Garage conversion rules in Tualatin, OR — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Converting a Tualatin garage into living space requires Building Division permits (building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical). If the conversion becomes a separate dwelling unit it must also meet ADU standards under TDC 34.600 and pass land use approval.
Tualatin's ADU page lists three required tracks: Planning Division land use approval, Engineering permits for right-of-way work, and Building Division permits for building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work. Converting an existing garage into an independent dwelling with its own kitchen, living space, and bathroom triggers the full ADU path under TDC 34.600 plus TDC 40.220 (RL) or 41.220 (RML) housing-type approval. Replacement off-street parking is governed by TDC Chapter 73C; if the converted garage held required parking, replacement vehicle storage must meet TDC 73C and remain in the driveway or a parallel paved or graveled area per the city's parking rules.
Converting a garage without Building Division permits, or creating an independent dwelling unit without TDC 34.600 approval, is a code violation. The Building Division can issue stop-work orders and require restoration or correction.
Tualatin, OR
Tualatin does not ban gas-powered leaf blowers. Under TMC 6-14-040, residential power equipment - including leaf blowers, lawn mowers, lawn edgers, hand tool...
Tualatin, OR
TMC 6-14-040 prohibits operating amplified sound equipment so that the sound is plainly audible within a noise-sensitive property or more than 150 feet away ...
Tualatin, OR
Construction work in Tualatin - excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of a building - is allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. seven days a week wi...
Tualatin, OR
Under TMC 6-14-040, it is unlawful to keep or permit any animal that barks, cries, or whimpers on a frequent or continuous basis for 15 minutes or longer if ...
Tualatin, OR
Tualatin Municipal Code Chapter 6-14 governs noise. TMC 6-14-030 prohibits creating or permitting a noise disturbance, and TMC 6-14-040 sets a 10:00 p.m. to ...
Tualatin, OR
Tualatin treats a vehicle left on a public street more than 24 hours that appears disabled or abandoned as towable under ORS 819.100. TMC 6-13-040(13) bars v...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Washington County.
See how other cities in Washington County handle garage conversions.
See how Tualatin's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.