Fence Regulations in Portland, OR (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Portland's residential fence height limits are set in PCC 33.110.255. Fences in front building setbacks (typically the front yard) are limited to 3.5 feet, side and rear yard fences are limited to 8 feet, and fences in side street setbacks on corner lots are limited to 6 feet. Fences over the height limit require a Type II adjustment under PCC 33.805. Vision-clearance triangles at driveways and corners further restrict height to 2.5 feet under PCC 33.266.220.
Portland Fence Height Limits (PCC 33.110.255)
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Portland does NOT require a building permit for fences 7 feet tall or less in residential zones — this is one of the city's most permissive features. PCC 24.10 (adopting the Oregon Residential Specialty Code) and the Bureau of Development Services exempt residential fences up to 7 ft from building-permit review. However, fences must still meet PCC 33.110.255 height limits (3.5 ft front, 8 ft side/rear) and vision-clearance rules under PCC 33.266.220.
Portland Fence Permit Requirements
Few RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Portland follows Oregon's boundary fence statute (ORS 97.130). Responsibility for shared boundary fences is governed by state law. Oregon does not mandate cost-sharing by default, but neighbors can negotiate shared fence agreements. Property surveys are recommended before fence installation.
Portland Neighbor Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Portland requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall, or any wall supporting a surcharge, under PCC Title 24.
Retaining Wall Rules in Portland
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Portland follows the Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix V requiring 48-inch barriers, self-closing gates, and approved safety covers for residential swimming pools.
Pool Barrier Rules in Portland
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Portland limits residential fences to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3.5 feet in front yards under PCC 33.110.250, with no permit required below those heights.
Fence Requirements in Portland
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Portland generally allows wood, vinyl, composite, chain-link, and masonry fences citywide; barbed wire and electric fences are restricted to industrial zones and design districts can add material rules.
Fence Material Restrictions in Portland
Few RestrictionsLooking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Fence Regulations in Multnomah County →