6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Multnomah County Zoning Code Chapter 39 limits fences in unincorporated residential areas. Front setback fences are generally limited to 3.5 feet; side and rear fences up to 7 feet (permit required over 7 feet). Clear vision requirements apply at intersections.
Fences over 7 feet in unincorporated Multnomah County require a building permit. Standard residential fences under 7 feet generally do not require a permit. Swimming pool barriers always require a permit. Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G applies to pool barriers.
Multnomah County follows Oregon's boundary fence statute (ORS 97.130). No county-specific fence cost-sharing ordinance exists. Property surveys recommended before building near boundaries. Disputes are civil matters; Oregon courts enforce ORS 97.130.
Multnomah County requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in exposed height or any wall retaining a surcharge (slope, driveway, structure) under MCC 38.0535 and the Oregon Residential Specialty Code. Portland BDS permits walls over 4 feet under PCC 24.10 and requires engineered plans. Portland's landslide-prone West Hills zones trigger additional geotechnical review.
Pool barriers in Multnomah County must comply with the Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G and OAR 918-480: minimum 48-inch fence, self-closing self-latching gates, 2-inch max ground clearance, and openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Building permits and inspections are required through county or Portland BDS.
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.
3 cities in Multnomah County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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