Portland, OR Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

B. Required setbacks. The required setbacks for buildings and garage entrances are stated in Table 110-4. The walls of the garage structure are subject to the front, side, and rear building setbacks stated in Table 110-4. The minimum setbacks for institutional uses are stated in 33.110.270, Institutional Development Standards. Other setbacks may apply to specific types of development or situations.

C. Extensions into required building setbacks.

1. The following features of a building may extend into a required building setback up to 20 percent of the depth of the setback. However, the feature must be at least three feet from a lot line:

a. Chimneys, fireplace inserts and vents, mechanical equipment, and fire escapes;

b. Water collection cisterns and stormwater planters that do not meet the standard of Paragraph C.3;

c. Decks, stairways, wheelchair ramps and uncovered balconies that do not meet the standards of Paragraph C.3; and

d. Bays and bay windows that meet the following requirements:

(1) Each bay and bay window may be up to 12 feet long, but the total area of all bays and bay windows on a building facade cannot be more than 30 percent of the area of the facade;

(2) At least 30 percent of the area of each bay which faces the property line requiring the setback must be glazing or glass block; and

(3) Bays and bay windows must cantilever beyond the foundation of the building.