Portland Comprehensive Green Street Development Strategy

This rule established by the Portland City Council sought to approve a green street resolution that would promote and incorporate the use of green street facilities in public and private development. The comprehensive green street development strategy works to: (1) Reduce polluted stormwater entering Portland’s rivers and streams; (2) Improve pedestrian and bicycle safety; (3) Divert stormwater from the sewer system and reduce basement flooding, sewer backups and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Willamette River; (4) Reduce impervious surfaces so stormwater can infiltrate to recharge groundwater and surface water; (5) Increase urban green space; (6) Improve air quality and reduce air temperatures; (7) Reduce demand on the city’s sewer collection system and the cost of constructing expensive pipe systems; (8) Address requirements of federal and state regulations to protect public health and restore and protect watershed health; and (9) Increase opportunities for industry professionals.