Code Compliance - Frequently Asked Questions

A nuisance is "…any annoying, unpleasant or obnoxious condition or practice causing or capable of causing an unreasonable threat to the public health, safety and welfare in the circumstances…", according to the Municipal Code. See section 8.28.070 of the Municipal Code for more specific nuisance information.

Yes. See chapter 8.28 of the Municipal Code.

If an item is stored on private property, no part of the item may obstruct the public sidewalk blocking any portion of pedestrian passage. These items must also be parked on an approved surface and are not allowed on grass or exposed soil.

There is a 72-hour maximum time limit for storage on public property. After that time, the item(s) may be ticketed and eventually towed from the location.

For purposes of loading or unloading, motorhomes, RVs, and boats can be parked for up to four hours on the street.

Whenever possible, drop boxes, moving pods, or similar portable containers should be placed on private property. You should only place a container in the public right-of-way when placement on private property is infeasible.

Learn more at our Drop Box & Pod Guidelines page.

No. Vehicles may be parked on driveways or other approved surfaces, or properly parked on a street.  

No. Vehicles must be parked in the direction of traffic flow. 

No. Vehicles must be parked with the passenger door towards the curb, and within 12 inches of the curb. 

According to the Municipal Code (10.04.020), an abandoned vehicle is:

"A vehicle that has been deserted, relinquished or has one or more of the following existing conditions:

1. The vehicle license plate or registration sticker has expired or has been canceled.
2. The vehicle has no license plate.
3. The vehicle has no visible vehicle identification number (VIN).
4. The vehicle appears to be inoperative or disabled.
5. The vehicle appears to be unlawful to operate on a public street."

See Municipal Code (10.36.010) for the maximum length of time abandoned vehicles may be present in the city and the enforcement of abandoned vehicles.

Report it to Code Compliance. You can do so by completing our online form.

Report it to Code Compliance. You can do so by completing our online form.

Any grass or weeds as defined in the code that are 14 inches in height or higher are considered a nuisance and must be cut or mowed.

Report it to Code Compliance. You can do so by completing our online form. Trees must be kept trimmed to 7 feet above the sidewalk. 

Yes. You can do so by completing our online form.

A sign permit is not required for garage sales signs provided that these rules are followed:

• Place signs on a wooden support stake
• Signs cannot be displayed or attached to any public utility or traffic pole
• Signs cannot be placed on private property without the permission of the property owner
• A maximum of four signs can be displayed for any sale
• Maximum sign face area cannot exceed three square feet
• Signs cannot be displayed for more than 72 hours and must be removed at the end of the final day of the sale
• Only one garage sale at a single location is permitted every three months

Violation of these conditions will result in immediate removal of the signs and could result in a citation to appear in municipal court

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office handles noise complaints for the City of Troutdale and also reviews applications for variances to those standards. Visit their website or call the non-emergency dispatch line at 503-988-0560.

Citizens can have up to three chickens on their property. No roosters are allowed. 

Your property must be 2 acres in size or larger in order to have livestock. Miniature goats can be kept as pets only; no breeding is allowed. 

Yes. Livestock registration is required per by Multnomah County Ordinance (13.308). Obtaining a permit is free and can be done through Multnomah County Animal Services. 

The City of Troutdale does not handle animal complaints. Multnomah County Animal Control provides this service for Troutdale for domestic animals. You can contact them at 503-988-7387 or at their website.

For wildlife complaints, contact Fish and Wildlife at 503-657-2000 and for wild birds call the Portland Audubon Wildlife Care Center at 503-292-0304.

Contact Multnomah County Vector Control at 503-988-3464.