Multnomah County, OR Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)
Key Facts
- Investigation trigger
- Health Officer or Sheriff becomes aware
- Standard notice period
- 30 days to abate
- Appeal window
- 7 days to request hearing
- Emergency nuisance
- Immediate abatement, notice follows
- County abatement surcharge
- 25% of abatement cost added
Summary
Multnomah County residents can report suspected nuisances, stagnant water, dead animal carcasses, abandoned vehicles, unsecured vacant buildings, to the Health Officer or Sheriff, who investigates and can order abatement within 30 days under County Code § 15.230.
(C) An investigation may be conducted whenever the Health Officer or Sheriff becomes aware that a nuisance exists.
(D) Whenever it appears there is reasonable cause to believe that a nuisance exists, the Health Officer or Sheriff shall provide written notice to the owner of the existence of the nuisance and shall demand abatement within 30 days from the date of the written notice, or such lesser time as may be set by the Health Officer or Sheriff to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The notice shall describe with reasonable certainty the property, the nature of the nuisance and the action necessary to abate the nuisance, and shall inform the owner of the owner's rights under §§ 15.231 and 15.232, and the procedure by which the owner may contact the notice provider for more information.
(E) In an emergency, the Health Officer or Sheriff may order immediate abatement of a nuisance. The Health Officer or Sheriff shall give notice of the requirement for immediate abatement to the owner.
(F) In an emergency, and in lieu of action under division (E) of this section, the Health Officer or Sheriff may proceed with immediate abatement of the nuisance. The Health Officer or Sheriff shall then immediately send written notice of abatement to the owner of the property.
(G) In a situation in which the property owner has refused to abate a nuisance, or has taken or threatened action that gives the Health Officer prob- (S-1 2025)
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County's Nuisance Control Law covers stagnant water, uncontrolled weeds, dead animal carcasses, abandoned vehicles, unsecured vacant buildings and a dozen other listed conditions, and it applies to both unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county, including Portland, under § 15.225. To report one, contact the county Health Officer or Sheriff, who may open an investigation whenever either becomes aware a nuisance exists. If reasonable cause is found, the county mails the owner written notice demanding abatement within 30 days, or orders immediate abatement if the condition is an emergency. Owners who miss the deadline face county-initiated abatement, a 25% cost surcharge, and a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Owners who ignore a 30-day abatement notice violate the subchapter and commit a county offense under ORS 203.810; the county can then abate the nuisance itself, bill the owner for the cost plus a 25% administrative surcharge, and file a lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a nuisance in Multnomah County?
What happens if the property owner doesn't fix it?
Does this cover properties inside Portland?
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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