Beaverton's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Beaverton, Oregon, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

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. After notice, the City may abate the nuisance by mowing and charge the cost back to the property, with the unpaid charges becoming a lien on the property.

Key details: Grass Height Limit: 10 inches (Beaverton Code Chapter 5). Weed Limit: 10 inches or going to seed. Right-of-Way: Owner must maintain abutting planting strip. Notice Period: Typically 10 days before city abatement. Enforcement: City abatement + cost lien on property.

Failure to abate noxious vegetation after notice subjects the property owner to city abatement, with mowing and administrative costs billed to the owner under Beaverton Code Chapter 5. Unpaid abatement charges become a lien on the property. Repeat violations may also be assessed civil penalties under the public-nuisance article.

Water Restrictions

Beaverton residents are served by either the Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) or the City of Beaverton Water Department depending on location, with some areas receiving wholesale water from the Portland Water Bureau or the Joint Water Commission. Both TVWD and the city follow the Regional Water Providers Consortium curtailment framework (four stages from voluntary conservation to mandatory outdoor watering bans). Mandatory restrictions are not in effect year-round and are triggered by drought conditions or supply constraints; year-round conservation practices (efficient irrigation, leak repair) are always encouraged.

Key details: Primary Providers: Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) and City of Beaverton Water Department. Curtailment Framework: Regional Water Providers Consortium 4-stage plan. Stage 2: Mandatory outdoor watering reductions (odd/even, time-of-day). Best Practices: Water before 10 AM / after 6 PM, fix leaks, drought-tolerant plants. State Authority: Oregon Water Resources Department (ORS 537).

During declared mandatory stages (Stage 2 or higher), violations of curtailment rules are enforced by the customer's water provider through written warnings, surcharges on water bills, and, for persistent violations, service flow restrictions. TVWD and the City of Beaverton Water Department publish their specific penalty schedules. Outside formal curtailment, conservation is encouraged but not enforced.

Tree Trimming

Beaverton regulates tree trimming and removal under the Beaverton Development Code Chapter 60.60 (Trees and Vegetation), which protects designated Significant Trees, Significant Tree Groves, and Historic Trees. Routine pruning of small private trees is allowed without a permit, but pruning, topping, or removing a Significant Tree or any street tree in the public right-of-way requires city approval through Beaverton Planning. Property owners are responsible for keeping trees clear of sidewalks, streets, and intersection sight lines.

Key details: Governing Code: Beaverton Development Code Chapter 60.60. Routine Pruning: Allowed without permit for non-designated private trees. Significant Trees: Permit required for removal or substantial pruning. Street Trees: City coordination required for pruning/removal. Clearance: Sidewalk ~7 ft, street ~14 ft, plus sight-line triangle.

Removing or topping a designated Significant Tree, or pruning or removing a street tree, without the required city authorization is enforceable under the Beaverton Development Code and Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Public Nuisances). Penalties may include civil fines, required tree-replacement mitigation, and restoration costs. Pruning that creates a public-right-of-way obstruction is also subject to abatement.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

In Beaverton, tree removal permits are generally not required for trees under 10 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground, unless the tree is a designated landscape or street tree. Fruiting trees and invasive Lombardy Poplars are exempt. Street trees require city permits. Significant Tree/Grove and Historic Tree designations require special permits.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Trees 10+ inches diameter at 4.5 feet above ground. Exempt Trees: Under 10 inches, Lombardy Poplars, fruiting fruit trees. Street Trees: Always require city permit. Protected Trees: Significant Tree/Grove and Historic Tree designations. Contact: Beaverton Urban Forestry program.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

The Bottom Line

Beaverton's landscaping rules 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.

Keep in mind that Beaverton 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.