Hillsboro, OR Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)
Key Facts
- Snow deadline
- 8 daylight hours after it falls
- Ice deadline
- same 8-hour window
- Ice alternative
- cover with sand or ashes
- Who's responsible
- owner or person in control
Summary
Hillsboro property owners must clear sidewalk snow and ice within 8 hours of daylight after it falls or forms, or cover ice with sand or ashes, per HMC 6.16.070: failure creates liability for resulting injuries.
A. It is unlawful for the owner or person in control of improved or unimproved property that abuts upon any sidewalk within the City to allow:
1. Snow to remain on such sidewalks for longer than 8 hours of daylight after the snow has fallen;
2. Ice to cover such sidewalks for more than 8 hours of daylight after the ice has formed without removing any accumulation or properly covering it with sand, ashes, or other suitable material intended to assure safe travel; or
3. Accumulated ice or snow to fall from the building upon the street or sidewalk.
B. Any person who neglects to promptly comply with the provisions of this section will be liable to any person injured by such negligence and to the City for any costs, expenses and attorney fees incurred in defending against a claim and any judgment that the City is required to pay to an injured person.
SUBCHAPTER 6.20 - ANIMALS
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Hillsboro Municipal Code § 6.16.070 places the snow-and-ice duty on whoever owns or controls property abutting a sidewalk, not the City. Snow must not sit on the sidewalk for more than 8 hours of daylight after it falls, and ice gets the same 8-hour clock: property owners can either remove it or spread sand, ashes, or similar material to keep the walk safe for pedestrians. A third clause bars letting accumulated snow or ice slide off a building onto the street or sidewalk below. Anyone who ignores the deadline is on the hook for injuries the hazard causes, plus the City's costs and attorney fees in any resulting claim.
Violations & Fines
Owners who leave snow or ice past the 8-hour window are liable for any resulting injury claims and must cover the City's costs and attorney fees under HMC 6.16.070(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Hillsboro property owners have to clear sidewalk snow?
Can I just spread sand instead of fully removing ice?
What if someone is hurt because I missed the deadline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
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Snow & Sidewalk Clearing in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.