Tigard, OR Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

Tigard Municipal Code § 1.16.090 puts all reports or complaints of infractions covered by the civil infractions chapter in one place: they must be made or referred to an authorized code enforcement officer. No other city office receives the complaint as a matter of code. Once a report arrives, § 1.16.100 requires the officer to review the facts and circumstances of the alleged infraction and, if the officer deems it appropriate, proceed with enforcement. The same section ends the matter early when the officer determines there is not sufficient evidence to support the allegation, or that proceeding is not in the best interest of the city.

The code leaves anonymity to administrative rules. Under § 1.16.105 the City Manager is authorized to adopt rules that include standards for confidential or anonymous reporting and the circumstances in which such reporting is allowed. The same section calls for uniform forms: a letter of complaint, a notice of violation, an order to abate and a notice of assessment.

What happens after a report depends on which of the two enforcement tracks the officer picks. Under § 1.16.120, the judicial track can start with a notice of violation, but verification of the violation is required first and the notice is optional before a summons and complaint. The administrative track starts with a letter of complaint, which is a required first step and does not require verification. An administrative order to abate cannot be posted and mailed unless, under § 1.16.400.C, the officer has probable cause based on personal observation by the officer or other credible authority.

Section 1.16.110 lets the City Manager or designee enter property at all reasonable times when an inspection is necessary to enforce the code. For areas plainly enclosed for privacy, the officer must first try to find the owner, show credentials and request entry, and can seek a warrant if entry is refused.