Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Multnomah County, OR Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Standard surface
2 in. blacktop on 4 in. base
Alternate surface
6 in. Portland cement
Gravel needs
fire and engineer sign-off
Front yard
no parking except driveway
Scope
unincorporated county only, not Portland

Summary

Unincorporated Multnomah County requires driveways and off-street parking areas to be paved with two inches of blacktop on crushed rock or six inches of concrete, though gravel is allowed with fire-service and County Engineer approval.

City-specific rules exist: Portland, and Gresham have their own driveway rules rules that differ from Multnomah County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, all areas used for parking, loading or maneuvering of vehicles, including the driveway, shall be surfaced with at least two inches of blacktop on a four inch crushed rock base or at least six inches of Portland cement, unless a design providing additional load capacity is required by the fire service provider.

(2) The Approval Authority may permit and authorize a deviation from the surfacing standard in paragraph (A)(1) of this section and thereby authorize, alternate surfacing systems that provide a durable dustless surface, including gravel. A deviation under this paragraph may be permitted and authorized only upon finding that each parking area supporting the existing and the proposed development meets the following standards in subparagraphs (a) and (b) and, for parking areas of four or more required parking spaces, also meets the following standards in subparagraphs (c) and (d):

(a) The authorized provider of structural fire protection services verifies that the proposed deviation complies with such provider’s fire apparatus access standards, or, if there is no such service provider, the building official verifies that the proposed deviation complies with the Oregon Fire Code;

Source: https://www.multco.us/county-attorney/multnomah-county-codeView official code

Full Breakdown

Multnomah County Code Section 39.6570 requires every driveway and parking, loading or maneuvering area to be surfaced with two inches of blacktop on four inches of crushed rock, or six inches of Portland cement. The Approval Authority may allow gravel or another dustless surface only if the fire service provider confirms apparatus access and the County Engineer confirms compliance with County Road Rules; lots with four or more spaces need added findings on welfare, neighboring impacts and dust mitigation. Under Section 39.6580(A), a required front yard cannot be used for parking or vehicle maneuvering except a driveway meeting the street perpendicularly. This governs unincorporated county land only, Portland runs its own code.

Violations & Fines

No building or use permit issues until a conforming parking plan is on file with the Planning Director, and any deviation from paved surfacing without an approved gravel exception is a zoning code violation subject to enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a gravel driveway in unincorporated Multnomah County?
Only with an approved deviation: your fire service provider must confirm apparatus access and the County Engineer must confirm it meets Road Rules and drainage standards.
Does this driveway rule apply in Portland?
No. Portland has its own code. This surfacing standard under MCC 39.6570 applies only to unincorporated Multnomah County.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

All Multnomah County rules

Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon parking rules overview

Get notified when Driveway Rules in Multnomah County, OR changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Driveway Rules in Cities Across Multnomah County