Neighbors, PBOT fed up with NW 13th outdoor plaza

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Outdoor dining spots became quite popular during and since the COVID-19 pandemic. They popped up around the city and many restaurants continue using the extra, outdoor space.

But neighbors who live near the Northwest 13th Avenue Plaza said things have gotten out of hand.

"It was a great idea. And certainly during pandemic, everybody was all for it. But it's now, it's really just become an extension of this restaurant," said neighbor Steve Heard about the outdoor seating at River Pig. "People don't know what to do. Then you've got this little narrow area here, like, the fire trucks can't get through here. And it's just been kind of a mess."

The Portland Bureau of Transportation, which regulates the outdoor seating areas, said the structures like the one at Northwest 13th Avenue were part of the Outdoor Dining Program that officially began in 2023.

However, some of the restaurants' permits expired in December 2024. PBOT gave them deadline extensions for several months but told them fines were possible.

In May, River Pig began getting fined $500 weekly. On June 1, the PBOT $500 fines became daily.

Ramzy Hattaar, who owns River Pig, told KOIN 6 News he's been trying to work with the city. The restaurant filed for another permit, he said.

"I think the biggest issue, and what people are misunderstanding is, you know, we're not opposed to a standardized solution," Hattaar said.

And, he said, he needs more time.

"We need to find a way to afford to make the changes and have it not collapse our businesses and still want people to come down to the Pearl District during the summer months," he said.

Though PBOT declined an on-camera interview, they did provide answers in an email.

"The three businesses have not complied with plaza requirements, despite a year and a half of notice and four deadline extensions," spokesperson Dylan Rivera said. "Portland Fire & Rescue  raised concerns about the roofs of the large structures creating fire hazards, the blocking of a building fire escape and inability to access fire department water connections on the building facade."

PBOT said the three businesses are River Pig, Papi Chulo's and The Star.

Because the businesses "have not complied" with the regulations, "PBOT will be moving forward with the removal of these plaza blocks due to lack of compliance, declining public support at this location, and ongoing maintenance and operations issues." 

Rivera also said these structures at the Northwest 13th Avenue Plaza are also too big.

"As we stated in a notice in April, if the businesses did not come into compliance by May 11, weekly fines would begin, and if they did not come into compliance by June 1, daily fines would begin," Rivera said.

River Pig's Hattaar said the soonest he can get a contractor he can afford to take down the outdoor seating will be June 9.