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 and its cities allow residential artificial turf installation without a separate permit when no grading, drainage alteration, or structural work is involved. Installation must not alter drainage onto neighboring property (ORS 105.170 nuisance). Oregon House Bill 2571 (2023) at ORS 94.776 prohibits HOAs and planned communities from banning synthetic turf or imposing unreasonable restrictions, though HOAs may require certain quality standards and installation methods. Portland's Stormwater Management Manual (published by Portland Bureau of Environmental Services) treats artificial turf as impervious or semi-impervious surface depending on permeability — installations over 500 sq ft that replace turf grass in single-family residential may require a Simplified Approach stormwater review through BES. Crumb rubber (recycled tire) infill has come under scrutiny for PFAS and heavy metal leaching; Portland Public Schools banned crumb rubber in 2015, and Metro recommends organic or coated sand infill. Turf surface temperatures can exceed 150°F in direct summer sun, a concern for pet safety. Heritage trees protected under Portland Title 11 may restrict turf installation within tree root zones. In floodplains (SFHA) per PCC 24.50, impervious surface changes require floodplain development permits. Tree canopy requirements in Portland's base zones (PCC 33.248) may effectively limit turf coverage.
No direct fines for compliant installations. Drainage issues causing neighbor damage: civil nuisance claim. HOA violations of ORS 94.776: unenforceable; homeowner may recover legal fees. Stormwater violations: BES correction order.
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 Gresham's artificial turf rules stack up against other locations.
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