Apply for a pedestrian plaza agreement

Service
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) encourages people to create new public space by closing a portion of the street to vehicles. Pedestrian plazas may occur on any street type that is next to or in close proximity to a partnering business or organization.

It can take 6-8 weeks (or more) to receive Pedestrian Plaza Agreement.

Update related to Covid-19

PBOT’s Portland in the Streets team has temporarily paused our Block Party program in response to our current Covid-19 public health crisis. We remain committed to all the ways we use our public space for community building and connection, even if we can’t do what we normally do.

We will continue to monitor public health and other bureau priorities in determining when we are able to offer this program. To keep up to date on when the program will return, or to learn about other Portland in the Streets programs:

Subscribe to our Portland in the Streets newsletter

Determine if you are eligible

Eligible groups include: 

  • Business Associations
  • Neighborhood Associations
  • Non-profit and community-based organizations
  • Fronting business or property owner
  • Other eligible community partners will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Check your location

To find out if your proposed location is eligible for pedestrian plaza designation, please e-mail Portland in the Streets.

Gather neighborhood support

These spaces are intended to be created and used by the community that surrounds them. Please work with your community to develop relationships and partnerships.

Develop a programming and maintenance plan

Think about how you intend to keep the plaza clean. How will you activate the space? Create a detailed outline and identify who will be responsible for each item. 

Apply for a pedestrian plaza agreement

Fill out the idea form and tell us about your proposed location: 

Pedestrian Plaza idea form

Submit proof of insurance

We require that a certificate of insurance (COI) and an endorsement are on file naming the City of Portland as additionally insured prior to the issuance of the permit.

For more details, visit the Insurance requirements webpage.

Insurance documents are processed by the Insurance and Bonds Group.