Gresham, OR Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed structures
- Dwelling unit plus garage
- Not permitted in
- Other accessory structures
- Residency rule
- Residents on-site 30+ days
- Applies
- Citywide, any home
Summary
Gresham allows a home-based business as an accessory home occupation in any dwelling and its garage in any residential zone, provided permanent residents live on site and the use meets the section's standards.
Home based business or commercial activities may be allowed as a home occupation subject to the requirements of this section.
B. An application for a home occupation shall be reviewed by the Manager under the Type II procedure of Section 11.0400, unless the home occupation meets the review exception standards of Section 10.0504, in which case the application process shall be under the Type I procedure of Section 11.0300, and will be processed as part of the Business License application. Application for the development permit shall be made by the person desiring to conduct the use, and the owner or authorized representative of the property on forms provided by the City.
C. Besides meeting the requirements of this section, the business or commercial use of any home for a home occupation must be supported by an active City business license.
City of Gresham Development Code
[10.0500]-1
(06/26)
D. For the purposes of this section "home" refers to the residential location, including any type of dwelling unit and associated garage, of the home occupation. All "homes" as described here may seek approval of a home occupation. In addition, a Home Occupation must cease its operation if the "permanent residents" do not reside in the dwelling for more than 30 consecutive days.
Full Breakdown
The home occupation allowance is not tied to a particular zoning district; Section 10.0502 defines "home" broadly as any dwelling unit and its associated garage, and says any home meeting that description may seek home occupation approval. The use area is capped at the dwelling and garage under Section 10.0505(D) and is unavailable if permanent residents are absent from the dwelling for more than 30 consecutive days.
Violations & Fines
Basing a home occupation in a shed, standalone workshop, or other detached accessory building beyond the garage violates Section 10.0505(D), and letting the permanent residents move out for over 30 days ends eligibility under Section 10.0502(D).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gresham zoning districts allow home occupations?
Can I run a home business out of my detached workshop or shed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
How Gresham compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon home business overview
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Zoning & Home Occupation Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle zoning & home occupation permits.