Gresham Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Gresham
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Gresham — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Gresham Development Code — Articles 3, 5, 10
Gresham's zoning rules are codified in the Gresham Development Code. Article 3 contains general terms and definitions; Article 5 establishes land-use districts (LDR Low-Density Residential, MDR Moderate-Density Residential, CMC Community Mixed-Use Center, and others); Article 10 contains supplementary development regulations including Section 10.0100 (Accessory Dwellings) and Section 10.0500 (Home Occupations).
Source · greshamoregon.govGresham Development Code 10.0100 — Accessory Dwelling Units
Section 10.0100 regulates ADUs in Gresham. An ADU must be a self-contained dwelling with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area; the unit must connect to the primary dwelling or garage via at least 10 feet of common wall, floor, or ceiling. ADU size is limited to 750 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. Short-term rental of ADUs is prohibited in Gresham.
Source · greshamoregon.govOregon HB 2001 (2019) — Middle Housing in Metro(2019)
Gresham (population ~114,000, Multnomah County, within Metro) falls under HB 2001's strictest tier. As a city within the Metro UGB, Gresham must permit middle housing — duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and cottage clusters — in all areas zoned for residential use. Gresham has updated its Development Code to comply.
Source · olis.oregonlegislature.govOregon SB 1051 (2017) — ADU Mandate for Large Cities(2017)
SB 1051 requires Oregon cities >2,500 population to allow at least one ADU on lots with a single-family dwelling, subject only to reasonable siting/design standards. Gresham's Section 10.0100 ADU rules implement SB 1051, with no parking mandate and no owner-occupancy requirement (further reinforced by HB 2001 and subsequent reforms).
Source · olis.oregonlegislature.govOregon HB 2003 (2019) — Housing Production Strategy(2019)
Gresham, as an Oregon city >10,000 population, must complete a Housing Capacity Analysis (HCA) and adopt a Housing Production Strategy (HPS) under HB 2003. The strategy must identify specific tools and policies to address Gresham's housing needs across income levels over a 20-year horizon, with progress reporting to DLCD.
Source · oregon.gov
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Gresham
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HB 2001 / SB 458 - Cities over 2,500 must allow ADUs; no owner-occupancy or parking mandates)
County — Multnomah County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 60 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Gresham
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 24 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 4-8 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Gresham permit information →Official Sources
City-specific