Written by Tim Gaughan, Urban Edge. Published October 16, 2026. Portland rules from Portland Permitting & Development, checked October 2026.
In Portland, most wood fences need no building permit as long as they stay within the height limits: in many zones, 3½ feet in the front setback and up to 8 feet in the side and rear setbacks. Fences around a swimming pool always need a permit, and each city and the county set their own zoning heights, so check before you build near a front yard or a corner.
Portland
| Where on the lot | Height limit (many zones) |
|---|
| Front building setback | 3½ feet |
|---|
| Side and rear setbacks | Up to 8 feet |
|---|
| Outside all setbacks | Taller allowed, up to the zone's height limit |
|---|
- A building permit is needed only when a fence is not exempt, and always for a fence that encloses a pool.
- Overlay zones and plan districts can have different standards. The City's number is 503-823-7300.
- Corner lots and driveways often have extra limits so drivers can see. Ask the City about your lot before building near a corner.
The state building code
Oregon's residential code exempts many fences from a building permit, generally wood, wire and chain-link fences up to 7 feet tall that are not pool barriers. Cities still set zoning heights on top of that, which is why Portland's front-yard limit is far lower than 7 feet.
Happy Valley and Clackamas County
Happy Valley's fence rules allow fences up to 4 feet in front of a home and up to 8 feet beside and behind it. Within 25 feet of an intersection, fences are limited to 2½ feet above the curb so drivers can see, though a see-through fence up to 4 feet is allowed there with thin posts. Happy Valley's Planning Division is at 503-783-3800.
Unincorporated Clackamas County sets its own rules through its Building Codes division (503-742-4240); call them with your address before you build.
Decks, while you're at it
In Portland, a deck more than 30 inches above the ground needs a building permit; a lower deck generally doesn't, though zoning setbacks still apply. A patio cover attached to the house and up to 200 square feet generally doesn't; a detached one over 200 square feet does.
Other things to check
- HOA rules. Many Happy Valley and Clackamas neighborhoods have their own fence height, style and color rules. Get them in writing first.
- The property line. Know where it is before the first post goes in.
- Utility locates. Call 811 before digging post holes. It's free.
How we handle it
We check height limits and HOA rules for your address before we draw the fence, and say in the written estimate whether a permit is needed.
Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.
Get a free estimate or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.