What Does Parking Lot Striping Cost in Portland?
Portland's dense commercial corridors along 82nd Avenue, the Pearl District, and outer Southeast create heavy demand for parking lot striping services. Property managers across Multnomah County rely on professional striping to maintain ADA compliance and maximize parking capacity in a city where space is at a premium.
Portland property managers can expect per-space restriping costs that vary significantly based on lot size, surface condition, and project complexity. Industry sources have historically reported baseline ranges of $4–$8 per parking space for standard restriping, though actual costs in the current market frequently run 2 to 3 times higher for complex projects. Similarly, industry baselines for a 100-space full lot restripe have historically been reported around $700 and $1,200, while new layout striping — which includes measuring, planning, and painting a lot for the first time or completely redesigning an existing layout — has been baselined around $1,100 to $1,800 for the same size lot. Your actual cost will depend on surface condition, paint type, lot complexity, and ADA requirements.
Whether you manage a retail center, office building, church, or apartment complex in Multnomah County, understanding the cost breakdown helps you budget accurately and compare contractor quotes with confidence.
Portland Parking Lot Striping Prices: Detailed Breakdown
Per-Space Restriping
Industry baseline ranges shown below. Actual costs vary and may be significantly higher based on surface condition, paint type, layout complexity, and current market conditions.
| Lot Size | Spaces | Industry Baseline Range | Per Space (Baseline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small lot | 20–50 spaces | $450–$750 | $4.00–$8.00 |
| Medium lot | 50–100 spaces | $700–$1,200 | $3.75–$7.50 |
| Large lot | 100–200 spaces | $1,200–$2,200 | $3.50–$7.00 |
Per-space pricing decreases as lot size increases because mobilization and setup costs are spread across more spaces.
Per-Linear-Foot Pricing
Baseline industry ranges. Actual per-foot costs depend on paint type, surface condition, and project scope.
| Line Type | Industry Baseline per LF |
|---|---|
| Standard 4-inch parking lines | $0.30–$0.60 |
| Curb painting (red/yellow/white) | $0.40–$0.75 |
| Directional arrows (each) | $25–$50 |
| Stencils (RESERVED, NO PARKING, etc.) | $30–$75 each |
Linear-foot pricing is commonly used for drive aisles, fire lanes, and roadway markings rather than individual parking spaces.
New Layout Striping (First-Time or Full Redesign)
Industry baseline ranges. New layouts involve measurement, planning, and ADA compliance work that significantly affects final cost.
| Lot Size | Spaces | Industry Baseline Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small lot | 20–50 spaces | $650–$1,100 |
| Medium lot | 50–100 spaces | $1,100–$1,800 |
| Large lot | 100–200 spaces | $1,800–$3,200 |
New layout striping costs 40 to 60 percent more than restriping because it includes lot measurement, space planning, ADA layout compliance, and precise chalk-line layout before any paint is applied.
ADA-Compliant Spaces and Fire Lanes
ADA-compliant spaces cost significantly more due to specific dimension requirements, specialized stenciling, and signage. Industry baselines shown below — actual costs vary.
| Service | Industry Baseline Range |
|---|---|
| ADA-compliant space (complete) | $250–$450 per space |
| ADA access aisle marking | $75–$150 each |
| ADA signage (post + sign) | $150–$250 each |
| Fire lane striping (per linear foot) | $2.50–$5.00 |
| Fire lane curb painting | $3.00–$5.75 per LF |
ADA spaces cost more because they require specific dimensions (van-accessible at 8 feet wide with an 8-foot access aisle, or standard at 8 feet with a 5-foot aisle), blue paint, the International Symbol of Accessibility stencil, and proper signage. Oregon requires specific parking lot striping regulations that all Portland properties must follow.
Factors That Affect Striping Cost in Portland
Lot Condition and Surface Prep
Asphalt in good condition accepts paint immediately. Lots with cracks, oil stains, potholes, or deteriorated surfaces need cleaning and repair before striping can begin. Surface prep can add meaningfully to your project cost depending on severity — in some cases doubling or tripling the base striping price. Pairing striping with sealcoating? See our sealcoating and striping package for bundled pricing.
Paint Type and Durability
- Water-based latex traffic paint — Most common, lowest cost, lasts 12 to 24 months in Portland conditions
- Oil-based traffic paint — Better adhesion, 20 to 30 percent more expensive, lasts 18 to 30 months
- Thermoplastic — Premium option, 2 to 3 times the cost of latex, lasts 3 to 5 years with heavy traffic
- Reflective glass beads — Added to any paint type for a modest per-linear-foot upcharge, improves nighttime visibility
Number of Spaces and Lot Complexity
Portland's frequent rain means water-based traffic paint can struggle with adhesion if applied during damp conditions. Reputable contractors use fast-dry latex or thermoplastic materials rated for the Pacific Northwest climate. Urban lots in the Pearl District and downtown often require night or early-morning work to avoid disrupting business hours.
Simple rectangular lots with standard 90-degree spaces are the most cost-effective to stripe. Angled spaces, curved drive aisles, multi-level parking, and lots with numerous directional arrows and stencils increase labor time and cost.
Timing and Scheduling
Striping season in Portland runs from late spring through early fall when temperatures stay above 50°F and rain probability is low. Summer bookings fill quickly — scheduling in spring for early summer work often secures better availability and pricing.
Current Market Reality
The industry baseline ranges shown above reflect historically reported averages from national surveys and contractor databases. In practice, actual project costs in Portland and throughout Oregon frequently exceed these baselines by 2 to 3 times or more, depending on:
- Project complexity — Lots with angled spaces, multiple access points, complex traffic flow patterns, or multi-level parking require significantly more labor
- Surface condition — Lots needing extensive prep work (crack filling, oil spot treatment, old paint removal) add substantially to the base cost
- ADA compliance scope — Bringing an older lot into full ADA compliance can be the most expensive component of any striping project
- Material upgrades — Thermoplastic, epoxy, and reflective materials cost multiples of standard water-based paint
- Market conditions — Contractor availability, fuel costs, and material pricing fluctuate seasonally and year-over-year
Published price ranges should be used as a starting reference point, not a budget target. Always get a site-specific quote based on your lot's actual condition and requirements.
How Portland Compares to Nearby Cities
Striping costs vary across Oregon based on local market conditions, contractor availability, and regional cost of living. Nationally, industry sources have historically reported per-space restriping baselines ranging from as low as $2 for large, simple lots in low-cost markets to $15 or more per space in high-cost metro areas with complex layouts. Portland pricing falls within the broader Oregon range, influenced by local contractor competition, travel distance, and lot complexity. However, actual project costs in today's market frequently exceed published baselines — the most accurate way to compare is to request quotes from contractors who regularly serve your area.
For property managers who also need driveway maintenance, see our driveway sealcoating cost in Portland guide for local pricing. If you are restriping after a fresh sealcoat, our guide on parking lot striping after sealcoat covers timing and best practices.
What Your Contractor Can't See Until Work Begins
Even experienced contractors encounter surprises once striping work starts. Here are the most common hidden conditions that affect your final cost:
- Surface condition under existing paint — Old paint may be peeling or flaking beneath the visible layer, requiring scraping or grinding before new paint can adhere
- Oil saturation in the asphalt — Vehicle fluid leaks can saturate pavement in ways that are not visible until paint fails to bond properly
- Pavement cracks affecting adhesion — Hairline cracks and alligator cracking beneath faded lines may not be apparent until the old paint is removed
- Drainage patterns that wash paint — Low spots and poor drainage can direct water flow across freshly painted lines, causing premature wear or wash-off
- Previous sealcoat condition — Old or improperly applied sealcoat can create a surface that rejects new paint, requiring additional surface preparation
- Subsurface deterioration — Soft spots, base failures, and subsurface moisture can cause paint to crack and peel within weeks of application
- Unexpected ADA compliance issues — Existing ADA spaces may not meet current standards, requiring reconfiguration rather than simple restriping
These hidden factors are why a professional site assessment matters more than any price chart. A contractor who measures your lot and evaluates the surface will give you a far more accurate quote than any industry average.
When to Restripe Your Portland Parking Lot
Signs your lot needs restriping:
- Lines are faded to 50 percent visibility or less
- ADA markings are no longer clearly defined
- Drivers consistently park outside the lines
- You have received a code enforcement or ADA compliance notice
- Your lot was recently sealcoated and needs fresh lines
For a deeper understanding of striping fundamentals, read our line striping basics guide. Property managers planning a complete lot refresh should review our parking lot striping complete guide for the full process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking lot striping cost in Portland, Oregon?
Industry sources have historically reported baseline ranges of $4–$8 per space for standard restriping. A 100-space lot has been baselined at $700 to $1,200 for restriping, or $1,100 to $1,800 for a completely new layout. ADA-compliant spaces have been baselined at $250 to $450 each including the access aisle and stencil. However, actual costs in the current market frequently exceed these baselines — the best way to get an accurate number for your Portland property is to request a site-specific quote.
How often should a parking lot be restriped in Portland?
Most Portland lots need restriping every 18 to 24 months with standard water-based paint. High-traffic retail lots may need annual touch-ups. Lots using thermoplastic markings can go 3 to 5 years between applications. Lots restriped after a fresh sealcoat tend to last longer because the smooth, dark surface provides better paint adhesion and contrast.
Is it cheaper to restripe or do a full new layout?
Restriping an existing layout costs 40 to 60 percent less than a new layout because the contractor follows existing lines without measurement and planning. However, if your lot has never been professionally laid out, a new layout often maximizes your space count and ensures ADA compliance — paying for itself through better space utilization.
What is the best time of year to stripe a parking lot in Portland?
Late spring through early fall provides the best conditions — dry weather, temperatures above 50°F, and enough daylight for quality work. Booking in spring for early summer application often secures better pricing and scheduling flexibility before the peak season rush.
Does parking lot striping include ADA compliance?
Standard restriping refreshes existing ADA markings but does not evaluate whether your lot meets current ADA requirements. A full ADA compliance review — including space count, dimensions, signage, and access aisle placement — is a separate service that should be part of any new layout project. Portland properties must comply with both federal ADA standards and Oregon's parking lot striping regulations.
Get Your Portland Parking Lot Striping Quote
Stop estimating — get an accurate quote based on your actual lot size, condition, and requirements. Cojo Excavation & Asphalt provides free, no-obligation striping estimates for Portland property managers, business owners, and HOAs. We measure your lot, assess the surface condition, and deliver a transparent quote with no hidden fees.
Request a free striping estimate — we respond within 24 hours.
View our completed striping projects to see the quality of work Portland property managers expect. Learn more about our full range of professional striping services and how we help Multnomah County businesses maintain safe, compliant, and professional-looking parking facilities.