Material Restrictions: Gresham vs Portland
How do material restrictions rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Portland has fewer restrictions than Gresham.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Multnomah County fence material rules are set in MCC Chapter 39 (Zoning) for unincorporated areas, and by each city's zoning code for incorporated areas. Standard residential materials include cedar, vinyl, wrought iron, and tubular steel. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Portland's historic districts and design overlay zones add material and finish requirements.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland generally allows wood, vinyl, composite, chain-link, and masonry fences citywide; barbed wire and electric fences are restricted to industrial zones and design districts can add material rules.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | MCC 39.3090 | - |
| Portland Code | PCC Title 33.140 | - |
| Common | Cedar, vinyl, wrought iron | - |
| Prohibited | Barbed/razor wire residential | - |
| Historic | Design review required | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Can I install a chain-link fence in Portland?
Yes, chain-link is allowed in most zones under PCC 33.140, but not in historic districts or along designated pedestrian streets without approval.
Are electric fences legal?
Only on parcels zoned for agriculture or with a specific security permit. They require a building permit and must comply with Oregon Electrical Code.
Portland FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Gresham and Portland compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool