Hillsboro, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- HMC § 10.16.010
- Max encroachment
- 1 foot into right-of-way
- Approval needed
- Manager-approved construction plans
- Standard
- No reasonable alternative exists
- Revocation notice
- 5 days to remove
Summary
Utility companies may extend meters and valves up to 1 foot into Hillsboro's public right-of-way only with Manager-approved plans, and only when no reasonable alternative exists, under HMC 10.16.010.
Utility companies may, after submittal and approval of construction plans by the Manager, install existing buildings with certain types of utility meters, valves and appurtenances as a retrofit. The utility meters, valves and appurtenances may extend into the public right-of-way by a distance to be determined by the Manager that does not exceed 1 foot or interfere with the public use of the area. Such encroachment on the public right-of-way will only be approved by the Manager where there are no other reasonable alternatives.
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
HMC 10.16.010 lets a utility company retrofit an existing building's meters, valves and appurtenances so they extend into Hillsboro's public right-of-way, but only after the Manager approves construction plans, only up to 1 foot, and only where the Manager finds no other reasonable alternative to the encroachment. The permission isn't permanent: under HMC 10.16.020, if the City later needs the occupied right-of-way space, the Manager can revoke it, and the property owner or utility must remove the meters, valves and appurtenances within 5 days of written notice.
Violations & Fines
Encroaching without Manager approval, exceeding the 1-foot limit, or failing to remove meters and valves within 5 days of a revocation notice under HMC 10.16.020 exposes the utility or owner to code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a utility company put a meter in Hillsboro's right-of-way?
Can the City make a utility remove an encroaching meter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle encroachment permits.