Abandoned Vehicles
Per HMC 6.12.010/20 & HMC 6.28.010, vehicles disabled for more than seven days on private property must be removed, placed out of sight in an approved building enclosure, or covered with a commercial car cover.
Accessory Structures and Carports
HMC 12.40.104 requires a minimum distance of separation between any structure and the property line. This is to prevent the rapid spread of fire from one lot to another. Contact the Planning Division to find what the minimum is where you live.
Animal Regulations: Dogs, Cats, Chickens, and Livestock
- Under Washington County Animal Code 6.04.260(3) it is a Class C Civil Infraction for a dog owner or keeper to allow a dog or dogs to cause a continuous annoyance for a total of five or more minutes out of any fifteen-minute period.
- Residents may keep no more than three adult dogs or three adult cats within the City.
- Residents may keep a limited number of chickens – hens only – in the City with a valid permit.
- A permit is required to keep bees or livestock within City limits.
Read HMC Subchapter 6.20 Animals for more information.
Burning and Air Quality
A City of Hillsboro ordinance provides residents and visitors with cleaner air and a safer community by limiting indoor burning during periods of poor air quality and banning outdoor burning of yard debris year-round.
Construction without a Permit
Hillsboro’s Building Code (11.04.010(E)) requires owners to obtain permit before beginning any alteration, new construction, significant repair, or enlargement of your home.
Debris and Litter on Private Property
HMC 6.04.010/040, prohibits accumulating junk, metals, wood, and solid waste on private property. It is unlawful to place litter on or about private property. Litter must be stored in a proper container that keeps animals out, trash and odors in.
Graffiti
Studies suggest that incidents of vandalism are less common when graffiti is covered or removed quickly and consistently. Graffiti is defined as a “nuisance affecting public peace and welfare,” under HMC 1.01.020 (C)(4), and property owners must remove all graffiti within seven days of its placement. Please report graffiti and take photos prior to removal. Contact non-emergency dispatch to request additional time or assistance.
Home Occupations and Business Licenses
HMC 5.04.020 requires any person operating or carrying on any trade, shop, business, profession, or calling of a business nature to obtain a business license. For more information, visit our Business Licenses webpage.
A home-based business must also obtain a home occupation permit and meet the requirements of HMC 12.40.170. Visit our Business Permits & Applications webpage for information on how to apply. The Home Occupation Permit Application is available under the Planning Permits & Applications section.
Living in RVs
According to HMC 6.12.040 (A)(2), no person may live, sleep, or reside in a recreational vehicle or trailer located on a lot or on a public street unless the street or lot is designated for overnight camping. Visit our Homelessness Initiatives webpage to see what steps the City is taking to address homelessness in our community.
Noise
Per HMC 6.24.010 it is unlawful for any person to make, assist in making, allow, or perpetuate the continuance of any unauthorized, disturbing, or unnecessary noise. Be sure to check our exemptions per HMC 6.24.050 prior to calling in a complaint. Be aware of your noise levels especially between 9 pm and 6 am.
Parking Complaints
Parking against traffic, parking over 18” from the curb, storing your vehicle on the street, and blocking a cluster mailbox are just four of the many things that can nab you a parking ticket. For a full list of all parking regulations, refer to HMC 8.12.030 or visit our Public Works Rules of the Road webpage.
Street and Sidewalk Obstructions
Per HMC 7.08.04, No person may obstruct, cause to obstruct or assist in obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic on any sidewalk or street without a permit. In addition, no unauthorized person may deposit any earth, gravel or similar substance upon any street or sidewalk. Please think twice before unloading a pile of gravel or bark dust for your next landscape project. It’s best to use your driveway.
Tall Grass, Weeds, and Roadside Trees
HMC 6.16.020 & 6.28.010 requires the cutting and removal of noxious vegetation, such as blackberries, and grass longer than 12 inches. Property owners are also responsible for right-of-way property adjacent to theirs. Your trees must be trimmed 8 feet above sidewalk level and 15 feet above street level. Any shrubbery must not impede sidewalk areas. Visit our Roadside Tree and Vegetation Care webpage to learn more about property owner responsibilities, or learn about our leaf pick-up program.
Vehicle Repairs in the Street
Working on your car in the street is dangerous. HMC 6.28.010 and HMC 1.01.020(C)(2) prohibit working on your car on a public street.
