Gutters & Downspouts / Blog / Guide
Portland's downspout and drainage rules, explained
In Portland you can disconnect a downspout and let it drain onto your yard without a permit, as long as the water lands at least 6 feet from a basement (2 feet from a crawl space or slab), 5 feet from the neighbor's property line and 3 feet from the public sidewalk, on ground that is not too steep. Drywells and soakage trenches are a different system with their own permit rules.
The City's distances
| Keep the water at least | From |
|---|---|
| 6 feet | A basement |
| 2 feet | A crawl space or slab foundation |
| 5 feet | The neighbor's property line |
| 10 feet | Buildings on the neighbor's property |
| 3 feet | The public sidewalk |
| 10 feet | A retaining wall |
The City also says:
- Don't disconnect on slopes steeper than 10 percent, and grade the soil so water flows away from buildings.
- The lawn or bed where the water soaks in should be at least 10 percent of the roof area draining to it.
- Keep extensions off walkways, patios, driveways and gate openings.
- Don't send water onto a septic system, drain field or old oil tank unless it has been decommissioned.
Do I need a permit?
Not for a simple disconnection with an extension and a splash block, according to the City. A drywell, soakage trench or other underground system has its own rules; check the City's pages for those before anyone digs.
Older houses on a sewer connection
Many older Portland houses have downspouts piped into the ground, often into the sewer. Disconnecting is a retrofit the City encourages on existing houses where the yard can take the water, and downspouts that meet the rules may qualify for a Clean River Rewards discount on the stormwater bill. If your yard is small, steep or close to neighbors, it may be better left connected. The City's drainage inquiries line is 503-823-5858.
Outside Portland
Happy Valley, Clackamas County and the other towns we work in each set their own stormwater rules. Check with your city's building or public works office before moving water toward a neighbor or into the ground.
What we do
We plan where each downspout goes before we hang a gutter, measure the distances, and put the plan in the written estimate.
Our work is covered by a 2-year workmanship warranty, in writing.
Get a free gutter estimate or call Tim, (503) 597-8520.