Hillsboro Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Hillsboro Zoning Overview
Hillsboro is the fifth-largest city in Oregon and the county seat of Washington County, located west of Portland. The city is home to Intel's largest campus and numerous other technology companies, making it the center of Oregon's "Silicon Forest." This high-tech employment base drives strong housing demand and commercial development. Hillsboro's zoning is administered by the Planning Division within the Metro regional framework.
The city has experienced rapid growth, expanding from its agricultural roots into a major suburban employment center. Hillsboro's land use planning balances accommodating growth near transit and employment centers with preserving the agricultural lands that surround the city on its western and southern edges.
Key Zoning Districts
Hillsboro's community development code includes single-family residential districts (SFR-4.5, SFR-5, SFR-7), multi-family residential districts (MFR-L, MFR-M, MFR-H), commercial and mixed-use zones, and industrial districts. Areas along the MAX Blue Line are zoned for higher-density transit-oriented development.
ADU Regulations
Hillsboro allows ADUs in all residential zones per Oregon HB 2001. No additional parking or owner-occupancy is required. The city has streamlined ADU permitting to encourage accessory housing production.
Development Process
The Planning Division processes development applications. Major projects are reviewed by the Planning Commission. Hillsboro's development must be consistent with both its comprehensive plan and Metro's regional growth management framework.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Hillsboro
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HB 2001 / SB 458 - Cities over 2,500 must allow ADUs; no owner-occupancy or parking mandates)
County — Washington County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 55 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Hillsboro
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 24 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 4-6 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Hillsboro are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Hillsboro permit fees →