Painted Intersection Program

Beginning in 2016, the city initiated the Painted Intersection Program, a way for the community to bring neighborhoods together through the creation of street murals.

Painted intersections use art to bring people together. The shared objective of creating street art helps build relationships, empowers people to build public spaces, and encourages creative expression. According to City Repair, a Portland-based organization behind many of the painted intersections there, "intersection art naturally elicits a sense of pride and identity for all that pass through." The Milwaukie program aims to bring the benefits of this shared-community building activity to our streets and neighborhoods.

Sherrett Street Painted Intersection

In 2015, the Ardenwald–Johnson Creek neighborhood created the first painted intersection at the intersection of SE Sherrett Street and 30^th Avenue at the city limits boundary of Milwaukie and Portland. The mural features a dogwood for Milwaukie and a rose for Portland, along with perimeter drawings representing different facets of the community. The artwork is both a way to celebrate the neighborhood and welcome newcomers.

How to Get a Painted Intersection:

To obtain the required right-of-way permit, neighbors must complete the Right of Way Permit Application and include the following:

1. Completed Arts Committee Painted Intersection Design Review Application, including artwork designs.
2. Documentation showing how all neighbors living within 300 feet of the chosen intersection were notified of the proposed painted intersection.
3. Signed approval petition from 80% of those residents living within 300 feet of the chosen intersection. Please note: non-responses do not count as opposition to the painted intersection.

Other considerations:

• Location - Painted Intersections must be on “local” streets and not on designated Public Transit Routes as well as five feet from traffic control devices, such as stop signs.
• Materials - Intersections must be painted using approved traffic paint
• Maintenance - Applicant(s) are responsible for future maintenance and repair of artwork paint.

Additional Information
For more information, review the application materials below or contact the the Arts Committee staff liaison, Engineering Department or Community Development Department.

Arts Committee
Jordan Imlah, staff liaison
imlahj@milwaukieoregon.gov or 503.786.7503

Engineering
10501 SE Main St
Milwaukie, OR 97222
p: 503.786.7606

Community Development
10501 SE Main St
Milwaukie, OR 97222
503-786-7555