Do I need a permit for pavers, driveway, or hardscape in Unincorporated Multnomah County?
It depends. Whether pavers, driveway, or hardscape needs a permit in Unincorporated Multnomah County comes down to the details of your project.
The ORSC exempts concrete sidewalks, slabs, platforms, driveways, and similar work from a building permit (R105.2 item 2); BCD describes the exemption as covering slabs and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below. Grading, impervious-surface, stormwater, and right-of-way permits are set by cities and counties, not by the state building code. Retaining walls that support a regulated building or retain material that could impact one need a building permit statewide (ORSC R101.2.2 item 2).
Local detail for Unincorporated Multnomah County: Multnomah County handles zoning only. Building permits for unincorporated areas are issued under agreement by the City of Gresham (most of unincorporated east Multnomah County), the City of Portland, or the City of Troutdale, depending on the address. The office listed is Gresham Permit Services; confirm which city serves your address.
Documents you may need
- Site plan showing hardscape area and drainageSometimes required
- Retaining wall design where a wall supports a building or a surchargeSometimes required
- Right-of-way or driveway approach permit from the city or countySometimes required
- Local grading, stormwater, or erosion control reviewVerification needed
Possible inspections
- Retaining wall inspection where a permit is issued
- Right-of-way inspection for driveway approaches where required
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for pavers, driveway, or hardscape in Unincorporated Multnomah County?
- It depends. Whether pavers, driveway, or hardscape needs a permit in Unincorporated Multnomah County comes down to the details of your project. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
- Who issues the permit in Unincorporated Multnomah County?
- The local building department for Unincorporated Multnomah County handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.