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

If you live in Tigard or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Tigard has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Chickens & Livestock

Tigard allows backyard chickens under Ordinance 22-09 (Nov. 2022), which amended TMC Chapter 6.02. Roosters over three months are banned. Coops must sit five feet from property lines, feed stored in lidded containers, animals enclosed at night.

Key details: Code Chapter: TMC 6.02 (Ord. 22-09). Roosters: Prohibited over 3 months old. Coop Setback: 5 ft from property lines. Feed Storage: Lidded rodent-resistant containers. Night Housing: Enclosed shelter required.

Violations are handled as nuisance code citations under TMC Chapter 6.02. After education or warning, repeat offenses become civil infractions under TMC Chapter 1.16 with class-based fines. Common citations: roosters, setback violations, unsecured feed, and odor or manure accumulation.

Breed Restrictions

Neither Tigard nor Washington County enforces breed-specific legislation. Oregon state law (ORS 609.095) uses behavior-based criteria for potentially dangerous dogs rather than breed bans. Oregon does not preempt local breed bans, but Tigard has not enacted any.

Key details: Breed Bans: None. State Law: ORS 609.095 behavior-based. Preemption: No state preemption. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based designation.

Dangerous dog violations: fines $500 to $2,500. Containment failure: additional fines. Serious attack: possible criminal charges under ORS 609.098.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tigard gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Exotic Pets

Oregon prohibits keeping exotic animals without a valid ODA permit issued before January 1, 2010, or as provided under ORS 609.351. Cities may enact additional local bans. Tigard follows state law on exotic animal restrictions.

Key details: State Law: ORS 609.305–609.351. Permit Required: ODA permit (pre-2010). New Permits: Very limited exceptions. Local Authority: Cities may further restrict.

Confiscation of prohibited animals. Fines $500 to $5,000. Criminal charges possible for dangerous species. Owner liable for damages from escaped animals.

Compared to other cities, Tigard takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Dog Leash Laws

Tigard delegates dog control to Washington County Animal Services. Title 6, Chapter 6.04 requires any dog off its owner's property to be on a physical leash no longer than seven feet, controlled by a capable handler.

Key details: Governing Code: Washington County Title 6, Ch. 6.04. Max Leash Length: 7 feet, physical leash. Parks Rule: Tigard TMC Ch. 7.52. Enforcement: Washington County Animal Services. Contact: 503-846-7041.

Failure to leash an off-property dog is enforced by Washington County Animal Services. Penalties include impound and daily boarding fees, county citation fines, and additional charges if the dog is unlicensed. Aggressive cases escalate under dangerous-dog provisions.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tigard actively enforces its dog leash laws requirements.

Beekeeping

Beekeeping is allowed in Tigard under Ord. 22-09 (TMC Chapter 6.02). Bee hives and fenced runs are exempt from the five-foot livestock setback. Beekeepers must respond to swarming complaints within 36 hours and meet general nuisance standards.

Key details: Code Chapter: TMC 6.02 (Ord. 22-09). Hive Setback: Exempt from 5-ft setback. Swarm Response: Within 36 hours. State Registration: ODA Apiary (5+ colonies). City Hive Cap: None in city code.

Beekeeping issues are handled as nuisance complaints under TMC 6.02. Failing to respond to a swarming complaint within 36 hours, or operating a hive that becomes a neighbor hazard, can trigger education first and civil-infraction citations under TMC 1.16.

Tigard is more permissive than most cities when it comes to beekeeping. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Tigard'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 Tigard is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Tigard's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.