Share feedback on proposed updates to select Regulatory Program codes

In this article

Overview

The City of Portland is proposing changes to code governing several regulatory programs, including Amusement Devices, Games and Machines; Pay and Park and Non-Pay Private Parking Facilities; Secondhand Dealers; Payday Lending; and Social Games.

A set of proposed code changes is available for public review, covering amusement devices, private parking facilities, secondhand dealers, payday lenders, and social games.

The updates aim to clarify existing code, comply with State requirements, and adjust fees to reflect current program costs.

Businesses and community members are invited to review the proposed changes and provide feedback. The public comment period for all proposed regulatory program code changes is open through August 31.

Feedback can also be shared through public meetings, written comments, and testimony opportunities. Proposed code changes are anticipated to be considered by the Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole on Sept. 16, 2026, before advancing to City Council for consideration and a vote.

What's included in the proposed code changes?

The proposed Regulatory Program Code Changes include updates across five program areas:

• Amusement Devices, Games and Machines
• Pay and Park & Non-Pay Private Parking Facilities
• Secondhand Dealers
• Payday Lending
• Social Games

Amusement Devices, Games and Machines

This program regulates amusement devices-such as pool tables, foosball, shuffleboard, and video games-to reduce unlawful gambling and protect neighborhood and youth welfare.

Current Code (14B.110) | Proposed Code Changes

Summary of Proposed Code Changes:

• Retire the permit requirement entirely. Businesses would no longer need a City permit to display or operate amusement devices. This removes Location Permits, Amusement Center Permits, and Temporary Location Permits, along with related application, inspection, penalty, and appeal requirements.

Submit commenton Amusement Devices, Games and Machines proposed code changes

Pay and Park & Non-Pay Private Parking Facilities

This program ensures private parking facilities operate fairly and consistently, with clear signage and consumer protections.

Current Code (7.25) | Proposed Code Changes

Summary of Proposed Code Changes:

Fee updates

• Increase the annual registration fee from $200 to $400 per lot
• Establish a new $400 Operator Application Fee
• Add Consumer Price Index (CPI) language for future fee adjustments

Improved clarity and consumer protections

• Establish a mandatory grace period of up to seven minutes
• Require signage advising customers not to park if payment machines are not accepting payment
• Set minimum lettering sizes for signs to improve visibility and accessibility
• Clarify the definition of "payment machine"
• Clarify that parking validations must be accepted

Stronger documentation and enforcement standards

• Require complete and accurate license plate or VIN information on Parking Penalty Notices
• Allow dismissal of penalties when required information is incomplete
• Require photo documentation of each penalty notice
• Require timely responses to parkers and the Revenue Division
• Require acceptance of mailed payments, including checks

Facility configuration and signage clarity

• Require disconnected areas or separate access points to be registered as multiple lots
• Require facilities with both Pay-to-Park and Non-Pay sections to meet all requirements for both types

Compliance requirements

• Require compliance with Business License Law (City Code Chapter 7.02)
• Note: fees were last increased in 2009

Submit Comment on Pay and Park and Non-Pay Private Parking Facilities proposed code changes

Attend Feedback Session August 24, 11 a.m., in person at City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave, to discuss Pay and Park and Non-Pay Private Parking Facilities proposed code changes. No registration required.

Secondhand Dealers

This program regulates businesses present a risk of being used by criminals to dispose of stolen property.

Current Code (14B.90)| Proposed Code Changes

Summary of Proposed Code Changes:

• Require all employees to submit a Personal History Form
• Require an employee roster with annual renewals
• Eliminate the Occasional Secondhand Dealer category
• Set a single $600 fee for all Secondhand Dealers
• Add a new $25 fee for Police Bureau background checks
• Add Consumer Price Index (CPI) language for future fee adjustments
• Require compliance with Business License Law (City Code 7.02)
• Note: fees were last increased in 2013

Submit Comment on Secondhand Dealers proposed code changes

Register to join August 24, 4 p.m. virtual meeting to discuss Secondhand Dealers proposed code changes.

Payday Lending

This program aims to reduce harmful impacts of certain payday lending practices.

Current Code (7.26)| Proposed Code Changes

Summary of Proposed Code Changes:

• Increase the annual permit fee from $1,500 to $2,400
• Add Consumer Price Index (CPI) language for future fee adjustments
• Require compliance with Business License Law (City Code 7.02)
• Note: fees were last increased in 2006

Submit Comment on Payday Lending proposed code changes

Social Games

Purpose of Program
To regulate the operators of social games, restricting location, age, dollar amount of play, and other rules to protect the public peace, safety, and morals; and also as required by Oregon law.

Current Code (14A.70)| Proposed Code Changes

Summary of Proposed Code Changes:

• Increase the Social Games permit fee from $500 to $1,000
• Add Consumer Price Index (CPI) language for future fee adjustments
• Require compliance with Business License Law (City Code 7.02)
• Note: fees were last increased in the 1970s

Submit Comment on Social Games proposed code changes

Public process and opportunities to connect

Portlanders and affected businesses can participate in several upcoming opportunities to learn about the proposed changes and share feedback:

• July 30: Public comment period opens
• Early August 2026: Notification letters sent to impacted businesses
• August 24, 11 a.m. City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave
  In-person meeting for Pay and Park stakeholders - no registration required
• August 24, 4 p.m. Virtual meeting
  Online meeting for Secondhand Dealer stakeholders - registration required
• August 31: Deadline to submit online comments
• September 11: Date to sign up to testify at the Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole
• September 16: Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole discussion of proposed Regulatory Program code changes

Next steps

The Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole will review the proposed code changes on Sept. 16, 2026. Business operators and community members can submit comments online or sign up to testify before proposed changes advance to a vote by Portland City Council.

Learn more about the Regulatory Program and review all proposed code changes on the project webpage.