Permit Requirements: Gresham vs Portland
How do permit requirements rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham and Portland have similar restriction levels.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Most residential fences in Gresham do not require a building permit if they meet standard height limits. Fences on or near property lines should verify placement with a survey.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland does NOT require a building permit for fences 7 feet tall or less in residential zones — this is one of the city's most permissive features. PCC 24.10 (adopting the Oregon Residential Specialty Code) and the Bureau of Development Services exempt residential fences up to 7 ft from building-permit review. However, fences must still meet PCC 33.110.255 height limits (3.5 ft front, 8 ft side/rear) and vision-clearance rules under PCC 33.266.220.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Fences | No permit needed | - |
| Permit Required | Over-height, masonry, retaining walls | - |
| Property Line | Can build on the line | - |
| Recommendation | Get a survey first | - |
| Permit-Exempt Height | - | ≤7 ft residential |
| Permit Required Over | - | 7 ft (plus zoning adjustment over 8 ft) |
| Retaining Wall Trigger | - | Over 4 ft (ORSC R404) |
| Vision Clearance | - | PCC 33.266.220 — 2.5 ft in sight triangles |
| Permit Agency | - | Portland BDS |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Gresham?
Standard fences within height limits do not require a permit. Over-height, masonry, and retaining wall fences do.
Can I build a fence on the property line in Gresham?
Yes, fencing can be placed on the property line. A survey is recommended to confirm the exact boundary.
Portland FAQ
Do I need a fence permit in Portland?
No, not for residential fences 7 ft or less. The Oregon Residential Specialty Code (adopted via PCC Title 24) exempts them from a building permit. Zoning rules (PCC 33.110.255) still apply: 3.5 ft front, 8 ft side/rear.
What about retaining walls in Portland?
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall (measured from footing bottom to top) require a building permit through BDS, including engineered drawings under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code. Walls 4 ft and under are exempt unless they support a surcharge load.
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