Fence Regulations in Hillsboro, OR

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

Fence Permit Requirements

Fence permits in Hillsboro go through the Type I review process: submit an application, fee, site plan, and a drawing of the fence's height and materials, then the city checks it against the fence and sight-distance standards.

Key details: Procedure type: Type I (staff-level). Requires: site plan + design drawing. Checked against: CDC §§ 12.50.250, 12.50.260. Appeals under: CDC § 12.70.180.

A fence permit application that fails the height, location, or sight-distance standards is denied; a fence built out of compliance with an approved permit is a code violation subject to enforcement.

Height Limits

Hillsboro caps residential fences and walls at 6 feet 2 inches, dropping to 4 feet 2 inches in front-yard setbacks, under Community Development Code § 12.50.250.D: with an 8-foot-2-inch allowance next to commercial or industrial zones.

Key details: General max height: 6 ft 2 in in residential zones. Front yard max (interior lots): 4 ft 2 in. Near commercial/industrial zones: up to 8 ft 2 in. Permit required: Fence permit under CDC § 12.80.060. Governing section: CDC § 12.50.250.D.

Installing a fence or wall without a required permit, or above the height limit for its yard type, is a code violation enforceable by the City and may require modification or removal of the noncompliant fence.

Retaining Walls

In Hillsboro's North Hillsboro Industrial Area Plan District, retaining walls over 30 inches must be fully screened from public rights-of-way or capped at 15 feet with base landscaping, per CDC § 12.66.250.D.4.

Key details: Screening threshold: 30 inches. Max height with landscaping: 15 feet. Applies in: North Hillsboro Industrial Area Plan District. Governing section: CDC § 12.66.250.D.4.

Building an unscreened retaining wall over 30 inches, or exceeding 15 feet even with screening, violates CDC § 12.66.250.D.4 and can require redesign, added landscaping, or removal as a condition of approval.

Material Restrictions

Hillsboro bans barbed, razor or similar wire fencing and electric fences along any sidewalk or public way, though barbed wire is allowed atop a fence at least 6 feet high if set back 6 inches, and electric fencing may enclose livestock on private property.

Key details: Governing section: HMC 6.16.040. Barbed wire exception: 6 in. above 6-ft fence, no sidewalks. Electric fence use: Livestock enclosures only. Penalty: $500 general fine per day.

Maintaining a prohibited barbed, razor-wire or electric fence along a sidewalk is a civil infraction subject to Hillsboro's general $500 penalty under HMC 1.08.010(B), with each day of the violation counted separately under HMC 1.08.030.

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

The Bottom Line

Hillsboro's fence regulations 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 Hillsboro is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Hillsboro can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.