Gresham, OR Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- PPI Tower's License, renewed annually
- Authorization needed
- written owner consent, ORS 98.812/98.830
- Before towing
- photo evidence and police notice required
- Return-in-time rule
- must stop, Release-at-Scene fee only
- Applies to
- private parking facilities citywide
Summary
A Gresham lot owner may only have a vehicle towed by a company holding a city-issued PPI Tower's License, and every non-consent tow needs compliant lot signage, written owner authorization, and a call to police before the truck moves.
No tower shall tow or store vehicles towed from private parking facilities unless the tower has a PPI Tower's License issued by the manager.
(2) The manager shall issue a license when the application has been approved and the required insurance certificate has been submitted.
(3) Application for a PPI Tower's License shall be made annually to the manager. Licenses issued under this PPI Code shall run concurrently with the tower's business license. The renewal date for the license shall be the same as for the tower's business license and shall expire unless renewed.
(4) PPI Tower's License is not transferable. (Ord. No. 1701, Enacted, 03/03/2011) 9.75.040 Application.
(1) Application for a PPI Tower's License shall be made on a form approved by the manager. The application shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
(a) The legal business name, address, address of all storage facilities, telephone
numbers, fax numbers, email address and emergency contact phone number.
(b) Names of all owners, part-owners, partners, principal parties, officers, directors, agents, investors or any other persons having a financial interest in the applicant's business.
(c) Names of owner or employee who is responsible for complaint resolution.
(d) List of business owners, vehicle owners, drivers and any staff having contact with vehicles including the following information:
(i) first, middle, and last name;
(ii) date of birth;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Gresham Revised Code Article 9.75, the Private Property Impound (PPI) Code, bars any tower from towing or storing vehicles from a private parking facility without a PPI Tower's License issued by the manager and renewed annually alongside the tower's business license. A tow is only lawful if the facility has compliant signage, no one occupies the vehicle, and the facility owner has given written authorization under ORS 98.812 and 98.830. Towers must photograph the vehicle and signage before hookup and notify the Police Records Division by phone before towing.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a current PPI license, adequate signage, or the required police notification can cost a tower its license and expose it to city enforcement under GRC Article 9.75; a vehicle owner who returns before hookup is complete is owed a stop and may only be charged a Release-at-Scene fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Gresham apartment complex tow my car without warning?
What if I get back to my car before the tow truck leaves?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Towing Companies in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle towing companies.