plan to remove street trees, show this on your plans.
• Replanting or mitigation fees may be required.

Find it

For replanting guidelines, refer to:

• Street Tree Planting Standards
• Approved Street Tree Planting Lists

Show on your plans

• Mark trees for removal with an “X”
• Include tree size, species, and location
• Follow replanting requirements as needed

Questions about street trees?

• Email trees@portlandoregon.gov
• Call 503-823-TREE (8733)
• Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment about trees on the right-of-way.

What is it?

Our reviewers will indicate their approval and requirements using standard stamps. They need space on your plans to do this.

Show on your plans

Please leave some white space on your site plan for these approval stamps.

What is it?

• Before installing new utility connections
  • You must ensure they won’t disrupt underground utilities or street tree planting.
• How? Request a utility locate service to mark existing underground utilities on-site.

Find it

• Request to locate underground utilities:
  • Visit Oregon811 Locate Requests
  • Call 811 or 877-668-4001
• Learn more: Check the Oregon811 FAQ

Show on your plans

• Include the Utility Locate Ticket Number
• Ensure utility connections avoid existing underground utilities

What is it?

• Environmental zoning protects natural resources such as forests, streams, and steep slopes.
• There are two types of environmental overlays:
  • “c” (Environmental Conservation)
  • “p” (Environmental Protection)

These overlays must be shown on your site plan.

Find it

• To check if your property has environmental zoning:
  1. Go toPortlandMaps.com.
  2. Enter your address in the top right or zoom in and click on a property.
  3. Under "Permits & Zoning," click "Zoning & Districts" to view the map with "c" and "p" overlays.
• Questions?
  • Schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a City Planner. You can
    • Confirm overlay locations
    • Request a scalable map of your property

Show on your plans

• Mark the location of environmental zone lines
• Label areas as “c” (Conservation) or “p” (Protection)

What is it?

If your property is in a flood hazard area, new development must:

• Be protected from flood damage
• Limit new impervious areas (e.g., buildings, paved surfaces)
• Have any grading or added soil reviewed for floodplain impacts

What is it?

• For sites with slopes, ground elevations must be shown on your site plan.
• A survey is recommended for steeply sloping lots to ensure accuracy.

Find it

To get preliminary elevation data:

• Use PortlandMaps: Topography and Contours.
  • Elevation lines will display:
    • Two-foot increments
    • Darker lines for every ten-foot increment

Show on your plans

• Elevations at property corners and building corners
• Mark contour lines at two-foot intervals to show changes in ground level
• Existing grade lines (typically light grey or dashed)
• Finished grade lines (solid black, labeled with elevations above sea level)
• Retaining walls (if proposed) with top and bottom elevations

What is it?

• Easements are designated areas on your property where other parties have access rights. They can be:
  • Public Easements. Used by City utility bureaus for
    • Water mains
    • Meters
    • Stormwater drainage
    • Other public utilities
  • Private Easements. Used by private utility providers (e.g., cable, internet, gas, electric lines).

Find it

The City of Portland does not keep records of private easements. To find easement information:

• Contact the county recording office where your property is located.
• Request a Title Report from a title company. This may be available if the property was recently purchased.
• Check with a licensed Land Surveyor if you are conducting a property survey.

For Multnomah County properties:

• Visit the Multnomah County Recorder’s Office for details on accessing recorded documents.

Show on your plans

• Mark all existing and new easements and label their purpose.
• Creating a new easement
  • Include a copy of recorded easements with your permit application.

What is it?

• For developments under a Middle Housing Land Division (MHLD).

Find it

• Review the Middle Housing Land Division Sample Site and Utility Plan for guidance.