Portland permits miniature goats in some residential zones — but with setback requirements that make many Portland lots non-compliant. Here's what Portland's code actually allows and where the constraints bite.
Quick Summary
Standard goats: Not permitted in residential zones · Miniature goats: Conditionally permitted with CUP · Bucks: Prohibited in residential zones · Permit: Conditional use permit · Setback: 50 ft from adjacent dwelling · Code: Portland City Code § 33.920.050
Portland's Miniature Goat Provisions
Portland City Code § 33.920.050 — the city's urban agriculture section — permits miniature goats as a conditional accessory use in residential zones. "Miniature" is defined in Portland's code as domestic goats of a breed or crossbreed that does not exceed 75 pounds at full maturity. Nigerian Dwarfs and Pygmies qualify; most other breeds do not.
The 50-foot setback from any adjacent dwelling is Portland's most demanding goat requirement. On Portland's typical residential lots — many in the 3,000–6,000 square foot range in neighborhoods like Sellwood, Alberta Arts District, and Hawthorne — finding a placement zone 50 feet from all neighboring houses is often impossible.
The 50-Foot Setback Reality in Portland
Portland's 50-foot setback from adjacent dwellings in all directions is the primary barrier. In a typical Portland neighborhood where houses are 40–60 feet apart, your neighbor's house may be 15–20 feet from your shared fence line — meaning your goat enclosure needs to be 65–70+ feet from your own property line on that side. On most urban Portland lots, this rules out goat-keeping entirely without a variance. Outer eastside neighborhoods (Centennial, Pleasant Valley, Lents) with larger lots offer better odds.
Portland vs. Unincorporated Multnomah County
City
Limit
Permit
Setback
Portland (city limits)
Miniature only, CUP required
$150+ CUP
50 ft from adjacent dwelling
Unincorporated Multnomah Co.
More permissive on larger lots
No CUP for small flocks
County ag rules
Gresham
Miniature only, permit required
Permit required
40 ft setback
Lake Oswego
Miniature only
Permit required
50 ft setback
Beaverton
Restricted
CUP required
50 ft setback
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Frequently Asked Questions
Larger-lot outer Portland neighborhoods give the best odds: Lents, Pleasant Valley, Centennial, Hazelwood (outer SE), and some areas of North Portland with larger lots. Dense inner-SE and inner-NE Portland (Hawthorne, Alberta, Mississippi Ave, Buckman) have lots too small for the 50-foot setback. Use the Setback Calculator to evaluate your specific parcel before applying for a CUP.
Yes — unincorporated Multnomah County (areas outside Portland and other incorporated cities) generally has more permissive rural residential provisions for miniature goats. If your property is in unincorporated Multnomah County — use the County's parcel viewer to confirm — you may be able to keep miniature goats without the 50-foot setback or a formal CUP. Contact Multnomah County Planning at (503) 988-3043.
The Portland Bureau of Development Services (1900 SW 4th Ave) administers the CUP. Application requires: completed form, site plan showing lot boundaries and all adjacent dwelling locations with measured setback distances, description of enclosure, and the application fee (~$150–$300 depending on CUP type). Neighbor notification required. Processing: 4–8 weeks. Straightforward applications with no objections are typically approved administratively.