Multnomah County, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- any right-of-way construction/modification
- Issuing authority
- Dept. of Community Services director
- Geographic scope
- unincorporated county right-of-way
- Fees
- set by Board resolution
- Enforcement
- County Attorney may seek injunction
Summary
Multnomah County requires a permit before any construction, substantial modification, or director-designated use within a public right-of-way in the unincorporated county, issued and enforced by the Department of Community Services director under Code Section 29.506.
A permit or agreement shall be required for any construction within the right-of-way or for any substantial modification of existing construction or use in the right-of-way and for any other matter relating to this subchapter that the director considers appropriate and for which a rule has been adopted. The director may establish, issue, administer and enforce permits necessary to implement this subchapter. Fees may be assessed for permits as set by Board resolution.
Cross-reference: Plumbing Code, see §§ 29.200 through 29.207 (‘ 90 Code, § 11.60.070, 07/01/1998; Ord. 529, passed, 09/25/1986; Ord. 162, passed, 04/20/1978)
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code § 29.506 requires a permit or agreement before any construction within a public right-of-way, any substantial modification of existing right-of-way construction or use, or any other matter the Community Services director designates by rule. The director issues, administers and enforces these permits, and the Board sets the fees. Per § 29.502, the rule covers every right-of-way in unincorporated Multnomah County plus county roads inside incorporated cities; it does not reach Portland's own city streets, which Portland regulates under its own code. Unpermitted work can draw enforcement action and a County Attorney lawsuit to compel compliance.
Violations & Fines
Building without a right-of-way permit lets the director enforce under MCC §§ 39.1515-39.1565, and the County Attorney may sue to compel compliance or enjoin the work under § 29.505.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in the county right-of-way?
Does this cover Portland streets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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