Moving to Gresham, OR? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Gresham is a mid-sized city in Multnomah County, Oregon, with about 114000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 38 ordinances across 11 categories that affect daily life in Gresham.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Gresham restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles and heavy equipment may not be stored in residential areas..

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Gresham for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Taxes & Fees: Gresham requires STR operators to collect and remit the transient lodging tax on stays of fewer than 30 days. Multnomah County also levies a tourist development tax..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Insurance Requirements (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Gresham for details.

Accessory Structures

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.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Gresham for details.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Gresham allows home occupations in residential zones under the Development Code. Businesses must be secondary to the residential use and not change the character of the neighborhood..

Also covered: Signage Rules (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Gresham for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Gresham requires dogs to be leashed when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under control at all times in public areas.

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (permissive), Exotic Pets (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Gresham for details.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: Most residential fences in Gresham do not require a building permit if they meet standard height limits. Fences on or near property lines should verify placement with a survey..

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Gresham for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Gresham regulates tree removal through its Development Code. Significant trees may require a permit before removal.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Gresham for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Gresham Revised Code §7.20 regulates noise. Residential areas must not exceed 50 dBA between 10 PM and 7 AM, or 60 dBA between 7 AM and 10 PM at the property line..

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Gresham for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Gresham follows Oregon state law restricting fireworks. Only state-approved fireworks are legal.

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Outdoor Burning (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Gresham for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Gresham requires swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per Oregon building code. Pool barriers must prevent unsupervised child access..

Also covered: Safety Rules (strict), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Gresham for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Gresham participates in the NFIP and regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. Properties in the floodplain have strict building requirements including elevation certificates and flood-resistant construction..

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Gresham. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.