A Resident's Guide to Portland's Local Ordinances

As one of the larger cities in Oregon, Portland has a substantial set of local ordinances that govern everything from noise levels to what you can build in your backyard. With about 653000 residents, the city maintains 203 distinct rules across 44 categories. This guide gives you the big picture.

Short-Term Rentals

Night Caps: Portland Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Type A permits under PCC 33.207 allow whole-home rental for up to 95 nights per calendar year when the operator-owner is absent. Type B short-term rentals under PCC 33.208 require a conditional use review and have no general night cap but cannot operate in commercial/industrial zones since October 2024..

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (strict), Host Presence Rule (strict), Primary-Residence-Only Rule (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Portland for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Portland Parks & Recreation closes most city parks from midnight to 5 AM under Portland Parks rules. Parks are open to the public during designated hours, and after-hours access requires a special permit or reservation..

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (permissive). See the full curfew laws guide for Portland for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Portland City Code Title 18 (Noise Control) sets quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Also covered: Decibel Limits (moderate), Leaf Blower Rules (moderate), Outdoor Music (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Portland for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Residential swimming pool barriers in Portland are governed by Appendix G of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (adopted via PCC Title 24) and the Oregon Swimming Pool, Spa and Sauna code (ORS 448.005 et seq., OAR 333-060). Any pool, spa, or hot tub deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates and no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere.

Also covered: Pool Permits (strict), Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Portland for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Portland's home occupation rules at PCC 33.203 explicitly prohibit signs and external evidence of the home business. PCC 33.203.040(D) requires that home occupations 'show no exterior evidence' from off-site, which means no business signs, no window signs, no exterior lighting, no merchandise display, and no special parking signage.

Also covered: Home Occupation Permits (moderate), Cottage Food Operations (permissive), Home Daycare (moderate). See the full home business guide for Portland for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Portland follows the Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix V requiring 48-inch barriers, self-closing gates, and approved safety covers for residential swimming pools..

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Fence Requirements (moderate), Material Restrictions (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Portland for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Ordinances: Portland has one of the strictest tree codes in the U.S. under PCC Title 11 Urban Forestry; permits are required to remove trees over 6 inches DBH on private and public property..

Also covered: Urban Forest Equity (moderate), Parkway Planting (moderate), Protected Tree Species (strict). See the full tree protection guide for Portland for details.

Fire Regulations

Wildfire Zones: Portland's western edge — the West Hills, Forest Park boundary, and parts of Southwest Portland — is mapped as a Wildfire Hazard Zone under Oregon Senate Bill 762 (2021) and the Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map adopted in 2024. Homes in High and Extreme hazard zones must meet defensible-space and home-hardening standards under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code Section R327, enforced by Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS)..

Also covered: Brush Clearance (moderate), Backyard Fires (moderate), Propane Storage (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Portland for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Trimming: Portland regulates pruning under the same Tree Code (PCC Title 11) that governs removals. Pruning any street tree requires a free Urban Forestry permit under PCC 11.40.020, and pruning that removes more than 15% of the live crown of a street tree or designated Heritage Tree requires a full permit and ANSI A300 standards.

Also covered: Rainwater Harvesting (permissive), Weed Ordinances (moderate), Artificial Turf (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Portland for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Portland allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on every single-dwelling residential lot under PCC 33.205. ADUs can be attached, internal (basement/attic conversion), or detached and may be up to 75% of the primary dwelling's living area or 800 sq ft, whichever is greater.

Also covered: Tiny Homes (permissive), Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Impact Fees (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Portland for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Multnomah County Code 13.501 requires all dogs in Portland to be on a leash, chain, or other physical restraint not exceeding 8 feet when off the owner's private property, except inside Portland Parks & Recreation designated off-leash areas. A dog running at large is subject to impoundment under MCC 13.701 and a citation.

Also covered: Microchipping (permissive), Pet Limits (moderate), Coyote Management (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Portland for details.

Building Safety

Elevator Maintenance: Elevator installation, alteration, and inspection in Portland is regulated entirely by the State of Oregon, not the City. Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) within the Department of Consumer and Business Services administers the Oregon Elevator Specialty Code (OESC) and OAR 918-400.

Also covered: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (moderate), Lead Paint (strict), Green Building Code (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Portland for details.

Rental Property Rules

No-Fault Evictions: Portland City Code 30.01.085 requires landlords to pay relocation assistance of $2,900 to $4,500 (by bedroom count) when issuing a no-cause termination, a qualifying-landlord-reason termination, a non-renewal of a fixed-term lease, or a rent increase of 10% or more in any 12-month period. The duty was adopted in 2017 and made permanent in 2018..

Also covered: Relocation Assistance (strict), Source-of-Income Discrimination (strict), AB-1482 Notice Disclosure (moderate). See the full rental property rules guide for Portland for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

Sit-Lie Rules: Portland City Code 14A.50 (Camping Prohibited) prohibits camping on public property between specified hours and locations, with 2024 amendments adopted after Grants Pass v. Johnson restricting daytime camping in many areas.

Also covered: Encampment Sanitation (moderate), Bridge Housing Siting (moderate). See the full homelessness & encampment rules guide for Portland for details.

HOA Rules

Dispute Resolution: HOA disputes in Portland are governed by the Oregon Planned Community Act (ORS 94.550-94.783) for planned communities and the Oregon Condominium Act (ORS 100) for condominiums. Both statutes require boards to provide notice, hold open meetings, and allow members to inspect records.

Also covered: Architectural Review (moderate), Assessment & Dues (moderate), CC&R Enforcement (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for Portland for details.

Public Health Rules

Food Handler Certification: All food workers in Portland must obtain an Oregon food handler card within 30 days of hire under Oregon Administrative Rule OAR 333-175 and ORS 624.570. The card is administered locally by Multnomah County Environmental Health and is valid statewide for three years.

Also covered: Rodent Control (moderate), Syringe Disposal (permissive), Bed-Bug Rules (moderate). See the full public health rules guide for Portland for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Buffer Zones: Portland City Code 33.815 and OAR 845-025 require recreational cannabis retailers to sit at least 1000 feet from public and private K-12 schools. Portland adds a 1000-foot buffer between dispensaries to prevent clustering in commercial corridors..

Also covered: Commercial Cannabis Zoning (strict), Cannabis Delivery Rules (moderate), Personal Cultivation Limits (permissive). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Portland for details.

Single-Use Items

Plastic Bag Rules: Oregon House Bill 2509 (2019) created a statewide ban on single-use plastic checkout bags at all retail stores and restaurants, effective January 1, 2020. Retailers must charge at least 5 cents for paper bags, reusable plastic bags (4+ mils thick), or reusable fabric bags.

Also covered: Utensils-On-Request (moderate), Plastic Straw Rules (moderate), Polystyrene Foam Rules (strict). See the full single-use items guide for Portland for details.

Environmental Rules

Erosion Control: Portland City Code Title 10 establishes mandatory erosion and sediment control requirements for all ground-disturbing activities. The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) administers the program, requiring Erosion and Sediment Control Plans for construction sites.

Also covered: Sustainable Procurement (permissive), Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate), Cool Roof Requirements (permissive). See the full environmental rules guide for Portland for details.

Water Use Rules

Turf Replacement Rebates: Unlike many California cities, Portland does not operate a formal turf-replacement rebate program. The Portland Water Bureau focuses water-conservation outreach on free fixture rebates, leak detection, and education through its Watershed-Wise yard program.

Also covered: Lawn Watering Restrictions (permissive), Leak Reporting Duty (permissive). See the full water use rules guide for Portland for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Secondhand Dealers: Portland City Code Chapter 14B.90 requires any business that buys, sells, or takes pawn loans on 'regulated property' (precious metals, watches, electronics, firearms, tools, musical instruments, etc.) to obtain an annual secondhand dealer permit from Portland Revenue Division after a Portland Police Bureau background investigation. Pawnbrokers also need a state license from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation..

Also covered: Adult Entertainment (moderate), Tobacco Retail License (strict), Massage Establishments (moderate). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Portland for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Bike Lane Rules: PBOT manages an extensive bike network under Vision Zero, with protected lanes, neighborhood greenways, and the BIKETOWN bike-share system, regulating user behavior and lane access through Title 16 traffic code..

Public Conduct

Public Alcohol Use: Portland City Code 14A.50.010 prohibits consuming any alcoholic liquor (as defined in ORS 471.001) on public property, streets, sidewalks, or other public rights-of-way, and prohibits possessing an opened container of alcohol in those same places. Permitted sidewalk cafes (PCC 17.25) and OLCC-sanctioned street-closure events (PCC 17.44) are the only exceptions..

Also covered: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (moderate), Aggressive Panhandling (permissive), Skateboarding Rules (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Portland for details.

Local Taxes & Fees

Business Tax Classification: Portland residents over 18 with income above the federal poverty line owe a flat $35 Arts Tax annually under PCC 5.73, while businesses owe Portland Business License Tax and Multnomah County Business Income Tax..

Also covered: Parking Tax (moderate). See the full local taxes & fees guide for Portland for details.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, vehicles with 2+ rear axles) are generally prohibited from parking on residential streets in Portland except for up to 8 hours while loading/unloading. Commercial vehicles may not be stored on public streets as business property..

Also covered: EV Charging (moderate), Overnight Parking (moderate), Abandoned Vehicles (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Portland for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operations in Portland require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Portland's location within PDX Class C airspace means most commercial flights require LAANC authorization.

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Portland for details.

Street Vending

Vendor Permits: Street vendors in Portland need a PBOT right-of-way permit under PCC 17.42 to operate on public sidewalks or parks, plus a Multnomah County Environmental Health permit if selling food. Non-food merchandise vendors are also regulated under PCC 17.42 and may need a business license through Revenue Division.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate), Cart & Stand Rules (moderate). See the full street vending guide for Portland for details.

Holiday Decorations

Lawn Ornament Rules: Portland does not have a general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must remain within the property line and may not encroach on sidewalks.

Also covered: Holiday Light Rules (permissive), Inflatable Display Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Portland for details.

Outdoor Cooking

Smoker Rules: Residential outdoor smokers (offset, pellet, kamado, vertical) are legal in Portland under the cooking-fire exemption to PCC 31.16, but persistent smoke that drifts onto neighboring property may be cited as a public nuisance under Portland City Code Title 29 (Property Maintenance) and triggers Oregon DEQ air-quality complaints if smoke is opaque or frequent. Multi-family balcony restrictions under Oregon Fire Code §308.1.4 also apply to most smokers..

Also covered: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate), BBQ & Propane Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Portland for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC): Portland uses PCC 33.130 (Commercial/Mixed Use zones) and PCC 33.140 plan-district overlays to direct higher-density mixed-use development along MAX Light Rail and frequent-bus corridors. PCC 33.130.040 establishes the Center & Corridor concept, and station-area plan districts (Gateway, Lents, North Macadam, Central City) apply tailored FAR bonuses, reduced parking minimums, and affordable-housing requirements.

Also covered: Density Bonus Law (permissive). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Portland for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Portland's Transient Lodging Tax under PCC Chapter 6.04 is 6% of the room rent for any stay under 30 consecutive days. Multnomah County adds 5.5% (3% county + 2.5% Metro/Visitor Facilities Trust).

Immigration Policy

Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Portland is a sanctuary city under three layers of law: (1) Oregon's 1987 statewide sanctuary statute ORS 181A.820 (originally ORS 181.850), the first such law in the nation; (2) the 2021 Sanctuary Promise Act expanding statewide protections; and (3) Portland's own sanctuary code -- Council Resolution 37277 (2017) and Ordinance 192115 (2025) adding PCC Chapter 23.20, which codifies the city's commitment to non-cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement..

Employment Preemption

Minimum Wage Preemption: Oregon's three-tier minimum wage law (ORS 653.025, originally Senate Bill 1532 of 2016) sets a higher Portland Metro rate for work performed inside the urban growth boundary covering parts of Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The current rate (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026) is $15.45 per hour, increasing to $15.95 on July 1, 2026.

Also covered: Paid Leave Preemption (moderate). See the full employment preemption guide for Portland for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Vape Retail Rules: Vape and e-cigarette retailers in Portland must hold the Multnomah County Tobacco Retail License and comply with Oregon Tobacco 21 (ORS 167.755). Multnomah County's 2022 flavored-tobacco sales ban (Ordinance 1295) -- which would prohibit sale of flavored vape liquids -- has been STAYED by the Oregon Court of Appeals pending litigation, so flavored vape sales remain legal in Portland as of mid-2026..

Also covered: Tobacco Age Restrictions (strict). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Portland for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) issues electrical and (when needed) structural permits for residential solar PV systems through its Express Solar Permit program — most rooftop installations are reviewed and issued within 1-3 business days. Net metering with PGE or Pacific Power is governed by Oregon Public Utility Commission rules under ORS 757.612..

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Portland for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bulk Item Disposal: Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) administers residential garbage and recycling, but bulky-waste pickup is not included in the standard franchised service. Residents take large items to Metro's Central or South Transfer Stations, schedule paid bulky pickup with their assigned hauler, or use BPS-funded community cleanup events.

Also covered: Recycling Requirements (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Bin Placement Rules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Portland for details.

Filming & Production

Location Permits: Commercial film, television, and photography productions in Portland need a permit from the Portland Film Office (Office of Management & Finance) under Portland City Code 14B.110. The Film Office is a one-stop shop coordinating PBOT street closures, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Police Bureau security, and other city services.

Garage & Yard Sales

Frequency Limits: Portland limits residential garage sales to four per location per 12-month period under the secondhand dealer exemption in Chapter 14B.90. Each sale may last a maximum of 72 consecutive hours.

Also covered: Garage Sale Permits (permissive), Time Restrictions (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Portland for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Portland addresses property blight through Title 29 (Property Maintenance Regulations) and the Neighborhood Inspections program. The city enforces minimum property maintenance standards to prevent blight, including requirements for structural integrity, exterior maintenance, and elimination of nuisance conditions..

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (moderate), Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate), Trash Bin Storage (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Portland for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Portland's Title 32 (Signs and Related Regulations) governs temporary signs including garage sale signs. Temporary signs for garage sales are permitted in residential zones but must comply with size and placement restrictions.

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Political Signs (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Portland for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Portland addresses outdoor lighting through Title 33 (Planning and Zoning) development standards and Title 32 (Signs). While Portland does not have a standalone dark-sky ordinance, outdoor lighting for new development must be designed to minimize glare, light trespass, and sky glow.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Portland for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Portland food trucks (motorized mobile food units) need a Multnomah County Environmental Health Mobile Food Unit license, a Portland Bureau of Development Services plumbing review, a Portland Fire & Rescue inspection, and — if operating on the public right-of-way — a PBOT permit under PCC 17.42. Most operate on private-property pods rather than the public right-of-way..

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Portland for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

No-Knock Registry: Portland City Code Chapter 14B.30 regulates door-to-door commercial solicitors. Solicitors must obtain a Solicitor License from the Portland City Revenue Division, may not solicit before 9:00 a.m.

Also covered: Solicitor Permits (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Portland for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: Portland's Title 33 (Planning and Zoning) establishes setback requirements for all zones. Setbacks vary by zone designation, lot size, and building type.

Also covered: Structure Height Limits (strict), Lot Coverage Limits (strict). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Portland for details.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Portland, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Portland's city hall or code enforcement office.