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Marion County, OR Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Dwelling max height
35 feet
Accessory at lot line
9 feet
Accessory max height
35 feet
Farm buildings on farms
No height limit
Citation
MCC 17.117.030; 17.136.100(A)

Summary

Dwellings in Marion County's rural zones are capped at 35 feet. Accessory structures start at 9 feet at the lot line, rising one foot per foot of setback up to 35 feet. Farm buildings on farm parcels have no height limit.

City-specific rules exist: Salem has its own structure height limits rules that differ from Marion County's county-level regulations. If you live in Salem, check the city-specific page instead.

The maximum peak height of any residential accessory structure shall be nine feet at the lot line. Such maximum height may be increased one foot for each one foot of distance from the lot line to a maximum height of 35 feet. Roof drainage shall be accommodated within the confines of the property.

Full Breakdown

In the EFU and Acreage Residential zones, MCC 17.136.100(A) and 17.128.060(A) set maximum height at 35 feet for dwellings and for non-farm structures, while farm-related structures on farm parcels have no height limit. For residential accessory structures, MCC 17.117.030(A) uses a sliding scale: the maximum peak height is nine feet at the lot line, increasing one foot for each foot of distance from the lot line up to a 35-foot maximum, with roof drainage kept on-site. Accessory structures in EFU, SA, FT, or TC zones must keep a 20-foot setback from all property lines. Height exceptions in MCC 17.113.120 allow taller chimneys, towers, antennas, and steeples.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the height limit for your zone or structure type is a violation and may require redesign, lowering, or removal before final approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a shed be at the property line?
Nine feet at the lot line, gaining one foot of allowed height per foot of setback, up to 35 feet, under MCC 17.117.030(A).
Is there a height limit on farm barns?
No. Farm-related structures on farm parcels have no maximum height under MCC 17.136.100(A); only dwellings and non-farm structures are capped at 35 feet.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Marion County

All Marion County rules

Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon building setbacks & zoning overview

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Structure Height Limits in Cities Across Marion County