Phone: 503-823-5185
Fax: 503-823-7576
1120 SW Fifth Ave, Suite 1331, Portland, OR 97204
Neighborhood Streets Framework
In Portland, less than 4% or 50 miles of the 1,181 miles of streets are unimproved – dirt and gravel. Another 17% or 200 miles of streets are under-improved – some pavement and/or sidewalks, but no street curb. Over the years, the pace of infill development on these neighborhood streets have increased, but the policies for building complete and connected improvements has not kept up. These 250 miles of unimproved streets make it difficult for neighbors to safely and easily walk through their communities. Based on community input, the Neighborhood Streets program framework has been developed to include additional program elements to further address deficient neighborhood streets infrastructure.
Local Transportation Infrastructure Charge (LTIC)
In Spring 2016, the City adopted the Local Transportation Infrastructure Charge (LTIC), a charge on new infill developments on streets in single-dwelling residential zones. The LTIC provides a simpler option for developers to meet their obligations.
LTIC Financed Improvements
In Spring 2018, Council approved the LTIC allocation methodology for select projects for financed improvements. This methodology is consistent with the City’s equity goals, ADA requirements, and adopted neighborhood transportation and stormwater plans.
Gravel Street Service
One area of focus arising from the LTIC community outreach, was for the 50 miles of dirt and gravel streets to be maintained on an ongoing basis. Dirt and gravel streets hinder the quality of local access, property values, and traffic management.
Neighborhood Collector Pedestrian Improvements
Neighborhood collector streets lacking sidewalks are unsafe for pedestrians in many neighborhoods. Many neighborhood collectors are the backbone of our communities. When they don’t have pedestrian treatments, they limit mobility and decrease safety.
Residential Local Improvement Districts (LIDs)
The cost of infrastructure improvements have been a barrier for the forming of residential LIDs. PBOT is exploring options for property owners, to utilize approved alternate street standards to make infrastructure improvements more affordable.