Application takes 5-10 minutes. Due to a high volume of requests, we estimate 5-10 business days to respond. Approval time varies. Healthy Businesses permits expire August 31, 2022. Please contact PBOT staff to ensure your permit is active.
Critical updates
Update Aug. 17, 2023. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) developed new design guidelines for outdoor dining permits based on engagement with the local business community and other stakeholders. These guidelines will ensure that outdoor dining spaces in the street or sidewalk have access for people with disabilities, emergency response vehicles, public transit, and loading zones. The guidelines also address street safety hazards. The draft guidelines will help permit holders understand what will ultimately be required under PBOT's new permanent Outdoor Dining program. Pending council approval, this new program will be open to applications Oct. 16, 2023 for permits starting Jan. 1, 2024. Download the draft guidelines below:
Update July 27, 2022: Applications for the September 2022 – December 2023 permit cycle are now available. Please read this page thoroughly for changes to the application and review process and reach out to us if you have any questions.
Determine if the Healthy Businesses permit is right for your situation
Healthy Businesses permits let businesses and organizations conduct business in the sidewalk or street on an ongoing basis.
All Healthy Businesses permit holders must follow the PBOT's design requirements and permit conditions. Please review them before applying.
Determine your use of public right-of-way
Public right-of-way may be used for restaurant tables and chairs, waiting areas, retail space, temporary patio or plaza, or other services and creative uses you might have.
Coordinate with neighboring businesses and organizations
Check with your neighbors to see if they also need public right-of-way. Work with these other businesses or organizations to determine how much space you all need and how the public right-of-way could be used.
For permits valid after Sept. 1, 2022, new applicants will be required to submit a signed Neighbor Consent Form if their proposed permitted area extends in front of the neighbor’s frontage:
Fee schedule
Application and permit fees for the September 2022 - December 2023 cycle:
| Fee type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $150 |
| Permit fee for sidewalk use | $6 per linear foot |
| Permit fee for parking use | $500 per parking space |
| Permit fee for full or partial street use | $3.13 per square foot |
Fees for the program are also listed on page 5 of the Transportation Fee Schedule Exhibit C under the name "Street Seats."
Permit fees are not final until a Healthy Businesses inspector has measured your site.
Some examples of common situations:
- For 20 linear feet of sidewalk space, the total fee for the upcoming 16-month permit cycle is $270, $6 per linear foot plus a $150 application fee.
- For two parking spaces, the total fee for the upcoming 16-month permit cycle is $1150. Each parking space has a $500 permit fee, and there is an application fee of $150.
For full or partial street use, you will be charged for the actual square footage used, not including emergency lanes, areas left open for driveways, or areas containing required traffic control devices. If you need help estimating the permit fee for your full or partial street permit, please contact us.
If you are applying for both sidewalk and street space use at the same time, you will only be charged a single $150 application fee.
Gather your information
To complete the permit application, you will need the following information:
- Contact information for the person responsible for the application
- Basic business or organization information, including mailing address and the address of the location for which you are applying
- Some idea of the plans for the space: What space are you requesting? What do you want to put in it? What are the space’s dimensions?
- Desired permit start date
You will also need to submit current photos of the space you intend to use (if this is a new application) or your installation (if this is a renewal). Images from Google Street View will not be accepted. Please include the following:
- A photo of the site from across the street
- A photo of the site from the nearest intersection
- A photo showing the sidewalk from building frontage to curb
In order to avoid delays in permit processing, it is recommended that you attach the photos when applying online. You may also submit them via email if you are unable to submit them when you apply. If you need assistance with this requirement, please contact us.
Apply online
To apply for a current Healthy Businesses permit valid through the end of the current cycle (Dec. 31, 2023):
Apply for a Healthy Businesses permit
After you apply
After you submit an application, a Healthy Businesses team member will get in touch with you to complete the permitting process. PBOT will support applicants as much as we can to make sure they meet the permit requirements.
Steps to finish processing your permit application:
- Pay your application fee. For permits valid after Sept.1, 2022 applicants must pay the $150 application fee before the permit application will be reviewed. A Healthy Businesses team member will send you information about how to pay the application and permit fees after you apply. Application fees are not refundable under any circumstances. Please do not send us a check.
- Submit any missing or additional information. Your permit technician will let you know what else you need to submit in order to process your application. This might include:
- Missing information. If you were unable to upload photos with your application, we will request them by email at this point.
- Proof of insurance.
- A consent form from your neighbor (if applicable).
- Be available for an inspection. An in-person inspection of the proposed site may be required.
- Pay your permit fee and complete the Rescue Plan reporting form. After all other steps are completed, a Healthy Businesses team member will contact you for the final steps:
- Pay your permit fee, following the steps the Healthy Businesses team member gives you. See refund policy below.
- Complete the Rescue Plan reporting form. The City of Portland is required to request demographic information from recipients of Rescue Plan-funded programs, services, and assistance for federal reporting on our use of these funds. In addition, we may use this information to help ensure that our services reach a broad cross section of the community. Your responses will be stored separately from your permit application and will not be used to evaluate your application. While you must complete the form before we can issue your permit, every demographic question has an “I prefer not to disclose” choice available.
- Receive your permit.
Refund policy
Application fees are not refundable under any circumstances.
Permit fees are generally not refundable. However, in rare circumstances, staff may need to reduce or revoke a permit based on active field conditions. In those cases, all effort will be made to minimize impacts on businesses, and so, if necessary, a prorated refund of the permit fee will be issued.
If PBOT determines that your Healthy Businesses permit is eligible for a refund, a Healthy Businesses team member will notify you. The notification will include a date by which the site must be vacated. To initiate the refund process, submit your request to PBOTBusinessToolkit@portlandoregon.gov after you have vacated the site. PBOT will confirm that the site is vacant before issuing the refund.
All refund payments will be made to the permit holder only, at the address provided on the permit application.
Refunds will be processed within 60 business days of the date the permit holder notifies PBOT that the site is vacant.
Receive your approved permit
When PBOT staff has approved your permit, we will email you a copy along with permit conditions and requirements.
If you are using parking spaces in a metered district, officers with PBOT Parking Enforcement will place reservation signage or devices for you. If you are outside a metered district, we will email you "no parking" signs you will need to place yourself. Traffic control devices are required.
All use of Healthy Businesses permits must align with state and county health guidance related to Covid-19 and businesses, including hours of operation:
Related permits
Other agencies may require permits for new or altered commercial uses. Check with the following agencies for guidance on which permits may be required for your specific situation:
| Agency | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Bureau of Development Services (BDS) | Changing uses or structures on private property may require permits. Vending truck, cart, and drive-up business requirements on property |
| Multnomah County | Food service inspection and licensing, including food carts |
| Fire Marshal | Permits and inspections relating to use of gas or heating |
| Office of Community and Civic Life, Oregon Liquor Control Commission | Liquor Licensing Program, which often must be expanded for outdoor service Noise Control Program, relevant to outdoor activities that may generate noise Cannabis Program. If cannabis or any cannabis product is present at an event, please comply with the requirements of the Portland's Cannabis Policy Program |
| Portland Parks & Recreation |