(March 25, 2015) – The first phase of the Northwest Portland Parking Plan takes effect this week as City of Portland Bureau of Transportation crews begin installing Zone M signs to mark an expanded parking permit area and alleviate longstanding congestion in the neighborhood.
The new signage is part of a years-long planning effort by the City and neighborhood residents and businesses to ease parking challenges and improve the livability and business vitality of the growing neighborhood.
The newly expanded permit area stretches from W Burnside Street to NW Vaughn Street and westward from NW 16th to NW 25th avenues. Previously, Zone M’s north boundary stopped at NW Irving Street. An adjacent parking permit area next to I-405, called Zone K, will remain unchanged.
Blocks with a Zone M sign will allow visitors to park for up to four hours, and allow neighborhood residents who have purchased $60 annual permits to park without those time restrictions.
PBOT crews begin sign installation this week and are expected to complete all signage within two weeks. The permit rules take effect on each block as signs are installed. Enforcement hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Sunday and holiday parking are not affected.
“The new signs mark an important milestone in a collaborative effort between the neighborhood and the city to alleviate parking congestion and frustration,” said Leah Treat, Portland Bureau of Transportation director. “Visitors and residents will now have an easier time finding parking and businesses will benefit from improved access by their customers.”
The $60 annual permits are available to people who live, work or own property within the Zone M boundaries. More than 2,000 permits for the expanded zone have been issued since they became available in February. Notices have been mailed to all residents and businesses in the area and several outreach events also have been held.
The Northwest Parking Plan, passed by City Council in 2013, also calls for parking meters to be installed on the commercial corridors of NW 21st and 23rd avenues and some surrounding streets. Those are scheduled to be installed in late spring and will have time limits of two and four hours at a price of $1.60 per hour.
Northwest Portland residents who haven’t yet purchased permits may apply for them as well as annual or single day guest passes by contacting the Portland Bureau of Transportation by mail or in person. PBOT’s offices are open weekdays on the 8th floor of the Portland Building, 1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204. Mail in applications should be sent attention to Suite 1304.
For more information, including a larger map of the Zone M expansion area and permit applications and instructions, please visit portlandoregon.gov/transportation
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation
Media Contact: Diane Dulken 503-823-5552 diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov