Hillsboro, OR Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Use category
- 'Animal Service Facility' (CDC § 12.01.500)
- Enclosed facilities
- permitted outright in allowed zones
- Outdoor runs
- Conditional Use approval required
- Outdoor exercise density
- max 10 animals per 1,000 sq ft
- Animal noise limit
- 60 dBA at property line
Summary
Pet grooming businesses in Hillsboro fall under the Community Development Code's 'Animal Service Facility' use category, which sets where such facilities can locate and requires Conditional Use approval for any outdoor exercise runs.
Animal service facilities primarily enclosed within a building, or having exterior yards for supervised activity only, may be permitted in certain zones, subject to Section 12.80.040. Where allowed, facilities with outdoor runs allowing unsupervised activity are permitted only as conditional uses under Section 12.80.020.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Grooming is folded into the CDC's 'Animal Service Facility' definition alongside boarding, training and veterinary care (CDC § 12.01.500). Facilities that are fully enclosed, or that have exterior yards used only for supervised activity, may be permitted outright in zones that allow the use, subject to the standard approval process. Facilities that add outdoor runs for unsupervised animal activity need discretionary Conditional Use approval, and any application must document animal counts, vehicle circulation, noise attenuation, and screening. Outdoor exercise areas are capped at 10 animals per 1,000 square feet and animal noise at the property line is capped at 60 dBA outside limited exceptions.
Violations & Fines
Operating an animal service facility, including a grooming business with an outdoor run, without the required zoning approval is a Community Development Code violation the City can enforce through its land-use code compliance process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a pet grooming business anywhere in Hillsboro?
Does a Hillsboro groomer need a permit for an outdoor play yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.