The City of Portland has issued a final warning for the removal of an abandoned 1968 green and white Tomsawy boat, citing multiple violations related to expired registration and unauthorized parking in the public right-of-way.
According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Parking Enforcement Division, the vessel — identified by hull number 499245 and expired Washington registration WN 802 AV — was left unattended near 4407 SE 12th Avenue. A pre-seizure notice was issued on October 9, giving the vessel’s owner until 7:00 a.m. Friday to remove it or face potential seizure.
City officials say the boat, whose registration has been expired since 2013, was recently moved from another unauthorized location across from 4741 SE 30th Avenue. The move reinforced its classification as an “abandoned vessel” under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 830.908 (1).
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Under Portland City Code 16.20.170, parking any vehicle — including a vessel or trailer — in the public right-of-way without authorization is prohibited. Failure to comply with the removal notice may result in enforcement action, including towing, storage, and disposal fees charged to the vessel’s registered owner.
“The owner of the vessel may be liable for the costs of salvage, towing, and storage of the vessel,” the City of Portland stated. “Unpaid fees could lead to the vessel being destroyed or sold.”
Authorities emphasized that the pre-seizure process is part of a broader city effort to address abandoned or derelict vessels, which can obstruct rights-of-way, pose safety hazards, and degrade neighborhood environments.
Residents in the surrounding area have reportedly raised concerns about abandoned vehicles and vessels occupying public property for extended periods. City officials say this enforcement action aims to maintain public access and safety standards on Portland’s streets.
Owners who wish to contest the seizure must act promptly. According to city procedures, an owner has 10 business days from the date of the pre-seizure notice to request a hearing from the enforcement agency. The request should include reasons why the vessel should not be classified as abandoned or derelict and may include supporting documentation such as proof of ownership or registration renewal.
If the enforcement agency denies the request, the owner can appeal to a Code Hearings Officer under Portland City Code Chapter 16.30. Appeals must be submitted online within 10 business days of the agency’s determination.
The City of Portland continues to monitor compliance as the Friday morning deadline approaches. If the vessel is not removed by the specified time, PBOT will proceed with towing and potential disposal under city and state regulations.
The City encourages any vessel owners with expired registrations or improperly parked boats to bring them into compliance to avoid similar enforcement actions in the future.
