Washington County, OR Public Conduct: Loud Party Ordinance (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 4+ incidents in 30 days, one cited/arrested
- Included incident
- noise disturbance under WCC 8.24
- Notice period
- 15 days before determination, § 8.44.040
- Civil penalty
- $250/day or $1,000/incident, § 8.44.070
- Closure remedy
- 30 days to 6 months, § 8.44.060
- Scope
- unincorporated county; cities need an IGA
Summary
Washington County doesn't have a stand-alone 'loud party' ordinance, but its Chronic Nuisance Property law, WCC § 8.44.020, holds an owner liable when a property racks up four or more qualifying incidents, including noise disturbances under Chapter 8.24, within 30 days, in unincorporated Washington County.
A.Any property within the unincorporated area of Washington County that becomes a chronic nuisance property, as defined herein, is in violation of this chapter and subject to its remedies.B.Any person who permits property under his or her ownership or control to be a chronic nuisance property, as defined herein, shall be in violation of this chapter and subject to its remedies. ... Four or more of the following incidents occurring within any thirty day period constitute a chronic nuisance, at least one must result in a citation or arrest: ... c.Noise disturbance as defined in WCC 8.24; ...
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
Rather than ticketing a single loud party, Washington County's chronic nuisance ordinance targets the property and its owner when disruptive behavior repeats. 24' alongside disorderly conduct, prostitution and controlled-substance offenses. 060. 070 backs that order with a civil penalty of $250 per day the owner fails to act, or $1,000 per subsequent incident within six months of the order. 140 lets the county extend enforcement into an incorporated city only through an intergovernmental agreement with that city's own governing body.
Violations & Fines
A property owner who permits four or more qualifying incidents, including noise disturbances, within 30 days, with at least one resulting in a citation or arrest, faces a chronic-nuisance determination under § 8.44.020/.030. After 15 days' notice and an unmet abatement order, § 8.44.070 imposes a $250-per-day civil penalty or $1,000 per subsequent incident, and § 8.44.060 authorizes closing the property 30 days to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington County have a specific 'loud party' ordinance?
Can a landlord be held responsible for a tenant's repeated loud parties?
What has to happen before the county closes a property under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
Compare Washington County to another location·View the Oregon public conduct overview
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