Hillsboro, OR Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)
Key Facts
- Who repairs
- Abutting property owner
- Notice-to-repair window
- 60 days
- City surcharge if ignored
- Up to 15% of cost
- Owner liability
- Injuries from disrepair
Summary
In Hillsboro, the property owner, not the City, must keep the sidewalk in good repair, and if a repair notice is ignored, the City can do the work itself and bill the owner for the cost.
Property owners must maintain in good repair all sidewalks adjacent to their property and are liable for injuries and damages incurred as a result of a failure to maintain sidewalks in accordance with HMC 9.16.B.The Manager will, but is not obligated to, notify property owners of record who fail to conform to the requirements of HMC 9.16.010(A).C.Notice under HMC 9.16.010(B) will:1.Specify the location of the sidewalk to be repaired, the kind of work required, the materials to be used and the time within which the work must be done; and2.Be delivered by certified or registered mail or be posted in a conspicuous place on the subject property.D.If the repairs are not complete within 60 days after the notice is mailed or posted under HMC 9.16.010(C)(2), the City may perform the necessary work and assess the property owner(s) for the cost including administrative, legal, and engineering expenses not to exceed 15% of construction costs. (Ord. 6068, § 1, 2013)
SUBCHAPTER 9.18 - TREE PLANTING, MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL
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 9.16.010 puts the duty to repair sidewalks on the abutting property owner, who is also liable for injuries caused by a failure to maintain them. The City Manager isn't obligated to warn owners first, but when notice is given it specifies the location, required work, and materials, and must be sent by certified mail or posted on the property. Owners get 60 days from that notice to complete repairs; if the work isn't done, the City can perform it and assess the owner for the cost, plus administrative, legal, and engineering expenses capped at 15% of the construction cost.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a repair notice lets the City do the work and bill the owner for construction costs plus up to 15% in administrative, legal, and engineering fees; owners are also liable for injuries the disrepair causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for fixing a broken sidewalk in Hillsboro?
What happens if I don't fix my sidewalk after being notified?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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Sidewalk Repair in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle sidewalk repair.