Multnomah County, OR Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Vacant lot owners in Multnomah County must maintain their property under Multnomah County Code 15.601 (Public Health/Nuisances) and in Portland under PCC 29.20 (Nuisance Abatement). Grass, weeds, and noxious vegetation may not exceed 10 inches in height under PCC 29.20.030; unincorporated county threshold is similar at 10 inches. Trash, debris, demolition waste, and illegal dumping must be removed within 10 days of notice. Overgrown blackberry (Rubus armeniacus, a Class B noxious weed) must be cut back from property lines and structures. Perimeter security: open holes, pits, pools of stagnant water, or abandoned foundations must be secured within 30 days of notice. Portland's Vacant Property Registration Program under PCC 29.10 requires owners to register vacant residential buildings and certain vacant lots within 30 days of vacancy — first year $280, second year $560, third year $1,120, maxing at $5,400 by year 10+. Registration must include contact information, insurance certificate, and a vacant building plan. Vacant lots in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) along the Willamette, Columbia, Sandy, and Johnson Creek are subject to additional restrictions under the 2024 PICM (Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures) for NFIP-ESA compliance. Portland Vacant Lot Program offers interim community-use licenses. Unpaid abatement costs and registration fees become liens on the property under ORS 93.740.