Portland Mandates Gender-Neutral Signage for Single-Stall Bathrooms

New rule requires businesses to change bathroom signs by 2027 to improve access for all users.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Portland City Council voted to require all public single-occupancy bathrooms to have gender-neutral signage, joining other cities like Seattle and Washington, D.C. that have similar policies. The new rule will go into effect in 2027, though it won't impact multi-person bathrooms or require the creation of new single-user facilities.

Why it matters

This policy aims to improve access and reduce barriers for transgender, nonbinary, and other individuals who may not feel comfortable or safe using gender-specific bathrooms. Supporters argue it's a common-sense change that could also benefit all users by reducing bathroom lines.

The details

Starting in 2027, businesses in Portland will be required to change the signage on existing public single-stall bathrooms to indicate they are gender-neutral. The city passed a resolution over a decade ago making city-owned single-user bathrooms gender-neutral, but this new rule extends that to all public bathrooms. The cost of the new signs is estimated to be minimal, around $5 each.

  • The Portland City Council voted on the new rule on February 13, 2026.
  • The gender-neutral bathroom signage requirement will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

The players

Portland City Council

The governing body of the City of Portland, Oregon that passed the new gender-neutral bathroom signage requirement.

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What’s next

Businesses in Portland will have until January 1, 2027 to change the signage on their existing public single-stall bathrooms to be gender-neutral.

The takeaway

This policy change in Portland reflects a growing trend in cities across the U.S. to make public bathrooms more inclusive and accessible for people of all gender identities. It's a relatively low-cost way for municipalities to signal their commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and equal access.