Tiny home rules in Portland, OR — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Portland is among the most ADU-friendly cities in the U.S.; tiny homes on foundations qualify as Accessory Dwelling Units under PCC 33.205 and Chapter 33.207, and tiny houses on wheels may park as recreational vehicles subject to time limits.
Portland allows one Accessory Dwelling Unit on every single-family residential lot by right under PCC 33.205, including detached tiny homes up to 800 square feet. The city waives System Development Charges for qualifying ADUs used as long-term rentals, and Portland's ADU program is widely viewed as the most permissive in the nation. Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) do not qualify as ADUs; they can park on a driveway as recreational vehicles for up to 30 days or serve as temporary shelter under PCC 33.207 emergency shelter rules. Foundation-mounted tiny homes must meet Oregon Residential Specialty Code including Appendix Q. Up to two ADUs are allowed per lot under certain conditions.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Portland code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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...
See how Portland's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.