Portland uses PCC 33.130 (Commercial/Mixed Use zones) and PCC 33.140 plan-district overlays to direct higher-density mixed-use development along MAX Light Rail and frequent-bus corridors. PCC 33.130.040 establishes the Center & Corridor concept, and station-area plan districts (Gateway, Lents, North Macadam, Central City) apply tailored FAR bonuses, reduced parking minimums, and affordable-housing requirements. Oregon's Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities rules (OAR 660-012) reinforce these standards statewide.
Portland was an early adopter of transit-oriented development. The framework is split across multiple code provisions: PCC 33.130 sets base standards for Commercial Mixed Use zones (CM1, CM2, CM3, CX), which are concentrated along MAX Light Rail, Streetcar, and Frequent Service bus lines; PCC 33.130.040 explicitly references the Comprehensive Plan's Center & Corridor pattern. Specific station-area regulations live in plan districts under PCC Chapter 33.500-33.575 (Central City, Gateway, Lents, Macadam, South Waterfront, etc.) with bonuses for proximity to transit. Parking minimums for residential uses within 1/4 mile of frequent transit have been reduced or eliminated under PCC 33.266.110. Oregon's Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) administrative rules (OAR 660-012-0310), adopted in 2022, require Portland and other metro cities to designate Climate Friendly Areas — high-density mixed-use districts near transit with no residential parking mandates and 15+ units/acre minimums. Inclusionary Housing (PCC 33.245) layers on top, requiring affordable units in larger projects in these districts.
TOD standards are zoning standards rather than mandates per se — non-compliance with parking maximums, FAR limits, or design standards is enforced under PCC 33.700 as a typical zoning violation, with notice-and-correct procedures and civil fines starting at $250/day for unauthorized work. Failure to meet CFEC requirements is enforced through DLCD periodic review under ORS 197.626 rather than direct penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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...
See how Portland's transit-oriented communities (toc) rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.