Gresham Traffic Calming, Potholes and Encroachment Permits

Transportation Oregon 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Oregon

In Gresham, Oregon residents and contractors must follow city rules for road maintenance, encroachments in the public right-of-way, and traffic calming requests. This guide explains how to report potholes, when you need an encroachment permit for work or private improvements that affect sidewalks or lanes, and how the city evaluates traffic calming measures. It summarizes responsible departments, forms and practical steps so residents can submit requests, avoid violations, and appeal enforcement actions where available.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Gresham enforces street, sidewalk and right-of-way rules through Public Works and Code Enforcement. Specific fine amounts and daily penalties are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the municipal code and enforcement pages for applicable citations and schedules.[3]

  • Enforcer: City of Gresham Public Works and Code Enforcement, responsible for inspections and issuing notices and citations.
  • Inspections and complaints: submit online reports or requests to Public Works via the city reporting portal; include photos and exact location.
  • Fines and escalation: amounts and escalation for first, repeat or continuing offences are not specified on the cited pages and are set in the municipal code.[3]
  • Appeals: appeal or review routes are referenced in municipal enforcement procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove obstructions, stop-work orders, repair mandates, and referral to court for enforcement.
Contact Public Works promptly to document issues and avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The primary permit for work affecting the public right-of-way is the Encroachment Permit (Right-of-Way/Encroachment Permit). The city publishes the permit application, submittal instructions and fee schedule on its permits page; some fees are listed on the permit page while others refer to a fee schedule.[2] Electronic submission or in-person submittal instructions appear on the permit page.

  • Permit name: Encroachment Permit / Right-of-Way Permit; purpose: authorize construction, private improvements, or temporary work in the public right-of-way.
  • Fees: see the permit page and fee schedule; some project-specific bonds or deposits may apply.
  • Submission: follow online instructions on the city's permit page; contact Public Works for application help.

Reporting Potholes & Street Defects

To report potholes or urgent street damage, use the City of Gresham's online reporting portal or phone contacts for Public Works. Provide a precise location, lane information and photos to speed response and possible temporary repairs; follow the portal instructions when available.[1]

  • Report: use the city report form or call Public Works to log a service request.
  • Evidence: upload photos and note nearest cross-street and lane.
  • Response: the city prioritizes repairs by safety and traffic impact; timelines vary by workload and season.
Document damage and keep your service request number for follow-up.

Traffic Calming

Gresham evaluates traffic calming requests through its transportation or engineering division using established criteria such as traffic speed, volume, collision history and neighborhood support. Project lists, evaluation process and candidate criteria are published by the city; contact Transportation or Engineering for current program details.

  • Submit a request: neighborhood-initiated requests typically require petitions or surveys and an evaluation by city staff.
  • Evaluation: staff gather traffic counts, speed studies and collision data before recommending measures.
  • Possible measures: speed cushions, curb extensions, signage, and minor geometric changes subject to engineering review.
Neighborhood support and clear data improve chances for traffic calming projects.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Gresham?
Use the City of Gresham Public Works online report form or call the Public Works service number; include location, photos and lane information. [1]
When do I need an encroachment permit?
An encroachment permit is required for any construction, placement of structures, or work within the public right-of-way; see the Encroachment Permit page for application details. [2]
How can my neighborhood request traffic calming?
Contact the Transportation or Engineering division to start the traffic calming request; the city will describe evaluation steps, data needed and petition requirements.

How-To

  1. Locate the defect: note the street name, nearest cross-street and exact lane affected.
  2. Document with photos: take clear images showing size and hazard.
  3. Submit a report: use the City of Gresham online reporting portal or call Public Works to file a service request.
  4. Record the request number: keep it for follow-up and status checks.
  5. Follow up: if a hazardous defect is not addressed in a reasonable time, escalate to Code Enforcement or contact your councilor.

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes promptly with photos and exact location to help prioritize repairs.
  • Obtain an encroachment permit before doing any work in the public right-of-way to avoid enforcement actions.
  • Traffic calming requests require data and neighborhood involvement; contact Transportation for the program process.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Gresham Public Works - Report a Problem (potholes)
  2. [2] City of Gresham - Encroachment Permit information
  3. [3] Gresham Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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