Portland allows ADUs by-right in all residential zones under Portland City Code Title 33 (Zoning Code) Chapter 33.205. Up to two ADUs are permitted per single-family lot under Oregon HB 2001 and Portland's Residential Infill Project (RIP). Building permits from the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) are required, with streamlined ADU review and pre-approved plans available.
Portland was an early ADU pioneer and now allows the broadest by-right ADU production in Oregon. Portland Zoning Code Title 33 Chapter 33.205 permits ADUs in all residential zones (R20, R10, R7, R5, R2.5, RX, RM1, RM2). Each single-family lot may have up to two ADUs (e.g., one attached and one detached, or one interior conversion plus one detached) under Oregon HB 2001 (2019) and the Portland Residential Infill Project (effective August 2021). Maximum ADU size is 800 sq ft or 75% of the principal dwelling floor area, whichever is less. Maximum height is 20 feet for detached ADUs or matches main house for attached. Setbacks follow accessory structure standards (5 ft side and rear, 10 ft from primary structures). Building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are required from the Bureau of Development Services. Portland offers ADU Pre-Approved Plans through BDS to streamline review. SDC waivers ended in 2024 but additional cost relief continues.
Building or occupying an ADU without permits violates Title 33 and the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, triggering BDS stop-work orders, daily fines up to $1,000, and required removal or correction. Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work voids homeowner insurance. Code violations create title issues that affect property sales.
Portland, OR
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Portland, OR
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Portland, OR
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See how Portland's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
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