Multnomah County setbacks are governed by MCC Chapter 39 in unincorporated areas and by each city's zoning code in incorporated areas. Portland's Residential Zones (R2.5, R5, R7, R10, R20) under PCC Title 33.110 have front setbacks of 10-20 feet, side setbacks 5-10 feet, and rear setbacks 10-20 feet depending on zone. Portland's Residential Infill Project (2021) modified front/side setbacks to allow duplexes and middle housing.
Portland City Code Title 33 Chapter 33.110 (Single-Dwelling Zones) establishes setbacks for R20/R10/R7/R5/R2.5 residential zones. Typical standards: front setback matches 'building line' based on neighboring structures (often 10-20 feet), side setbacks are 5 feet minimum but typically averaged against building height, and rear setbacks are 5-10 feet. The Residential Infill Project (RIP) adopted in 2021 and effective August 2021 modified setbacks to facilitate duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes under Oregon HB 2001 middle housing mandates. Portland's Base Zone Setbacks often allow corner lots special treatment, and eaves/cornices/awnings can encroach up to 2 feet into required setbacks. Gresham Development Code Article 5 sets LDR/MDR/HDR setbacks typically 15/5/15 feet. Troutdale and Fairview have similar patterns. Unincorporated Multnomah County MCC 39.4500 establishes setbacks for Rural Residential (30/10/30 typical) and MUA-20/EFU zones (larger). Variances require an adjustment application with notice to neighbors and Planning Commission hearing. Exclusive Farm Use and Commercial Forest Use parcels have larger minimum setbacks to protect farm/forest operations. Building permits verify setback compliance at plan review and final inspection.
Building within required setback: stop-work order plus PCC 33.730 civil penalty $500 to $5,000. Portland after-the-fact zoning adjustment: base fee ~$2,500 plus double permit fees. Required structure removal if adjustment denied. Enforcement liens on non-compliant property.
Gresham, OR
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Gresham, OR
Gresham permits construction activities between 7 AM and 10 PM per GRC §7.20. Construction noise outside these hours is prohibited in residential areas.
Gresham, OR
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...
Gresham, OR
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Gresham, OR
Gresham requires driveways to meet development code standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or extend into the public right-of-way. Driveway modificatio...
Gresham, OR
Gresham restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles and heavy equipment may not be stored in residential areas.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how Gresham's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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