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

Hillsboro is a mid-sized city in Washington County, Oregon, with about 106000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 38 ordinances across 11 categories that affect daily life in Hillsboro.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Hillsboro restricts large commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Small work vehicles are generally allowed in driveways..

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Hillsboro for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Taxes & Fees: Hillsboro requires STR operators to collect and remit the transient lodging tax on stays under 30 days. Washington County may levy additional taxes..

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (permissive), Occupancy Limits (moderate), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Hillsboro for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Hillsboro treats a carport as an accessory structure under Community Development Code Section 12.40.104. In residential zones, side and rear setbacks may be reduced to three feet for an accessory structure meeting Subsection 12.40.104.B.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Hillsboro for details.

Home Business

Zoning Restrictions: Hillsboro allows home occupations in residential zones under the development code. The business must be secondary to residential use..

Also covered: Signage Rules (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Hillsboro for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Hillsboro permits construction, industrial, and agricultural noise between 6 AM and 9 PM per Subchapter 6.24. Construction outside these hours is prohibited in residential areas..

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

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Hillsboro follows Oregon state fireworks law. Only state-approved fireworks are legal.

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (strict), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Hillsboro for details.

Fence Regulations

Neighbor Fence Rules: Oregon law does not require neighbor consent for fences on your own property. Shared fence maintenance may be split.

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate), Permit Requirements (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Hillsboro for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Hillsboro requires dogs to be leashed off the owner's property. Washington County Animal Services enforces leash laws..

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

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Hillsboro follows regional water conservation guidelines. Mandatory restrictions may apply during summer drought.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Hillsboro for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Pools in Hillsboro require permits and inspections per Oregon building code. Anti-entrapment drains, electrical bonding, and emergency shutoffs are required..

Also covered: Fencing Requirements (strict), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Hillsboro for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Hillsboro participates in the NFIP and regulates development in FEMA flood zones. Rock Creek and Dairy Creek are primary flood areas.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Hillsboro, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Hillsboro's city hall or code enforcement office.