Hillsboro, OR Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Triggers a plan
- Any excavation, fill, or stockpiling
- Near residential zones
- 0 to 10 ft max grade differential
- Standalone mass grading
- Needs Type II Development Review
- Plan standard
- Public Works D&C Standards § 115.3
Summary
Hillsboro caps how much finished grade can differ from neighboring ground near single-family zones and requires a City-approved grading plan for cut, fill, or stockpiling.
...when grading a site within 25 feet of a property line within or abutting any property zoned single dwelling residential (as listed in Section 12.21.010), on-site grading shall be finished to the surface contours shown in Table 12.50.630-1...If mass grading or stockpiling as defined in Section 12.01.500 is proposed on public or private property, the site grading plan required under D & C Standards Section 120.4 shall be submitted as a Type II Development Review application...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Under the Community Development Code, any site alteration involving excavation, fill, mass grading, or soil stockpiling needs a grading plan submitted with the land use application, per Public Works Design and Construction Standards Section 115.3. Within 25 feet of a single-dwelling residential zone, finished grade can't differ from the abutting property's existing elevation by more than a sliding scale, from no differential at the property line up to a 10-foot maximum beyond 20 feet out. Mass grading or stockpiling not tied to a development project needs its own Type II Development Review approval.
Violations & Fines
Grading beyond the allowed differential near residential zones, or grading and stockpiling without the required Type II Development Review approval, is a Code violation the City can require to be regraded or halted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can Hillsboro grading differ from my neighbor's yard?
Do I need City approval just to regrade my own lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
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