Build a Fence

In many cases, residential fences do not require a Building or Planning Review permit. However, all residential fences must meet the following requirements in Oregon City's fence code (OCMC 17.54.100):

• Between the front facade of the house and the street (or 40 feet back from the front property line, whichever is closer), the fence must be 42 inches, or 3.5 feet, high or less. (OCMC 17.54.100.A.1)
• At and behind the front facade of the house (or 40 feet back from the front property line, whichever is closer), the fence must be 72 inches, or 6 feet, high or less. (OCMC 17.54.100.A.2.a)
• Property owners shall ensure compliance with the traffic sight obstruction requirements in OCMC 10.32.
• Fences cannot be chain link material. (OCMC 17.62.050.H.d)
• See our Guide to Building a Fence (PDF) for more details.

Fences on properties with the following characteristics require a permit of some type:

• In Historic Districts or on historically designated properties
  • Historic Review Board Policy 6: Fences and Walls (PDF)
• In the Natural Resource Overlay District
  • Type I NROD Exemption Permit is Required
• In Multi-family, Mixed Use, Institutional, Commercial, and Industrial zones
  • Type I Minor Site Plan and Design Review Application is Required
  • Type I Minor Site Plan and Design Review Addendum 1: Exterior Facade Changes (PDF) is Required.
  • Type I Minor Site Plan and Design Review Addendum 6: Pedestrian Circulation (PDF) is Required.
  • Type I Minor Site Plan and Design Review Addendum 7: Fences, Hedges, Walls, and Retaining Walls (PDF) is Required.
  • The Type I Minor Site Plan and Design Review Application, all Addenda, and accompanying materials can be submitted through our Online Portal.
• Fences cannot be built in Public Utility Easements (PUEs) or Public Right-of-Ways without review and approval from the Public Works Department.

Planning fees for any required review processes can be found on our Planning Fee Schedule.

Got Questions?

Feel free to email Planning or call 503-722-3789 with any Planning questions. You may also email the Building Department or email Public Works.