Gresham's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Gresham, Oregon, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Obstruction Rules

Gresham bans dumping or storing dirt, gravel, lumber, or personal property on a sidewalk or adjacent street, keeping rights-of-way clear for pedestrians and vehicles.

Key details: Prohibited location: Sidewalk or adjacent street. Banned materials: Dirt, gravel, lumber, storage. Max fine: $1,000 per violation. Governing section: GRC § 7.15.040(6).

Blocking a sidewalk or adjacent street with dumped material, storage, or debris is a general nuisance under GRC § 7.15.040, punishable by a fine up to $1,000.

Encroachment Permits

Gresham requires an encroachment permit for temporary facilities, stored materials, or minor construction placed in the public right-of-way in front of a property.

Key details: Short-term permit: Encroachments of 90 days or less. Long-term permit: Encroachments over 90 days. Example long-term use: Building overhangs, footings. Recording: License may record at county.

Placing materials, structures, or building elements in the right-of-way without the required encroachment permit can draw a stop-work order, permit denial, and removal of the encroachment at the responsible party's expense under GRC Article 7.50.

Sidewalk Repair

Gresham places the duty to keep sidewalks, driveway approaches, and planter strips in good repair on the person in charge of the abutting property, not the city, and shields the city from liability for defects.

Key details: Responsible party: person in charge of property. Standard: good repair. City liability: none, per 7.15.040(5)(f). Covers: sidewalks, driveways, planter strips.

Failing to keep an abutting sidewalk in good repair is a nuisance violation; the responsible party can also be held liable for injuries and must reimburse the city for enforcement costs under GRC 7.15.040(5)(e)-(f).

The Bottom Line

Gresham's sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Gresham is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Gresham can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.