Washington County enforces vegetation and debris standards on vacant lots under Chapter 8.20 and CDC 430. Grass and weeds over 10 inches, accumulated trash, and fire fuel loads are subject to abatement. Fire season adds additional rules.
Vacant lot owners in unincorporated Washington County must maintain vegetation to prevent fire hazards and vermin harborage. Grass and weeds generally must not exceed 10 inches under Chapter 8.20 nuisance provisions. During declared fire season (typically June through mid-October under Oregon Department of Forestry), fuel reduction may be required, especially in Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue's hillside and rural response areas. Accumulated trash, dumped construction debris, and stored junk must be removed. Unsecured vacant structures must be boarded to prevent trespass. The county may mow and clean up non-compliant lots and bill owners; unpaid costs become a lien against the property. Code Compliance investigates via complaint (washingtoncountyor.gov code compliance portal). Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tigard enforce comparable weed-height and blight standards within city limits.
Overgrown vegetation: notice with 10-day cure typical, abatement and billing ($300 to $800 typical). Accumulated debris: notice, abatement with lien. Fire-season violations: additional fines up to $1,500 under state fire rules.
Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
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Washington County, OR
Washington County requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of foundation to top of wall (CDC 419-4). Walls su...
Washington County, OR
Washington County Community Development Code §411 permits standard residential fencing materials — cedar, vinyl, composite, wrought iron — and prohibits barb...
See how Washington County's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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