Gresham's Business Licensing & Operations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles business licensing & operations 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.
Secondhand Dealers
Gresham requires secondhand and precious-metal dealers to hold a police-issued permit under GRC Article 9.15, with daily transaction reports and a 30-day hold on regulated property before resale.
Key details: Governing law: GRC Article 9.15. Issuing authority: Gresham Chief of Police. Resale hold: 30 days on regulated items. Reporting: Daily electronic transaction reports.
Operating as a secondhand or precious-metal dealer without a permit, falsifying an application, selling regulated property before the 30-day hold expires, or refusing a records inspection violates GRC Article 9.15 and can trigger permit denial, suspension or revocation.
This is one of the stricter rules in Gresham's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Gresham outright bans vehicle repair, maintenance, or dismantling, along with vehicle sales and industrial activity, as a home occupation, so a home-based auto repair shop cannot get a permit or business license.
Key details: Prohibited: Vehicle repair, maintenance, dismantling. Also banned: Vehicle sales, industrial uses. Variance available: No, not variance-eligible. Basis: Section 10.0506.
Operating a vehicle repair, dismantling, or sales business from a residence violates Section 10.0506's outright prohibition; the City Manager can revoke any home occupation permit and the associated business license under Section 10.0508.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Gresham actively enforces its auto repair on residential property requirements.
Towing Companies
A Gresham lot owner may only have a vehicle towed by a company holding a city-issued PPI Tower's License, and every non-consent tow needs compliant lot signage, written owner authorization, and a call to police before the truck moves.
Key details: License required: PPI Tower's License, renewed annually. Authorization needed: written owner consent, ORS 98.812/98.830. Before towing: photo evidence and police notice required. Return-in-time rule: must stop, Release-at-Scene fee only. Applies to: private parking facilities citywide.
Towing without a current PPI license, adequate signage, or the required police notification can cost a tower its license and expose it to city enforcement under GRC Article 9.75; a vehicle owner who returns before hookup is complete is owed a stop and may only be charged a Release-at-Scene fee.
Compared to other cities, Gresham takes a harder line on towing companies. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Massage Establishments
Gresham requires every massage business to hold a City business license under GRC Article 9.11, on top of the state OBMT permit, and bars operation between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Key details: Governing law: GRC Article 9.11. License needed: City license, separate from OBMT. Operating hours: Banned 10 p.m.-6 a.m.. Enacted: Ord. 1858, October 2, 2025.
Operating without the required City business license, misrepresenting an application, evading a compliance inspection, or running services outside the 10 p.m.-6 a.m. window is unlawful under GRC 9.11.055 and 9.11.060, enforceable under GRC 7.50 and 9.99.
Compared to other cities, Gresham takes a harder line on massage establishments. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Gresham is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Gresham, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
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.