Gresham's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Gresham, Oregon, there are 4 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.

Carport Rules

Gresham Community Development Code Section 7.0420 (Design Standards for Single Detached, Duplex, Triplex and Quadplex) treats carports as accessory structures that face the street. Attached and detached garages and carports facing the street may not exceed 50 percent of the street frontage, must be set back at least 4 feet behind the street-facing wall closest to the street, and the front-yard driveway width is limited to the carport width. Building permits are administered under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.

Key details: Code Section: CDC 7.0420. Street Frontage Cap: 50% (garages + carports). Street-Wall Setback: 4 ft behind. Driveway Width: = carport width (front yard). Building Code: Oregon Residential Specialty Code.

Building a carport that exceeds the 50 percent street-frontage limit, fails the 4-foot setback behind the street-facing wall, or has a front-yard driveway wider than the carport, or that is built without the required Oregon Residential Specialty Code building permit, violates Section 7.0420. Code Compliance and Urban Design and Planning can issue stop-work orders, require relocation or removal at the owner's expense, and pursue enforcement under the Gresham Revised Code with civil fines.

ADU Rules

Gresham allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential zones per Oregon state law (HB 2001). One ADU is permitted per lot. ADUs must meet development code standards for size, setbacks, and parking.

Key details: Allowed: One per single-family lot. Size: Up to 800 sq ft typically. Types: Attached or detached. State Law: Oregon HB 2001.

Unpermitted ADUs face enforcement action. Non-compliant structures must be brought up to code.

Shed Rules

Small sheds under 200 square feet generally do not require a building permit in Gresham. Larger structures require permits and must meet setback requirements from the Development Code.

Key details: No Permit Needed: Under 200 sq ft. Permit Required: 200+ sq ft. Setbacks: Must comply with Development Code. Easements: Cannot build in easements.

Unpermitted structures over the threshold must be retroactively permitted or removed.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Gresham gives residents more flexibility on shed rules.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in Gresham require building permits and must meet building code for habitable space. Converting a garage to living space may be treated as an ADU under Oregon law.

Key details: Permit: Required for all conversions. Building Code: Must meet habitable space standards. ADU: May qualify as ADU under Oregon law. Parking: Verify replacement parking needs.

Unpermitted conversions face code enforcement. The space may need to be restored or properly permitted.

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.