Portland Approves Gender-Neutral Bathroom Signs

New city ordinance requires all-user signage for single-occupancy restrooms in public spaces.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Portland City Council has passed an ordinance requiring all-user, gender-neutral signage for single-occupancy restrooms in places of public accommodation. The new law is aimed at promoting dignity, safety, and inclusion in public spaces, according to city officials.

Why it matters

This change expands access to a wide range of users, including parents with young children, older adults or individuals with a disability and their caregivers, individuals with health-related restroom needs, and members of the transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ community. It represents an important step in Portland's efforts to be more inclusive and welcoming to all.

The details

The ordinance, sponsored by City Council President Jamie Dunphy along with Councilors Koyoma-Lane and Pirtle-Guiney, requires updating the signs outside of existing public-facing restrooms to be gender-neutral. Officials say this closes the last gap in requirements regarding single-stall restrooms in the city.

  • The Portland City Council passed the ordinance on February 11, 2026.

The players

Jamie Dunphy

The President of the Portland City Council who sponsored the gender-neutral bathroom signage ordinance.

Koyoma-Lane

A Portland City Councilor who co-sponsored the gender-neutral bathroom signage ordinance.

Pirtle-Guiney

A Portland City Councilor who co-sponsored the gender-neutral bathroom signage ordinance.

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What they’re saying

“I want to very much thank the administration, Portland Permitting & Development, and the city administrator. We have been working very closely to make sure that we can find the most cost-effective and streamlined way to implement this. l am ongoing committed to seeing this implemented in the most cost effective and efficient way, and to reduce the burden on our businesses wherever possible.”

— Jamie Dunphy, Portland City Council President (KATU)

“Changing the sign on gender-specific single-stall restrooms expands access to a wide range of users, including parents with young children, older adults or individuals with a disability with a caregiver or personal attendant, individuals with health-related restroom needs, and members of the transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ community. This small change is a meaningful statement of Portland's values.”

— Jamie Dunphy, Portland City Council President (KATU)

What’s next

The new gender-neutral bathroom signage requirement will go into effect immediately, and the city will work with businesses to implement the changes in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

The takeaway

This ordinance represents an important step forward for Portland in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces. By requiring gender-neutral signage for single-occupancy restrooms, the city is sending a clear message that it values the dignity and safety of all its residents and visitors.