Washington County and Metro encourage native Willamette Valley plantings for stormwater and habitat. Tualatin SWCD offers the native plant sale. Clean Water Services requires native plantings in vegetated corridors along streams.
Western Oregon is water-rich, so xeriscape mandates are uncommon in Washington County, but native plant use is actively supported. Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District offers a Native Plant Sale, technical assistance, and Backyard Habitat Certification in partnership with Portland Audubon. Clean Water Services Design and Construction Standards require native plantings in Vegetated Corridors along Tualatin River tributaries (50 to 200 feet depending on slope). Invasive species listed by Oregon Department of Agriculture (English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, knotweed, garlic mustard) are targeted for removal. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant or native landscaping that substitutes for turf under state encouragement, though aesthetic rules may apply. No mandatory turf replacement or watering allotment exists at the county level.
No county penalty for traditional landscaping. Vegetated Corridor violations (CWS): restoration plan required, fines up to $500 per day. Invasive species on adjacent public land may prompt abatement.
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 native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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