Todd Goldenfarb

Portland City Council Monday night voted to require a 750-foot buffer between large performance hall venues, which, unless the decision is challenged, means the proposed Live Nation Portland Music Hall cannot be built in close proximity to Merrill Auditorium.

A proposal to require an enhanced buffer zone between large entertainment venues found no support Tuesday night from the Portland Planning Board. City Council will make the final decision.

If approved, a buffer zone between large music venues in the downtown district is predicted to derail the Live Nation Portland Music Hall project.

Portland City Council has extended the moratorium on the construction of new large performance venues in the downtown district for another 180 days — further stalling development of the controversial Portland Music Hall.

Opponents of the Live Nation Music Hall are calling for a buffer zone from residential areas.

Portland City Council has voted to amend the city code to direct a percentage of ticket prices from large venues to support the local arts community.

Further city action on Mile Marker Investments’ proposed 3,300-seat music hall on Cumberland Avenue in Portland was postponed, possibly until March 2026.

In a marathon City Council meeting on Monday, the council voted 6-3 in favor of a 180-day restriction on the development of performance venues with 2,000 seats or more.

Addressing a potential moratorium on certain music venues, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce released a statement Friday urging City Council to reject any such retroactive measure.