Multnomah County, OR Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- School buffer
- 1,000 feet minimum
- Park buffer
- None specified in county code
- EFU zone measurement
- From school line to canopy/structure
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated county only, not Portland
- Enforcement
- Code Compliance Specialist issues Notice of Violation
Summary
Unincorporated Multnomah County requires every Marijuana Business, production, processing, wholesaling, dispensing or retailing, to sit at least 1,000 feet from any public or private school. Portland sets its own cannabis zoning and is not covered by this county rule.
A Marijuana Business shall be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from a public or private school.
(a) The measurement in the Exclusive Farm Use base zone shall be made using a straight line (S-1 2022)
extending horizontally from the closest school property line to the closest part of any canopy area or building or structure used for marijuana production or marijuana processing.
(b) The measurement in all other base zones shall be made using a straight line extending horizontally from the closest point anywhere on
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code § 39.8500(E)(1) sets a flat 1,000-foot buffer between any Marijuana Business and the nearest public or private school property line. In the Exclusive Farm Use zone the distance runs from the school line to the closest marijuana canopy, building or structure; in every other base zone it runs from the school line to the closest point on the marijuana business's own property line. The Code sets no separate buffer tied to parks: only the school distance is mandated. This applies to unincorporated county land only; Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village regulate cannabis siting under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
A Code Compliance Specialist issues a Notice of Violation for a Marijuana Business sited without the required school buffer, can order abatement, and may pursue fines under the county's Enforcement Code (MCC 39.1510-39.1530).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Multnomah County require a buffer from parks for cannabis businesses?
Does this school buffer apply inside Portland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon cannabis regulations overview
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