Beaverton's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct 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.

Skateboarding Rules

Beaverton bans rollerskates and skateboards on business-district sidewalks and on any street, except at authorized locations or to cross at a crosswalk.

Key details: Governing section: BC 6.02.230.B. Business district sidewalks: Prohibited. Max fine: $300 (BC 6.02.900.A). Jurisdiction: City of Beaverton, Oregon.

A violation of BC 6.02.200 through 6.02.270, which includes 6.02.230, is punishable by a fine up to $300 under BC 6.02.900.A.

This is one of the stricter rules in Beaverton's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Public Alcohol Use

Beaverton bans drinking alcohol or holding an open container in any public place unless authorized by council resolution, the state liquor commission, or a Tualatin Hills Park District permit.

Key details: Rule: No open alcohol in public places. Exception: THPRD park with written permit. Max fine: $2,500. Max jail: 365 days.

Violation of BC 5.02.005 through 5.02.100 is punishable by a fine up to $2,500, imprisonment up to 365 days, or both, under BC 5.02.100.

This is one of the stricter rules in Beaverton's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Jaywalking

In Beaverton, Oregon, a pedestrian who crosses a roadway outside a marked crosswalk when a marked crosswalk sits within 150 feet violates BC 6.02.510. The Beaverton Code also requires pedestrians to use an available sidewalk instead of the street (BC 6.02.500) and to cross at right angles outside a crosswalk (BC 6.02.520). Violators face a fine up to $75 under BC 6.02.900.

Key details: Governing section: BC 6.02.510, pedestrian crosswalk rule. Crosswalk distance trigger: 150 feet of a marked crosswalk. Sidewalk requirement: BC 6.02.500, use available sidewalk. Right-angle rule: BC 6.02.520, crossing outside a crosswalk. Maximum fine: $75.00 upon conviction, BC 6.02.900.B.

Crossing mid-block within 150 feet of a marked crosswalk, or failing to cross at a right angle outside one, is a fine-bearing violation under BC 6.02.900.B, capped at $75.00 upon conviction. Using the street instead of an available sidewalk under BC 6.02.500 carries the same $75 ceiling. If the same conduct also violates an identical Oregon Vehicle Code provision, BC 6.02.900.C limits the fine to the state statute's own penalty amount instead.

Public Urination

Beaverton Code bars defecating or urinating outside a restroom on City Park, library, and Round plaza grounds: one of several conduct rules for those specific City-owned properties.

Key details: Rule: no urinating or defecating outside a restroom. Covers: City Park, library, Round plazas, W. Lot. Enforcement: exclusion, citation, or trespass charge. Not covered: THPRD-run neighborhood parks.

Enforcement runs through BC 9.08.230: city staff or police may exclude a violator from the property and issue a citation, and refusing to leave on lawful order is the crime of trespass.

The Bottom Line

Beaverton is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Beaverton, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.