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Front Yard Setback Enforcement to Begin in 2008

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	City of Tigard 13125 SW Hall Blvd. Tigard, Oregon 97223	Press Release September 19, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact:	Christine Darnell City of Tigard Phone: 503-718-2441 Email: christine@tigard-or.gov

City of Tigard Front Yard Setback Enforcement to Begin in 2008
In March 2007, the Tigard City Council considered the issue of setback violations caused by structures placed in front yards. This was due to the growing popularity of accessory structure kits ranging from those with plastic poles and canvas covers to others with metal framework and siding, often used as an extra "garage."

The Tigard City Council decided that where structures violate City Code, enforcement would not occur until January 1, 2008. The Council wanted to allow time for education of the public and voluntary compliance.

Most jurisdictions, including Tigard, have setback regulations that help prevent clutter, as well as fire and vision clearance hazards. Mandatory setbacks outline areas on property where structures including carports, sheds, and RV covers, cannot be located.

If you already have or are planning to install an accessory structure, please first consider that accessory structures:

May not be more than 15 feet tall.
Require a building permit if they are over 10 feet tall.
May not be over 528 square feet.
Require a building permit if they are over 200 square feet. Permit requirements differ depending on materials of structure.
May not be attached to another structure.
May not be in the mandatory 5 foot side or rear setback. Corner and through lots have additional setback requirements.
May not be in the front yard setback (which can vary from 15 to 30 feet from the right-of-way, depending on the zone).

Setback measurements start from the public right-of-way, and the public right-of-way may be closer to your home than the edge of the street or sidewalk. For setback information, how to find the right-of-way boundary at your property, and for questions on how to accurately measure the mandatory setbacks on your property, please call 503-718-2421 or visit the Planning and Engineering Counter of the City Hall Permit Center between 8 am and 4 pm. Setback regulations can also be viewed at www.tigard-or.gov/business/municipal_code/title-18.asp.

Additional setback information can be found here.

Enforcement of setback violations on accessory structures in front yards will begin January 1, 2008.