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.
Multnomah County does not regulate leaf blowers directly at the county level, since noise enforcement in urbanized areas falls to incorporated cities. Portland's Ordinance 191370 (adopted September 2022) amended Portland City Code Chapter 18.12 to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers: starting January 1, 2026 residential gas leaf blower use is prohibited, and starting January 1, 2028 commercial/contractor gas leaf blower use is banned within Portland city limits. Battery and electric blowers remain legal year-round but must comply with Portland's noise code decibel limits (PCC 18.10) measured at residential property lines. In Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village, leaf blower operation is limited to the construction/yard maintenance hours in each city's noise code (typically 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 7 PM weekends). Unincorporated Multnomah County applies MCC Chapter 15 nuisance noise standards and the Oregon DEQ noise framework in OAR 340-035-0035. DEQ defunded active noise enforcement in 1991, so complaints go to the Multnomah County Sheriff or local code compliance. Violators in Portland face civil penalties up to $500 per incident under Title 18 once the phase-in begins.
Portland gas blower violations once phase-in effective: written warning first offense, $100 to $500 civil penalty thereafter. Noise hour violations in Gresham and unincorporated county: $100 to $250. Repeat offenders face escalating fines and potential business license review for commercial landscapers.
Multnomah County, OR
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Multnomah County, OR
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Multnomah County, OR
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Multnomah County, OR
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Multnomah County, OR
Multnomah County enforces abandoned vehicle rules under MCC 14.700 on county roads and unincorporated areas. Portland PCC 16.30 applies within city limits. O...
Multnomah County, OR
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