Updates to TRN-10.40 (Driveways - Operation and Location)

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is proposing updates to TRN-10.40 (Driveways - Operation and Location) to clarify and strengthen PBOT's driveway standards. These requirements will apply to new or relocated driveways, and to existing driveways on properties that are being redeveloped.

Some of the proposed changes address issues that commonly route proposed driveways into an exception process, such as:

• Allowing driveways at the top of "T" intersections on local service streets.
• Allowing multiple driveways per frontage for commercial and industrial properties, while establishing spacing standards for those driveways.

PBOT also proposes increasing driveway separation from intersections on streets with traffic classifications higher than local service to improve safety. Higher classification streets typically carry greater traffic volumes and operate at higher speeds. As a result, drivers need more time and distance to perceive and react to turning movements, and the potential for vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian conflicts increases.

The proposed standards reflect decades of U.S. research showing that reducing the number of conflict points, especially near intersections, improves safety outcomes for all users. Portland's Vision Zero Action Plan identifies access management as an effective strategy to reduce serious and fatal crashes.

National research demonstrates:

• As the number of driveways and intersections per mile increases, crash rates increase in a nearly linear way. In other words, more access points almost always result in more crashes. Studies show that doubling driveway and access density from approximately 10 to 20 access points per mile can increase crash rates by roughly 30–40 percent.
• On urban and suburban arterials, access management strategies that implement access management strategies are associated with a 25–31 percent reduction in fatal and injury crashes.

The proposed administrative rule still allows exceptions when site constraints make strict spacing infeasible. When exceptions are granted, PBOT may require reasonable design features that improve safety, such as:

• Right-in/right-out only access or similar access limitations
• Shared or consolidated driveways
• Access relocation to a lower-classification street

These widely used access management tools help balance safety objectives with reasonable property access.

The proposal also would require driveways to be located on streets with a lower bicycle classification when a site has multiple frontages with the same traffic classification. This change is intended to limit vehicle and bicycle conflicts.

The proposal also includes changes that better align with Portland's zoning code, particularly regarding middle housing, as well as new details for clear sight triangles.

Portland City Code Section 3.12.010 establishes the authority of the City Administrator to adopt administrative rules.

Changes to this administrative rule are anticipated to go into effect 30 days after adoption.

Since this rule went through substantial reorganization, PBOT is presenting a clean copy of the proposed changes for easier readability. A copy of the current language for comparison is available on Portland Policy Documents. 

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 March 20, 2026. Comments on the proposed update may be submitted to pbotpolicycomments@portlandoregon.gov. A summary of comments received and the City's response will be posted below.