Fence Regulations in Portland, OR (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Portland's single-dwelling zones, front-yard fences top out at 3-1/2 feet, while side and rear yard fences can go up to 8 feet under the zoning code.
Portland Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPortland City Code § 33.110.275
1. Front building setbacks. Fences up to 3-1/2 feet high are allowed in required front building setbacks, or between the front lot line and the front building line of the primary structure, whichever is less. 2. Side and rear building setbacks. a. Fences up to 8 feet high are allowed in required side or rear building setbacks that do not abut a pedestrian connection... 3. Exceptions for corner ...
Fence Permit Requirements
Portland requires a building permit to build a fence unless it falls under a height exemption: wood fences up to 7 feet, masonry or concrete walls up to 4 feet, and woven-wire or chain-link field fencing up to 8 feet are exempt.
Portland Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPortland City Code § 24.10.072.B.1
Fences constructed of wood and similar materials not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high, fences constructed of masonry, concrete and similar materials not over 4 feet high, and typical field fencing not over 8 feet (2438 mm) high when constructed of woven wire or chain link. Exception: all barriers around swimming pools require a permit. 2. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured ...
Retaining Walls
Portland requires a permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet tall, measured from the footing bottom to the wall top, and for any wall supporting a surcharge; engineered design is mandatory beyond that height.
Portland Retaining Wall Height & Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPortland City Code § 24.70.020(C)
Retaining walls. A permit is required and will be issued in accordance with Section 24.10.070 for all retaining walls over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and for retaining walls supporting a surcharge. D. Tree removal. Removal of trees six inches and larger in diameter will be reviewed with the clearing or grading permits as part of ...
Material Restrictions
Portland conditions barbed wire on fence height and placement, but bans battery-charged electric fences outright on residential property. Hardwired electric fencing is limited to industrial zones and needs an electrical permit.
Portland Barbed Wire and Electric Fence Rules
Significant RestrictionsPortland City Code §§ 24.60.020, 26.03.110
Hardwired electrical fences and obstructions are prohibited at all other locations. 3. Battery-charged fences may be located on property not zoned or used for residential use per conditions outlined in ORS 195.870. 4. Battery-charged fences are prohibited on property zoned or used for residential use. B. Standards for hardwired electrical fences. Hardwired electrical fences must comply with ...
Looking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Fence Regulations in Multnomah County →