Along a public right-of-way, Marion County measures fence height from the sidewalk, or the curb, or the finished shoulder grade if neither exists. All other fences are measured from the finished grade where they sit (MCC 17.117.090).
Beyond the 8-foot and 48-inch caps in MCC 17.117.080, the Rural Zoning Code fixes exactly how height is measured so builders and inspectors agree. MCC 17.117.090 states that fences, walls, and hedges along a public right-of-way are measured from and along the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, from the curb; and if there is no curb, from the finished shoulder grade of the right-of-way. Every other fence is measured from the finished grade upon which it sits. This prevents adding height by mounding soil. Fences must also stay clear of vision-obstruction zones near street corners and driveways under Public Works sight-distance standards.
A fence that exceeds the limit once measured by the code method is nonconforming and may be ordered lowered or removed by the county.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
marion-county-or
Marion County has no ordinance banning backyard composting, and no permit is needed for a home compost pile. It must not become a nuisance, attract rodents o...
marion-county-or
Marion County has no ordinance banning or specifically regulating residential artificial turf. Installation on private property is generally allowed. Check d...
marion-county-or
Marion County does not require any particular plants and does not ban native or xeric landscaping. Ornamental landscape grasses that are not a fire or traffi...
marion-county-or
Oregon law lets you collect rain and snowmelt from a rooftop or other artificial impervious surface without a water right. Marion County has no ordinance ban...
marion-county-or
Marion County itself sets no residential watering schedule. In Salem, the Public Works Director may curtail water use whenever a supply shortage or emergency...
marion-county-or
All of Marion County outside city limits is a weed control district. Landowners must destroy designated noxious weeds and stop them from seeding. Inside the ...
See how Marion County's fence requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.