Oregon ORS 477.057 and Portland Fire Code Appendix require 30 to 100 feet of defensible space around structures in wildfire hazard zones, primarily in the West Hills and forest interface.
Portland wildfire risk concentrates in the West Hills, Forest Park periphery, and east buttes such as Powell Butte. Oregon ORS 477.057 and the Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map guide defensible space. Portland Fire and Rescue requires Zone 0 (0 to 5 feet ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet lean and clean), and Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet reduced fuel) in identified hazard areas. The Portland Bureau of Development Services enforces weed and nuisance vegetation citywide under Title 29, capping unmanaged grass at 10 inches in developed parcels. Property owners can receive an abatement order and lien for the cost of city cleanup.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Portland code enforcement 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 §308.1.4, propane (LPG) and charcoal grills are prohibited...
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