Hillsboro, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- HMC 6.16.020
- Sidewalk clearance
- Minimum 8 feet
- Roadway clearance
- Minimum 15 feet
- Liability
- Owner liable for injuries caused
Summary
Hillsboro property owners must keep trees, bushes and shrubs trimmed back from sidewalks and streets, maintaining at least 8 feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and 15 feet over roadways, and may not let noxious vegetation encroach into the right-of-way.
The owner or person in charge of property may not allow the limbs of any bush, tree, shrub or other vegetation to project into or across the abutting street, sidewalk, public land or public place so as to interfere with the use, to obstruct a driver's view, obstruct access for people walking or biking, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public. Tree maintenance and removal of public trees conducted to comply with this section are to be conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of HMC 9.18 Tree Planting, Maintenance and Removal.B.Vegetation must be trimmed so that the minimum clearance of an overhanging portion is 8 feet above the sidewalk and 15 feet above the roadway. Bushes, shrubbery and other vegetation may not overhang the sidewalk or roadway.
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 6.16.020 makes it unlawful for an owner or person in charge of property to let limbs of a bush, tree, shrub or other vegetation project into or across an abutting street, sidewalk, public land or place so as to interfere with use, obstruct a driver's view, block pedestrians or bicyclists, or otherwise create a hazard. Overhanging vegetation must be trimmed to a minimum 8-foot clearance above sidewalks and 15 feet above roadways, and bushes or shrubbery may not overhang the sidewalk or roadway at all. The section also bars noxious vegetation on the property or the abutting right-of-way, including sidewalks and planter strips.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance is a civil infraction subject to Hillsboro's general $500 penalty under HMC 1.08.010(B), and a violating owner is also liable for injuries and legal costs caused by the obstruction under HMC 6.16.020(E).
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must I trim my tree branches over the sidewalk?
Who has to trim vegetation blocking a Hillsboro sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
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Obstruction Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle obstruction rules.