A Driveway Design Exception grants an exception to the standards established by Portland City Code Title 17 and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)’s administrative rules. See Driveways | Portland.gov for more information.
A Driveway Design Exception cannot modify a zoning code (Title 33) standard and does not alter completed land use reviews. Driveway Design Exceptions are reviewed by a PBOT Traffic Engineer. The engineer may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the request. Exceptions are granted only for a specific development proposal. They are not transferrable from one development proposal to another.
Prepare application materials
If you are applying for a Land Use Review or Building Permit, it’s best to submit the Driveway Design Exception application at the same time. The list below includes information needed for a complete application.
Please keep in mind the traffic engineer reviewing your request is not familiar with your project. If you are applying for a driveway design exception due to the location of utilities, street trees, or other City requirements, please explain this in your submittal.
You will need:
- Completed Driveway Design Exception Request form with project description and rationale for requesting the exception
- Site plan
- Driveway profile cross section (if applicable)
- Supporting photographs
- Civil drawings and associated Public Works job number (if applicable)
- Any applicable Checksheet, Early Assistance, Pre-Application, or Land Use response which is associated with the request.
- TSP Traffic Classification of the street
- Posted speed limit of the street
- Average daily traffic of the street (if available)
- Any other supporting documentation such as communications with City staff, turning movement exhibits, cross sections, traffic reports, etc.
Need help?
If you have an in-process review such as a building permit or land use case, please work with the assigned reviewer. If you do not have an in-process review, you may schedule a free 15-minute virtual appointment with permitting staff or email DrivewayDesignException@portlandoregon.gov.
Submit an application
Combine the Driveway Design Exception Request form and supporting documents into one combined PDF document (using a .pdf format) and email it to DrivewayDesignException@portlandoregon.gov.
Upon receipt of your Driveway Design Exception Request form and documents, you will receive an email with the information on how to pay the $348 fee online via Development Hub PDX (DevHub).
Plan on a minimum of 3 weeks for the initial review. Additional time may be needed for revisions. The more complex the situation, the longer the review is likely to take.
Respond to feedback
PBOT Traffic Engineering will review your application materials and email you if any more information is needed. If your request is not approved, you may work with the traffic engineer to modify the proposal. Once a decision is issued, the Driveway Design Exception decision is final and conclusive. The decision may not be appealed under 17.28.110.