Sign registration: Portable signs (A-boards)
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Source: Sign registration: Portable signs (A-boards) ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:11:29 GMT
Portable (A-board) Sign Registration Form
Do I need to register my sign?
Yes. Each portable sign requires its own registration.
All portable signs, whether placed on private property or in the sidewalk area, must be registered with the City of Portland.
These signs must follow the Portland City Sign Code (Title 32, Section 32.32.030 ↗ C and G).
When registration is not needed
The following do not require registration:
- Interior signs and displays (portable signs inside a building)
- Signs placed inside windows
You do not need Design Review approval for portable (A-board) signs.
Registration
Registration options:
- 1 year: $114
- 2 years: $203
- 4 years: $364
Fees valid from July 1, 2025 to July, 1 2026.
Search the current fee schedule ↗ for "Portable Signs (A-Board) Registration."
Mail your completed registration form and payment to:
Portland Permitting & Development
Attn: A-Board Sign Permits
1900 SW 4th Ave, Ste 5000
Portland, OR 97201
Make checks payable to City of Portland.
How big can my sign be?
In the sidewalk or street area (public right-of-way)
- Maximum area: 8 square feet
- Maximum height: 4 feet (48 inches) [comment: different on registration form and code]
- Maximum width: 2.5 feet (30 inches)
On private property
- Maximum area: 12 square feet
How many signs are allowed?
The number of signs allowed depends on the number of public entrances on a site.
- One sign per public entrance.
- Multiple doors at one entrance count as one entrance.
- If tenants share an entrance, only one sign total is allowed.
- Businesses with a service window but no public entrance may have one sign.
- Sites without buildings (like parking lots): one sign per vehicle entrance, up to four signs total.
Tenants and property owners must coordinate registration and display.
What is not allowed?
Portable signs:
- Cannot be attached to the ground or pavement
- Cannot be attached to trees, poles, meters, street furniture, etc.
- Cannot have lights or electrical components
- Cannot have changing or digital displays
- Are not allowed in the right-of-way in the Hillsdale Plan District.