Public Health Rules in Portland, OR (2026)
5 verified public health rules for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
Multnomah County does NOT use an A/B/C letter grading system. Portland restaurants are inspected by Multnomah County Environmental Health under OAR 333-150 (food sanitation rules), receive a numerical score starting at 100, and post a pass/fail placard at the entrance. A score of 70 or higher is a pass. Full inspection reports are publicly searchable online.
Portland Restaurant Inspection Scores (Multnomah County Pass/Fail Placard)
Some RestrictionsRodent Control
Portland City Code Title 29 makes property owners responsible for rodent abatement on their lots. After a complaint, BDS issues a notice giving 14 days to bait, trap, and seal entry points before escalating to a code enforcement lien.
Property owners must abate rats within 14 days
Some RestrictionsBed-Bug Rules
Portland does not have a city-specific bed bug ordinance. Bed bug remediation in rental housing is governed by Oregon's statewide habitability statute (ORS 90.320), Multnomah County Code Chapter 21 (housing standards), and the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC Section 308) adopted by Multnomah County. Landlords of multi-unit dwellings are generally responsible for treatment costs when an infestation is documented and is not solely caused by the tenant.
Portland Bed Bug Rules (Multnomah County and Oregon Landlord-Tenant Law)
Some RestrictionsSyringe Disposal
Portland operates one of Oregon's oldest syringe exchange programs through Multnomah County Health Department's Harm Reduction Clinic at 12425 NE Glisan Street, plus a mobile van. Used syringes can be exchanged for sterile ones at no cost under Oregon's syringe access statute (ORS 433.045). The county also installs needle drop boxes at parks and transit centers for free public disposal.
Portland Syringe Disposal (Multnomah County Harm Reduction Program)
Few RestrictionsFood Handler Certification
All food workers in Portland must obtain an Oregon food handler card within 30 days of hire under Oregon Administrative Rule OAR 333-175 and ORS 624.570. The card is administered locally by Multnomah County Environmental Health and is valid statewide for three years. The current fee is $10, and applicants must pass an open-book exam covering food safety basics.
Portland Food Handler Card (Multnomah County / OAR 333-175)
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Public Health Rules in Multnomah County →