Washington County, OR Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Abatement notice period
- 15 days from written notice
- Hearing request window
- 5 days from notice
- Administrative surcharge
- 25% of county's abatement cost
- Max fine
- $500 ($1,000 repeat within 2 yrs)
- Enforcing agency
- Washington County Health Department
- Code section
- Washington County Code § 8.20.030
Summary
County health officers can declare junk, unsealed wells, discarded lockable containers and fire-hazard debris on unincorporated property a nuisance, order abatement within 15 days, and, if the owner ignores it, clean it up themselves and bill the owner plus a 25% surcharge.
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:...4.Accumulation, collection, storage or disposal of solid waste, waste, garbage, liquid waste, refuse, rubbish, sewage sludge, demolition materials or fill dirt, if any of the aforementioned materials are offensive or hazardous to the public health and safety...5.Abandoned wells, septic systems or cesspools which have not been securely sealed or otherwise made safe against causing accident or contamination;6.Abandoned, unattended or discarded icebox, refrigerator or other container which has an airtight door or lid, snap-lock or other locking device which may not be opened from the inside...8.Accumulation of any materials capable of providing vector harborage or which may create 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 declares a specific list of blighted conditions unlawful nuisances on any unincorporated property: accumulation of solid waste, garbage, refuse, demolition debris or fill dirt that is offensive or hazardous; abandoned wells, septic systems or cesspools not securely sealed; abandoned iceboxes, refrigerators or other lockable containers that could trap someone inside; and any accumulation of material that could harbor vectors or create a fire hazard. 070, with authority to inspect at any reasonable hour. 100 lets the officer order immediate abatement if the condition is an extreme hazard. 120). 160). 210, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense, and up to $1,000 for a repeat offense within two years.
Violations & Fines
Fines run up to $500 per conviction under § 8.20.210, with every additional day of noncompliance charged as a new offense, and up to $1,000 for a second violation within two years. If the owner doesn't abate after the 15-day notice, the county can perform the cleanup itself and bill the owner for the cost plus a 25% surcharge, then place a lien on the property for nonpayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as blight on unincorporated Washington County property?
How much time do I get to clean up a nuisance notice?
Can I appeal a nuisance finding?
What happens if I don't clean it up myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
Compare Washington County to another location·View the Oregon property maintenance overview
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