Portland, OR Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Max weed/grass height
- 10 inches
- Applies to
- improved or unimproved property
- Enforcement
- summary abatement, city bills owner
- Governing chapter
- City Code Ch. 29.20
Summary
Portland requires owners of any unimproved lot to keep weeds and lawn grass under 10 inches, or the city abates it and bills the owner.
It is the responsibility of the owner of any property, improved or unimproved, to maintain the outdoor areas of the property and adjacent rights of way in a manner that complies with the following requirements: ... F. Overgrown lawn areas. Cut and remove and keep cut and removed all weeds and grass that are located in lawn areas and have a prevailing height of more than 10 inches.
Full Breakdown
Portland City Code § 29.20.010 applies to "any property, improved or unimproved" and makes the owner responsible for outdoor maintenance. Subsection F specifically targets overgrown lawn areas: weeds and grass over 10 inches must be cut and kept cut. A violation is a nuisance under § 29.20.030, and the City Administrator can order summary abatement, cutting the lot without prior notice, and charge the owner per the City Council's Fee Schedule.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected violations are a nuisance under § 29.20.030; the city may summary-abate (cut the lot) without prior notice and bill the owner per the adopted Fee Schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to vacant, undeveloped lots in Portland?
What happens if a vacant lot's weeds aren't cut?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle vacant lot maintenance.