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

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

Abandoned Vehicles

Tualatin treats a vehicle left on a public street more than 24 hours that appears disabled or abandoned as towable under ORS 819.100. TMC 6-13-040(13) bars vehicles in major disassembly or disrepair on residential rental property for more than 5 days unless stored inside a permitted structure.

Key details: Street Abandonment: 24 hours (ORS 819.100). Street Storage Limit: 72 hours (TMC 8-1-260). Residential Disrepair: 5 days (TMC 6-13-040). Definition: TMC 6-13-030(6). Tow Notice: 24 hours, ORS 819.170.

Tualatin Police and Code Compliance issue citations and may post 24-hour tow notices under ORS 819.170. The vehicle owner is liable for towing and storage costs; the city forwards proceeds and liens through ORS 819 procedures.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Home occupation vehicles must comply with Development Code Chapter 34 standards. Working on 3 or more motor vehicles per week at a residence creates a presumption of an unauthorized home occupation. Commercial vehicle storage is subject to home occupation rules.

Key details: Vehicle Work Limit: Fewer than 3 per week. Material Storage: Inside structures only. Home Occupation: License required. Code Section: TDC Chapter 34.

First violation: warning notice. Second offense: $150 citation. Repeated violations: $300+ and potential towing at owner expense.

Street Parking Limits

Abandoned vehicles on streets for over 24 hours may be towed at the owner's expense under ORS 819.100. Residential parking zones exist in areas near schools and designated neighborhoods. Parking against traffic, over 18 inches from curb, and blocking cluster mailboxes are prohibited.

Key details: Abandoned Vehicle: Towed after 24 hours. Curb Distance: Within 18 inches. School Zones: 8 AM – 4 PM restrictions. Code Section: TMC Chapter 08-01.

Parking citations per posted restrictions. Expired registration: citation. Abandoned vehicle: tow per ORS 819.110.

RV & Boat Parking

Tualatin requires RVs, trailers, and recreational vehicles on residential property to be parked in the driveway or a paved or graveled area parallel to the driveway farthest from the residence. On-street storage over 72 hours is barred by TMC 8-1-260.

Key details: On-Property Location: Driveway or paved/graveled parallel area. Street Limit: 72 continuous hours (TMC 8-1-260). Storage Permit: 21-Day Storage on the Street Permit. Front Yard Paving: Not expandable beyond approved area. Tow Authority: ORS 819.170; 24-hour notice.

Code Compliance enforces residential RV/boat parking under the TDC and TMC 6-13-040. Street violations of TMC 8-1-260 trigger citations and, after 24-hour written notice under ORS 819.170, towing at the owner's expense.

Driveway Rules

TDC Chapter 73C sets driveway widths for residential lots: single-family driveways must be at least 10 feet wide and are capped at 26 feet for a 1-2 car garage or 37 feet for a 3+ car garage.

Key details: Min SFR Driveway Width: 10 ft (TDC 73C.090). Max Width (1-2 Car): 26 ft. Max Width (3+ Car): 37 ft. Parking Lot Surface: Asphalt, concrete, pavers (no gravel). Access Standards: TDC Chapter 75.

Code Compliance enforces TDC 73C and TDC 75. Driveways exceeding the maximum width, vehicles parked outside the approved driveway/parallel area, and unauthorized paving of front-yard landscaping are subject to correction notices, citations, and removal orders.

The Bottom Line

Tualatin's parking 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.