Charging an EV without a driveway in Portland, OR
Short answer: Level 1 cord allowed with a cord cover, no permit. No resident curbside charger permits right now.
Last updated:
| Sidewalk cord | Cord across sidewalk allowed (official guidance) |
|---|---|
| Curbside program | No resident curbside charger permits right now |
What the official sources say
- PBOT's Encroachment Manual, section C.22, allows a Level 1 cord with a cord cover across the sidewalk and needs no permit.
- It applies only in single-dwelling zones on local service streets with a running grade of 10% or less. The cover has to be ADA compliant, and you can't reserve the space.
- Residents can't put a Level 2 or DC charger, or an outlet, in the public right-of-way. PBOT isn't issuing right-of-way charger permits while it writes a policy.
- PBOT says the city has more than 350 public charging plugs.
Home charging costs in Portland, OR: city page. Other cities: no-driveway hub.
Source: PBOT – Charging your EV (accessed 2026-10-25).