Gresham Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Gresham Zoning Overview
Gresham is the fourth-largest city in Oregon, located in eastern Multnomah County as part of the Portland metropolitan area. The city is served by the MAX Blue Line light rail, which connects Gresham to downtown Portland and has shaped transit-oriented development patterns along the corridor. Gresham's zoning code is managed by the Community Development Department under the Metro regional planning framework.
Gresham has worked to develop its own identity distinct from Portland, investing in its downtown and Pleasant Valley areas while accommodating significant residential growth. The city sits between Portland's urban core and the agricultural areas of eastern Multnomah County, managing the transition between urban and rural land uses along its urban growth boundary.
Key Zoning Districts
Gresham's development code uses a range of residential districts from low-density (LDR) to high-density (HDR), mixed-use centers (CMC, TMC), commercial districts, and industrial zones. The city's station areas along the MAX line have transit-oriented development zoning.
ADU Regulations
Gresham allows ADUs in all residential zones as required by Oregon HB 2001. No parking or owner-occupancy is required. The city has adopted clear standards for ADU development consistent with state requirements.
Development Process
Community Development handles permits and land use applications. Larger proposals go before the Planning Commission. Development must be consistent with both the city's comprehensive plan and Metro's regional framework.
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 Zones: Applicable
- 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 city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- 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
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Gresham are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Gresham permit fees →