Marathon Builders Resource Center

Downloads & Build Plans

Build diagrams drawn from the way we actually build in Portland, plus direct links to the City's official handouts and free pre-approved plans. Print them, bring them to the lumber yard or hand them to your crew.

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Build diagrams

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Fence Post Setting Detail 6 ft wood fence · section view · not to scale FINISHED GRADE 30 in minimum about 1/3 of post length 36 in for 7–8 ft fences 10–12 in diameter hole 4x4 ground-contact post Crown the concreteslope away so waterdrains off the post Concrete footing60 lb bags, about 2–3per post 4–6 in compacted graveldrains the post bottom

Fence post setting detail

Depth, hole size, gravel base and crowned concrete: the details that keep posts from leaning in wet Portland soil.

6 ft Privacy Fence: One 8 ft Bay Back (rail) side elevation · not to scale 8 ft on center (max) 6 ft Top rail2x4 on edge Middle rail2x4 Bottom rail2x4 Kickboard 1x6 cedar dog-ear pickets · 2 coated screws per rail · 2x6 PT kickboard

6 ft privacy fence bay

Post spacing, three-rail layout, picket attachment and a replaceable kickboard for one standard 8 ft section.

No-Sag Gate Frame Back side elevation · walk gate up to 4 ft wide leave about 2 in ground clearance Hinge sideheavy strap hinges,4x6 or steel post,set deeper thanline posts Latchself-closinghinge + latchfor pools/pets Brace runs LOW at hinge, HIGH at latch 2x4 diagonal brace (in compression)

No-sag gate frame

The brace direction that keeps a wood gate from dragging, plus hinge and post upgrades for gates that get daily use.

Good-Neighbor Fence Top-down (plan) view · boards alternate sides YOUR YARD NEIGHBOR'S YARD Boards on your side Boards on their side Rail Overlap boards about 1 in so there are no see-through gaps. Both sides see a finished face. Uses about 50% more boards than a standard fence.

Good-neighbor fence layout

How alternating boards give both yards a finished face, the overlap that stops see-through gaps, and the extra material to plan for.

Deck Stair Stringer Layout Side view · 4 risers shown · confirm limits with your permit reviewer Deck surface Rim joist Riser 7¾ in max, all equal Tread 10 in min Stringers2x12 PT, max 18 in apartkeep 5 in of solid woodbelow the cuts Landingfirm, level base: concretepad or compacted gravel Number of risers = total rise ÷ 7.75, rounded up. Riser height = total rise ÷ number of risers.

Deck stair stringer layout

Riser and tread limits, stringer size and spacing, and the simple math for laying out equal steps.

Deck Guardrail Requirements Decks more than 30 in above grade · Portland Deck framing 36 in minimum 4 in sphere ruleNo opening may let a 4 in ball pass through. 200 lb loadTop rail must resist 200 lb pushed sideways. gap smaller than 4 in Attached decks over 30 in also need a building permit and footings 12 in below ground.

Deck guardrail requirements

Portland's guard height, the 4-inch sphere rule and the load requirement, in one picture you can check your deck against.

These diagrams show typical practice and are for planning. They are not stamped engineering drawings. Projects that need a permit may require site-specific plans.

Official City of Portland plans & handouts

Free from the City. Links open portland.gov.

PDF handoutBrochure 3: Fences, Decks & Outdoor ProjectsPermit thresholds for fences, decks, sheds, retaining walls and patio covers. DiagramFigure 1: Fence height and setbacksThe City's illustration of where 3.5 ft and 8 ft fences are allowed. DiagramFigure 2: Deck guardrails and footingsThe City's illustration of guard and footing requirements. GuideStairs requirementsRise, run, handrails and guards for deck and outdoor stairs. GuideDeck permit project guideA custom step-by-step guide for your deck permit. ChecklistDeck permit drawingsWhat site plan, elevation and structural drawings the City expects. Free pre-approved planADU: gable roof, slab foundationCity pre-approved detached ADU plan set (PDF). Free pre-approved planADU: shed roof, slab foundationCity pre-approved detached ADU plan set (PDF). Free pre-approved planADU: gable roof, post & beamCity pre-approved detached ADU plan set (PDF). Free pre-approved planADU: shed roof, post & beamCity pre-approved detached ADU plan set (PDF). LookupPortlandMaps: find your zoneZoning, lot lines and permit history for any Portland address. RequiredOregon 811: request utility locatesFree, and required before you dig post holes or footings.

Portland's pre-approved plans skip structural review for the building code but still need a permit, zoning review and separate trade permits. Want help? Our Project Liaison service can manage the permit for you.