Code Compliance Frequently Asked Questions

Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds are not allowed to be parked/stored on the public right-of-way in Gresham - unless it's specifically posted such parking is allowed, or the truck is actively loading or unloading.

Can I have chicken or other livestock?

Chickens are allowed on property zoned Low Density Residential (LDR-5, LDR-7, LDR-PV, LDR-SW). Some restrictions apply and a permit is required.

Can I park my motorhome, trailer, etc. on the street?

To help address the growing parking enforcement cases related to RVs, the City has implemented a code requiring a no-cost, 72-hour permit to park an RV on a residential street in Gresham.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle? What happens next? I live near a business with loud noise all night. Who do I call?

The noise generated by the business may be in violation of the City's noise ordinance and should be reported to Code Compliance.

I reported a vehicle parked on the street for a long time. Why hasn't it been removed?

If a vehicle is "street legal" (appears operational and has current license plate tags and no other violations) it may park anywhere on the public right-of-way for 72 hours without moving.

The exception is if the vehicle is parked immediately next to the registered owner's address. The vehicle can be parked at that location without moving as long as it remains street legal and does not become a problem for the street sweeper.

After the vehicle is reported, a Code inspector will mark it for re-inspection in 24-hours to see if it moves. If it does not, the vehicle will be issued an impound notice, giving the owner three business days to move it or it will be towed.

Do I need a permit to cut a tree down on my property?

We advise calling the City's planner on duty, 503-618-2780, before removing any tree.

If the tree is a "street tree" (planted in the planter strip), you must get a permit before removal.

If the tree is located elsewhere on a fully developed lot, you may cut down up to three regulated trees (8" or more in caliper) per calendar year with an exemption permit.

Can I hand out fliers for my business?

Distribution of pamphlets and fliers within the city limits of Gresham is not regulated by the City.

Can I take my own garbage to the dump?

City code allows a property owner to self-haul garbage, as long as it's done weekly as an exception to the requirement for garbage service.

Can I park head-in on a cul-de-sac?

It is illegal to park a vehicle head first into a cul-de-sac or any other street in Gresham that is not so marked. Vehicles must be parked with the passenger side along and near the curb (within 12 inches).

My home or business was tagged with graffiti. Who removes it?

It is the property owner's responsibility to remove graffiti. You should also file a police report.

My neighbor has a trailer on his property and is letting relatives live in it. Is this okay?

Living in a trailer on a residential lot is considered camping and unlawful camping is a violation of City code. No one may camp on private property without permission of the property owner, and for no longer than 72 hours.

My neighbor keeps parking in my space in front of my home. What can I do?

The public right-of-way area in front of your home is not owned/specified for parking for your specific residence. Anyone with a street legal vehicle may park there. However, only vehicles registered to your address may park there more than 72 hours.

My neighbor owns an RV and parks it on his property. It's not behind a fence or behind their home. What can be done?

Recreational vehicles (motorhomes, campers, boats) on residential property must be parked on an improved, compacted surface, including a driveway. If parked in front of the face of the house, it must be on the driveway. Otherwise, it must be parked in the side or rear yard.

If the property is a corner lot, the vehicle cannot be parked within the clear vision zone. Second driveway approaches to property must be approved by the City if not using existing approved driveway access.

My neighbor's grass, bushes, shrubs or blackberry vines are coming into my yard. What can I do?

It is a City code violation to allow these types of vegetation to extend across property lines.

My neighbor's home was tagged with graffiti. How do I get him to remove it?

It is the property owner's responsibility to remove graffiti. Report the location of the graffiti to Code Compliance, and include a picture when reasonable.

My neighbors keep parking their vehicles on their lawn. Isn't this illegal?

Like recreational vehicles, any vehicle on residential property must be parked on an improved, compacted surface, including the driveway. If parked in front of the face of the house, it must be on the driveway. Otherwise, it must be parked in the side or rear yard.

If the property is a corner lot, the vehicle cannot be parked within the clear vision zone. Second driveway approaches to property must be approved by City, if not using existing approved driveway access.

My neighbor's tree limbs extend onto my property and are causing problems. Can I trim the tree?

City code does not regulate trees extending over/onto neighboring property. You should discuss this matter with your neighbor.

Someone dumped a couch in the street. Who do I call to get it removed?

Report illegal dumping in the public right-of-way to Metro's Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Patrol at 503-234-3000.

My neighbor's dog is constantly barking. Who do I call?