Tiny Homes: Gresham vs Portland
How do tiny homes rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Portland has fewer restrictions than Gresham.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Multnomah County follows Oregon's state-leading ADU laws. Tiny homes on foundations qualify as ADUs under ORS 197.312 and Portland PCC 33.205 — up to 800 sq ft, no owner-occupancy or parking requirement per HB 2001 (2019). Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are regulated as park-model RVs under ORS 446 and limited to RV parks or as temporary dwellings under Portland PCC 33.296.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland is among the most ADU-friendly cities in the U.S.; tiny homes on foundations qualify as Accessory Dwelling Units under PCC 33.205 and Chapter 33.207, and tiny houses on wheels may park as recreational vehicles subject to time limits.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Law | ORS 197.312 | - |
| Portland Max | 2 ADUs per lot | - |
| Size Cap | 800 sq ft or 60% | - |
| Parking | Not required (HB 2001) | - |
| THOW | ORS 446 park model | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Can I put a tiny house in my Portland backyard?
Yes as an ADU up to 800 sq ft under PCC 33.205. Portland allows two ADUs per lot with no parking or owner-occupancy requirement. Tiny houses on wheels must be in an RV park or temporary construction placement.
Who enforces tiny homes rules in Multnomah County?
Multnomah County's code enforcement division is responsible for accessory structures ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Multnomah County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
Portland FAQ
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