Fencing Requirements: Gresham vs Portland
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham and Portland have similar restriction levels.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Gresham requires swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per Oregon building code. Pool barriers must prevent unsupervised child access.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Residential swimming pool barriers in Portland are governed by Appendix G of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (adopted via PCC Title 24) and the Oregon Swimming Pool, Spa and Sauna code (ORS 448.005 et seq., OAR 333-060). Any pool, spa, or hot tub deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates and no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere. Permit review is by Portland BDS.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Barrier Height | 48 inches minimum | - |
| Gates | Self-closing, self-latching | - |
| Openings | No gaps larger than 4 inches | - |
| Hot Tubs | Locking cover or barrier required | - |
| Authority | - | ORSC Appendix G adopted via PCC Title 24 |
| Trigger Depth | - | 24 inches |
| Minimum Barrier Height | - | 48 inches from grade |
| Gate | - | Self-closing + self-latching, opens outward |
| Spa Alternative | - | ASTM F1346 lockable cover |
| Permit Agency | - | Portland BDS |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Do I need a fence around my pool in Gresham?
Yes. A barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates is required around all swimming pools.
Do above-ground pools need fencing in Gresham?
If pool walls are at least 48 inches, they may serve as the barrier, but access points (ladders, steps) must be secured.
Portland FAQ
Does a Portland hot tub need a fence?
Not necessarily — a hot tub or spa qualifies if equipped with a safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 (lockable, child-resistant), per ORSC Appendix G AG105. Otherwise, the same 48-inch barrier rules that apply to pools also apply.
What's the minimum pool fence height in Portland?
48 inches measured from outside grade, under Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G as adopted in PCC Title 24. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward; gaps must not pass a 4-inch sphere.
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