Portland requires building permits for in-ground pools, electrical permits for all pool installations, and compliance with Oregon Residential Specialty Code. Pool setbacks, barrier compliance, and drainage are required for permit approval.
A building permit (and electrical permit) is required for all in-ground swimming pool installations. Above-ground pools may also require an electrical permit. Permits are applied for at the Bureau of Development Services — Development Services Center at 1900 SW 4th Ave. Pools must be set back from adjacent slopes. In overlay zones, additional zoning restrictions may apply. ORSC requires pool drains to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (anti-entrapment). Pools in environmental overlay zones may require additional permits. Oregon law requires any pool open to the public to meet OAR 333-060 (Public Health Division rules); private residential pools follow ORSC.
Non-compliant safety: correction order. Fines $250 to $1,000. Disclosure required at sale.
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, garden statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Items must remain...
Portland, OR
Portland has no specific city ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must stay on the property and not...
Portland, OR
Portland does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety and nuisance standards apply. Historic Conserv...
Portland, OR
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Portland require Bureau of Development Services permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Portland, OR
Residential outdoor smokers (offset, pellet, kamado, vertical) are legal in Portland under the cooking-fire exemption to PCC 31.16, but persistent smoke that...
Portland, OR
Portland adopts the Oregon Fire Code (2022 edition based on IFC 2021) through PCC 31.16. Under IFC §308.1.4, propane (LPG) and charcoal grills are prohibited...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how other cities in Multnomah County handle safety rules.
See how Portland's safety rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.