Our service area
Washington County Solid Waste and Recycling handles code enforcement in unincorporated Washington County. Use the MetroMap tool to see if the address in question is in unincorporated Washington County or a city. If the address is in a city, contact that city for information about code enforcement. For urgent issues, call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 503-629-0111. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
Noise complaints and who to contact
- For barking or other dog-related noise, call Washington County Animal Services at 503-846-7041, email [email protected] or fill out their complaint form.
- For loud music or other disturbances during County quiet hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. or on federal holidays, call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 503-629-0111.
- Construction noise during County quiet hours requires permission by what is called a "variance." The vast majority of construction work during quiet hours has received permission from the County. If you still want to file a complaint, you can call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 or submit a complaint through the form link below.
- The following noises are not violations:
- Farming and forestry: Equipment use and farm animal noises on agricultural land.
- Garbage and recycling trucks: Noise from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in residential areas.
- Federal and state regulations: This includes, but is not limited to, railroads and aircraft.
- Group activities: Noises from sports, school, church events at parks, fields or stadiums.
A Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling code enforcement officer can only investigate complaints during regular business hours. Due to limited capacity, we are unable to respond to complaints immediately. Our goal is to resolve problems and educate community members about County codes. Citations are a last resort.
For a full list of noise violations and exempt activities, see Noise control 8.24.