Animal Ordinances in Beaverton, OR: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Beaverton or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Beaverton has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Breed Restrictions

Neither Beaverton nor Washington County imposes breed-specific bans on dogs. Oregon takes a behavior-based approach under ORS 609.035 to 609.110, defining 'potentially dangerous' and 'dangerous' dogs by conduct (menacing, chasing, biting) rather than breed. Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Animals) and Washington County Code Chapter 6.04 (Animals) supplement state law and authorize Washington County Animal Services to manage dangerous-dog declarations and licensing countywide.

Key details: Breed Bans: None - Beaverton and Washington County use behavior-based rules. State Law: ORS 609.035, 609.095, 609.098. City Code: Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Animals). County Code: Washington County Code Chapter 6.04. Enforcement: Washington County Animal Services (503-846-7041).

Allowing a dog to be at large, failing to license, or violating dangerous-dog control orders is enforced by Washington County Animal Services (503-846-7041) under WCC 6.04 with citations, impoundment, and dangerous-dog declarations. ORS 609.990 imposes criminal penalties for unlawful possession of a dog declared dangerous.

The rules around breed restrictions in Beaverton lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Dog Leash Laws

Beaverton Municipal Code Section 9.08.190 prohibits allowing any animal to roam at large or on a leash exceeding 8 feet. Owners must keep animals under control and immediately remove all solid waste. Washington County requires all dogs to be licensed and on a physical leash of 7 feet or shorter when off the owner's property.

Key details: Leash Length: Maximum 8 feet (BMC 9.08.190); 7 feet (Washington County). Waste Removal: Must immediately remove all solid waste. Animals at Large: Prohibited except domestic cats (BMC 5.05.030). Dog License: Required through Washington County. Enforcement: Washington County Animal Services: 503-846-7041.

Off-leash: $50 to $200 citation. Failure to clean up: $100 to $500. Unlicensed dog: $50 to $250. At-large: impound fees.

This is one of the stricter rules in Beaverton's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Beekeeping

Beaverton does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. The Development Code defines agriculture to include apiaries. Oregon state law (ORS 602) requires registration with the Oregon Department of Agriculture for beekeepers with 5 or more colonies. Local governments may adopt ordinances consistent with best practices per ORS 602.035.

Key details: City Ordinance: No specific beekeeping ordinance — recognized under agriculture definition. State Registration: Required for 5+ colonies through Oregon Dept. of Agriculture. State Law: ORS 602 (apiary registration and regulation). Best Practices: OSU Extension Service EM 9186 guidelines. Local Authority: City may adopt rules consistent with ORS 602.035.

Unauthorized hives: removal order. Nuisance complaints: mediation then fines. Unregistered apiary: ODA enforcement.

The rules around beekeeping in Beaverton lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Exotic Pets

Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Animals) prohibits keeping wild, exotic, or dangerous animals within the city, with narrow exceptions for licensed zoological or scientific exhibits. Oregon state law ORS 609.305 to 609.355 separately prohibits private possession of 'exotic animals' including non-human primates, non-domesticated felines (except service animals), non-wolf canines, and bears, except under a state permit issued before 2010 (grandfathered). Livestock and poultry are also restricted under Beaverton Code Chapter 5 except for permitted household pets such as urban chickens (no roosters).

Key details: City Code: Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Animals) - wild/exotic prohibited. State Law: ORS 609.305 - 609.355 (Exotic Animal Act). Prohibited Statewide: Non-human primates, non-domestic cats, bears, non-wolf canines, crocodilians. Permits: No new state exotic-animal permits since 2010. Enforcement: Washington County Animal Services + Oregon Dept. of Agriculture.

Unlawful possession of an exotic animal under ORS 609.305 to 609.355 is enforced by the Oregon Department of Agriculture or Department of Fish and Wildlife, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day per animal under ORS 609.335 and seizure authority. City-level violations of Beaverton Code Chapter 5 are enforced by Washington County Animal Services through citations and impoundment, with civil penalties under the Beaverton Code.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Beaverton actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

The Bottom Line

Beaverton's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Beaverton is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Beaverton's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.