5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Multnomah County swimming pool construction requires a building permit in all jurisdictions, issued by Portland BDS for Portland, each city's building department elsewhere, and Multnomah County Land Use & Transportation for unincorporated areas. Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Appendix G and OAR 918-480 govern design. Pools holding water over 24 inches deep require barrier, electrical, and final inspections.
All swimming pool barriers in unincorporated Multnomah County require a building permit. Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G requires minimum 4-foot barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Oregon Building Codes Division enforces statewide.
In-ground pools in unincorporated Multnomah County require building and electrical permits from Multnomah County Building Codes Division. Oregon Residential Specialty Code applies. Anti-entrapment requirements (Virginia Graeme Baker Act) are mandatory.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Multnomah County must meet ORSC Appendix G barrier requirements even if no structural building permit is required. Ladders/steps must be lockable or removable. Setbacks and lot coverage per county zoning code apply.
Hot tub installations in Multnomah County require an electrical permit for the 240V circuit and must comply with Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G if classified as a 'pool' (water deeper than 24 inches). A lockable ASTM F1346 safety cover may substitute for a fence on most spas. Setbacks follow underlying zoning; typical 3-5 ft from side property lines.
3 cities in Multnomah County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Multnomah County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Multnomah County Ordinance Hub →