Multnomah County, OR Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Portland City Code Chapter 29 (Property Maintenance Regulations) and Chapter 14B.80 (Graffiti) establish standards for maintenance of residential and commercial property. Code Compliance at BDS (503-823-CODE) investigates complaints about peeling paint on painted surfaces subject to deterioration, broken windows (must be repaired or boarded within 30 days), accumulated debris, dead trees posing fall hazards, overgrown vegetation, and structures in disrepair. Graffiti must be removed within 10 days of notice under PCC 14B.80.030, or the City may abate at owner expense (typical $150-$400 per abatement). Multnomah County MCC Chapter 29 (Nuisance Abatement) covers unincorporated areas with similar provisions; enforcement through County Environmental Health and Code Compliance. Vacant properties may trigger Portland's Vacant Property Registration program under PCC 29.10 requiring annual registration ($280 first year, up to $5,400 for 10+ year vacant commercial). Derelict and unsafe buildings follow PCC 24.80 Unsafe Building Program — BDS may issue Unsafe Property Orders requiring repairs within 30-90 days or condemnation/demolition. Liens for unpaid abatement costs attach to property under ORS 93.740 and become first-priority after property taxes. Bed bug, rodent, and vector infestations are enforced under MCC 15.600 (Environmental Health). Oregon Landlord-Tenant Act ORS 90.320 sets habitability standards for rental properties.