Deck & Fence Builder in Portland, OR

What we build in Portland

• Decks: cedar, hardwood and composite decks, including compact low decks for small city backyards and raised decks with stairs.
• Fences: cedar privacy, horizontal and craftsman-style slat fences that suit Portland’s older homes, plus custom gates.
• Railings: wood, metal-baluster and cable railings for decks, porches and stairs.
• Arbors and trellises: garden entries, gate arbors and pergola-style deck covers.

We work across Portland, including Sellwood-Moreland, Eastmoreland, Brentwood-Darlington and the rest of Southeast Portland.

Portland fence & deck rules at a glance

From the City of Portland’s residential fence and deck guidance:

• Wood fences up to 7 feet tall don’t need a building permit (lattice and posts count toward the height). Masonry or concrete fences need one over 4 feet, and chain-link or woven wire over 8 feet.
• In many zones, fences in the front setback are limited to 3.5 feet, while side and rear setbacks allow up to 8 feet.
• Fences between 7 and 8 feet need closer post spacing and deeper footings, or an engineered design; fences over 8 feet must be engineered.
• A deck needs a building permit if its walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade. A lower deck usually doesn’t, as long as no part is within 3 feet of a property line.
• Pool fences always need a permit, and overlay zones can change the standard rules.

Rules change, and lot-specific conditions apply. We confirm the current requirements for your property before we build, and handle the permit when one is needed. Sources: Portland.gov: Fences, Decks and Outdoor Residential Projects · Portland.gov: Residential deck permits.

Portland deck & fence FAQ

Do I need a permit for a fence in Portland?

Not for a wood fence up to 7 feet tall. Taller fences, masonry over 4 feet and any pool fence do need one, and zoning still limits front-setback fences to 3.5 feet in many zones.

Do I need a permit for a low deck in Portland?

Usually not if the walking surface is 30 inches or less above grade and no part of the deck is within 3 feet of a property line. We confirm this for your lot before building.