Property owners in unincorporated Washington County are responsible for maintaining trees on their property and adjacent right-of-way. The Community Development Code (CDC 407) establishes landscape design standards including tree maintenance requirements for development projects.
Washington County may have protected tree ordinances for specific species or size thresholds. Heritage or significant trees (large diameter) may require permits for removal. Street trees in the public right-of-way are city property - do not trim without authorization. Development projects must submit tree surveys and may require mitigation planting. Branches overhanging your property from a neighbor’s tree can be trimmed to the property line. Oregon cities, especially in the Willamette Valley, often have strong urban forestry programs.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees: $500 to $10,000+ per tree. Replacement planting required.
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 tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.