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Date ArticleType
1/8/2019 Member News

HBA providing feedback on proposed code changes from PBOT


Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is proposing amended code language regarding shared driveways. If approved, the code changes would do two things: 1) clarify that regardless of ownership, PBOT may require driveway approaches to be shared (previous language refers to different ownership, eliciting confusion with properties under the same ownership); and 2) increase the number of adjacent properties that may be required to have a shared approach (previous language refers to two adjacent properties, and the proposed language indicates two or more properties). The HBA is working with PBOT to clarify the reasons behind the proposed change, and convey implications for shared driveways over more than two properties.

Current PBOT standards (not part of Title 17, the section with proposed changes) determine dual shared driveway approach widths, and it is not clear how the proposed code change and these standards will interact when there are three or more adjacent properties. The HBA will provide a formal response to PBOT by February 15th, 2019. Please send questions and/or concerns to Roseannj@hbapdx.org. The PBOT memo and proposed changes are as follows:

PBOT staff have identified a section of Title 17.28.110 that needs clarification. This section of code is regarding permits and conditions for the construction of driveways. Added language has been underlined, with deleted language being crossed out. The proposed changes are as follows:

5. The Director of the Bureau of Transportation may require joint or shared use of a driveway by two or more properties in separate regardless of property ownership. The Director of the Bureau of Transportation may establish conditions regarding the number, configuration, and use of driveways necessary to ensure the safe and orderly flow of pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicular traffic, preserve on-street parking, preserve or establish street trees, maximize opportunities for vegetated stormwater management, reduce conflicts with pedestrians and bicycles and enhance the pedestrian environment.

Title 17.28.110.C.5 is meant to apply to shared driveways. Specifying ‘separate ownership’ has led to confusion in cases when adjacent properties are owned by the same party. This change removes this ambiguity and clarifies that the goals that this code aims to achieve, as specified in the existing code language above, are applicable to any adjacent properties.