Multnomah County, OR Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Multnomah County's own dock rule lives only in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area overlay (MCC Chapter 38) and applies solely within the Scenic Area boundary along the Gorge, not countywide and not in Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview or Wood Village. There, a new private dock or boathouse serving one family and one property tops out at 120 square feet; one serving more than one family and property tops out at 200 square feet. Boathouses are allowed only as accessories to a dwelling on a navigable river or lake, and any new dock or boathouse must meet the chapter's standards protecting scenic, cultural, natural and recreation resources. Public docks open to public use may also be allowed. Outside the Scenic Area boundary, the County Code carries no equivalent dock-size standard.