Landscaping Rules in Tigard, OR: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Tigard or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules 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 landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Grass Height Limits

Tigard caps grass at 10 inches under TMC Chapter 6.02. 'Noxious vegetation' in TMC 6.01.020.M.8 includes grass over 10 inches high. Responsible parties must cut grass, weeds, brush, and other noxious vegetation as often as needed to prevent maturity or seeding.

Key details: Code Chapter: TMC 6.02 (def 6.01.020.M.8). Max Grass Height: 10 inches. Also Cited: Weeds over 10 in seeding. Fire Hazard: Dry grass over 10 in. Enforcement: Tigard Code Compliance.

First-pass enforcement is typically a notice with time to abate. Repeat violations of TMC 6.02 become civil infractions under TMC 1.16 with escalating fine classes. The city may also abate the nuisance and recover the cost from the owner.

Weed Ordinances

Tigard's weed rules are part of the nuisance code in TMC Chapter 6.02, with 'noxious vegetation' defined in TMC 6.01.020.M.8. The definition includes English ivy, giant hogweed, purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, and weeds over 10 inches going to seed.

Key details: Code Chapter: TMC 6.02 (def 6.01.020.M.8). Listed Invasives: Ivy, hogweed, knotweed, blackberry. Weed Trigger: Over 10 in and seeding. Owner Duty: Remove or destroy plants. Enforcement: Code Compliance + abatement.

Responsible parties who plant or allow listed noxious vegetation, or let weeds over 10 inches go to seed, face nuisance abatement and civil-infraction citations under TMC 6.02 and 1.16. Failure leads to city abatement at the owner's cost.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tigard regulates tree removal under TMC Title 8 (Urban Forestry), Chapters 8.04-8.16. Permits are required for street trees, heritage trees, Urban Forestry Fund trees, and native trees within sensitive lands. Unlawful removal carries a minimum $250-per-tree penalty under TMC 1.16.640.

Key details: Code Title: TMC Title 8 (Chs. 8.04-8.16). Permit Triggers: Street, heritage, UFF, sensitive-lands. Emergency Removal: Retroactive permit in 14 days. Minimum Penalty: $250 per unlawful removal. Standards: Urban Forestry Manual.

Under TMC 1.16.640, unlawful tree removal carries a penalty of at least $250 per tree and up to the city's three-year cost to plant and maintain replacement 1.5-inch caliper trees with combined caliper equal to each removed tree's DBH.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tigard actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Tree Trimming

Street tree maintenance is the responsibility of the fronting property owner. Branches must be maintained 8 feet above sidewalks and 13–18 feet above the street depending on street type. Trees planted through the Urban Forestry Fund have special maintenance requirements.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 8 feet above. Street Clearance: 13–18 feet above. Responsibility: Fronting property owner. Heritage Trees: Protected.

Unauthorized removal of protected trees: $500 to $10,000+ per tree. Replacement planting required.

Water Restrictions

Tigard's water rules are set in TMC Chapter 12.10. The city uses a four-stage curtailment plan with Lake Oswego: Stage 1 voluntary; Stages 2-4 mandatory. First violation gets a warning letter; later violations become civil infractions with escalating fines.

Key details: Code Chapter: TMC 12.10. Curtailment Stages: 1 voluntary, 2-4 mandatory. 1st Violation: Warning letter. 2nd/3rd/4th+ Fine: $50 / $100 / $250. Recommended Watering: Before 10am or after 6pm.

Per TMC 12.10, the first violation gets a warning letter. Civil-infraction fines escalate: second violation Class 3 ($50); third Class 2 ($100); fourth-plus Class 1 ($250). After a third violation, the Public Works Director may shut off or reduce service.

The Bottom Line

Tigard'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 Tigard is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Tigard's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.