Portable signs (A-boards)

Do I need to register my sign?

No. Starting July 25, 2026, you will not need to register portable signs.

These signs must follow the Portland City Sign Code (Title 32, Section 32.32.030 C and G). Keep reading to get the summary of what is allowed.

How big can my sign be?

In the sidewalk or street area (public right-of-way)

• Maximum area: 8 square feet
• Maximum height: 4 feet (48 inches) [comment: different on registration form and code]
• Maximum width: 2.5 feet (30 inches)

On private property

• Maximum area: 12 square feet

How many signs are allowed?

The number of signs allowed depends on the number of public entrances on a site.

• One sign per public entrance.
• Multiple doors at one entrance count as one entrance.
• If tenants share an entrance, only one sign total is allowed.
• Businesses with a service window but no public entrance may have one sign.
• Sites without buildings (like parking lots): one sign per vehicle entrance, up to four signs total.

 Tenants and property owners must coordinate registration and display.

What is not allowed?

Portable signs:

• Cannot be attached to the ground or pavement
• Cannot be attached to trees, poles, meters, street furniture, etc.
• Cannot have lights or electrical components
• Cannot have changing or digital displays
• Are not allowed in the right-of-way in the Hillsdale Plan District.

Where can I place my sign?

Allowed zones

Permanent portable signs are allowed only in these zones:

• Central Residential (RX)
• Commercial (C)
• Employment (E)
• Industrial (I)

All other zones prohibit permanent portable signs.

If placed in the sidewalk area:

View full size image of Figure 13b: A person has 6 feet of the sidewalk when walking by a portable A-board sign that is within 6” of the curb.

• Must be within 6 inches of the curb
• Must leave a clear pedestrian path at least 6 feet wide
• Not allowed on sidewalks less than 8 feet wide

Where signs are not allowed

View full size image of Top-down view of a corner of a sidewalk with a curb line and property line. A shaded square at the corner of the sidewalk is labeled ‘Portable signs not allowed in this area’.

Signs are prohibited:

• At street corners
• Near transit stops
• At ADA curb ramps or disabled parking spaces
• At building exits or fire escapes
• In medians, traffic islands, or parking lanes
• On pedestrian or bicycle paths

Location limits

• Signs may only be placed adjacent to the property where they are owned.
• They may not be placed across the street or on neighboring property.

When can temporary signs be displayed?

Temporary portable signs (for open houses, garage sales, or similar events):

• Friday 6:00 pm – Sunday 8:00 pm
• Tuesday 6:00 am – 1:00 pm

Temporary signs:

• Must remain temporary (not used regularly at the same site)
• Maximum size: 4 square feet
• Maximum height: 24 inches

Get help

For questions about portable signs, email PBOTcompliance@portlandoregon.gov.

Report right-of-way obstructions by filling out the form.