Pop. 114,247 · Multnomah County
Gresham restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles and heavy equipment may not be stored in residential areas.
Gresham restricts RV and boat parking on public streets and in residential front yards. Recreational vehicles must be stored in approved locations and may not be used as dwellings.
Gresham regulates on-street parking with time limits in certain areas. Vehicles must be currently registered and operable. Abandoned vehicles are subject to towing.
Gresham's short-term rental program (Gresham Revised Code Article 9.56) caps overnight occupancy at two guests per bedroom plus two additional persons. Daytime occupancy may add up to six additional guests beyond the overnight count. The host must declare bedroom count on the city's STR registration application; STRs are limited to stays of 30 consecutive nights or fewer.
Gresham requires every short-term rental operator to provide proof of liability insurance covering guests for at least $1 million as a condition of registration under Gresham Revised Code Article 9.56. The host submits the insurance carrier name, policy number, and expiration date on the STR application; both Hosted Homeshare ($175) and Vacation Home Rental ($375) registration types require this filing.
Gresham requires STR operators to collect and remit the transient lodging tax on stays of fewer than 30 days. Multnomah County also levies a tourist development tax.
Gresham requires short-term rental operators to comply with state and local regulations. Oregon law (ORS 90.100) limits cities from banning STRs outright. Hosts must collect and remit the transient lodging tax.
Short-term rental guests in Gresham must comply with the city's noise control ordinance. The same 50/60 dBA limits and 10 PM–7 AM quiet hours apply to rental properties.
STR guests in Gresham must comply with city street parking regulations. Hosts should provide adequate off-street parking information to guests.
Gresham Community Development Code Section 7.0420 (Design Standards for Single Detached, Duplex, Triplex and Quadplex) treats carports as accessory structures that face the street. Attached and detached garages and carports facing the street may not exceed 50 percent of the street frontage, must be set back at least 4 feet behind the street-facing wall closest to the street, and the front-yard driveway width is limited to the carport width. Building permits are administered under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.
Gresham allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential zones per Oregon state law (HB 2001). One ADU is permitted per lot. ADUs must meet development code standards for size, setbacks, and parking.
Small sheds under 200 square feet generally do not require a building permit in Gresham. Larger structures require permits and must meet setback requirements from the Development Code.
Garage conversions in Gresham require building permits and must meet building code for habitable space. Converting a garage to living space may be treated as an ADU under Oregon law.
Multnomah County follows Oregon's state-leading ADU laws. Tiny homes on foundations qualify as ADUs under ORS 197.312 and Portland PCC 33.205 — up to 800 sq ft, no owner-occupancy or parking requirement per HB 2001 (2019). Tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are regulated as park-model RVs under ORS 446 and limited to RV parks or as temporary dwellings under Portland PCC 33.296.
Gresham allows home occupations in residential zones under the Development Code. Businesses must be secondary to the residential use and not change the character of the neighborhood.
Gresham restricts signage for home businesses. Signs must be small and unobtrusive, typically limited to one small nameplate sign. Illuminated or freestanding signs are generally not allowed.
Gresham limits customer traffic for home businesses. The business must not generate traffic beyond normal residential levels. Some home occupations restrict or prohibit client visits.
Home-based childcare in Multnomah County requires Oregon Early Learning Division licensing under ORS 329A.260-329A.450. Registered Family Child Care: up to 10 children. Certified Family Child Care: up to 16 children. Portland allows both as home occupations under PCC 33.203 without a conditional use. Multnomah County zoning follows similar pattern under MCC 39.7505.
Oregon's Domestic Kitchen law ORS 616.706 and Farm Direct Marketing law ORS 616.695 allow limited home food sales without commercial licensing. Products are limited to non-potentially hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies, and fruit butters. $50,000 annual gross sales cap. Sales must be direct to consumer; no internet shipping.
Gresham requires dogs to be leashed when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under control at all times in public areas. Off-leash is permitted only in designated dog parks.
Gresham does not have breed-specific dog restrictions. Oregon state law (ORS 609.035) preempts local breed-specific legislation. All dogs are regulated based on behavior, not breed.
Beekeeping is allowed in Gresham on residential properties. Oregon law supports backyard beekeeping. Hives should be positioned with consideration for neighbors.
Oregon state law regulates exotic pet ownership. Many exotic species require permits from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Gresham follows state regulations.
Multnomah County allows backyard poultry countywide. Portland permits up to 3 small animals (hens, ducks, rabbits, mini-goats) by right and up to 6 with a $31 specified-animal permit. Roosters are prohibited in Portland residential zones. Unincorporated Multnomah County allows livestock consistent with Rural Residential and Farm zoning. MCC Title 13 and Portland City Code 13.05 govern licensing and nuisance.
Multnomah County prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife that creates a nuisance under MCC 13.200 animal control provisions. Oregon ORS 496.730 prohibits feeding big game (deer, elk) that creates a public safety hazard. Portland encourages bird-friendly practices but regulates bird feeders in areas with bear activity in the Forest Park urban-wildland interface.
Oregon prosecutes animal hoarding under ORS 167.325 through 167.333, with felony charges available when 11 or more animals are involved or domestic animals are neglected. The criminal framework applies in every county.
Most residential fences in Gresham do not require a building permit if they meet standard height limits. Fences on or near property lines should verify placement with a survey.
Gresham Development Code §9.0400 regulates fence heights. Front yard fences are limited to 3.5 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet in residential zones.
Gresham allows fences on property lines. Oregon law does not require neighbor consent for fences on your own property. Shared fence maintenance costs may be split by agreement.
Multnomah County fence material rules are set in MCC Chapter 39 (Zoning) for unincorporated areas, and by each city's zoning code for incorporated areas. Standard residential materials include cedar, vinyl, wrought iron, and tubular steel. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Portland's historic districts and design overlay zones add material and finish requirements.
Multnomah County requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in exposed height or any wall retaining a surcharge (slope, driveway, structure) under MCC 38.0535 and the Oregon Residential Specialty Code. Portland BDS permits walls over 4 feet under PCC 24.10 and requires engineered plans. Portland's landslide-prone West Hills zones trigger additional geotechnical review.
Pool barriers in Multnomah County must comply with the Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G and OAR 918-480: minimum 48-inch fence, self-closing self-latching gates, 2-inch max ground clearance, and openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Building permits and inspections are required through county or Portland BDS.
Gresham regulates tree removal through its Development Code. Significant trees may require a permit before removal. Street trees cannot be removed without city approval.
Gresham requires property owners to maintain vegetation. Grass and weeds exceeding 10 inches trigger code compliance action. Properties must not create a nuisance or fire hazard.
Gresham requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Street trees must have 8 feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets.
Gresham follows regional water conservation guidelines. During summer months, voluntary and sometimes mandatory restrictions apply. The city encourages efficient irrigation practices.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Multnomah County. Oregon does not restrict residential rainwater collection under ORS 537. Portland's Ecoroof and Clean River Rewards programs provide stormwater fee discounts for rainwater capture. Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OAR 918-750) governs potable rainwater systems. Simple rain barrels require no permits.
Multnomah County enforces noxious weed abatement under ORS 105.550 to 105.570 and Oregon Department of Agriculture OAR 603-052. Portland City Code 29.20 requires property owners to remove tall grass and noxious weeds over 10 inches. Armenian blackberry, English ivy, knotweed, and garlic mustard are priority invasives. The Portland Bureau of Development Services Nuisance Inspection Team handles complaints.
Artificial turf is permitted throughout Multnomah County without building permits for residential installations. HOAs cannot prohibit artificial turf under Oregon ORS 94.776 (HB 2571, 2023). Portland's Stormwater Management Manual treats turf as impervious surface for stormwater calculations over 500 sq ft, which may trigger BES review.
Multnomah County actively encourages native plant landscaping through the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District. Portland Title 11 Trees and the Stormwater Management Manual require native or adapted species for certain applications. Oregon's xeriscape preemption under HB 2571 (2023) prohibits HOA bans on native plant landscapes.
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 line.
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 addresses barking dogs through noise and animal control ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors is a violation enforceable through Code Compliance and Multnomah County Animal Services.
Multnomah County defers to city noise codes. Portland requires a Noise Variance through the Noise Control Office for any amplified sound audible beyond property lines, governed by PCC 18.02 and 18.10. Gresham and other cities require special event permits for outdoor amplification. Base state authority comes from ORS 467 and OAR 340-035, with decibel limits measured at the nearest noise-sensitive property.
Multnomah County has no countywide leaf blower ordinance. Portland adopted a phased gas leaf blower ban under City Code Title 18 and Ordinance 191370 (2022), with a full ban on gas-powered blowers in residential use by 2026 and commercial use by 2028. In unincorporated Multnomah County and Gresham, noise hours apply but gas blowers remain legal. Oregon DEQ rules OAR 340-035 set environmental noise baselines, and state law does not preempt local bans on small off-road engines.
Aircraft noise in Oregon is preempted by federal law and ORS Chapter 836, which gives the Oregon Department of Aviation regulatory authority over airports. Local ordinances cannot restrict overflight noise or set in-air sound limits.
Oregon DEQ adopted statewide industrial noise standards under OAR 340-035-0035, setting maximum allowable decibel limits for new and existing industrial sources. While DEQ enforcement was defunded in 1991, the rules remain on the books and are referenced statewide.
Gresham allows recreational fires in approved fire pits with size and setback restrictions. Fires must be attended at all times and may be banned during air quality advisories.
Gresham follows Oregon state law restricting fireworks. Only state-approved fireworks are legal. Bottle rockets, firecrackers, and aerial fireworks are banned.
Open burning is largely prohibited in Gresham and Multnomah County. Backyard debris burning is not allowed. The Oregon DEQ regulates air quality and burning restrictions.
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 wildfire risk is mapped under Oregon's 2022-2024 Wildfire Hazard Map (SB 762, SB 80). West Hills, Sauvie Island, and East County forests are High Hazard zones. Oregon Fire Code 2022 Chapter 49 requires defensible space (Zone 0: 0-5 ft noncombustible, Zone 1: 5-30 ft lean/clean, Zone 2: 30-100 ft reduced fuel) in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas.
Gresham requires swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per Oregon building code. Pool barriers must prevent unsupervised child access.
Gresham follows Oregon building code for pool safety. Pools require permits, inspections, electrical bonding, and approved drain covers to prevent entrapment.
Above-ground pools in Gresham must meet barrier requirements. Pools with walls less than 48 inches need additional fencing. Ladders must be removable or have a locking barrier.
Multnomah County swimming pool construction requires a building permit in all jurisdictions, issued by Portland BDS for Portland, each city's building department elsewhere, and Multnomah County Land Use & Transportation for unincorporated areas. Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Appendix G and OAR 918-480 govern design. Pools holding water over 24 inches deep require barrier, electrical, and final inspections.
Hot tub installations in Multnomah County require an electrical permit for the 240V circuit and must comply with Oregon Residential Specialty Code Appendix G if classified as a 'pool' (water deeper than 24 inches). A lockable ASTM F1346 safety cover may substitute for a fence on most spas. Setbacks follow underlying zoning; typical 3-5 ft from side property lines.
Gresham participates in the NFIP and regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. Properties in the floodplain have strict building requirements including elevation certificates and flood-resistant construction.
Multnomah County is inland on the Columbia and Willamette rivers and has no Pacific coastline. Oregon's Coastal Zone Management Program (Statewide Planning Goal 17 and 18) does not apply to Multnomah County. Riverfront development along the Columbia and Willamette is governed by the Willamette Greenway (Goal 15) and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area east of Troutdale. No coastal commission jurisdiction exists.
Multnomah County stormwater is regulated under Oregon DEQ MS4 permits. Portland holds a Phase I NPDES permit and administers the Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM) under PCC 17.38. Post-construction runoff controls required for any development creating 500 sq ft or more of new impervious surface (stricter than the state 0.25-acre threshold). Clean River Rewards program incentivizes green infrastructure.
Portland requires grading permits under PCC Title 24 for excavation or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards or slopes over 20%. Portland's Landslide Hazard areas (West Hills) require geotechnical reports. Drainage cannot be redirected onto neighboring properties (ORS 105.170). Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineered plans. Multnomah County Land Use requires grading permits in unincorporated areas on SEC overlay or steep slopes.
Multnomah County erosion control follows DEQ 1200-C NPDES permits for construction sites over 1 acre and local erosion control programs under PCC 10 (Portland) and GRC 6.18 (Gresham). Portland requires Erosion & Sediment Control Plans for all permitted earthwork. Best management practices include silt fences, straw wattles, stabilized construction entrances, and covered stockpiles. Sediment discharge to waterways carries severe penalties.
Multnomah County juvenile curfew is set by ORS 419C.680 and implemented through Portland City Code 14A.80.010. Minors under 18 prohibited from being in public between midnight and 4 AM (14+), 10:15 PM to 4 AM (under 14). School-day daytime curfew applies during school hours. Portland Police enforce with parent notification; repeat offenses can result in cite-and-release.
Multnomah County parks close at varying hours. Portland Parks & Recreation parks are open 5 AM to midnight under PCC 20.12.070; specific parks (e.g., Waterfront Park, Mt Tabor Summit Drive) close earlier. Metro Regional Parks close at legal sunset (OMS 10.10). Oregon State Parks (Rooster Rock, Benson) close at sunset. Camping in parks is prohibited under PCC 20.12.090.
Portland City Code 11.50 requires replacement planting or fee-in-lieu when regulated trees are removed. Ratios scale with the removed tree's size: 1 replacement for trees 12-19 inches DBH, 2 replacements for 20-35 inches, and 3+ replacements for larger trees. Fee-in-lieu is paid to the Portland Tree Planting Fund. Replacement trees must meet minimum 1.5 to 2 inch caliper at planting.
Portland City Code Title 11 (Trees) requires a permit to remove any street tree or any private tree 20 inches DBH or larger. Portland Urban Forestry issues permits with review by city arborists. Non-Portland cities and unincorporated Multnomah County require permits per MCC 39 for trees in riparian and Significant Environmental Concern (SEC) overlays. Illegal removal penalties scale with tree size and species.
Portland has designated over 325 Heritage Trees since 1993 under City Code 11.50 (former 20.40). Heritage Trees receive the highest protection - removal requires Portland City Council or Heritage Tree Committee approval. Damage or removal carries civil penalties up to three times the tree's appraised value. Nominations are made by residents and approved by City Council.
Multnomah County food trucks must hold a Multnomah County Environmental Health Mobile Food Unit license (Class I-IV depending on menu complexity) under OAR 333-162 and MCC Chapter 25. Portland additionally requires a Revenue Division Business License and, for cart pods, zoning approval. Annual fees range from ~$140 to ~$600, and inspections are required before opening.
Portland City Code Chapter 33.242 designates food cart pods and single-cart locations by zone. Carts require a site with an approved plan showing restroom access within 200 feet and ADA compliance. Gresham restricts mobile vending to commercial zones only. Unincorporated Multnomah County permits food carts on private property with County Land Use approval in Commercial and Mixed-Use zones.
Multnomah County garage sales should be conducted during daytime hours to avoid noise and nuisance violations. Portland does not set specific sale hours but enforces general noise limits (PCC 18.10) and property maintenance rules (PCC 29.20). Typical sales run 8 AM to 5 PM. Overnight merchandise displays violate property maintenance code.
Portland City Code 33.203 limits garage and yard sales to no more than 4 sales per calendar year, each no more than 3 consecutive days. Gresham limits residents to 3 sales per year (GRC 7.45). Exceeding these limits classifies the activity as a retail business requiring home occupation permits and zoning compliance. Neighborhood or block sales typically count as one event.
Multnomah County does not require permits for residential garage or yard sales. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, and Fairview permit garage sales as an accessory residential use without city fees or registration. Signage must comply with local sign code. Oregon sales tax does not apply - Oregon has no state sales tax. Commercial-scale operations require a business license.
Portland residential zones cap lot coverage at 50% in R5/R7 and 60% in R2.5 (PCC 33.110). Unincorporated Multnomah County RR zones typically cap at 25% building coverage. Lot coverage calculations include the footprint of all structures with a roof. Stormwater management requirements apply to impervious surfaces over 500 sq ft or 50% of the lot.
Multnomah County setbacks are governed by MCC Chapter 39 in unincorporated areas and by each city's zoning code in incorporated areas. Portland's Residential Zones (R2.5, R5, R7, R10, R20) under PCC Title 33.110 have front setbacks of 10-20 feet, side setbacks 5-10 feet, and rear setbacks 10-20 feet depending on zone. Portland's Residential Infill Project (2021) modified front/side setbacks to allow duplexes and middle housing.
Portland residential height limits are 30 feet in R5 and R7, 35 feet in R2.5 and RM1/RM2, and up to 45 feet in RM3 (PCC 33.110). Commercial and Central City zones allow 45-125+ feet. Height is measured to the midpoint of a sloped roof. Unincorporated Multnomah County RR zones cap at 35 feet. View corridors (Council Crest, Skyline) and historic districts impose additional limits.
Multnomah County cities apply property maintenance codes to garage/yard sales. Portland PCC 29.20 requires merchandise to be removed from public view by the end of each sale day. Signs must come down within 24 hours after the sale. Property must be restored to normal condition within 48 hours. Habitual visible clutter triggers blight enforcement by Portland BDS Nuisance Team.
Portland requires trash and recycling bins to be stored behind the front building line or screened from street view under PCC 17.102 Solid Waste rules. Bins can be at curb no earlier than 6 PM the day before and must be returned within 24 hours. Multnomah County contracts collection through franchise haulers and enforces bin storage under MCC 15.900.
Portland City Code 17.28.025 requires property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within a reasonable time after snowfall, typically interpreted as the day of or day following. Gresham GRC 7.62 requires removal within 24 hours. Deicer or sand required for ice. Corner lots must clear curb ramps. Slip-and-fall liability under ORS 105.682 incentivizes prompt clearance.
Multnomah County enforces property maintenance through MCC 29 Nuisance Abatement and county code compliance. Portland uses PCC 29 Nuisance Code and the Title 33 Land Use Code, with complaints routed to the Bureau of Development Services. Graffiti removal required within 10 days per PCC 14B.80. Derelict buildings may be placarded and boarded under Portland's Unsafe Property Order process.
Vacant lot maintenance in Multnomah County requires grass/weeds under 10 inches, no trash accumulation, and secure perimeters under MCC 15.601 and PCC 29.20. Portland's Vacant Property Registration PCC 29.10 requires annual registration ($280 first year, escalating). Oregon Goal 7 natural hazards planning also affects vacant floodplain parcels.
Commercial drone pilots in Multnomah County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. PDX (Class C) and Troutdale (Class D) airspace require LAANC authorization. Portland requires a Film Permit through Prosper Portland for commercial aerial filming (PCC 5.76). Oregon ORS 837.300-837.390 adds state restrictions on weaponization and surveillance use.
Recreational drone operators in Multnomah County must follow FAA rules (49 USC §44809) including registration for UAS over 0.55 lbs, 400-foot altitude limit, and TRUST test. Portland Parks & Recreation prohibits drone launching or landing in city parks without a permit under PCC 20.12. PDX Class C airspace covers most of north and east Multnomah County, requiring LAANC authorization.
Oregon Measure 91 (2014) allows adults 21+ to grow up to 4 cannabis plants per household for personal use. Multnomah County does not add local restrictions. Portland requires plants to be out of public view under PCC 14B.70. Landlords may prohibit growing in rental leases. OLCC licenses commercial growing separately.
Portland allows OLCC-licensed cannabis retail in CM, CS, CG, CI, and EX zones under PCC 33.207, with 1,000-foot buffer from schools. Troutdale and Wood Village opted out of recreational cannabis retail. Gresham allows dispensaries in limited commercial zones. Multnomah County imposes a 3% local cannabis tax on top of Oregon's 17% state tax under Measure 91.
Portland requires outdoor lighting to use full-cutoff, downward-directed fixtures under PCC 33.130.215. Commercial lighting cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Oregon has no statewide dark-sky statute, but Multnomah County's SEC overlays (Columbia Gorge, Sandy River) apply dark-sky best practices. LED color temperature generally limited to 3000K or below to reduce sky glow and protect bird migration along the Pacific Flyway.
Multnomah County regulates light trespass through the Zoning Code exterior lighting standards in MCC 39.6400, requiring fixtures to be fully shielded and limiting illumination at residential property lines. Portland enforces PCC 33.262.070 (Outdoor Lighting) and PCC 33.510 Central City light standards. Oregon Department of Transportation standards govern state highway lighting. Complaints are investigated by county Land Use & Transportation Code Compliance or Portland's Bureau of Development Services.
Multnomah County rent increases are capped by Oregon's statewide rent cap law SB 608 (2019) as amended by SB 611 (2023): the lower of 7% plus CPI or 10% per 12-month period. The 2024 cap was 10%, the 2025 cap is 10%. Portland has no additional rent control but imposes mandatory relocation assistance under PCC 30.01.085 when landlords raise rent 10% or more in 12 months or issue no-cause notices.
Multnomah County tenants are protected by Oregon's statewide just-cause eviction law SB 608 (2019), codified at ORS 90.427. After the first 12 months of tenancy, landlords may only terminate for qualifying landlord-based or tenant-based cause. Portland layers additional protections through the FAIR ordinance PCC 30.01.086 and relocation assistance under PCC 30.01.085 requiring $2,900 to $4,500 per unit for qualifying terminations.
Portland requires landlords to register rental units with the Rental Services Office under PCC 7.02.890 and pay the Residential Rental Registration fee of $60 per unit per year (2024 rate). Gresham requires Rental Licensing under GRC 7.80 with annual inspections on a rotating cycle. Unincorporated Multnomah County does not have a countywide rental registry but enforces habitability through state law ORS 90.320.
Multnomah County cities require carts placed curbside by 6 AM on collection day with lids closed and at least 3 feet of space between carts and other obstacles. Portland PCC 17.102.210 requires removal from the curb by the end of the collection day. Storage between pickups must be behind the building line or screened from public view.
Multnomah County waste collection is franchised by Metro and the cities. Portland contracts with private haulers through PCC 17.102 with weekly trash, weekly composting, and every-other-week recycling. Unincorporated areas are served by Metro-franchised haulers. Metro Regional Government oversees regional solid waste policy and long-haul disposal under its charter authority.
Multnomah County bulk waste disposal is handled by Metro transfer stations (Metro Central in Northwest Portland and Metro South in Oregon City). Most Portland haulers provide 1 to 2 free Bulky Waste pickups per year (mattresses, furniture, appliances). Metro also operates drop-off events and Neighborhood Cleanup programs. Appliances with refrigerant must be processed separately under ODEQ rules.
Multnomah County residents must separate recyclables from trash under Metro Code 5.01 and each city's solid waste ordinance. Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582, 2021) overhauled the recycling system starting July 1, 2025, creating a producer-responsibility program via Circular Action Alliance. Portland accepts the Metro Regional Recycling List: paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass (separate), and specific plastic containers.
Portland and Multnomah County recognize posted 'No Soliciting' or 'No Trespassing' signs as legal notice; violation is enforceable under PCC 17.68.030 and ORS 164.245 (criminal trespass). Multnomah County does not maintain a central no-knock registry, but Portland's permit conditions require solicitors to honor posted notices. Religious and political canvassers have First Amendment protection.
Multnomah County and its cities regulate door-to-door commercial solicitation through local permit systems. Portland City Code 17.68 governs solicitor/peddler permits issued by the Revenue Division, with background check and ID badge requirements. Gresham GRC 5.20 and Troutdale TMC 5.35 parallel the Portland system. Religious and political canvassing is constitutionally protected and exempt.
Multnomah County does not regulate residential holiday displays under MCC 39.6250 — decorations are exempt from the sign code. Portland similarly exempts holiday decorations under PCC 32.32.030(B). Displays must not block sidewalks, create fire hazards, or violate noise rules in PCC 18.10. Portland Fire & Rescue responds to electrical hazards under the Oregon Fire Code.
Multnomah County allows political signs on private property with minimal regulation under MCC 39.6250 sign provisions. Portland regulates temporary signs under PCC 32.32.020 with a 32 sq ft residential cap and exempts political signs from permit requirements. All jurisdictions must follow Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) — content-based regulation is unconstitutional. Signs in public rights-of-way are removed by ODOT/PBOT.
Multnomah County allows garage sale signs under MCC 39.6250 temporary sign provisions, 6 sq ft maximum on private property. Portland PCC 32.32.020 permits temporary event signs but prohibits placement on utility poles, trees, or public right-of-way under PCC 17.28.070. Portland removes unauthorized signs without notice through the PBOT Sign Shop.
Oregon's Solar Rights Act ORS 105.880-105.895 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. ORS 94.762 (Oregon Planned Community Act) and ORS 100.405 (Condominium Act) specifically void CC&R provisions that ban solar collectors. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot effectively prohibit solar.
Multnomah County requires building and electrical permits for solar PV installations through the Department of Community Services Building Division. Portland uses BDS online solar permitting with same-day review for systems under 20 kW. Oregon's statewide solar permitting follows OAR 918-310 and the Oregon Solar Installation Specialty Code. Fire setbacks follow Oregon Fire Code Chapter 12.
ORS 653.025 sets a three-tier statewide minimum wage and ORS 653.017 preempts cities and counties from adopting different local minimums.
ORS 653.601 mandates paid sick leave statewide, and Paid Leave Oregon under ORS Chapter 657B provides paid family and medical leave benefits.
ORS 653.412 to 653.485 require large retail, food, and hospitality employers to provide advance schedules and predictability pay.
Oregon issues concealed handgun licenses through county sheriffs under ORS 166.291, with statewide eligibility, training, and reciprocity standards.
Oregon law preempts most local firearm regulation but permits limited city and county rules in public buildings and on adjacent grounds.
Open carry of firearms is generally lawful in Oregon, but limited local ordinances may restrict loaded carry in incorporated public places.
Oregon allows firearms in private vehicles, but concealed loaded handguns inside a vehicle generally require a concealed handgun license under ORS 166.250.
Oregon does not mandate E-Verify use by private employers and has no statewide statute requiring electronic employment eligibility verification beyond federal I-9 rules.
Oregon enacted the nation's oldest statewide sanctuary law, ORS 181A.820, barring state and local agencies from using resources to enforce federal civil immigration law.
ORS Chapter 215 establishes Exclusive Farm Use zones that limit non-farm development and preserve agricultural land statewide.
ORS 30.930 to 30.947 protect farm and forest practices from most nuisance and trespass claims when conducted on land zoned for those uses.
HB 2509 bans most single-use plastic checkout bags statewide and requires a minimum charge for paper or thicker reusable bags at retailers.
SB 543 prohibits restaurants and food vendors from using polystyrene foam containers and bans the sale of polystyrene foam packing peanuts statewide.
ORS 459A.876 limits when restaurants and convenience stores may distribute single-use plastic straws, requiring customer request first.
Oregon prohibits the sale or distribution of tobacco and inhalant delivery systems to anyone under age 21 under ORS 431A.175.
Oregon has no statewide flavored tobacco ban, but ORS 431A.190 authorizes counties and cities to adopt stricter local tobacco rules.
Oregon licenses tobacco and inhalant delivery system retailers and bans online or mail-order sales of vapor products to consumers.