Portland, OR Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Wood fence exemption
- up to 7 feet, no permit
- Masonry/concrete exemption
- up to 4 feet, no permit
- Field fencing exemption
- up to 8 feet, no permit
- Pool barriers
- always require a permit
- Permitting agency
- Portland Permitting & Development
Summary
Portland requires a building permit to build a fence unless it falls under a height exemption: wood fences up to 7 feet, masonry or concrete walls up to 4 feet, and woven-wire or chain-link field fencing up to 8 feet are exempt.
Fences constructed of wood and similar materials not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high, fences constructed of masonry, concrete and similar materials not over 4 feet high, and typical field fencing not over 8 feet (2438 mm) high when constructed of woven wire or chain link. Exception: all barriers around swimming pools require a permit.
2. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, except where the retaining wall supports ascending slopes exceeding 3:1 or where the retaining wall supports a nonsoil surcharge.
3. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
4. Swings and other playground equipment.
5. Ground mounted photovoltaic systems 10 feet (3038 mm) or less in height measured to the highest point of the installation when no public access is permitted beneath the structures.
Full Breakdown
Fences are a regulated structure under Portland City Code Title 24 and need a permit from Portland Permitting & Development unless they qualify for the exemption in Section 24.10.072.B.1: wood or similar fences up to 7 feet high, masonry/concrete fences up to 4 feet, and woven-wire or chain-link field fencing up to 8 feet. Any fence or barrier around a swimming pool needs a permit regardless of height. In single-dwelling zones, Title 33 Section 33.110.275 separately caps fence height at 3-1/2 feet in required front setbacks and 8 feet in required side or rear setbacks, on top of whatever permit exemption applies.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a fence in violation of Title 24 or Title 33 is unlawful; the City Administrator can issue a stop-work order and require correction, removal, or termination of the noncompliant structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a backyard fence in Portland need a permit?
Is a pool fence exempt from Portland's fence permit rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon fence regulations overview
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