Rainwater harvesting is permitted in Washington County for outdoor irrigation and non-potable use under Oregon Water Resources Department policy. Systems over certain thresholds require plumbing permits under OAR 918. Many Bethany and Hillsboro HOAs encourage rain barrels.
Oregon law permits collection of rainwater from rooftop catchment for non-potable use without a water right, per Oregon Water Resources Department policy confirmed in 2009. Washington County allows residential rain barrels and cisterns for garden irrigation, lawn watering, and toilet flushing without special county permits for simple systems. Systems connecting to indoor plumbing require plumbing permits under Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OAR 918-750); potable use requires an engineered treatment system compliant with Oregon Building Codes. Cisterns over certain size (varies, often 5,000 gallons) may require building permits. Clean Water Services encourages rainwater catchment as part of its stormwater management toolkit and has run rebate programs in past years — cisterns qualifying as detention can partially offset post-construction stormwater requirements. HOAs in Bethany, Reedville, and Hillsboro's Quatama commonly permit screened rain barrels; some specify placement (side/rear yard). Collection from driveways, patios, or ground is not considered rainwater under state policy and flows as stormwater subject to CWS rules. Oregon is water-rich west of the Cascades (40+ inches annual precipitation in Washington County), making catchment highly practical October-May.
No county penalty for standard rain barrels. Unpermitted large cistern with plumbing tie-in: $250-$1,500 building/plumbing code violation.
Beaverton, OR
Barking-dog complaints in Beaverton are handled by Washington County Animal Services under Washington County Code Chapter 6.04 (Animals), which defines a pub...
Beaverton, OR
Beaverton strictly limits residential construction noise to 7 AM – 7 PM under Municipal Code Section 5.15.030. Construction activities including erection, ex...
Beaverton, OR
Beaverton Code Chapter 5 (Public Nuisances - Noise Control) sets nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, during which yelling, shouting, whistling, singing...
Beaverton, OR
Beaverton defines a driveway as any alley or access drive from a street to public or private property. No parking is permitted on sidewalks, curbs, planting ...
Beaverton, OR
Recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, and similar non-transportation devices parked on Beaverton public streets must be moved at least 1/10 mile within 48 ...
Beaverton, OR
Motor trucks as defined by the Oregon Vehicle Code are prohibited from parking on Beaverton streets between 9 PM and 7 AM near residences, motels, apartments...
See how Beaverton's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.