Shed permit rules in Portland, OR β also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations β 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 β 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.
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