Liability Notice

Property owners may be liable for injuries caused by unsafe sidewalk conditions. The City is generally exempt from liability.

What triggers a violation?

• Structural Issues
  • Uneven or lifted panels
  • Cracks or gaps > ½ inch
  • Sunken or deteriorated concrete

• Obstructions
  • Overgrown vegetation
  • Stored materials (construction, debris)
  • Unauthorized items (trailers, pods, signage)
    
    
• Hazard Conditions
  • Snow/ice accumulation
  • Mud, leaves, or slippery surfaces

Did You Receive a Code Compliance Sidewalk Notice?

What happens next?

1. Process overview (Modeled after Portland, adapted to Tigard):
2. Complaint received (Tigard is complaint-driven)
3. Inspection conducted
4. Notice of Violation issued
5. 20-day compliance period begins upon receipt
6. Follow-up inspection

Important Notes

• Follow-up letters do NOT reset deadlines
• Notices may include required corrective actions
• Failure to comply may result in:
  • Civil penalties
  • Escalation to enforcement

Financial Assistance

Need help paying for repairs?

URMD Program

If your property is within the Urban Road Maintenance District you are eligible for the Washington County Sidewalk Repair Grant Program. You could be reimbursed for up to $2,000. 

Two Requirements

• Apply before work begins
• Use a licensed contractor

Report a Sidewalk Problem

See an issue? Let us know

Use the city’s Tigard Service Request Portal to report

• Trip hazards
• Obstructions
• Vegetation overgrowth
• Debris in right-of-way

Note: Code Compliance is complaint-driven. The City does not proactively inspect all sidewalks

Encroachments & Special Situations

Placing anything in the sidewalk area?

You may need an Encroachment Permit for

• Fences
• Retaining walls
• Signs
• Temporary storage (pods, materials)

Design Principles

• Based on Portland Model, Adapted for Tigard
• Action-first layout (Report / Permit / Fix)
• Plain language + legal backing
• Visual examples of violations
• Clear process timelines

Separation of:

• Code Compliance (enforcement)
• Public Works (infrastructure)
• Permit Center (approvals)

Key Differentiator from Portland Model

Unlike Portland’s program, this Tigard page clearly emphasizes:

• Complaint-driven enforcement
• 20-day compliance window
• Owner liability under TMC 15.12.010
• PFI / ROW permit integration (EPL/Tyler based)