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

Tigard Municipal Code § 15.16.010 requires an encroachment permit from the city engineer before anyone erects, or causes to be erected, an encroachment in, over or upon a right-of-way or public property. Under § 15.16.015, an encroachment is a privately owned structure, furnishing, hardscape, container, construction materials, equipment or underground system located in the right-of-way or on public property. The application goes to the city engineer with a description, a scale drawing showing the nature and extent of the encroachment and its relationship to adjoining properties, and a co-applicant signature from the owner of the benefitted property when the applicant is not that owner. The city engineer can require a survey. The fee is set by resolution of the city council.

Section 15.16.020 exempts mailboxes, temporary or A-frame signs allowed by the Sign Code, transportation improvements required by Chapter 18.910 and authorized by a Chapter 15.04 right-of-way permit, and encroachments authorized by a Chapter 15.06 license or franchise. Encroachments that existed before November 1, 2018 can stay without a permit unless they are a public safety hazard, are modified in any way, or sit on or near a benefitting property that is the subject of a land use application or building permit.

The city engineer approves, modifies and approves, or denies under the § 15.16.050 standards. Those include no blocking of pedestrian access routes, curb ramps, crosswalks, bike lanes or catch basins, and travel lanes at least 16.0 feet wide in residential areas or 20.0 feet in commercial or industrial areas, whichever is greatest against the Chapter 18.910 lane width. Containers and construction materials must sit between six to 12 inches from the curb. Conditions can include liability insurance, a time limit, a use charge, and removal at any time. Permits are revocable when in the public interest, and are automatically revoked if installation does not begin within 60 days after issuance. After revocation, removal is due within 30 days of written notice, and unpaid restoration costs can become a lien.