Medford, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Medford Code § 6.360(4)
- Sign clearance above sidewalk
- Minimum 7 feet
- Sign encroachment past curb
- Maximum 2 feet
- Soft-fabric sign size cap
- 36 in. tall x 18 in. wide
- Enforcement
- Summary abatement, daily violation
Summary
Medford bars attaching anything to the sidewalk, curb, poles or other public right-of-way without the Director's prior written permission. Businesses seeking signs that project into the right-of-way must get an encroachment permit under Code Chapter 10, Article VI, with fixed clearance rules.
(4) No person shall attach any object to the ground, sidewalk, curb, pavement, or to any pole, wall, hydrant, tree or structure in the public right-of-way or on public property except by prior express permission of the Director on such terms and conditions as the Director may provide.
(a) Notwithstanding the above, the Director is authorized to permit signs that encroach into the right-of-way, in accordance with Chapter 10, Article VI. The bottom edge of the sign and any framing may not be less than seven feet from the finished grade of the sidewalk and shall not encroach beyond two feet behind face of curb.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
360(4) of the Medford Code makes it unlawful to attach any object to the ground, sidewalk, curb, pavement, or to any pole, wall, hydrant, tree or structure in the public right-of-way or on public property except by prior express permission of the Director, on whatever terms and conditions the Director sets. Subsection (4)(a) specifically authorizes the Director to permit signs that encroach into the right-of-way under Chapter 10, Article VI, but sets hard clearance rules: the bottom edge of the sign and any framing may not be less than seven feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk, and the sign cannot encroach more than two feet behind the face of the curb.
Subsection (4)(b) adds size limits for soft-fabric signs: no taller than 36 inches, no wider than 18 inches, with framing and brackets extending no more than 30 inches from the side of the building; if the sign hangs lower than seven feet, a minimum five-foot clear width must remain for pedestrian passage around it. 350 governs sidewalk vending carts, which likewise require the City Manager's prior express permission before merchandise or a cart can occupy the sidewalk. 520.
Violations & Fines
Encroaching on the right-of-way without a permit is a public nuisance under Section 6.360(8), subject to summary abatement by the Director or Chief of Police. Section 6.360(7) makes the underlying obstruction a code violation, and each day the unpermitted object remains counts as a separate violation, so daily fines can stack quickly for a business that ignores a removal order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hang a projecting sign over the Medford sidewalk?
How high must a projecting sign be above the sidewalk in Medford?
What happens if I install a sign in the right-of-way without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Medford
Compare Medford to another location·View the Oregon sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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