Shed Rules: Gresham vs Portland
How do shed rules rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham and Portland have similar restriction levels.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Small sheds under 200 square feet generally do not require a building permit in Gresham. Larger structures require permits and must meet setback requirements from the Development Code.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland exempts one-story accessory structures (sheds) of 200 square feet or less from a building permit under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, adopted via PCC Title 24. However, even permit-exempt sheds must meet PCC 33.110.250 setback rules (typically 5 ft side/rear) and the accessory-structure standards in PCC 33.110.255 limiting height to 15 feet and footprint to no more than 15% of the lot area in most residential zones.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| No Permit Needed | Under 200 sq ft | - |
| Permit Required | 200+ sq ft | - |
| Setbacks | Must comply with Development Code | - |
| Easements | Cannot build in easements | - |
| Permit-Exempt Size | - | ≤200 sq ft, one story |
| Setback (R zones) | - | 5 ft side/rear (PCC 33.110.250) |
| Max Height | - | 15 ft (PCC 33.110.255) |
| Combined Footprint | - | ≤15% of lot area |
| Electrical/Plumbing | - | Separate permits required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Gresham?
Sheds under 200 square feet generally do not require a permit. Larger structures do.
How close to the property line can I put a shed in Gresham?
Sheds must comply with setback requirements in the Development Code, which vary by zone.
Portland FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard shed in Portland?
Not a building permit if it's one story and 200 sq ft or less, per Oregon Residential Specialty Code R105.2 as adopted in PCC Title 24. But you still must meet 5-ft setbacks, 15-ft height limit, and the 15% lot-coverage cap under PCC 33.110.255.
How close to the property line can my Portland shed sit?
Five feet from side and rear property lines in standard single-dwelling (R5/R7/R10) zones under PCC 33.110.250. The shed must also be at least 5 ft from the main house and cannot extend into a required front yard.
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