Hillsboro, OR Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Penalty
- $500 per day, separate offense
- Abatement notice
- up to 15 days to fix
- Summary abatement
- for imminent health threats
- Enforced by
- City Manager, municipal court
Summary
In Hillsboro, Oregon, a property that is an actual or likely breeding place for rodents, flies or other pests is a public-health nuisance. Owners who let it happen face a $500 civil penalty and city-ordered abatement.
Nuisance, any of the following on public or private property: A.Affecting public health: ... 6.Any premises in such a state or condition as to be an actual or likely breeding place for rodents, flies or other pests... It is unlawful for a property owner to cause, maintain or allow the creation or maintenance of a nuisance unless permitted under HMC 6.28.040. ... Each day constitutes a separate offense.
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 § 1.01.020 defines a public-health nuisance to include any premises 'in such a state or condition as to be an actual or likely breeding place for rodents, flies or other pests.' HMC § 6.28.010 makes it unlawful for a property owner to cause, maintain or allow that condition, and each day it continues is a separate offense. The City Manager normally sends written notice giving the owner up to 15 days to abate before filing an action in municipal court under HMC § 6.28.020. If the condition poses an imminent threat to public health, the City can summarily abate it under HMC § 6.28.030 and bill the owner directly, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Unabated pest-breeding premises carry a $500 civil penalty under HMC § 1.08.010, with each day counted as a separate offense; the City can also summarily abate the condition and bill the owner for costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a pest nuisance in Hillsboro?
What happens if I ignore a rodent or pest problem?
Can the City act without giving notice first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Rodent Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle rodent control.