Gresham's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Gresham, Oregon, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

ADU Rules

Gresham allows one Accessory Dwelling per single detached dwelling, capped at 900 square feet or 75 percent of the primary home's floor area, whichever is smaller, under Development Code Section 10.0110.

Key details: Units allowed: One ADU per single detached dwelling. Size cap: 900 sq ft or 75% of primary. Review track: Type I administrative application. Density: Doesn't count toward most density limits.

Applications that miss the standards in Section 10.0110 don't get administrative approval: the applicant must instead pursue Variance review under Section 10.1500 before building.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Gresham's Development Code flatly bars Accessory Dwellings from being used as short-term rentals, closing off a popular way homeowners elsewhere convert ADUs into vacation rental income.

Key details: Rule: ADUs banned from short-term rental use. Scope: No exceptions by underlying zone. Cross-reference: GRC Article 9.56. Permitted use: Long-term residential occupancy only.

Using an Accessory Dwelling as a short-term rental violates its approval conditions and can trigger code enforcement action, including citation or revocation of the ADU's occupancy approval.

Compared to other cities, Gresham takes a harder line on adu rental restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Shed & Carport Rules

Gresham's Development Code sets sliding setbacks for backyard sheds and other detached accessory structures based on size, from 3 feet for small sheds up to full zoning-district setbacks for structures over 500 square feet.

Key details: Small shed setback: 3 ft (under 200 sq ft). Mid-size shed setback: 5 ft (200-499 sq ft). Large shed (500-1,000 sq ft): Matches underlying district setback. Very large sheds (1,000+ sq ft): Only allowed on lots over 1 acre. Placement rule: Not closer to street than house.

A shed placed too close to a lot line, ahead of the house's front wall, or set on a permanent foundation within the 5-foot moveable zone doesn't conform and must be relocated or rebuilt to meet Section 10.0203.

The Bottom Line

Gresham's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Gresham is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Gresham's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.