Hillsboro's Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sidewalk & pedestrian rules a little differently. In Hillsboro, Oregon, there are 3 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.

Encroachment Permits

Utility companies may extend meters and valves up to 1 foot into Hillsboro's public right-of-way only with Manager-approved plans, and only when no reasonable alternative exists, under HMC 10.16.010.

Key details: Citation: HMC § 10.16.010. Max encroachment: 1 foot into right-of-way. Approval needed: Manager-approved construction plans. Standard: No reasonable alternative exists. Revocation notice: 5 days to remove.

Encroaching without Manager approval, exceeding the 1-foot limit, or failing to remove meters and valves within 5 days of a revocation notice under HMC 10.16.020 exposes the utility or owner to code enforcement.

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

Obstruction Rules

Hillsboro property owners must keep trees, bushes and shrubs trimmed back from sidewalks and streets, maintaining at least 8 feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and 15 feet over roadways, and may not let noxious vegetation encroach into the right-of-way.

Key details: Governing section: HMC 6.16.020. Sidewalk clearance: Minimum 8 feet. Roadway clearance: Minimum 15 feet. Liability: Owner liable for injuries caused.

Noncompliance is a civil infraction subject to Hillsboro's general $500 penalty under HMC 1.08.010(B), and a violating owner is also liable for injuries and legal costs caused by the obstruction under HMC 6.16.020(E).

Sidewalk Repair

In Hillsboro, the owner of each property must keep the sidewalk next to it in good repair and is liable for injuries and damages caused by a failure to maintain it. The Manager can send a repair notice, and if the work is not finished within 60 days of mailing or posting, the City can do it and bill the owner, with added administrative, legal and engineering expenses capped at 15% of construction costs.

Key details: Who must repair: The owner of the property adjacent to the sidewalk. City notice duty: The Manager will, but is not obligated to, notify owners. Notice delivery: Certified or registered mail, or posted on the property. Repair deadline: 60 days after the notice is mailed or posted. Cap on added expenses: Administrative, legal and engineering costs up to 15% of construction costs.

Section 9.16.010 prints no fine and no jail term. The consequences are financial. An owner who fails to maintain the sidewalk is liable for injuries and damages caused by that failure, and an owner who lets a notice run 60 days without finishing the repairs can be assessed for the City's work, including administrative, legal and engineering expenses up to 15% of construction costs. Separately, § 9.18.080(C) makes a person who neglects the abutting tree duties liable to an injured person and to the City for costs, expenses and attorney fees incurred defending a claim, plus any judgment the City must pay.

The Bottom Line

Hillsboro's sidewalk & pedestrian 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 Hillsboro is broadly strict or permissive.

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