Brochure 3: Fences, Decks and Outdoor Residential Projects
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Source: Brochure 3: Fences, Decks and Outdoor Residential Projects ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:11:33 GMT
When you need permits
If your property is in an overlay zone or a plan district, there may be alternative standards and a zoning permit may be required.
Use the table below to determine whether or not a permit will be required for your project type.
All structures must comply with zoning requirements, whether or not a permit is required. Please call 503-823-7300 to verify your zoning allowances.
Projects
Permits Needed
Decks and porches with walking surface more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Building permit and inspection
Decks or patios with walking surface 30 inches or less above adjacent grade
No permit
Patio/porch covers not over 200 square feet in area and supported by an exterior building wall, and not closer than three feet to a property line
Zoning setback and building coverage requirements apply. No permit
Patio/porch covers over 200 square feet in area
Building permit and inspection
Detached patio/porch covers over 200 square feet in area
Building permit and inspection
Covered decks, not discussed in this publication
Additional requirements, consult staff by phone, 15-minute appointment ↗ or in person
Detached garage with a floor area not more than 200 square feet and not more than 15 feet in height measured from grade plane to average height of the highest roof surface
Zoning permit
Sheds or detached non-habitable one-story accessory structures with a floor area less than or equal to 200 square feet and not more than 15 feet in height measured from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface
Zoning setback, building coverage, and floor area limitations apply. No permit
- Fences seven feet or less in height
- Masonry or concrete fence not over 4 feet in height.
- Field fencing that is woven wire or chain link not over 8 feet in height.
Zoning setback requirements apply. No permit, unless the fence encloses a swimming pool.
Fences unless exempt pursuant to subsection 24.10.072.B ↗
Building permit and inspection
Ponds/water features, self-contained
Electrical permit and inspection for pump
Ponds/water features connected to drainage or water supply
Plumbing permit and inspection, and electrical permit and inspection for pump
Swimming pool, in-ground
Building, electrical and mechanical permits and inspections
Barriers around swimming pools
Visit swimming pools section for requirements
Hot tub with direct connection to plumbing system
Plumbing permit and inspection
Hot tub, gas heated
Mechanical permit and inspection
Hot tub, electrically heated
Electrical permit and inspection
Barriers around hot tubs/spas
No permit required if hot tub/spa has approved cover
Retaining walls over four feet high (measured bottom of footing to top of wall) or affected by adjacent slope or structure
Building permit and inspection
All development must comply with zoning requirements. If there is an overlay zone or plan district on your property, there may be alternative standards that apply to your project, and a zoning permit may be required. Call 503-823-7300 to find out what zoning requirements apply to your property.