Multnomah County, OR Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 35 feet (RR zone)
- Exempt structures
- Barns, silos, antennas 30 ft. from lines
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only, not Portland
- Fine range
- $45-$3,500 per day of violation
- Citation
- MCC § 39.4375(C)
Summary
In unincorporated Multnomah County's Rural Residential zone, homes are capped at 35 feet, though barns, silos, windmills, and antennas are exempt from the cap when set back 30 feet from property lines. Portland sets its own separate rules.
Maximum Structure Height – 35 feet Minimum Front Lot Line Length – 50 feet. ... Structures such as barns, silos, windmills, antennae, chimneys, or similar structures may exceed the height requirement if located at least 30 feet from any property line.
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code § 39.4375(C) caps structures in the Rural Residential (RR) base zone, the county's standard rural-residential zone outside cities, at 35 feet. Section 39.4375(E) exempts barns, silos, windmills, antennas, and chimneys from that ceiling if they stand at least 30 feet from any property line. The same 35-foot limit applies in the county's EFU, CFU, and MUA-20 base zones. Violations of the Zoning Code carry fines of $45 to $3,500 per day under § 39.1560(A), enforced by the county's Community Services Director. This rule covers only unincorporated county land; Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village apply their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Building over 35 feet without qualifying as an exempt structure risks a Notice of Violation from Multnomah County's Community Services Director, with fines from $45 to $3,500 per day until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in unincorporated Multnomah County?
Can a barn or silo be taller than 35 feet?
Does this rule apply inside Portland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon building setbacks & zoning overview
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