Hillsboro, OR Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- General max height
- 6 ft 2 in in residential zones
- Front yard max (interior lots)
- 4 ft 2 in
- Near commercial/industrial zones
- up to 8 ft 2 in
- Permit required
- Fence permit under CDC § 12.80.060
- Governing section
- CDC § 12.50.250.D
Summary
Hillsboro caps residential fences and walls at 6 feet 2 inches, dropping to 4 feet 2 inches in front-yard setbacks, under Community Development Code § 12.50.250.D: with an 8-foot-2-inch allowance next to commercial or industrial zones.
Fences and walls in residential zones are limited to 6 feet 2 inches in height except when: a. A residential zone abuts a Commercial, Mixed-Use, Urban Center, Institutional or Industrial zone, fences may be up to 8 feet 2 inches in height. b. On interior lots, fences and walls within a front yard setback shall not exceed 4 feet 2 inches. c. On corner lots, through lots and multiple frontage lots, the 4-foot 2-inch height limitation applies only at the front yard setback abutting the façade with the front door.
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
In Hillsboro, Oregon (Washington County), the Community Development Code limits residential fences and walls to 6 feet 2 inches, dropping to 4 feet 2 inches within the front yard setback on interior lots. On corner, through, and multiple-frontage lots the shorter 4-foot-2-inch limit applies only at the setback fronting the home's main entrance; flag lots are exempt from the front-yard limit entirely. Fences bordering a Commercial, Mixed-Use, Urban Center, Institutional, or Industrial zone may reach 8 feet 2 inches. New fences and walls require a fence permit under CDC § 12.80.060, and every fence must still meet the vision clearance triangle standards in CDC § 12.50.260 near intersections and driveways.
Violations & Fines
Installing a fence or wall without a required permit, or above the height limit for its yard type, is a code violation enforceable by the City and may require modification or removal of the noncompliant fence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a fence be in my Hillsboro front yard?
Can I build a taller fence next to a commercial zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
How Hillsboro compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle height limits.