Multnomah County enforces defensible space through Oregon SB 762 (2021) wildfire hazard maps and county Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Properties in the Wildland-Urban Interface on the west side of the county (Forest Park, Skyline, Corbett) must maintain 30 to 100 feet of defensible space. Oregon Fire Code adopted statewide applies via OAR 837-040, enforced by the Multnomah County Fire Marshal and local fire districts.
Multnomah County includes significant WUI zones on the west hills (Forest Park Conservancy area, Skyline Boulevard corridor, Sauvie Island, Corbett, Bridal Veil) where defensible space requirements are most important. Oregon Senate Bill 762 (2021) directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to produce statewide Wildfire Hazard Maps and Defensible Space Code; the initial map was adopted in 2023 after a 2022 withdrawal. Properties in High and Extreme hazard zones must maintain Zone 1 (0-5 ft, non-combustible) and Zone 2 (5-30 ft, reduced fuel) defensible space under OAR 837-044. Multnomah County's Community Wildfire Protection Plan (updated 2020) identifies priority treatment areas. Portland Fire & Rescue enforces clearance within Portland's urban boundary and in Portland's Forest Park under Portland Fire Code Section 304. Multnomah County Rural Fire Protection District 10 covers Corbett and east county. ODF operates the Forest Patrol District and declares fire season annually, typically June through October, when additional burning and equipment restrictions apply. Structures within 100 feet of forestland must comply with SB 360 minimum fuel break standards where still applicable, though SB 762's defensible space code is phasing in as the new standard.
Non-compliance with defensible space order: Notice of Violation with 30-day cure period, then $100 to $500 daily civil penalty. ODF violations during declared fire season: up to $12,500. Abatement costs billed as lien against property. Structure insurance may be affected in High/Extreme zones.
Gresham, OR
Gresham addresses barking dogs through noise and animal control ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors is a violation enforceable through Cod...
Gresham, OR
Gresham permits construction activities between 7 AM and 10 PM per GRC §7.20. Construction noise outside these hours is prohibited in residential areas.
Gresham, OR
Gresham Revised Code §7.20 regulates noise. Residential areas must not exceed 50 dBA between 10 PM and 7 AM, or 60 dBA between 7 AM and 10 PM at the property...
Gresham, OR
Gresham regulates on-street parking with time limits in certain areas. Vehicles must be currently registered and operable. Abandoned vehicles are subject to ...
Gresham, OR
Gresham requires driveways to meet development code standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or extend into the public right-of-way. Driveway modificatio...
Gresham, OR
Gresham restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles and heavy equipment may not be stored in residential areas.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how other cities in Multnomah County handle brush clearance.
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