Portland Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Portland Zoning Overview
Portland is Oregon's largest city and a nationally recognized leader in land use planning and sustainable development. The city operates under Oregon's comprehensive statewide planning framework, with its zoning code administered by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Portland's urban growth boundary, managed by Metro (the regional government), constrains outward sprawl and directs development inward, making infill, density, and transit-oriented development central themes of the city's growth strategy.
Portland's zoning code was substantially updated through the Residential Infill Project (RIP), which went into effect in 2021, allowing duplexes and other middle housing types across all single-family zones consistent with state HB 2001. The city has also been a pioneer in ADU policy, having removed many barriers to accessory dwelling unit construction years before the state mandate. Portland's planning culture emphasizes neighborhood livability, multimodal transportation, and climate-conscious development.
Key Zoning Districts
Portland's zoning code includes single-dwelling zones (R20, R10, R7, R5, R2.5), multi-dwelling zones (RM1 through RM4, RX), commercial/mixed-use zones (CM1, CM2, CM3, CE, CX), employment zones, and industrial zones. The Residential Infill Project allows middle housing in single-dwelling zones, effectively blurring the traditional distinction between single-family and multi-family districts.
ADU Regulations
Portland allows ADUs in all residential zones, consistent with Oregon HB 2001. Properties can have both a detached ADU and an internal ADU (two ADUs per lot). No off-street parking is required for ADUs, and owner-occupancy is not mandated. Portland has streamlined its ADU permitting process and offers pre-approved ADU plans to reduce design costs and review times.
Development Process
Development review is handled by the Bureau of Development Services (BDS), while long-range planning is managed by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS). Applications range from over-the-counter permits for simple projects to land use reviews for larger developments. Design Commission review applies in design overlay zones. Appeals go to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Portland
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
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 55 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Portland
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft or 75% of primary dwelling
- Max Height
- 20 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 Portland are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Portland permit fees →