Planning, Zoning & Permitting

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The City of Hillsboro is known within the global development community for its collaborative approach to ensure new projects and developments move forward quickly and smoothly. Proactive problem solving and a solution-focused environment are integral to the culture at the City.

Land Use and Zoning

Land in Hillsboro is zoned for residential, commercial or industrial use. The City’s designated industrial sites are within the urban growth boundary, annexed to the City, and planned and zoned for industrial use with no additional comprehensive plan or zoning changes required. Industrial sites are zoned as:

I-G: Industrial General
I-P: Industrial Park
I-S: Industrial Sanctuary
SC-BP: Station Community Business Park
SCI: Station Community Industrial
SID: Special Industrial Districts

Annexation

Portions of the Hillsboro Industrial District are not currently annexed into the City of Hillsboro. Annexation to the City is required before development can occur in these areas. The annexation process requires approximately two to three months. Upon annexation, the City’s Industrial Sanctuary (I-S) zone will be applied.

Community Development Code Standards

The City of Hillsboro’s Community Development Code (CDC) contains land use, zoning, subdivision and development standards. The Industrial Sanctuary (I-S) zone is intended to provide a full range of industrial uses and limited support services in areas brought into the Regional Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for industrial development. The standards of the I-S zone are intended to create attractive site amenities such as deeper setbacks and increased landscaping, thereby creating high-quality industrial neighborhoods, which attract and maintain the value of their investments. Residential and most commercial uses are not permitted in the I-S Zone.

Community Development Code (CDC)

For questions about land use and zoning, contact Development Services & Permitting Center at 503-681-6153.

Business Response Team

We understand time is money and we strive to have your operation up and running as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible. Our development departments are one of the most experienced in the Portland region and Oregon in permitting and inspecting large, complex manufacturing facilities. Key staff from the development departments -- including Economic Development, Planning, Building, Engineering, Water, and Fire -- form our Business Response Team. They are available to meet with you and your team to help navigate the planning and permitting processes and can save valuable time and money.

Please contact the Economic Development Team with questions or to schedule a meeting.

Development Review

A development plan, illustrating the general locations of buildings, landscaping and utility connections is required for all new development on industrial land. The review and approval process typically takes four to six weeks. A public hearing is not required.

Pre-application meetings are highly encouraged and can be scheduled with City departments at no charge. These meetings can help you understand what you and your development team may encounter with your project, facilitate your application process, and in some cases, result in faster approval of your application.

For questions about development review, contact the Economic Development Team.

Digital Plan Submittal

Project designers are required to submit their plans using the City’s secure digital plan review portal. This platform eliminates the transfer and handling time required by traditional paper plans, and allows your team to review comments from multiple City departments in real time.

Learn more about electronic plan review