Native Plants: Gresham vs Portland
How do native plants rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham and Portland have similar restriction levels.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Multnomah County actively encourages native plant landscaping through the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. Portland Title 11 Trees and the Stormwater Management Manual require native or adapted species for certain applications. Oregon's xeriscape preemption under HB 2571 (2023) prohibits HOA bans on native plant landscapes.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Portland actively encourages native-plant and ecoroof landscaping through Bureau of Environmental Services and Bureau of Planning and Sustainability programs. PCC 33.248 (Landscaping and Screening) governs required landscaping for development, and Portland's Stormwater Management Manual mandates native or drought-adapted plants in vegetated stormwater facilities. Naturalistic and meadow landscapes are exempt from PCC 29.30 grass-height enforcement when maintained as intentional landscape.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| HOA Protection | ORS 94.776 (HB 2571) | - |
| Local Program | Backyard Habitat Cert | - |
| Street Trees | PCC 11.50.040 native list | - |
| EMSWCD | Native plant sale | - |
| Invasives | ODA noxious weed list | - |
| Landscape Code | - | PCC 33.248 (development landscaping) |
| Stormwater Mandate | - | Native plants in BES facilities |
| Certification Program | - | Backyard Habitat (BPS + Audubon) |
| Turf-Removal Mandate | - | None (voluntary) |
| Naturalistic Exemption | - | PCC 29.30 applies only to neglect |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Can my HOA require grass lawns instead of native plants?
No. ORS 94.776 (HB 2571, 2023) prohibits HOAs from banning native plant landscaping or xeriscaping. They may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions.
Who enforces native plants rules in Multnomah County?
Multnomah County's code enforcement division is responsible for landscaping ordinances. You can report violations or request information through the Multnomah County government website or by calling the main municipal line.
Portland FAQ
Can I replace my Portland lawn with native plants?
Yes — Portland actively encourages it. The Backyard Habitat Certification Program with Portland Audubon certifies yards using ≥50% native plants, and BES rain-garden programs may offer rebates. No permit is required for residential landscape conversion.
Will I get cited for a wild-looking native garden?
Not if it's intentional and maintained. PCC 29.30 targets neglected vacant-lot grass, not designed naturalistic landscapes. Backyard Habitat certification or other documentation helps if a neighbor complains.
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