Moving to Beaverton, OR? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Beaverton, Oregon may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 38 tracked ordinances across 11 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Accessory Structures

Garage Conversions: Garage conversions to ADUs are permitted in Beaverton. Existing legal non-conforming structures can be converted to ADUs provided the conversion does not increase the non-conformity.

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Beaverton for details.

Parking Rules

Driveway Rules: Beaverton defines a driveway as any alley or access drive from a street to public or private property. No parking is permitted on sidewalks, curbs, planting strips, or medians within the public right-of-way.

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Beaverton for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Taxes & Fees: Beaverton STR operators must collect and remit multiple transient lodging taxes totaling approximately 14.5%: Beaverton city TLT of 4%, Washington County TLT of 9%, and Oregon state TLT of 1.5%. The city's 4% lodging tax supports the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (permissive), Insurance Requirements (permissive), Permit Requirements (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Beaverton for details.

Animal Ordinances

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.

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (permissive), Exotic Pets (strict). See the full animal ordinances guide for Beaverton for details.

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Public Nuisances) defines noxious vegetation to include grass exceeding 10 inches in height and weeds going to seed. Property owners must keep their lot and the abutting public right-of-way (the planting strip between sidewalk and curb) free of noxious vegetation.

Also covered: Water Restrictions (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Beaverton for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Backyard burning of yard debris is prohibited year-round throughout Beaverton because the city lies inside the permanent burn-ban boundary jointly enforced by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) and Oregon DEQ under OAR 340-264-0060. Only properly conducted recreational fires (IFC 307.4) and approved barbecues are allowed.

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Fireworks (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Beaverton for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Beaverton strictly limits residential construction noise to 7 AM – 7 PM under Municipal Code Section 5.15.030. Construction activities including erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of buildings in or within 300 feet of a residential or noise-sensitive area are prohibited outside these hours except with an emergency permit..

Also covered: Barking Dogs (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Beaverton for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Beaverton participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and regulates development in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas under the Beaverton Development Code Chapter 60.05 (Special Districts and Overlay Zones, including Floodplain). The primary Beaverton floodplains follow Beaverton Creek, Fanno Creek, Johnson Creek, and Hall Creek (FEMA Zone AE).

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Beaverton residential swimming pools must comply with the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Appendix V (formerly Appendix G of the IRC), which requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around any pool capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the release at least 54 inches above ground (or with specific child-safe configurations if lower).

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Beaverton for details.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: Beaverton requires building permits for fences over 7 feet tall, fences over 8 feet for open chain link or woven wire, and all fences serving as swimming pool barriers. Applications should be made through the city's building department.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Beaverton for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Beaverton's home occupation regulations generally prohibit exterior signage for Type 1 home businesses. Type 2 home occupations may have limited signage subject to Development Code Section 60.40 (Sign Regulations).

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Beaverton for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Beaverton includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.