Portland addresses property blight through Title 29 (Property Maintenance Regulations) and the Neighborhood Inspections program. The city enforces minimum property maintenance standards to prevent blight, including requirements for structural integrity, exterior maintenance, and elimination of nuisance conditions.
Title 29 establishes minimum maintenance standards for all structures and properties. The Neighborhood Inspections team responds to complaints about derelict buildings, overgrown vegetation, accumulation of junk and debris, graffiti, and other blight conditions. Portland also uses the Derelict Buildings Program to address vacant and deteriorating structures. The city can place liens on properties for abatement costs. Community-initiated complaints trigger inspections and enforcement timelines.
Property owners receive notice and a compliance timeline (typically 30 days). Failure to comply may result in administrative citations with fines starting at $150 per day. The city may abate nuisance conditions and assess costs as a lien on the property. Repeat violations escalate fines.
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...
See how Portland's property blight rules stack up against other locations.
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