The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is updating TRN-1.28 - Curb Extensions for Buildings and Planning Actions.
What changes are being proposed?
TRN 1.28 (Curb Extensions for Building and Planning Actions) describes when curb extensions are a required improvement for development projects. It includes a policy exemption map showing where the requirement does not apply; this map shows streets identified for near-term capital improvements intended to provide bicycle lanes or enhanced transit priority lanes at the curb.
This revision to TRN 1.28 updates the policy map to:
- Reflect current near-term bicycle and transit projects
- Add an exemption for narrow streets with a City Bikeway designation, unless they also have a Street Design designation of Main Street
- Add lines to also show the streets where the requirement does apply (the existing map only shows streets where curb extensions are not required).
Additionally, the text of the rule is updated to provide more clarity about when and where the rule applies, as well as when a location will be assessed for feasibility due to utility conflicts.
Why these changes?
The policy exemption map reflects streets identified for near-term bicycle and transit projects. As such, it must be periodically updated as projects are completed and new projects are planned. While this map clearly illustrates where the requirement does not apply, this update adds lines that show the streets where the requirement does apply, making it easier for staff and the public to interpret.
Narrow streets designated as Major City Bikeways and City Bikeways are exempted from the requirement in order to support longer-term future bicycle improvements and better align with the PBOT Traffic Design Manual. The Traffic Design Manual says that curb extensions on City Bikeways should leave a minimum five feet of space between the curb extension and the travel lane. On streets with less than 42 feet between curbs, there is not space to do this. However, on City Bikeways with a Main Street designation, access for all modes is a high policy priority, and many of these streets already have numerous curb extensions (e.g., NE Alberta St); these streets are not exempt.
Building curb extensions can become complicated and expensive when there are utilities adjacent to the curb. City staff identified the need for more guidance on when to suspend the requirement due to these complications.
Portland City Code (PCC) Section 3.12.010 establishes the authority of the City Administrator to adopt administrative rules.
Changes to this administrative rule will be effective two weeks after adoption.
Per PCC 1.05 and TRN 16.01 – Administrative Rules and Procedures, PBOT is publishing the proposed administrative rule for 30 days of public comment. PBOT will be accepting public comment for this Tier I update until 5 p.m. on September 8, 2025. Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to pbotpolicycomments@portlandoregon.gov. A summary of comments received and the City's response will be posted below.