Gresham's Building Setbacks & Zoning: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles building setbacks & zoning 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.

Structure Height Limits

Gresham caps homes and townhouses in its standard residential districts at 35 feet under Development Code Table 4.0130.

Key details: Max height: 35 ft.. Districts: LDR-5, LDR-7, TR, TLDR. Applies to: houses and townhouses. Height bonus: affordable housing, § 10.1700.

Construction exceeding 35 feet without an approved affordable-housing bonus or applicable modification is a Development Code violation; Gresham's Planning and Development Services division can deny or condition building permits and require correction of nonconforming construction.

Lot Coverage Limits

Gresham caps building lot coverage at 50 percent in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning district under Table 4.0230, with additional on-site activity limits applying under Section 4.0231.

Key details: Max lot coverage: 50%. District: Neighborhood Commercial (NC). Outdoor business area cap: 5% of site. Enclosed activity minimum: 95% of business use.

A site plan exceeding the 50% lot coverage cap cannot receive development permit approval in the NC district; applicants must redesign the site or seek relief through Gresham's Adjustment process before building.

Setback Rules

In Gresham's Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning district, Table 4.0230 of the Development Code sets a 20-foot front setback, a 0-foot interior side setback, a 0-to-15-foot corner side setback, and no required rear setback for new commercial development.

Key details: Front setback: 20 feet. Interior side setback: 0 feet. Corner side setback: 0-15 feet. Rear setback: 0 feet. District: Neighborhood Commercial (NC).

Building permits are denied for site plans that do not meet Table 4.0230's setback minimums; a variance requires a Type II Adjustment application reviewed by Gresham's Development Services Division before construction can proceed.

The Bottom Line

Gresham's building setbacks & zoning 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.

Keep in mind that Gresham can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.