Washington County Community Development Code sets setbacks by zone: R-5 requires 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear; R-9 requires 15/5/10; AF-5 and rural require 30 ft front, 10 ft side, 30 ft rear. Cities within the county apply their own zoning.
Washington County Community Development Code (CDC) Chapter III establishes setback standards that vary by zoning district. Urban residential setbacks: R-5 (5,000 sq ft minimum lot) — 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear; R-6 — 15/5/15; R-9 — 15/5/15; R-15 and higher densities have reduced setbacks to enable townhomes. Transit-oriented districts (TO) along MAX Blue Line and key corridors have reduced or zero setbacks. Rural residential and farm zones: AF-5 (Agriculture & Forestry, 5-acre min) — 30 ft front, 10 ft side, 30 ft rear; AF-10 — 40/20/40; AF-20 — 50/20/50; EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) — similar. Corner lots add street-side setback equal to front. Accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, ADUs) generally require 5 ft side/rear in R-zones and larger in AF/EFU. Cities: Beaverton BDC 20, Hillsboro CDC Volume II, Tigard TDC 18, Tualatin TDC 73 — each with zone-specific tables. HB 2001 Middle Housing allowances and HB 2003 Oregon Housing Needs reforms reduced setbacks statewide for duplexes, triplexes, and cottage clusters on existing residential lots. Chimneys, eaves, bay windows, and similar architectural features may encroach up to 2 ft.
Structure in setback: stop-work order, retroactive permit review, or demolition. Fines $250-$2,500. Variance required through Type II land use review with $2,000+ application fee.
Washington County, OR
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