Portland Zoning & Land Use Guide
Sources checked· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:
Key Zoning Facts
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 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
R5Residential 5,000
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
RM1Residential Multi-Dwelling 1
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
CM2Commercial/Mixed Use 2
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 55 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Portland
ADUs:Allowed
- 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
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 Portland permit information →Official Sources
City-specific
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Portland?
Yes. Oregon state law (HB 2001) requires Portland to allow ADUs in all residential zones. No owner-occupancy or additional parking is required. Portland has been a national leader in ADU construction.
What zones allow multi-family housing in Portland?
Multi-family housing is allowed in RM1 through RM4, RX, CM, CX, and CE zones. HB 2001 also requires duplexes be allowed in all single-family zones.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Zoning codes and building regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local planning department and building authority before making any decisions.