Washington County Chapter 8.20 (Nuisances) and Chapter 8.44 (Chronic Nuisance Property) authorize code enforcement against blighted properties. Abatement and liens available. Chronic nuisance designation triggers escalating penalties.
Chapter 8.20 of the Washington County Code of Ordinances declares common blight conditions a public nuisance: accumulated junk, debris, inoperable vehicles, overgrown vegetation, standing water attracting mosquitoes, and structures in disrepair. Code Compliance issues a written notice with typical 10 to 30 day cure period. Chapter 8.44 (Chronic Nuisance Property) allows designating a property as a chronic nuisance after three or more qualifying incidents within 12 months, triggering enhanced penalties, potential closure, and abatement authority. The county may abate hazardous conditions and place a lien on the property for cost recovery. Graffiti, unsecured vacant structures, and uncontrolled noxious weeds are additional enforcement priorities. Hillsboro (HMC Ch. 8.08), Beaverton (BMC 5.03), and Tigard (TMC 7.40) administer their own parallel nuisance codes inside city limits.
Chapter 8.20 violation: notice with 10-30 day cure, civil penalty up to $500 per day continuing. Chronic nuisance (Ch. 8.44): escalated penalties and court-ordered closure possible. Abatement costs lien against property.
Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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See how Washington County's property blight rules stack up against other locations.
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