Washington County and its cities require adjacent property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks typically within 24 hours after snowfall. Beaverton BC 9.05.040 and Hillsboro HMC 11.08.050 specify clearing obligations; liability attaches for slip-and-fall injuries.
Adjacent property owners in Washington County are responsible for clearing snow and ice from public sidewalks abutting their property, following the longstanding Oregon rule that property owners maintain the right-of-way sidewalk even though it is publicly owned. Beaverton BC 9.05.040 requires clearing within a reasonable time and keeps the property owner liable for injuries from negligent non-clearance. Hillsboro HMC 11.08.050 imposes a 24-hour clearing obligation after snowfall ends, with corner lots required to clear crosswalk ramps. Tigard TMC 15.04.070, Tualatin TMC 6-5, and Sherwood similar. Unincorporated Washington County relies on the county's property maintenance code and general nuisance rules. Washington County receives occasional significant snow events (2-8 inches, 1-3 times per winter on average), with rare major events like the February 2021 and 2023 ice storms that produced prolonged icing. Ice that cannot be removed should be treated with deicer or sand. Elderly and disabled residents may be eligible for community assistance through Meals on Wheels or Snow Patrol volunteer programs. The county/city does not salt sidewalks — that is strictly the owner's duty. Homeowner liability insurance typically covers slip-and-fall claims but premium impacts can follow.
Failure to clear: $25-$250 city citation. Civil injury liability under common law remains on the property owner for negligent non-clearance. City may clear and bill owner.
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See how Hillsboro's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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