Property Maintenance in Portland, OR (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
Portland City Code Chapter 29.40 declares any structure that endangers life, health, or safety a "dangerous structure," and the City Administrator can order repair, vacation, or demolition, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property.
Dangerous Building Abatement in Portland
Heavy RestrictionsPortland City Code § 29.40.030
All structures or portions of them that are determined after inspection by the City Administrator to be dangerous as defined in this Title are declared to be public nuisances and will be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal in accordance with the procedures specified in this Title. If the City Administrator determines that a structure is dangerous, as defined by this Title, ...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Portland requires owners of any unimproved lot to keep weeds and lawn grass under 10 inches, or the city abates it and bills the owner.
Portland Vacant Lot Weed Rules
Some RestrictionsPortland City Code § 29.20.010(F)
It is the responsibility of the owner of any property, improved or unimproved, to maintain the outdoor areas of the property and adjacent rights of way in a manner that complies with the following requirements: ... F. Overgrown lawn areas. Cut and remove and keep cut and removed all weeds and grass that are located in lawn areas and have a prevailing height of more than 10 inches.
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
Portland property owners and occupants must clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their land at all times, with no grace period, and are liable for injuries or City costs from failure to do so.
Portland Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Duty
Some RestrictionsPortland City Code § 17.28.025
A. The owners and occupants of land adjacent to any street in Portland are responsible for snow and ice removal from sidewalks abutting or immediately adjacent to such land, notwithstanding any time limitations. B. Property owners and occupants are liable for any and all damages to any person who is injured or otherwise suffers damage resulting from failure to remove snow and/or ice accumulati...
Looking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Property Maintenance in Multnomah County →