Multnomah County, OR Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MCC Section 39.8500(E)(7)
- Applies to
- Marijuana Business perimeter fences only
- Banned materials
- Plastic sheeting, polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl coated polyester
- Banned features
- Electrified, barbed wire, razor wire, anti-climb spikes
- Max fence extent
- 20 feet beyond business activity area
Summary
Fences enclosing a marijuana business in unincorporated Multnomah County cannot use plastic sheeting, knitted polyethylene, woven polypropylene, or vinyl coated polyester, and cannot be electrified or carry barbed wire, razor wire, or anti-climb spikes.
(b) Shall not be electrified, use barbed wire, razor wire, concertina coils, anti-climb spikes or any other similar security feature designed to discourage ingress through the potential of causing bodily harm.
(c) Shall not include plastic sheeting, knitted polyethylene, woven polypropylene, vinyl coated polyester, or similar materials.
(d) No variance, adjustment, deviation or any other modification to these fencing standards is allowed.
(S-1 2022)
8-18
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code Section 39.8500(E)(7) regulates fences around Marijuana Business sites permitted in unincorporated county zones like Exclusive Farm Use and Multiple Use Agriculture. The fence must stay within 20 feet of the outer edge of production, processing, parking, loading, and storage areas. It cannot be electrified or use barbed wire, razor wire, concertina coils, or anti-climb spikes, and cannot be built from plastic sheeting, knitted polyethylene, woven polypropylene, vinyl coated polyester, or similar materials. No variance, adjustment, or deviation from these fencing standards is allowed. This is separate from Portland's own code and does not apply to ordinary residential or agricultural fencing elsewhere in the county.
Violations & Fines
Violations go through the county's land use Enforcement Code (MCC 39.1500-39.1565): Code Compliance Specialists issue a notice of violation, and noncompliance can bring a civil fine plus fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fence-materials rule apply to my backyard fence in Portland?
What fence materials are banned around a marijuana business?
Can the county waive these fencing standards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon fence regulations overview
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