Washington County, OR Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Declared nuisance
- Uncontrolled weeds, brush or grass
- Named species
- Canada thistle, ragweed, Tansy ragwort, gorse
- Abatement notice period
- 15 days
- Max fine
- $500 ($1,000 repeat within 2 yrs)
- Enforcing agency
- Washington County Health Department
- Code section
- Washington County Code § 8.20.030(A)(9)
Summary
Uncontrolled weeds, brush or grass on unincorporated property is a declared nuisance under county code: the health department can order it cut within 15 days, and specifically names noxious weeds like Canada thistle, ragweed and gorse.
A.It shall be unlawful for any owner or person in charge of property to maintain or allow to exist, the following things, practice, or conditions on his property, which are declared to be nuisances:...9.Uncontrolled or uncultivated growth of weeds, brush or grass, including but not limited to Jimson, Burdock, Ragweed, Thistle, White Top, Russian Knapweed, Canadian Thistle, Tansy Ragwort or Gorse (also known as Irish Broom or Furze), or any plant which provides vector harborage or is obnoxious to agriculture or contributes noxious pollens into the atmosphere or creates a fire hazard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Community Development Code: Supplement 2 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 25).
Full Breakdown
030(A)(9) declares it a nuisance to maintain or allow "uncontrolled or uncultivated growth of weeds, brush or grass" on property in the unincorporated area, naming Jimson weed, burdock, ragweed, thistle, white top, Russian knapweed, Canadian thistle, Tansy ragwort and gorse (Irish broom/furze) among the covered growth, along with any plant that harbors vectors, is obnoxious to agriculture, spreads noxious pollen, or creates a fire hazard. 080). 100 allows immediate abatement if the growth is an extreme hazard. 110). 160). 210), with each day of continued overgrowth a separate offense, rising to $1,000 for a second conviction within two years.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring the 15-day abatement notice exposes the owner to a fine of up to $500 per § 8.20.210, with each additional day of overgrowth a new offense, and up to $1,000 for a repeat violation within two years. The county may also mow or clear the property itself and bill the owner for the cost plus a 25% surcharge, filing a lien if unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds or grass get before it's a violation in unincorporated Washington County?
How much notice do I get before I have to cut overgrown weeds?
Can neighbors force an inspection of an overgrown lot?
What if I don't clear the weeds myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
How Washington County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Washington County to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
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