Gresham, OR Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- GCDC § 9.0410(A)(2)(b)
- Base height limit
- 6 feet
- Grade-difference allowance
- 6 ft above highest grade
- Measured from
- Within 5 ft of boundary
Summary
Where a grade difference between neighboring lots would leave a standard 6-foot fence too short for real privacy, Gresham lets homeowners build up to 6 feet above the highest grade within 5 feet of the shared boundary line.
All other fencing shall not exceed 6 feet in height when measured from grade unless: a. It is provided for in the Buffering and Screening requirements of Section 9.0100; or
City of Gresham Development Code
[9.0400]-1
(06/26)
b. There is a grade difference between two sites which would make a 6-foot-high fence inadequate to provide for privacy. Such fence shall be no higher than 6 feet above the highest grade within 5 feet of the common boundary line (see Figure 9.0410); or
c. To provide added security for a non-residential use. Figure 9.0410: Fence Heights with a Grade Difference
B. In the Pleasant Valley and Springwater Plan Districts for single detached dwellings and middle housing, the maximum height of a fence along an alley lot line shall be 6 feet provided that the maximum height of sight-obscuring fencing shall be 4 feet and that above 4 feet, the fencing shall be at least 40 percent open.
Full Breakdown
Development Code Section 9.0410 caps most residential fencing at 6 feet, but a flat 6-foot limit can fail on sloped lots. If the grade difference between two properties would make a 6-foot fence inadequate to provide privacy, the code allows the fence to rise up to 6 feet above the highest grade measured within 5 feet of the common boundary line, rather than 6 feet from the lower side's grade. The allowance applies in the LDR-5, LDR-7, TLDR, TR, MDR-12 and MDR-24 districts, plus single detached dwellings and middle housing in the Pleasant Valley and Springwater Plan Districts.
Violations & Fines
A fence built taller than the code allows for its grade condition is a Development Code violation the Manager can require the owner to lower or reconstruct, with continued noncompliance subject to civil enforcement under GRC Article 7.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Gresham fence be taller than 6 feet for privacy on a sloped lot?
Does the height allowance apply everywhere in Gresham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
How Gresham compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle height limits.