Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1541288
V O L . X X X I N O. X X V I N OV E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 2 5 10 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E Helping individuals and businesses overcome complex legal problems mpmlaw.com B I Z M O N E Y Long-vacant retail sites in downtown Portland could garner fines B y A l e x i s W e l l s P ortland City Council passed an ordinance that will require landlords to register storefronts that have been vacant for longer than six months. Property owners with storefronts vacant for 180 days as of April 1, 2026, must register by May 2. Fines could range from $500 for storefronts empty for six months to $1,000 for each year of vacancy up to five years. For long-term vacancies — a decade or longer — fines of $7,500 or more could be levied, according to the city website. Areas affected include Congress Street, as well as Free, High, Exchange, Commercial, Union, Middle, Wharf and Silver streets. Landlords can request a waiver to avoid a fee and agree to have city-approved art installed in their store- front window at no cost. The city said in a statement that by tracking vacan- cies and building relationships with property owners, it can connect artists, entrepreneurs and cultural groups with available commercial space and provide support as needed. Owners of vacant properties in the Pedestrian Activities District are encouraged to take advantage of a new temporary use permit. The city now allows pop-ups for up to 180 days at the discretion of the city building official and the fire marshal. Temporary uses will only be allowed when it is determined that the space is safe for occupancy and for the proposed use. The city is also accepting art submissions for win- dow reproductions. A juried selection will be available to property owners in the coming months. Artists will receive a $300 stipend per selected piece, with instal- lations beginning in the summer of 2026. Fines could range from $500 for storefronts empty for six months to $1,000 for each year of vacancy up to five years. F I L E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Boarded up doors and graffiti at 465 Congress St. in Portland.