Tigard, OR Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Tigard does not print a standing odd-even or assigned-day watering schedule in its code. Section 12.10.170 gives the power to set limits as conditions require. Limitation on the use of water as to hours, purpose, or manner can be prescribed from time to time by order of the public works director, based on a finding that the limitation is reasonable given the available and projected water supply and demand. Any order must be reviewed by the City Council at its next session following issuance, and the Council can affirm, withdraw or amend it.

Subsection B covers voluntary measures. The public works director, the city manager or the City Council can call for voluntary reductions in water use, including voluntary rotational watering plans. A rotational plan announced under that subsection is a request, not a mandate.

Mandatory curtailment starts with a declaration. Under Section 12.10.220, when the municipal water supply cannot provide an adequate supply for normal usage because of a drought, system failure or any other event, the City Council can declare a water emergency and require that water usage be curtailed. The declaration states the effective date, the reason and the level of prohibition, and the Council can include an estimated time for review or revocation.

Enforcement is stepped. Section 12.10.230 requires the city to send a letter of warning for each violation of a curtailment restriction if no earlier warning went to that person, served in person, by office or substitute service, or by certified or registered mail. Later violations are civil infractions under Chapter 1.16. Section 12.10.240 sets the schedule: warning letter for the first violation, then $50, $100 and $250 for second, third and fourth or later violations of the same type.

After the third violation of a curtailment restriction, Section 12.10.250 lets the public works director order water service to the location shut off or reduced. A notice must be posted on the property at least 48 hours ahead, and a shut-off is temporary, not to exceed 30 days, provided the applicable charges are paid before reconnection. Separately, Section 12.10.080 bars any customer from letting water run in excess of the quantity necessary for domestic, irrigation or other permitted purposes.