Gresham, OR Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- Herbaceous growth, 10 inches
- Applies to
- All property citywide
- Enforced as
- General nuisance, GRC 7.15.040
- Exemptions
- Native, ornamental, or wetland plantings
Summary
Gresham caps herbaceous vegetation on any property, including vacant and unimproved lots, at 10 inches tall as part of its general nuisance code, with exceptions for tended ornamental or native plantings.
No person in charge of property may permit nor cause to exist on their property, in the planter strip, or along the street or alley adjacent to the property any vegetation that: ... (h) is herbaceous and is more than 10 inches high, except for: (i) tended and/or cultivated, decorative, ornamental, or native plants that are not a fire hazard; or ... (iv) natural wetlands.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under Gresham's general nuisance code, no person in charge of property, whether improved or vacant, may let herbaceous vegetation grow taller than 10 inches, except for tended, cultivated, decorative, ornamental or native plants that aren't a fire hazard, city-designated open space or natural resource areas, approved naturescaping or xeriscaping plantings, and natural wetlands. The same subsection also bars vegetation that blocks sidewalks, streets, sightlines, drainage, or utility lines. The Property Maintenance Code separately cross-references this weed standard for exterior-property upkeep citywide.
Violations & Fines
Overgrown vegetation over 10 inches is a general nuisance under GRC 7.15.040(2); code compliance can cite and order abatement under GRC Article 7.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds be on a vacant lot in Gresham?
Who is responsible for mowing an unimproved lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon property maintenance overview
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle vacant lot maintenance.