Updated Pedestrian District boundaries and classifications take effect March 6, 2020

On February 5, City Council adopted an ordinance to amend the Transportation System Plan to incorporate new pedestrian classifications. The new pedestrian classifications include changes to Pedestrian District boundaries to align with all designated “Centers” and major Transit Station Areas, as defined by Portland’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan.

What changed?

Pedestrian Districts.

• In some cases, the boundaries of existing Pedestrian Districts have expanded,
• Some Pedestrian Districts are new, and
• Some former Pedestrian Districts have been removed because they are no longer classified as Pedestrian Districts.

Pedestrian classifications. Some streets may have a pedestrian classification that is higher or lower than it was before.

How might this impact sidewalk design/ frontage improvement requirements?

The Portland Pedestrian Design Guide uses pedestrian classifications to determine the sidewalk design/ frontage improvement requirements associated with private development. Applications for building or development permits or land use reviews submitted on or after March 6, 2020 must meet frontage improvement requirements associated with new pedestrian classifications, per the existing Pedestrian Design Guide.

How do I check the new Pedestrian District boundaries and new pedestrian classifications?

Scrollable maps of new pedestrian classifications are available here.

What should I expect in Development Review?

During the interim period on or after March 6, 2020 when new pedestrian classifications take effect, and before adoption of an updated Pedestrian Design Guide (anticipated 2021), PBOT Development Review will apply the 1998 Pedestrian Design Guide to new 2020 pedestrian classifications as follows:

What additional sidewalk design/ frontage requirements may come in 2021?

Future updates to the Pedestrian Design Guide may include, but are not limited to, updates to sidewalk design criteria for various pedestrian facilities, including requirements for minimum sidewalk widths, placement of street trees and sidewalk furnishings, and street corner design at crossings.

Questions?

Michelle Marx, PBOT Pedestrian Coordinator

Michelle.Marx@portlandoregon.gov

503.823.4589

Explore Classifications Maps and Major Projects Maps

A new interactive TSP website is in development and expected to launch in Spring 2020. In the interim you can explore the TSP classifications maps and major projects maps here.

Select sections of the 2035 TSP document or download the full TSP here!

What is the TSP?

The Transportation System Plan is the 20-year plan to guide transportation policies and investments in Portland by:

• + supporting the City’s commitment to Vision Zero by saving lives and reducing injuries to all people using our transportation system

• + helping transit and freight vehicles to move more reliably

• + reducing, carbon emissions and promoting healthy lifestyles

• + keeping more money in the local economy, as we spend less on vehicles and fuel

• + creating great places

Why is it important?

Portland is projected to add 140,000 new jobs and 260,000 new residents over the next 20 years. As Portland and the region grow, there is a continuing challenge to maintain the natural environment, economic prosperity, and overall quality of life. If in 2035 the percentage of people who drive alone to work remains the same as it is now (nearly 60 percent), traffic, carbon emissions, and household spending on vehicles and fuel will all worsen significantly. In order to accommodate this growth, our transportation system must provide Portlanders safer and more convenient ways to walk, bike, and take transit for more trips.

Transportation planning that promotes active transportation modes is essential to preserving the City’s livability and for the protection of the natural environment. Constructing significant amounts of new automobile capacity to accommodate growth is not a viable option because of the enormous costs and impacts. Adding more streets and parking lots divides neighborhoods, uses valuable land, encourages urban sprawl, and has negative environmental impacts. Alternative approaches, supporting a safer, more affordable and more complete multimodal transportation network must be used to ensure integrated, comprehensive solutions. 

The Transportation System Plan helps implement the City’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan in addition to the region’s 2040 Growth Concept by supporting a transportation system that makes it more convenient for people to walk, bicycle, use transit, and drive less to meet their daily needs. The TSP also recognizes that the transportation system must help grow and sustain the City’s economic health by accommodating the needs of businesses and supporting Portland’s role in the international economy.

What is in the TSP?

The 2035 TSP includes:

• Goals and policies that guide the maintenance, development and implementation of Portland’s transportation system

• Sub-policies that further the implementation of the goals and policies

• A list of projects and Citywide programs along with a financial plan that would accommodate 20 years of population and employment growth

• Master street plans and modal plans

• Strategies and regulations for implementation

Open and share a 2-page overview handout about the TSP

PBOT Employees + internal TSP Champions resources.

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Last updated: 10/27/20