Multnomah County, OR Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- MCC § 39.1500-39.1565 (Enforcement Code)
- Enforcing office
- Code Compliance Specialists, Dept. of Community Services
- Fine range
- $45 to $3,500 per violation, per day
- Appeal deadline
- 14 days from Notice of Violation service
- Unpaid debt
- Becomes a County Clerk lien after 60 days
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Multnomah County only
Summary
Unincorporated Multnomah County enforces zoning, land division and road-rule violations through Code Compliance Specialists under MCC 39.1500-39.1565. Fines run $45 to $3,500 per day of noncompliance, and a Notice of Violation carries a 14-day window to request an appeal hearing before a Compliance Hearings Officer.
§ 39.1510 VIOLATIONS. Any use of land, land division, adjustment to property boundaries, work within a County right-of-way, or other activity by a person in violation of any provision of: (A) MCC Chapters 39, 29.001 through 29.207 and 29.500 through 29.583; Multnomah County Road Rules or the terms and conditions of any permit issued under those code provisions; or (B) Any statute adopted by the Oregon Legislature and those land use planning goals and rules of the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) that apply directly to the County through ORS 197.646 may be subject to enforcement and fines as provided in this Enforcement Code. § 39.1560 CIVIL FINE. Violations as defined in MCC 39.1510 may be subject to fines and liens. Fines may be assessed for each violation each day. (A) The maximum fines per violation shall not exceed $3,500 for each day of noncompliance; the minimum fine per violation shall not be less than $45 for each day of noncompliance.
Full Breakdown
646. 1525, which sets required corrective action, a compliance deadline, and any applicable fines before or after a Notice of Violation issues. 1530, it must state the respondent's name and address, the location and nature of the violation (including the specific code section), the relief sought, and the fine imposed; the respondent can admit the violation by paying the fine and correcting it, though payment alone does not excuse the underlying correction. An appeal must be filed with the CCS in writing, with the appeal fee, within 14 days of service. 1545. 1540. 1555).
Violations & Fines
Fines accrue per violation, per day of noncompliance: $45 minimum up to $3,500 maximum daily under MCC § 39.1560(A). Beyond civil fines, a Hearings Officer's order can compel permits, inspections, repairs, or reimbursement of the county's actual remediation, administrative and attorney costs (§ 39.1550(C)(2)). Fines, fees and costs unpaid within 60 days become a recorded lien against the property under § 39.1555(A), and the county may also sue to collect any civil fine, fee or cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a zoning code violation in unincorporated Multnomah County?
How long do I have to appeal a Notice of Violation?
How much can the county fine me for a zoning violation?
Can I avoid a fine by fixing the problem myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon code violation reporting overview
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