We’ve been working to make improvements to our website, so we can better share information with the public. One of the new features we offer is the ability for citizens to report a code issue online.
Once the online form is submitted, the City’s Code Compliance Officer will begin an investigation into the issue. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the severity of the issue, and the type of issue it is, the City will work through the process to obtain compliance via notification, citation, or legal action.
The following are some of the common complaints reported to our Code Compliance Officer:
Abandoned Vehicles
Vehicle parking is one of the most common complaints. One of the easiest ones to fix is to ensure that you park your vehicle on the right side of the street in the same direction as the flow of traffic.
Our Code Compliance Officer does not have the ability to find out registered owners so he cannot always give warnings. We ask that you please park and register your car accordingly. Below are the standards for abandoned vehicles:
TMC 10.04.020 - Abandoned vehicles
"A vehicle that has been deserted, relinquished or has one or more of the following existing conditions: The vehicle license plate or registration sticker has expired or has been canceled; the vehicle has no license plate; the vehicle has no visible vehicle identification number (VIN); the vehicle appears to be inoperative or disabled; the vehicle appears to be unlawful to operate on a public street."
Tree Trimming for Street Trees
Care and maintenance of street trees is the continuing responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Trees maintained to the proper height allows proper street maintenance and allows undisturbed access on sidewalks.
Please keep in mind that the City’s street sweeper needs clearance next to the curb in order to clean our neighborhood streets. It’s also helpful to move your vehicles so that they can better clean your street. The current street sweeping schedule is up to date, but may change due to unforeseen events. Please call 503-674-3300 for information.
TMC 13.10.140 - Height and projection guidelines
"Limbs of trees may project over the sidewalk area at an elevation of not less than 7.5 feet above the sidewalk level, and over the street area at an elevation of not less than 11 feet above the street level. However, on any street designated as an arterial or one-way street, and where parking has been prohibited, limbs of trees shall be trimmed to a height of not less than 14 feet above the street level."
Household Garbage in Parks Receptacles
It has been brought to our attention that some people have placed their household garbage in various City Park garbage receptacles. It has occurred more since people have stayed home to combat the COVID-19 virus.
Troutdale has a City Ordinance against taking your household garbage and putting it in City park trash receptacles. Please respect our City parks and use them as intended.
TMC 13.20.310 - Refuse and trash
"No person shall deposit, dump, place or leave rubbish, bottles, cans, garbage or refuse of any type, regardless of its source, in a city park or recreation area, except refuse, garbage or litter occasioned through use of those areas which shall be deposited in refuse receptacles provided for that purpose."
For more information on code issues, please see the Code Compliance Division. A version of this article originally appeared in the May/June 2020 edition of The Champion.