Accessory Structures in Portland, OR (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Portland allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on every single-dwelling residential lot under PCC 33.205. ADUs can be attached, internal (basement/attic conversion), or detached and may be up to 75% of the primary dwelling's living area or 800 sq ft, whichever is greater. No additional parking is required, no owner-occupancy is required, and System Development Charges are waived under PCC Title 17.13.
Portland ADU Rules (PCC 33.205)
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Portland allows ADUs by-right in all residential zones under Portland City Code Title 33 (Zoning Code) Chapter 33.205. Up to two ADUs are permitted per single-family lot under Oregon HB 2001 and Portland's Residential Infill Project (RIP). Building permits from the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) are required, with streamlined ADU review and pre-approved plans available.
Portland Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Portland's System Development Charge (SDC) waiver for ADUs ended December 31, 2023. As of 2024, ADUs pay SDCs based on size but typically at reduced rates compared to full-size dwellings. Standard SDCs cover transportation, parks, water, sewer, and stormwater. Permit fees through BDS apply separately. Total SDCs for a new ADU range from approximately $11,000 to $19,000.
Portland ADU System Development Charges (SDCs)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Portland removed the owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in 2017. Under current PCC 33.205, neither the primary home nor the ADU must be owner-occupied to obtain a permit. This made Portland one of the first U.S. cities to fully decouple ADUs from owner occupancy. Oregon HB 2001 (2019) and HB 2583 (2021) reinforced the policy statewide.
Portland ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule (Removed in 2017)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Portland ADUs can be rented for long-term residential use without owner-occupancy under Oregon HB 2001. Short-Term Rentals (under 30 days) are regulated by Portland City Code Title 33.207, requiring Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) permits. ASTR permits require host occupancy of the primary dwelling for at least 270 days per year, effectively limiting ADU STR use to owner-occupied properties.
Portland ADU Rental and Short-Term Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Portland exempts one-story accessory structures (sheds) of 200 square feet or less from a building permit under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, adopted via PCC Title 24. However, even permit-exempt sheds must meet PCC 33.110.250 setback rules (typically 5 ft side/rear) and the accessory-structure standards in PCC 33.110.255 limiting height to 15 feet and footprint to no more than 15% of the lot area in most residential zones.
Portland Shed Rules & Permits
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Portland requires a building permit and typically trade permits. If the conversion creates an independent unit with kitchen and bathroom, it qualifies as an ADU under Chapter 33.205. Off-street parking considerations apply.
Portland Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Portland allows open-sided carports as accessory structures in residential zones under PCC 33.110; carports in front yards must meet driveway standards and setbacks.
Carport Rules in Portland
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Portland is among the most ADU-friendly cities in the U.S.; tiny homes on foundations qualify as Accessory Dwelling Units under PCC 33.205 and Chapter 33.207, and tiny houses on wheels may park as recreational vehicles subject to time limits.
Tiny Home Rules in Portland
Few RestrictionsLooking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Accessory Structures in Multnomah County →