Shed permit rules in Portland, OR — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Portland exempts one-story accessory structures (sheds) of 200 square feet or less from a building permit under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, adopted via PCC Title 24. However, even permit-exempt sheds must meet PCC 33.110.250 setback rules (typically 5 ft side/rear) and the accessory-structure standards in PCC 33.110.255 limiting height to 15 feet and footprint to no more than 15% of the lot area in most residential zones.
Portland adopts the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) through PCC Title 24. Section R105.2 of the ORSC, as adopted in Portland, exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 sq ft or less from a building permit, provided they're not used for habitation. The exemption is from the BUILDING permit — the zoning code (PCC 33.110) still applies: in single-dwelling (R) zones the structure must meet a 5-foot side and rear setback, sit no closer than 5 ft from the main dwelling, be no taller than 15 ft (or 1 story), and the combined footprint of all accessory structures cannot exceed 15% of the lot area (PCC 33.110.250-255). Sheds over 200 sq ft require a full building permit through Portland BDS, including foundation and structural review. Electrical or plumbing service to any shed (even under 200 sq ft) requires separate trade permits. Shipping-container 'sheds' are allowed if they meet the same zoning rules but typically require a building permit because of unconventional structural review.
Building a shed over 200 sq ft without a building permit is a violation under PCC 24.10 with double-fee retroactive permitting and stop-work orders. Setback or height violations are enforced under PCC 33.700 with civil penalties starting at $250/day and required modification or removal. Wiring a shed without an electrical permit is enforced separately by BDS Electrical.
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must remain...
Portland, OR
Portland has no specific city ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay on the property and not...
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety and nuisance standards apply. Historic Conserv...
Portland, OR
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Portland require Bureau of Development Services permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Portland, OR
Residential outdoor smokers (offset, pellet, kamado, vertical) are legal in Portland under the cooking-fire exemption to PCC 31.16, but persistent smoke that...
Portland, OR
Portland adopts the Oregon Fire Code (2022 edition based on IFC 2021) through PCC 31.16. Under IFC §308.1.4, propane (LPG) and charcoal grills are prohibited...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how other cities in Multnomah County handle shed rules.
See how Portland's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.