Portland requires property owners to keep grass, weeds, and nuisance vegetation under 10 inches under PCC Title 29; the city can abate overgrown lots and lien the cost.
PCC Title 29 (Property Maintenance Regulations) requires Portland property owners to keep grass and weeds under 10 inches tall and prevent vegetation overgrowth that harbors rats, blocks sidewalks, or obstructs vision triangles. Noxious weeds on the Oregon State Weed Board list (English ivy, Armenian blackberry, Japanese knotweed) must be actively controlled near streams and natural areas. The Bureau of Development Services responds to complaints, issues a notice to abate, and can enter and clean the lot at the owner's expense if unresolved in about 30 days. Costs become a special assessment lien against the property.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact 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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