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Portable signs are movable signs that are not attached to a structure or the ground. They're commonly known as A-board signs, sidewalk signs, or portable reader-boards. You must register all portable signs on private property and sidewalks.
Portable (A-board) Sign Registration Form
Do I need to register my sign?
Yes. Each portable sign requires its own registration.
All portable signs, whether placed on private property or in the sidewalk area, must be registered with the City of Portland.
These signs must follow the Portland City Sign Code (Title 32, Section 32.32.030 C and G).
When registration is not needed
The following do not require registration:
- Interior signs and displays (portable signs inside a building)
- Signs placed inside windows
You do not need Design Review approval for portable (A-board) signs.
Registration
Registration options:
- 1 year: $114
- 2 years: $203
- 4 years: $364
Fees valid from July 1, 2025 to July, 1 2026.
Search the current fee schedule for "Portable Signs (A-Board) Registration."
Mail your completed registration form and payment to:
Portland Permitting & Development
Attn: A-Board Sign Permits
1900 SW 4th Ave, Ste 5000
Portland, OR 97201
Make checks payable to City of Portland.
How big can my sign be?
In the sidewalk or street area (public right-of-way)
- Maximum area: 8 square feet
- Maximum height: 4 feet (48 inches) [comment: different on registration form and code]
- Maximum width: 2.5 feet (30 inches)
On private property
- Maximum area: 12 square feet
How many signs are allowed?
The number of signs allowed depends on the number of public entrances on a site.
- One sign per public entrance.
- Multiple doors at one entrance count as one entrance.
- If tenants share an entrance, only one sign total is allowed.
- Businesses with a service window but no public entrance may have one sign.
- Sites without buildings (like parking lots): one sign per vehicle entrance, up to four signs total.
Tenants and property owners must coordinate registration and display.
What is not allowed?
Portable signs:
- Cannot be attached to the ground or pavement
- Cannot be attached to trees, poles, meters, street furniture, etc.
- Cannot have lights or electrical components
- Cannot have changing or digital displays
- Are not allowed in the right-of-way in the Hillsdale Plan District.
Where can I place my sign?
Allowed zones
Permanent portable signs are allowed only in these zones:
- Central Residential (RX)
- Commercial (C)
- Employment (E)
- Industrial (I)
All other zones prohibit permanent portable signs.
If placed in the sidewalk area:
- Must be within 6 inches of the curb
- Must leave a clear pedestrian path at least 6 feet wide
- Not allowed on sidewalks less than 8 feet wide
Where signs are not allowed
Signs are prohibited:
- At street corners
- Near transit stops
- At ADA curb ramps or disabled parking spaces
- At building exits or fire escapes
- In medians, traffic islands, or parking lanes
- On pedestrian or bicycle paths
Location limits
- Signs may only be placed adjacent to the property where they are registered.
- They may not be placed across the street or on neighboring property.
When can temporary signs be displayed?
Temporary portable signs (for open houses, garage sales, or similar events):
- Friday 6:00 pm – Sunday 8:00 pm
- Tuesday 6:00 am – 1:00 pm
Temporary signs:
- Must remain temporary (not used regularly at the same site)
- Maximum size: 4 square feet
- Maximum height: 24 inches
Inspections and citations
Inspections are random or complaint-based.
Citations may be issued for:
- Improper placement
- Unregistered signs
- Incorrect registration
If the same sign is cited three times:
- The sign may be impounded
- Registration may be revoked
- Future registration may be prohibited
Get help
For questions about portable signs, schedule a 15-Minute Appointment with a Residential & Signs Permitting Technician.