14 жовтня 2026 р. · Ordinance · 2026-329

Repeal Amusement Devices, Games and Machines Code (repeal Code Chapter 14B.110)

Резюме простою мовою

City ends permit rule for pinball machines, pool tables and similar games

Businesses with amusement devices like pinball machines and pool tables will no longer need a yearly city permit or pay its fees. The rule dates to about 1929, and the city's Revenue Division found it is no longer needed. The program closes on December 31, 2026.

Decision: Passed, 10 to 0, with 2 councilors absent.
Who it affects: The 199 businesses, mostly small businesses across all four council districts, that now hold these permits.
Money: Permit holders will no longer pay the yearly license fees. This is part of a package of changes that also raises fees for other city permit programs to keep up with inflation.
Next: The repeal takes effect December 31, 2026.
Official record

Написано ШІ за офіційним документом і перевірено автоматично. 14 жовтня 2026 р.

Резюме простою мовою

City plans to end permits for pinball machines and pool tables

This would end a city rule, dating to about 1929, that makes businesses get a yearly permit for amusement devices like pinball machines and pool tables. The 199 businesses that hold these permits would no longer need to apply each year or pay the fees. The repeal would take effect December 31, 2026.

Decision: Moved forward to a second reading, a required later vote before it becomes final. No vote count was given.
Who it affects: The 199 businesses, mostly small businesses across all four council districts, that now hold amusement device permits.
Money: Businesses would no longer pay the yearly permit fees. This is part of a larger package that also raises fees for other city permit programs to keep up with inflation and pay for the staff position doing this work.
Next: Second reading on October 14, 2026 at 9:30 am. The repeal would take effect December 31, 2026.
Official record

Написано ШІ за офіційним документом і перевірено автоматично. 7 жовтня 2026 р.

Full title: Repeal Amusement Devices, Games and Machines Code (repeal Code Chapter 14B.110)
Status: Passed
Document number: 2026-329
Introduced by: Councilor Steve Novick
City department: Revenue Division
Requested council date: October 14, 2026
Purpose and background: After reviewing the regulatory programs administered by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Revenue Division, the division recommends the Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program to be repealed effective December 31, 2026. The division's research indicates this program is no longer necessary.
Financial and budgetary impacts: This ordinance is submitted as part of an overall package of ordinances to update the regulatory programs administered by the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Revenue Division, and ensure adequate funding for the current position performing the regulatory work. The package adjusts applicable fees and charges, adding an inflationary adjustment to support the programs that continue. If the other ordinances are not adopted along with this ordinance, the position currently performing the regulatory work for those programs will require another funding source.
Economic and real estate impacts: We expect that the removal of the permit requirement will provide economic benefit to the 199 businesses that hold them, the vast majority of which are small businesses that have been acknowledged as a vital competent of Portland economy. These businesses are spread across Portland and will support the success of small businesses in all four Council Districts. We do not expect there to be any negative impacts from the removal of this permit. Notices were sent to the addresses and emails listed for each permit holder with information about the proposed changes, the public comment period, and a link to the website where they could learn more and provide comment. The public comment period was open for one month with no feedback received.
Community impacts and community involvement: This legislation will eliminate the regulation of 199 businesses engaged in amusement devices, games and machines activity. These businesses will no longer be required to file for an annual license or pay the related fees.
100% renewable goal: Not applicable.

Повний текст

The City of Portland ordains. Section 1. The Council finds: A new Regulatory Coordinator was appointed in 2025. The coordinator conducted an in-depth review of all regulatory programs, including the Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program. Seattle closed their comparable program. Similar municipalities are considering reduction or elimination of comparable programs. The Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program, which to the best of our knowledge was added to Portland City Code in 1929, is outdated and unnecessary. The requirement to obtain a permit for amusement devices such as pin ball machines and pool tables places an unnecessary burden on small business that chose to comply. The success of small businesses, which hold the vast majority of these permits, is a benefit to Portland's economic rebound and prosperity. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: Repeal City Code Chapter 14B.110 effective December 31, 2026. That the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Revenue Division, takes the necessary actions to close the Amusement Devices, Games and Machines program.