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

If you live in Tualatin or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Tualatin has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Weed Ordinances

TMC 6-4-090 prohibits noxious vegetation on any property between March 1 and October 31. Listed nuisance plants include uncontrolled blackberry, tansy ragwort, poison oak and ivy, and any weeds taller than 10 inches that harbor vermin, shed noxious pollen, or pose a fire hazard.

Key details: Definition Code: TMC 6-04-060(3). Duty to Cut: TMC 6-4-090. Enforcement Season: March 1 - October 31. Listed Plants: Blackberry, tansy, poison oak/ivy. Abuts Right-of-Way: Included in owner duty.

Allowing noxious plants — blackberry, tansy ragwort, poison oak/ivy, tall weeds — on the property or abutting right-of-way between March and October violates TMC 6-4-090. The city can abate at the owner's cost, lien the property, and assess civil penalties.

Grass Height Limits

Tualatin caps lawn grass at ten inches under TMC 6-4-090 (noxious vegetation) and reinforces it in TMC 6-13-040 for rental housing. Enforcement runs March 1 through October 31, the prime growing season for pollen and seed production.

Key details: Max Lawn Height: 10 inches. Enforcement Window: March 1 - October 31. Noxious Veg Code: TMC 6-4-090. Rental Housing Code: TMC 6-13-040. Habitat Exemption: TMC 6-04-060(3).

Lawn grass over 10 inches between March 1 and October 31 is a code violation. The city issues a written notice; if grass is not cut, Tualatin may abate, bill the owner, lien for unpaid abatement, and issue fines.

Tree Trimming

Property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks, tree grates, and planter strips in good condition. Trees and shrubs must be trimmed to prevent hazards. Owners may be liable for injuries caused by negligent sidewalk and vegetation maintenance.

Key details: Sidewalk Trees: Owner maintains. Liability: Owner liable for injuries. Dead Branches: Must be removed. Street Trees: Parks Dept permit needed.

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

Water Restrictions

Tualatin has no mandatory day-of-week outdoor watering schedule. The city buys water wholesale from the Portland Water Bureau and asks residents to follow the Regional Water Providers Consortium's voluntary Weekly Watering Number guidance from April through September.

Key details: Watering Schedule: Voluntary (Weekly Watering Number). Active Season: April through September. Water Source: Portland Water Bureau (Bull Run). ASR Well: Peak-season supplemental supply. Regional Group: Regional Water Providers Consortium.

Because outdoor watering is voluntary, there is no routine civil penalty for over-irrigation. If the city declares a water emergency, mandatory restrictions could be imposed by separate order; water waste from a broken system can still trigger a utility notice.

Tualatin is more permissive than most cities when it comes to water restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tualatin Development Code Chapter 33 regulates removal of any tree eight inches or larger in diameter (measured 4 feet above grade) on private property. Homeowners may remove up to four qualifying trees per calendar year without a permit, but heritage trees and site-plan trees always require review.

Key details: Code: TDC Chapter 33. Regulated Tree: 8 inch diameter at 4 ft height. Permit-Free Removal: Up to 4 per calendar year. Heritage Trees: Separate approval always required. Sensitive Areas: Clean Water Services overlay.

Removing five or more regulated trees in a year without a permit, removing a Heritage Tree, or cutting a site-plan tree without architectural review violates TDC Chapter 33. Planning may issue stop-work orders, civil penalties, and require replacement plantings.

The Bottom Line

Tualatin'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 Tualatin is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Tualatin's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.