Gresham, OR Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- over 4 feet in height
- Measured
- footing bottom to wall top
- Also triggers
- within 2x height of a building
- Adopted standard
- Oregon Structural Specialty Code
- Reviewed by
- City Building Official
Summary
Gresham requires a building permit for any retaining wall taller than 4 feet, measured from footing to top, and for any wall built within twice its own height of a building, under the adopted structural code.
(f) Retaining Walls:
(i) Retaining walls over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.
(ii) Retaining walls located adjacent to a building or structure a distance of no more than 2 times the height of the wall. (Ord. No. 1822, Amended, 11/08/2021; Ord. No. 1756, Amended, 08/20/2015; Ord. No. 1607, Repealed/Replaced, 07/21/2005; Ord. No. 1424, Enacted, 07/17/1997; Ord. No. 1490, Amended, 01/18/2000) 10.05.060 Adoption of the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code. The Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR Chapter 918, as amended or revised by the State of Oregon, and except as modified in this code, is adopted and enforced as part of GRC Article 10.05. (Ord. No. 1756, Amended, 08/20/2015; Ord. No. 1607, Repealed/Replaced, 07/21/2005; Ord. No. 1424, Enacted, 07/17/1997) 10.05.070 Adoption of the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code. The Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR Chapter 918, as amended or revised by the State of Oregon, and except as modified in this code, is adopted and enforced as part of GRC Article 10.05. (Ord. No. 1756, Amended, 08/20/2015; Ord. No. 1607, Repealed/Replaced, 07/21/2005; Ord. No. 1424, Enacted, 07/17/1997)
(10) 4
GRESHAM REVISED CODE
10.05.080 Adoption of the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
GRC 10.05.050(5)(f) singles out retaining walls for permit review under the Oregon Structural Specialty Code as adopted for GRC Article 10.05. A permit is required once a wall exceeds 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and separately whenever a wall of any height is built closer to a building or structure than twice the wall's own height, because of the added load and drainage risk near a structure. The Building Official reviews and issues these permits.
Violations & Fines
Building or replacing a retaining wall past the 4-foot threshold, or too close to a structure, without a permit is enforced by the Building Official under GRC Article 10.05 and can require correction, retrofit, or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a short retaining wall in my yard?
Why would a short wall near my house still need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
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Retaining Walls in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle retaining walls.