This parking sign found on 53rd Avenue divided the opinion of local residents in Portland. The sign claims the following: “Parking for tenants of 53rd Avenue ONLY”.

Many people were quick to point out that this is a public street and is paid for by everyones tax dollars. In short, their point was, that of course someone cannot park on your driveway, but they can certainly park outside your house – provided they are not blocking any entrances.

Some internet users noticed that for parking signs to be legitimate, they always have an ordinance code at the bottom. Without these codes, PBOT will come and remove the signs that do not comply.

However, some locals went a step further and claimed that the sign was an act of vandalism. Whilst this may be a little extreme, the person who erected the sign has clearly drilled it in to a utility pole. Whoever put up the sign certainly does not own the utility pole, so undoubtedly doesn’t have the right to start putting parking signs on it.

Others were quick to point out that this is not the main problem in Portland by a long shot. PBOT is relatively fast to pull down fake parking signs (when reported). However, how quick are they to remove abandoned vehicles or cars which have been set on fire?

In the case of Portland, Oregon, the City Code prohibits unauthorized installation of signs and other devices that may interfere with public safety or mislead motorists. Specifically, Title 16 of the Portland City Code covers parking regulations and may have provisions related to the installation of parking signs.

Overall though, it seems that although the sign is “illegal”, it isn’t going to land anyone a fine or imprisonment. The sign will likely annoy neighbours and they will rip it down within a couple of days. Or at the worst, someone will report the sign to PBOT, who will come to the area and do the same thing.