Multnomah County does not regulate residential holiday displays under MCC 39.6250 — decorations are exempt from the sign code. Portland similarly exempts holiday decorations under PCC 32.32.030(B). Displays must not block sidewalks, create fire hazards, or violate noise rules in PCC 18.10. Portland Fire & Rescue responds to electrical hazards under the Oregon Fire Code.
Residential holiday decorations in Multnomah County are not considered signs under Multnomah County Code 39.6250 definitions and require no permits. Portland City Code 32.32.030(B) specifically exempts seasonal holiday decorations from sign regulation. Displays must comply with general health and safety rules: sidewalks must remain unobstructed per PCC 17.28.010 (minimum 4-ft clear path), inflatable decorations must be secured against wind, and roof-mounted displays must not damage structures or violate roof fire access required under Oregon Fire Code 2022 (ORSC Appendix R). Exterior electrical installations must use outdoor-rated (UL-listed, wet location) fixtures; ungrounded or extension-cord daisy chains create fire hazards addressed under OFC 605. Amplified holiday music (Christmas light shows synchronized to audio) is subject to Portland Noise Code PCC 18.10 — 55 dBA daytime/50 dBA nighttime at residential property line. Multi-family and HOA communities governed by CC&Rs may impose additional display windows (typically 30-45 days). Gresham, Troutdale, and other East County cities follow similar permit-exempt approaches. Trees, wreaths, and electric candles in windows are fully exempt year-round. Sight-triangle visibility at driveways and intersections (PCC 17.28.050) must be maintained.
Obstructed sidewalk: written warning, $100 civil penalty if not corrected in 10 days. Electrical hazard: Portland Fire may order removal under OFC 110. Noise violations: $500 first offense. HOA violations: private enforcement per CC&Rs.
Gresham, OR
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Gresham, OR
Gresham permits construction activities between 7 AM and 10 PM per GRC §7.20. Construction noise outside these hours is prohibited in residential areas.
Gresham, OR
Gresham Revised Code §7.20 regulates noise. Residential areas must not exceed 50 dBA between 10 PM and 7 AM, or 60 dBA between 7 AM and 10 PM at the property...
Gresham, OR
Gresham regulates on-street parking with time limits in certain areas. Vehicles must be currently registered and operable. Abandoned vehicles are subject to ...
Gresham, OR
Gresham requires driveways to meet development code standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or extend into the public right-of-way. Driveway modificatio...
Gresham, OR
Gresham restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles and heavy equipment may not be stored in residential areas.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how Gresham's holiday displays rules stack up against other locations.
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