FEMA flood zone rules in Washington County, OR — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Washington County participates in the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA flood maps were last updated countywide in 2016. The Tualatin River, Fanno Creek, and numerous tributaries create significant floodplain areas. The county processes CLOMRs for projects changing flood areas.
Washington County manages floodplain development in unincorporated areas. FEMA designates Special Flood Hazard Areas with 1% annual chance of flooding. Building permits cannot be issued based on Conditional Letters of Map Revision (CLOMRs) alone. Development in floodplains requires compliance with 44 CFR 60.3 minimum standards. Clean Water Services manages stormwater and watershed health.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
Washington County, OR
Washington County noise control is governed by Chapter 8.24 of the Code of Ordinances. Business noise violations are handled by the Solid Waste & Recycling P...
Washington County, OR
Washington County requires electrical permits for Level 2 EV chargers under OAR 918-311-0065. HOAs cannot prohibit EV charger installation on owner property ...
Washington County, OR
Washington County Sheriff enforces parking regulations in unincorporated areas. Parking against traffic, storing vehicles on streets, parking over 18 inches ...
Washington County, OR
Washington County Sheriff's Office tags and tows abandoned vehicles on public rights-of-way under ORS 819.110 and county Chapter 8.16. A vehicle on public st...
Washington County, OR
Washington County requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of foundation to top of wall (CDC 419-4). Walls su...
Washington County, OR
Washington County Community Development Code §411 permits standard residential fencing materials — cedar, vinyl, composite, wrought iron — and prohibits barb...
See how Washington County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.