Eugene, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

445 opens by declaring that public right-of-way cannot be used for private commercial purposes at all, except under a revocable permit from the city manager or a designee. Subsection (2) extends that permit system to physical encroachments: retaining walls, steps, terracing, plantings, planters, walkways, projecting building features, and similar appurtenances can be installed within the right-of-way, but only at the property owner's own risk and only after the owner submits adequate plans and specifications to the city engineer. The city engineer attaches conditions to the approval and confirms the structure meets applicable codes for structural safety, sanitation, setback, and fire safety, and evaluates whether the installation would adversely affect adjoining properties or interfere with vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, or utility use of the right-of-way.

020, and by accepting the permit the applicant agrees to all attached conditions. Critically, the permit is revocable by the city 'on demand' at any time, meaning an approved wall or planter has no permanent right to remain if the city later needs the space. The same section separately authorizes the city manager to approve special sidewalk surfacing beyond the standard paving specifications, provided it's non-skid, properly embedded, and maintained at the abutting owner's expense; a surface that proves hazardous must be replaced with code-compliant material. 445 process.