Multnomah County fence material rules are set in MCC Chapter 39 (Zoning) for unincorporated areas, and by each city's zoning code for incorporated areas. Standard residential materials include cedar, vinyl, wrought iron, and tubular steel. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Portland's historic districts and design overlay zones add material and finish requirements.
Fence materials in unincorporated Multnomah County are governed by Multnomah County Code (MCC) Chapter 39 Zoning, with material standards varying by Rural Residential (RR), Multiple Use Agriculture (MUA-20), Commercial Forest Use (CFU), and Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zones. Residential zones allow wood (cedar is common given Oregon's wet climate), composite, vinyl, chain-link, wrought iron, and tubular steel. Chain-link is permitted but often discouraged for front yards in subdivision CC&Rs. Barbed wire, razor wire, and concertina are prohibited in residential and rural residential zones under MCC 39.3090; agricultural parcels may use barbed wire above 6 feet if the lower portion is non-barbed. In Portland, Title 33 (Planning and Zoning) Chapter 33.140 governs fence materials, and the city's Historic Resource Inventory protects materials in historic districts such as Lair Hill, Alphabet, and Ladd's Addition (where wrought iron, picket, and period wood are favored). Gresham Development Code Article 4 and Troutdale Code Title 6 contain similar lists. Electrified fences require a building permit and are limited to agricultural parcels or permitted security applications. Oregon Building Codes Division OAR 918-480 still applies to pool barrier fences regardless of material.
Non-compliant materials: Notice of Violation with correction deadline (typically 30 days). Portland Title 33 enforcement: $100 to $1,000 per day per PCC 33.730. Barbed wire in residential zones: removal order plus $100 to $500 fine. Electric fences without permit: immediate de-energize order and permit fees.
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Gresham, OR
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how Gresham's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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