Hillsboro, OR Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- HMC 6.16.040
- Barbed wire exception
- 6 in. above 6-ft fence, no sidewalks
- Electric fence use
- Livestock enclosures only
- Penalty
- $500 general fine per day
Summary
Hillsboro bans barbed, razor or similar wire fencing and electric fences along any sidewalk or public way, though barbed wire is allowed atop a fence at least 6 feet high if set back 6 inches, and electric fencing may enclose livestock on private property.
A.Barbed, Razor or Similar Types of Wire Fences. No person may construct or maintain any barbed, razor or similar types of wire fence, in part or whole, along a sidewalk or public way, except barbed wire that is placed at least 6 inches above the top of a chain link, board or picket fence that is itself at least 6 feet high. Barbed, razor or similar types of wire may not project beyond the property line.B.Electric Fences. No person may construct or maintain any electric fence or allow electric wire to remain as part of any fence along a sidewalk or public way. Electric fences may be used as part of a miniature or standard livestock animal enclosure appropriately located on private property.
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
HMC 6.16.040 prohibits constructing or maintaining any barbed, razor or similar wire fence along a sidewalk or public way, except where barbed wire sits at least 6 inches above the top of a chain-link, board or picket fence that is itself at least 6 feet tall, and even then the wire can't project past the property line. The same section bans electric fences or live electric wire as part of any fence along a sidewalk or public way, but permits electric fencing as part of a livestock enclosure properly sited on private property away from the sidewalk or public way.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining a prohibited barbed, razor-wire or electric fence along a sidewalk is a civil infraction subject to Hillsboro's general $500 penalty under HMC 1.08.010(B), with each day of the violation counted separately under HMC 1.08.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on my fence in Hillsboro?
Are electric fences legal in Hillsboro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle material restrictions.