PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a deck in Portland, OR?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a deck in Portland, OR (for example: Over 30 in: permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

No permit for a deck 30 in or less above grade. Higher decks need a building permit.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see Portland Permitting & Development fees. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.portland.gov/ppd/residential-permitting/do-you-need-permit/residential-permits

Where to apply

Portland Permitting & Development (online permits)

Permitting authority: City of Portland Permitting & Development. Rules shown are for one- and two-family homes. Zoning rules apply even when no building permit is needed; overlay zones and flood hazard areas may add requirements. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Build stairs, patio, or deck that is not more than 30 inches above grade”

Source: https://www.portland.gov/ppd/residential-permitting/do-you-need-permit/residential-permits

“Build a deck more than 30 inches high”

Source: https://www.portland.gov/ppd/residential-permitting/do-you-need-permit/residential-permits

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Portland

Deck permits in other cities

Compare deck permit rules in all 48 cities · All Oregon cities