Grass Height Limits: Gresham vs Portland
How do grass height limits rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham and Portland have similar restriction levels.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Gresham requires property owners to maintain vegetation. Grass and weeds exceeding 10 inches trigger code compliance action. Properties must not create a nuisance or fire hazard.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland regulates overgrown grass and weeds under PCC 29.20.040 ('Nuisances Affecting the Public Health') and PCC 29.30 (Tall Grass and Weed Abatement Program). Vegetation over 10 inches in height, or that creates a fire or pedestrian-visibility hazard, can be declared a nuisance by Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS). Owners receive a notice to abate within a set period or BDS will hire a contractor to cut and bill the cost to the property as a tax lien.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 10 inches | - |
| Enforcement | Code Compliance division | - |
| Process | Notice, deadline, then citation | - |
| Abatement | City may mow and charge owner | - |
| Code Section | - | PCC 29.30 (Tall Grass and Weed Abatement) |
| Height Trigger | - | Generally 10 inches |
| Notice Period | - | 30 days standard; 10 days fire-season |
| City Abatement Cost | - | $400-$1,000 + lien |
| Enforcing Agency | - | Portland BDS |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
How tall can grass be in Gresham before getting a violation?
Grass and weeds exceeding 10 inches trigger code compliance action. Property owners receive notice and a deadline to comply.
Can the city mow my lawn in Gresham?
Yes. If you fail to comply after notice, the city may abate the nuisance and charge the cost to the property owner.
Portland FAQ
How tall can my grass legally be in Portland?
Under PCC 29.30, grass over 10 inches can trigger a nuisance notice from BDS. Native meadows and pollinator gardens that are intentionally maintained are exempt, but neglected lawns and vacant lots are routinely cited.
What happens if I don't mow after a city notice?
BDS will hire a contractor to cut the grass under PCC 29.40, charge the property owner $400-$1,000 plus a $100 inspection fee, and place a lien on the property if unpaid. Repeat violations can trigger up to $1,000/day in civil fines.
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