Application Process
1) Begin by reviewing the requirements to be eligible for a community event permit:
• Community event permits are for the larger events that invite participants from the entire neighborhood or the greater city region.
• The event must be free and open to the public unless it is a ticketed event - tickets must be available to purchase by the general public.
• All events shall have a non-profit affiliation. A for-profit agency may apply for a community event street closure permit only if it has a non-profit beneficiary and all promotional material for the event shall include the non-profit agency and/or cause.
• Community events are non-political and provide a civic benefit to the community.
• A street closure permit is issued to restrict vehicular access only. A pedestrian route must remain open for pedestrians that wish to travel through the closed street area.
• Community event street closure permits are intended to build a sense of community within the neighborhood in which they are held.
2) Fill out an application and supporting documents
• Submit application a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the event date.
• Submit with the application fee. If needed, staff can send a link to pay online.
3) Portland Bureau of Transportation sends out all applications to the following:
• Police precinct, Noise Control Office, Fire Bureau, Emergency Services, District Neighborhood Coalition and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement OLCC liaison if alcohol is being served or consumed in the closed street area (including sidewalk). These agencies have 5 business days to review and respond with any issues.
4) PBOT reviews all sections of the application until all requirements have been met
• This review can take up to 4 weeks or longer
5) The traffic control plan is reviewed and once approved will be sent to you by the City of Portland Traffic Engineer
• This is sent in advance of the permit to allow you to obtain the required traffic control devices indicated on your approved plan. *Please note: PBOT does not provide any traffic control devices for community events.*
6) Once approved, PBOT issues the permit and emails the invoice to the applicant for payment and pick-up
• Please read the email very carefully for instructions on where/how to pay and pick-up your permit.
7) Reserving parking
• The location of your closure is either in a metered area or a non-metered area and reserving the parking for each area is different.
• Within a pay-to-park metered area, City of Portland Parking Enforcement Deputies will be notified of your permit and reserve parking along the permitted street prior to the permit start date.
• Within a non-metered area, as part of your permit, you will receive “No Parking” bags to place along the street to reserve the parking area. The City of Portland Parking Enforcement division offers a verification and enforcement procedure you may choose to make your “No Parking” signs enforceable. Please see: www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/175085 for more information.
We are here to help! For more information, please email us at: pbotcommunityevent@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-1099 or 503-823.5191