Portland requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet from bottom of footing to top of wall, or any wall supporting a surcharge, under PCC Title 24.
PCC Title 24 and the Oregon Residential Specialty Code require a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or any wall supporting a surcharge such as a driveway or sloped fill. Walls under 4 feet in simple conditions may be exempt but must still meet setback and drainage rules. Walls in landslide hazard areas require geotechnical review. Portland's West Hills and bluff neighborhoods commonly trigger engineered wall design. Permits include structural, grading, and erosion control components. Working without a permit can double permit fees and require wall removal.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must remain...
Portland, OR
Portland has no specific city ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay on the property and not...
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety and nuisance standards apply. Historic Conserv...
Portland, OR
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Portland require Bureau of Development Services permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Portland, OR
Residential outdoor smokers (offset, pellet, kamado, vertical) are legal in Portland under the cooking-fire exemption to PCC 31.16, but persistent smoke that...
Portland, OR
Portland adopts the Oregon Fire Code (2022 edition based on IFC 2021) through PCC 31.16. Under IFC Β§308.1.4, propane (LPG) and charcoal grills are prohibited...
See how Portland's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.