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.
Oregon is one of the most rainwater-friendly states in the US: ORS 537 confirms landowners may collect rainwater from rooftops for beneficial use without water rights. Multnomah County and Portland actively encourage rainwater harvesting as green infrastructure. Simple rain barrels (typically 50-100 gallons, non-pressurized, for garden/lawn irrigation) require no permits anywhere in the county. Larger cisterns, pressurized systems, or any system plumbed into the house must comply with Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC, OAR 918-750) and the Uniform Plumbing Code Appendix M - typically triggering plumbing permits through Portland BDS or County Land Use. Potable use requires UV/filtration treatment meeting state health standards. Portland's Clean River Rewards program (PCC 17.36) offers stormwater utility bill discounts up to 35% for on-site rainwater management including rain gardens, eco-roofs, and rain barrels. Portland Ecoroof Program has incentivized over 550 vegetated roofs. Rainwater systems serving toilet flushing or cold-water laundry require backflow prevention on any city water cross-connection. HOAs may have visual screening requirements but cannot ban collection outright.
No penalties for standard rain barrel installation. Unpermitted large cistern plumbed indoors: building code violation $250 to $2,500 plus required permit. Cross-connection without backflow prevention: city water service penalty $500+ and system disconnection until corrected. Potable rainwater without treatment serving a residence: public health enforcement action.
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 rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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