Using the Right-of-Way
To report a problem in the public road right-of-way, call 503-846-ROAD (846-7623), email us or submit an online service request.
A right-of-way permit is required for:
- Utilities
- Sidewalks
- Driveways and property access
- Dust control
- Water and stream measuring devices
- Bus shelters, benches
- Temporary road closures
- Items not prohibited or specifically allowed without permit
A right-of-way agreement is required to:
- Prevent Washington County from applying herbicide in the right-of-way adjacent to your property - see Roadside Spraying
- Place storage containers in the right-of-way
The following are specifically allowed without permit provided they do not interfere with the use of the right-of-way or create a sight obstruction or other hazard:
- Mailboxes, mail drop boxes
- Trees, shrubs, landscaping - see Roadside Vegetation
- Basketball hoops on dead end streets and cul-de-sacs
- Fences, retaining walls
- Traffic control and other authorized signs placed by the county
The following are prohibited in the right-of-way:
- Signs not permitted by law or authorized by the county - see Roadside Signs
- Permanent structures
- Water wells
- Septic tanks, drain fields
- Recreation facilities not allowed elsewhere
Anything placed in the right-of-way, permitted or not, is subject to removal without compensation.
If a written permit is not obtained when required, or if the conditions of a permit are not met, or if a sight obstruction or hazard is created, penalties may be assessed and the county's cost to effect compliance may be recovered from the responsible party.
