FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Congestion and safety concerns have been increasing over the last few years, and this pilot project aims to reduce the amount of congestion to ensure all visitors have a good experience while visiting federal lands along the corridor. This pilot will allow shuttles and transit to run more reliably, while ensuring all visitors are able to come to the Waterfall Corridor to hike, take in the scenery, and enjoy nature while reducing the impacts from high visitation demand and overcrowding at popular parking lots.

All personal vehicles using the Waterfall Corridor along Historic Columbia River Highway to access federal lands will need a Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from just east of the Bridal Veil off-ramp from I-84 (Exit 28) to Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35) from May 24 to Sept. 5, 2022. If you’re traveling by bike, tour bus or by transit, no permit is needed. Angel’s Rest Trailhead and Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint are not within the permit area. 

This in-person permit from the Visitor Center or Historical Museum is only valid for using your personal vehicle to travel along the Waterfall Corridor to federal lands. If you can find an open, marked parking space along the Waterfall Corridor, you can park and visit any site. Parking near Multnomah Falls is popular and spots are not guaranteed. To visit Multnomah Falls using I-84 Exit 31 in your personal vehicle, a separate permit is required and must be purchased online. Go to Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permits. 

Visiting​ Multnomah Falls is easy and direct via tour buses and public transit. 

Multnomah County has pulled together a comprehensive list of community resources available countywide. These resources cover:

• Access to Health Care and Sick Leave
• Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, and Recovery Support
• Culturally-Specific Resources
• Resources for those Experiencing Domestic Violence
• Food Support
• Unhoused Community Resources
• Financial, Job, and Business Support
• Internet Access
• Education and Homeschool Resources
• Ways to Help

You can find more information at https://multco.us/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/community-resources.

The Oregon Coronavirus Information & Resources page spells out the basics and Multnomah County has a list of what county services are open and closed during the outbreak.

Try to keep your trips to a minimum - and please practice good social distancing habits if you do leave your home. And it's always a good idea to call ahead to be sure a business is open before you head out.

Anyone doing business within the city limits of Troutdale must have a City of Troutdale Business License. Depending on the type of business you have, you may also be required to submit one of the following Supplemental Applications:

• Peddler/Solicitor Application ($5 per peddler/solicitor)
  • This supplemental license is required in addition to a City of Troutdale Business License if you plan on traveling to and from residences and businesses and offering for sale, selling, or taking orders for goods or services. Please complete the Supplemental Peddler/Solicitor portion of the Business License Application (located on page two of the Business License application form) and submit it along with the appropriate fees ($5 per peddler/solicitor) to: City of Troutdale, 219 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy Ave., Troutdale, OR 97060.

• Property Rental Application
  If you lease or rent out 3 or more properties you must obtain a City Business License and complete a Supplemental Property Application. Click HERE to download the application.

The court does offer payment arrangements. There is a one time fee of $25 that will be added to your account. Payments are due on the 1st or the 15th of every month, that is determined when the arrangements are set up. Payments must be made monthly and the court does not send monthly statements.

Payments can be made in person at Troutdale City Hall with cash, check, money order or credit cards. You can mail in a check or money order and you can also drop off payment in our drop box located outside of the front door. You can also pay online with a debit/credit card.  We DO NOT accept credit card payments over the phone.

Contact Troutdale City Hall at 665-5175 or, by info [at] ci.troutdale.or.us (email). Email to have an application mailed to you. Fill out the application and return it to: 219 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy Ave., Troutdale, OR 97060 along with the appropriate Business License fees. The Troutdale Business License Application can also be downloaded online.

Depending on how far you want to ride, you can bike to the Waterfall Corridor or take transit with your bike close to where you want to start your ride. View a bike map. There are limited places outside of and within the Waterfall Corridor to park and begin your ride, such as the Toothrock Trailhead or Bridge of the Gods Trailhead to the east.

Columbia Area Transit's buses run every 30 minutes from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland and from Hood River seven days a week with stops in Troutdale, Cascade Locks and at Multnomah Falls. CAT buses are equipped with three bike racks. Once bike racks are full, no more bicycles can be accommodated. 

To start service, fill out the online Start Service form.
To stop service, fill out the online Stop Service form.

If you have any questions, please contact the City's Finance Department at 503-674-7225.

If you have a permit, once you arrive, you can stay as long as you like. Parking is not guaranteed. You will not be able to leave the Waterfall Corridor and then re-enter the permit area with the same permit.

If you have received a parking ticket, you have 10 days from the date cited. If you have three unpaid parking tickets, your car will be towed. All fines must be paid before your vehicle will be released.

Between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff will be at the two check-in points off I-84 just east of the Bridal Veil off-ramp (Exit 28) and Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35) and will ask to see your permit. Permits picked up at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center, or Cascade Locks Historical Museum, or a printed or digital copy of a permit obtained online are valid. Once you check-in, you do not need to display your permit. Come on the day listed on your permit, stay as long as you would like. Permits will not be checked when leaving the corridor. 

Permits accessing federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor are per vehicle, not per person. You only need one permit per vehicle. 

This permit allows you to use your personal​ vehicle to access federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor. Oregon State Parks and U.S. Forest Service sites in the Waterfall Corridor do not require parking permits. Parking is not guaranteed anywhere along the Waterfall Corridor. Only park in marked parking spots.

The Court Clerk may be able to offer a driver's safety class in order to keep the citation off you driving record. You must meet certain requirements. Please call the Court Clerk at 503-674-7236 to check the requirements.

https://www.troutdaleoregon.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/18317/dropbox_brochure.pdf

Contact the court clerk at 503-674-7236 for available options.

If you account has gone to collections, you will need to contact Western Collections Bureau, Inc. at 1-800-520-2928. If your driver's license is suspended because of a fine that was sent to collections, you will need to make payment in full before this court will reinstate your license. Payments on an account in collections can only be made to the collections company. Please contact them with any questions you may have.

If you fail to make your monthly payments on time additional fees will be added, your driving privileges will be suspended and your account will be assigned to a collection agency.

Your personal (or rented) car or motorcycle is a personal vehicle, including vans and pickups. Ride-sharing vehicles such as Uber and Lyft are also considered personal vehicles. Recreational vehicles and trailers are also personal vehicles, but must be less than 35 feet long to safely navigate the winding, narrow highway. 

You are eligible to get a Metro licenses if:

• Your business is registered with the State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board or Landscape Contractors Board
• Your business is licensed in each jurisdiction in which the business has an office
• Your business is licensed in each jurisdiction in which the business does more than $250,000 business on an annual basis

The license is valid for one year from the date of acceptance and allows a builder or landscaper to conduct business in the following cities:

Beaverton, Cornelius, Durham, Fairview, Forest Grove, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Johnson City, King City, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Maywood Park, Rivergrove, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, and Wood Village.

If you have more questions on obtaining a Metro License, contact Metro at 503-797-1710.

Columbia Area Transit provides bus service to the Gorge! Stops include Gateway Transit Center, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks and Hood River. ​

All convictions will show on your driving record except parking and ordinance violations.

Yes. If you do visit our parks, we urge you to follow guidelines on social distancing and preventing the spread of germs. 

New or expanded facilities that discharge sewage must connect to the City's sewer system at the owner's expense unless the property is more than one thousand feet from the nearest adequate public sanitary sewer main.

New or expanded facilities that need running water must connect to the City's water system at the owner's expense unless the property is more than one thousand feet from the nearest adequate public water main.

Yes.  The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.

The City’s interactive map shows the zoning districts for all parcels within the city. A PDF version of the zoning map is also available here. If you are not sure or would like a zoning verification letter, please contact the Planning Division at comdev [at] troutdaleoregon.gov or 503-674-7230.

Sasquatch Shuttle pricing begins at $15 per person for all day shuttle service with on and off privileges.

Gray L​ine Waterfall Trolley tours begin at $21​ per person for all day hop on and off service at one of the nine stops for some sightseeing, exploring or a hike.

I am planning to do some construction work in Troutdale. Do I need a Public Works Permit?
A Public works Permit is required for:

• Pavement cuts, window cuts, street borings, trench repairs or other work affecting City owned streets.
• New connections to existing public water mains.
• New connections to existing public storm sewers.
• New connections to existing public sanitary sewer.
• Construction of concrete driveway approaches, curbs, curb & gutters, sidewalks and water meter boxes within the public R-O-W.
• All other construction activity within the public R-O-W.

Visit the Public Works Permit page for further info and to apply for a permit go to Permits & Online Payments | Troutdale OR (troutdaleoregon.gov).

Adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks (and landscaping strips) along the street frontage(s) of their property. Obtain a Public Works Permit if you plan to do any reconstruction of your sidewalk (and/or driveway approach).

A nuisance is "…any annoying, unpleasant or obnoxious condition or practice causing or capable of causing an unreasonable threat to the public health, safety and welfare in the circumstances…", according to the Municipal Code. See section 8.28.070 of the Municipal Code for more specific nuisance information.

The City of Troutdale, Oregon has seven underground deep water wells which are located throughout the City.

Anyone who engages in any business within the city limits of Troutdale must obtain a City of Troutdale business license.  Troutdale Municipal Code 5.04.030 states “No person shall conduct any business within the city without a valid license unless an exemption contained in Section 5.04.040 of this code applies.”

These exemptions include:

• Garage sales (limited to four sales per year);
• An individual performing babysitting, nursery or child-care activities on a part-time basis;
• An individual who is employed by a business which has obtained a license;
• An individual hired or employed on an intermittent or casual basis by a household, business or other employer to supply only services;
• A person whose primary activity consists of delivering goods inside the city for a business located outside the city;
• Any conduct which is exempt from licensing by virtue of the constitution or laws of the United States or the state of Oregon;
• A person who leases two or fewer units of residential real estate within the city;
• A contractor or landscape contractor (1) who possesses a contractor's license issued by Metro, (2) whose place of business is located outside the city, and (3) who earns less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars in annual gross revenues from business conducted within the city. For purposes of this subsection, "contractor" has the meaning provided in ORS 701.055(2), and "landscape contractor" has the meaning provided in ORS 701.015(6)(c);
• tax-exempt organizations and nonprofit religious organizations;
• City-sponsored activities and business operating under a city franchise.

If you have questions regarding business licensing requirements, call 503-665-5175.

A decision not to get a permit could be costly. 

For example, some homeowners find when trying to sell or refinance their homes, prospective buyers or lending institutions want proof that alterations are in compliance with local codes. There is no proof without a permit and inspection on record. The homeowner must then apply for a permit with no guarantee the remodel will meet the codes, and face the possibility the remodel must be redone or removed. This could delay refinancing or cost a sale of the home.

Restaurants and bars in Multnomah County can now offer indoor and outdoor dining without capacity limits. 

Here's a list of restaurants within Troutdale city limits that offer take-out and delivery.

If you have a campground reservation at Ainsworth State Park, you do not need a separate permit; your camping reservation serves as a permit.

Yes. See chapter 8.28 of the Municipal Code.

Permitted uses are determined by the zoning district of a property. Once the zoning district is determined, you can read about what is or is not permitted in that zoning district in Chapter 3 of the development code. If you are not sure or would like a zoning verification letter, please contact the Planning Division at comdev [at] troutdaleoregon.gov or 503-674-7230.

Connections to the City's water system are made by private contractors employed by the person or firm desiring the connection. The work is inspected by City personnel. The first step is to complete a Public Works Permit Application and submit it to the Permit Specialist at City Hall. The work must be performed in compliance with the City's "Construction Standards for Public Works Facilities."

To start service, fill out the online Start Service form.
To stop service, fill out the online Stop Service form.

If you have any questions, please contact the City's Finance Department at 503-674-7225.

The amount of the water bill varies depending upon water usage. The water meter is read monthly and the water charge is $5.50 for every 1,000 gallons that has registered on the meter. The sewer charge is $53.97 per month and the storm charge is $9.18 per month for residential customers.

Annually.  All business licensees are valid from date of issuance through December 31 of each year.  The City does not prorate the license fee, so, for example, if you apply for your first license in August, you will pay the full license fee at that time, and renew your license again on January 1st. 

Business license renewal notices are mailed to business owners at the end of November each year.  You have until January 1 to renew, along with a grace period through January 31.  If the renewal is not received by January 31, a late fee of $25 will be applied on February 1. 

Complaints regarding sidewalk defects should be directed to the Public Works Management division at 503-674-3300. City staff will then initiate a compliance action and require the adjoining property owner to correct the defect.

No.  By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase.  In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations.  The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.

Visit our SDCs page for more info.

Building codes give reasonable assurance a home is safe from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical and heating systems, electrical shock, and health risks. The permits provide a permanent record of the work performed and inspections conducted on the project.

License fees are set by the Troutdale City Council.  At present, the City charges an annual flat rate for:

• Standard Business License ($80)
• Street Side Sales Business License (temporary, 60 days) ($80)
• Home Occupation Business License ($60)

Additional license fees include: 

• $5 for door-to-door solicitor license (per solicitor);
• $15 for Change of Address fee (in the event the business moves to another commercial property within the City);
• $5 for license replacement fee if the original license is lost or destroyed.

While some parks are still closed, most Oregon State Parks are open for day-use and camping. Some are open but with reduced services. Check out the Park Status Map to see the current status of individual parks.

If an item is stored on private property, no part of the item may obstruct the public sidewalk blocking any portion of pedestrian passage. These items must also be parked on an approved surface and are not allowed on grass or exposed soil.

Yes.   You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-).   In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.

Many outdoor activities are allowed, but public health officials still recommend that you wear a mask and practice physical distancing. Coronavirus.oregon.gov has guidelines covering an extensive list of activities.

Connections to the City's sewer system are made by private contractors employed by the person or firm desiring the connection. The work is inspected by City personnel. The first step is to complete a Public Works Permit application and submit it to the Permit Specialist at the Community Development offices. The work must be performed in compliance with the City's "Construction Standards for Public Works Facilities."

Visit our SDCs page for more info.

You can report any street issues to the appropriate jurisdiction via our Citizen Request Center.

You can also report issues with streets owned by the City of Troutdale directly to the Water & Streets Division at 503-674-3300. Problems on streets within the City but owned by Multnomah County (i.e. 257th Ave., Cherry Park Rd., Halsey St., Stark St., etc.) can be reported online via the county's SeeClickFix app or via phone at 503-988-5050.

For concerns and complaints related to I-84 and the adjacent frontage roads, contact the Oregon Department of Transportation at 1-800-ASK-ODOT.

Setbacks are typically determined by the zoning district on a property. However, some properties are unique given their subdivision. Contact the Planning Division for a property specific determination of your setbacks.

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any commercial or residential structure. Please see our Permit Requirements page for additional details and examples of projects that do or do not require permits. These lists are not all-inclusive, so if you have any questions on whether or not a project requires a permit, please contact our office. 

Utility bills are due twenty (20) days after the end of the billing month. For example, the May utility bill is due on June 20. A late fee of $5.00 is charged on accounts with unpaid charges forty-five (45) days or older.

The City of Troutdale operates a fully self-sufficient drinking water supply system. Under normal operations, all of Troutdale’s domestic water is extracted from deep underground aquifers by City-owned and operated wells. Additionally, Troutdale has inter-ties with the Gresham, Fairview, and Wood Village water systems that can be opened in case of emergency.

Property owners may or may not be able to divide their properties, based on the size of their lot and the zoning district it is located in. Please contact the Planning Division to have Staff evaluate your specific property.

See the Water Quality Report.

There is a 72-hour maximum time limit for storage on public property. After that time, the item(s) may be ticketed and eventually towed from the location.

You will need a Home Occupation Business License if you live and do business in a residential area of Troutdale.  There may be limitations on the business activities that can take place there, so call Troutdale Community Development Department at 503-674-7230, to see if you are zoned to operate the business from your home.  If you operate an adult foster home or day care, you will also need certification through the State of Oregon.

Yes. City Hall is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m Monday – Friday. Masks are required to enter the building and we ask that you please use the hand sanitizer before you approach City staff. Only two people are allowed in the lobby at one time and if you are next in line, please stay 6 feet back from the door and staff will let you know when to come in. If you are unable to wear a mask, DO NOT enter the lobby. Please call 503-665-5175 for assistance.

Adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks (and landscaping strips) along the street frontage(s) of their property. Obtain a public works permit if you plan to do any reconstruction of your sidewalk (and/or driveway approach).

• Address and legal description of the property
• Description of the work proposed
• Owner's name, address and phone number
• Contractor's name, address, phone number, state license and CCB number.
• Contractor's City of Troutdale business license or Metro business license number
• Please note that only digital plans and documents are accepted. Please submit via the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal.

It is used to pay for operations, maintenance, repair and a portion of capital improvements to the City's storm water system. This could include something as routine as cleaning out catch basins that drain water from streets, to a major project such as installing drainage pipes or a pump station.

The property owner is responsible for the sewer line (often referred to as a "lateral") from the house or business to the sewer main, usually located near the middle of the street. The City is responsible for the sewer mains. A blockage in the lateral must be corrected by the property owner, either personally or by hiring one of the many private firms engaged in this type of work. Many such firms can be found online under "Plumbing Contractors", “Sewer Contractors", or similar terms. A blockage in a City main should be reported by calling 503-674-3300 during normal business hours or 503-251-4163 outside normal business hours. 

For more information please refer to the City of Troutdale Utility Service Lines Responsibility Guide

Traffic signals in Troutdale, except for those on Frontage Road, are maintained by Multnomah County via its contract with the City of Gresham. For issues related to those traffic signals, call 503-988-5161.

Traffic signals on Frontage Road are maintained by ODOT. For issues related to those traffic signals, call 503-665-4193.

This is a bit of a complex question. On a basic level, dog poop is not a problem for the wastewater treatment plant, or the city’s sewer system. 

But here’s where it gets tricky. Any bag – including those fancy, lavender-scented biodegradable poop bags – ARE a problem. They don’t break down nearly as quickly as you might think and they can clog up pipes and the sewer system.

Even without the bag, it might not be a good idea. The internal piping in the toilet (the s-shaped loop) and the pipes inside your home are choke points that could cause a messy and expensive backup. It might be fine in small amounts, but if your dog is large… woof. That could be a problem.

And definitely, Definitely, DEFINITELY do not flush dog poop down a public toilet. It’s about being considerate. Public toilets are for everyone to use. And remember that someone has to clean that up.

Your best bet is to pick up dog poop in a bag and toss it in the garbage.   
 

Yes! It's free, secure, and easy to use. All you need is your utility customer account number, your
name as it appears on your bill and an email address. You can make a payment from a checking or
savings account or with a debit or credit card that has a Visa or MasterCard logo. You can log on and
pay an amount each month or set-up to pay automatically from one account. Visit our online bill pay page for more infromation.

Xpress Bill Pay, the City of Troutdale's online bill pay web administrator, provides a toll free number
(800-766-2350) to its technical support or you can contact Xpress Bill Pay by email at
support [at] xpressbillpay.com with questions.

You can contact Public Works at 503-674-3300. If you have a water or sewer emergency after hours, please call 503-251-4163.

For purposes of loading or unloading, motorhomes, RVs, and boats can be parked for up to four hours on the street.

Complaints regarding sidewalk defects should be directed to the Permit Specialist at Community Development at 503-674-7229. City staff will then initiate a compliance action and require the adjoining property owner to correct the defect.

To report a streetlight outage, you can use the new SeeClickFix app on your smartphone or tablet. SeeClickFix is a mobile app and website that allows residents to submit non-emergency maintenance requests for roads and bridges maintained by Multnomah County.

You can download the app for apple devices the Apple App Store or for Android devices at Google Play. You can also access SeeClickFix online by visiting seeclickfix.com or report an issue by phone at 503-988-5050.

It is. A water line with 60 psi of pressure and a 1/16” diameter pin hole can waste 25,000 gallons of water in a single month.

Yes, but masks are required while visiting the library.

Yes, because your business location is within the City limits and your home is considered to be your business “headquarters”.  

Whenever possible, drop boxes, moving pods, or similar portable containers should be placed on private property. You should only place a container in the public right-of-way when placement on private property is infeasible.

Learn more at our Drop Box & Pod Guidelines page.

The property owner or contractor is responsible for obtaining structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and manufactured dwelling setup permits.

For electrical work, Oregon law requires the electrical contractor to be responsible for obtaining the permit. Electrical permits are non-transferable.

Please refer to the City of Troutdale Utility Service Lines Responsibility Guide.

Septic system tanks and drainfields are regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality. In the Portland metro area, this regulatory function is delegated to the City of Portland. Contact the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services by calling 503-823-6892.

No! Hazardous wastes must be disposed of at appropriate facilities.

No. Vehicles may be parked on driveways or other approved surfaces, or properly parked on a street.  

No. A homeowner, who owns and occupies the house, may do any or all of the work (building, plumbing, mechanical heating and air conditioning, and electrical). This being stated, there are additional regulations that apply in some cases if you decide to do the work as the owner. For example: you are not allowed to complete electrical work on property you own if you intend to sell, rent, lease, or otherwise exchange the given property.

If you aren't sure of your abilities to do any or all of the work, we recommend you hire a licensed professional.

Employees can report workplace safety complaints related to the Governor’s social distance rules via the Oregon Occupational Safety & Health website.

Forms are available in both English and Spanish.

The non-emergency dispatch line at 503-823-3333 can be used for community complaints.

Our Online Services portal allows you to apply for permits, schedule inspections, pay invoices, search department records, receive fee estimates, and more. General Inquiries are best made via email at comdev [at] troutdaleoregon.gov, but you can also reach staff by phone:

Building: 503-674-7229
Planning: 503-674-7230
Code Compliance: 503-491-4009

See: Speed Hump Program

• If your business is located in Troutdale, yes.
• If your business is located in Troutdale and you have a Metro Regional Contractor’s Business License (Metro license), yes.
• If you reside outside the City, plan to work within the City, and do not have a Metro license, yes.
• If you do not live in Troutdale, and do have a Metro license, you may not have to obtain a City license.  To confirm, contact the Community Development Department at 503-674-7229, or Metro at 503-797-1620, option 1.

Click here to learn about the Metro license:  https://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-working/regional-contractors-business…

The Planning Commission may permit certain uses by granting a conditional use permit. Each zoning district has a list of conditional uses. Applications for a conditional use permit require a public hearing and may be considered provided that such conditional use would not be detrimental to the adjoining properties or to the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Pressures in the water system vary with location. The City of Troutdale’s water system is designed to provide service pressures of AT LEAST 45 psi. To find out the water pressure at a certain location, contact the Water & Streets division at 503-674-3300.

Traffic signals in Troutdale, except for those on Frontage Road, are maintained by Multnomah County via its contract with the City of Gresham. For issues related to those traffic signals, call 503-988-5161.

Traffic signals on Frontage Road are maintained by ODOT. For issues related to those traffic signals, call 503-665-4193.

Sub-contractors are required to have their own business license as they are not your employees.

No. Vehicles must be parked in the direction of traffic flow. 

No. Self-service for gasoline will no longer be allowed in parts of the state where it had been temporarily allowed. 

We now accept all permit applications electronically through our online Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal. If you have not previously submitted an application through the portal, you will need to create an account to do so. The account will allow you to check the status of your permit application, schedule inspections, and pay invoices. 

If you have any difficulties using the portal or require ADA accommodation, please contact our office for assistance. 

Yes. Court is back in session. Please call 503-665-5175 or email court [at] troutdaleoregon.gov for more information.

Contact lightout [at] multco.us (Mid County Lighting District )(503-988-0164) or click here for more information.

The Troutdale Development Code defines a nonconforming use as: "A use that was legally established before this code was adopted or amended, but does not comply with or is not permitted to exist due to subsequent enactments or amendments to this code".

The Pre-Application Conference is an opportunity to sit down with the planning staff as well as other city, county, and state agencies to review issues that are specific to your proposal. A Pre-Application Conference is required for all commercial and multi-family residential proposals. Contact the Planning Division to schedule a Pre-Application Conference. There is a charge of $400.

The pH (acidity or alkalinity) of domestic water in the system varies with location, ranging from 7.5 to 8.3. To find out the pH at a certain location, contact the Water & Streets division at 503-674-3300.

You must submit structural plans or drawings for any new construction or for an addition or alteration to an existing building. 

• Plans aren’t required for nonstructural repairs and work where a permit isn’t required.
• However, a change in use or occupancy may require plans even if there are no structural alterations.
• Please contact our office to inquire whether a permit for change in use or occupancy is required.

The treated wastewater is discharged to the Sandy River in accordance with the terms of an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Street Side Sales licenses are primarily for the temporary sale of products including fireworks, Christmas trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables, seafood, firewood, or arts and crafts, and are permitted within commercial or industrial zoning districts, or on sites with a community service use.  You determine the start date of the business period and the license will be active for a total of up to 60 days in a calendar year.  Before you submit an application, call the Troutdale Community Development Department at 503-674-7230 to make sure you’re allowed to sell your goods in the zoning district you’ve selected.

No. Vehicles must be parked with the passenger door towards the curb, and within 12 inches of the curb. 

Yes, but please wear masks and keep six feet between yourself and others.

Street Side Sales licenses are primarily for the temporary sale of products including fireworks, Christmas trees, flowers, fruits and vegetables, seafood, firewood, or arts and crafts, and are permitted within commercial or industrial zoning districts, or on sites with a community service use.  You determine the start date of the business period and the license will be active for a total of up to 60 days in a calendar year.  Before you submit an application, call the Troutdale Community Development Department at 503-674-7230 to make sure you’re allowed to sell your goods in the zoning district you’ve selected.

The hardness of water in the system varies with location, ranging from 42 mg/L (2.4 grains) to 130 mg/L (7.5 grains). To find out the water hardness at a certain location, contact the Water & Streets division at 503-674-3300.

An architect or engineer is not required for:

• Any occupancy building with a ground area of 4,000 square feet or less and height of 20 feet or less.
• Single-family dwellings.
• Accessory buildings to single-family dwellings.
• Agricultural buildings. 

Engineered plans may be required for:

• The alteration or repair of the structural portion of an existing building with a ground area of more than 4,000 square feet or taller than 20 feet.
• When the occupancy classification requires a fire- and life-safety review, regardless of the building’s size.

Please contact comdev [at] troutdaleoregon.gov (subject: Accessory%20Structure) () for further guidance.

The inert bio-solids are land applied to fields growing crops not for human consumption (such as hay fields, nurseries, tree farms, etc.) under conditions established by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and with the permission of the land owner involved.

Contact the Oregon Department of Transportation at 503-665-4193.

A permit is not required for a residential fence, given that it is not taller than 4 feet in height if located in a front yard and 7 feet in height if located in a side or back yard. All fences are required to meet clear vision standards. For more information on fences and clear vision standards, please see Chapter 5 of the TDC.

If you are leasing a space at a salon or spa, you are considered an independent contractor and are required to obtain a license.  If you work for a salon or spa and receive all your wages from the owner of the business, you are not required to obtain a business license.  

If you are leasing a space at a salon or spa, you are considered an independent contractor and are required to obtain a license.  If you work for a salon or spa and receive all your wages from the owner of the business, you are not required to obtain a business license.  

See: Facts on Flouride.

Neighborhood speeding problems should always be reported to the Multnomah County Sheriff Office first. Complete information on the process for requesting speed humps can be found on our speed hump page.

UIC stands for Underground Injection Control and refers to certain types of facilities that discharge storm water into the ground, such as drywells, soakage trenches, infiltration galleries, etc.  UIC’s are defined by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and regulated by DEQ in conjunction with the City.  See DEQ’s UIC fact sheet for more information.

According to the Municipal Code (10.04.020), an abandoned vehicle is:

"A vehicle that has been deserted, relinquished or has one or more of the following existing conditions:

1. The vehicle license plate or registration sticker has expired or has been canceled.
2. The vehicle has no license plate.
3. The vehicle has no visible vehicle identification number (VIN).
4. The vehicle appears to be inoperative or disabled.
5. The vehicle appears to be unlawful to operate on a public street."

See Municipal Code (10.36.010) for the maximum length of time abandoned vehicles may be present in the city and the enforcement of abandoned vehicles.

Before a permit can be issued, you’re required to obtain local zoning approval for:

• Any new structure.
• Any work that increases the area or height of a structure.
• Any work that changes the use of a structure.
• Any interior or exterior work that changes the structure on a locally-adopted Historic Landmark
• Any work that changes the facade of a structure if it is located in downtown Troutdale on Historic Columbia River Highway between 257th Drive and Depot Park
• Any new sign

In some cases, obtaining zoning approval (also known as a planning sign-off or a land use approval) must occur before a permit application can be submitted. In other cases, zoning approval can occur after the permit application is submitted and prior to the permit being issued.

Contact comdev [at] troutdaleoregon.gov (subject: Zoning%20Requirements%20for%20a%20Permit%20Application) or at 503-674-7230 if you have questions on zoning requirements. Please note that a $100 compliance review fee may be charged on certain reviews. That fee is typically assessed once your permit fees are generated when your permit is ready to be issued.

Permits are required between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., seven days a week between May 24 and Sept. 5, 2022. But there are options:

• Leave your car at home and take public transit (Columbia Area Transit), including service from Gateway Transit Center in Portland, Cascade Locks, and Hood River. 
• Take a tour: Sasquatch Shuttle and Gray Line Waterfall Trolley service the Waterfall Corridor with hop-on, hop-off shuttles. 
• Get out into that fresh air and ride your bike along the route. 
• Modify the timing of your trip to before or after the permit times and peak visitation (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). 
• Plan your visit to the Waterfall Corridor prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day, when there is less visitation demand.

The length of time varies depending on the complexity of the project.

• If possible, permits are processed and issued over-the-counter.
• Permits may take longer to process and issue if plan review or other consultation is required before issuance.

Good question. Especially now, don't believe everything you read on the internet. The best sources of information about coronavirus and COVID-19 are official agencies such as the CDC, Oregon Health Authority and Multnomah County — and both FEMA and the World Health Organization have put together lists of debunked myths about coronavirus. We must also keep on our toes to watch out for scammers and misinformation related to the current health crisis.

Always check your facts before you start spreading rumors!

The requirements depend on the type of structure. If the structure resembles an arbor (a wooden framework with an arch or roof) it is considered an accessory structure, and cannot be located in the front yard or less than 3 feet from a property line. If the structure is more closely related to a trellis (it does not have a roof), then the accessory structure requirements do not apply. Please contact us if you have additional questions or need assistance classifying your structure. 

If you own three or more dwelling units within the City that are rented or leased, you are required to have a business license.  If you operate an Airbnb or other short-term rental, please contact the city’s Community Development Department at 503-674-7230 for information. 

Yes, Chapter 5.100 of the Development Code provides the requirements for home occupations. A business license application and more information on business licensing can be found here. For questions regarding business licensing, please call or email kelley.graham [at] troutdaleoregon.gov (Kelley Graham).

See: Phew! My Hot Water Heater Smells Like Rotten Eggs.

UIC stands for Underground Injection Control and refers to certain types of facilities that discharge storm water into the ground, such as drywells, soakage trenches, infiltration galleries, etc.  UIC’s are defined by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and regulated by DEQ in conjunction with the City.  See DEQ’s UIC fact sheet for more information.

Report it to Code Compliance. You can do so by completing our online form.

Yes.  Business licenses are not transferable to the new owner when a business is sold.

Report it to Code Compliance. You can do so by completing our online form.

When the permit covering your scope of work is issued, work can begin.

If you’ve submitted plans and documents, one set of plans stamped “Approved” will be made available online once the review is completed. These approved plans and documents along with the permit are downloadable via the relevant permit summary page on your CSS account, and must be on site for all inspections. You will receive extra information and instructions on this in the email notifying you of permit issuance.

If you have property that is within a Special Flood Hazard Area (commonly called a 100-year floodplain) or is otherwise adjacent to the Sandy River, Beaver Creek or Arata Creek, a Flood Hazard Permit is required prior to:

• grading,
• removing vegetation,
• bringing in top soil or fill
• building on the property

Yes, if you don’t pay your license renewal fee on time!  Business license renewals are mailed to owners in late November each year.  Renewal fees are due by January 1st of each year to maintain your legal business status, and we allow a month-long grace period through January 31st.  A $25 late fee is applied on February 1st.  We must receive your renewal notice and fees by January 31st in order to avoid a late fee. 

Any grass or weeds as defined in the code that are 14 inches in height or higher are considered a nuisance and must be cut or mowed.

Consult the Planning Division for all the requirements. This request requires public hearings at a Planning Commission meeting and at City Council meetings. Rezoning must be approved by a majority vote of the Council and the entire procedure may take up to 120 days.

Permits expire 180 days from the date of issuance or last inspection. If you are not ready for inspection yet and you are nearing the end of the 180 day period, you will need to submit an extension request email to the Building Division.

No. The new work must be constructed under today's codes.

Report it to Code Compliance. You can do so by completing our online form. Trees must be kept trimmed to 7 feet above the sidewalk. 

Always keep the City updated as to any changes to your mailing address.  Business licenses will be issued via the mailing address you provided our office when you first applied for a license.  In the event you move your business to another commercial property within the City, you’ll need to reach out to Alex.lopez [at] troutdaleoregon.gov (Alex Lopez) in the Planning Division to start the relocation approval process.

Please note there is a $15 charge to cover processing and administrative costs at the time of Business License - Change of Address submittal. 

If you move out of the City or are no longer doing business in Troutdale, your business license is no longer active, please notify City Hall at 503-665-5175, or email kelley.graham [at] troutdaleoregon.gov.  Be sure to indicate the name of your business and include contact information. 

Yes. You can do so by completing our online form.

Yes. There isn’t a State license to operate a business in Troutdale. At that level, you are either registering your business name, or receiving certification at the State or County level for a particular specialty, which may include a construction or landscape contractor license, or certification to operate a daycare facility or foster care home.  You must still obtain a City license that allows you to operate your business in Troutdale.

No. Only the new portion being remodeled must meet the current codes, unless the remodel creates a hazard for the existing building such as overloading an existing beam. 

Business licenses for unincorporated Multnomah County are issued through the City of Portland, so you will need to contact them for how to apply. If you are doing business within the City of Troutdale, however, you will need a Troutdale Business License. 

Penalties can be levied for refusing to comply with the law. However, the Building Division prefers that a building conform to the code rather than punish a homeowner. If homeowners discover that they didn't get a permit when required, they don't necessarily have to tear the project down and start over.

If the alteration can meet the applicable codes, it can be approved.

City inspectors won’t necessarily approve something they cannot see and may require small sections of wall or roof covering be removed to verify the construction meets the code. There can be no guarantee some changes may be needed, and some may not be easy to accomplish.

A sign permit is not required for garage sales signs provided that these rules are followed:

• Place signs on a wooden support stake
• Signs cannot be displayed or attached to any public utility or traffic pole
• Signs cannot be placed on private property without the permission of the property owner
• A maximum of four signs can be displayed for any sale
• Maximum sign face area cannot exceed three square feet
• Signs cannot be displayed for more than 72 hours and must be removed at the end of the final day of the sale
• Only one garage sale at a single location is permitted every three months

Violation of these conditions will result in immediate removal of the signs and could result in a citation to appear in municipal court

Yes.  Federally tax-exempt organizations and nonprofit religious organizations are exempt and not required to obtain a business license, however they must fill out a business license application and provide proof of federal non-profit status (501(c)(3), for example).  Commercial non-profits are not included in the exemption.    

A Certificate of Occupancy is a document issued to the owner of a building once all building and development conditions administered by the City have been met. The City provides a C of O for all residential new home construction, commercial new construction, commercial tenant improvement and change of use.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office handles noise complaints for the City of Troutdale and also reviews applications for variances to those standards. Visit their website or call the non-emergency dispatch line at 503-988-0560.

Citizens can have up to three chickens on their property. No roosters are allowed. 

The licensing fees are General Fund revenue for the City. The licensing fee covers the processing and administrative costs incurred. The Troutdale Municipal Code 5.04.010 states,  “The primary purpose of licensing requirements is to regulate businesses in order to promote the health, safety and welfare of the public. Licensing helps ensure that all new business activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and ordinances. Licensing also allows the city to maintain an inventory of existing businesses operating and doing business within its limits. This inventory allows the city to ensure, through inspection, enforcement and other regulatory measures, that such business activities continue to comply with applicable laws and ordinances.”

Your property must be 2 acres in size or larger in order to have livestock. Miniature goats can be kept as pets only; no breeding is allowed. 

If you are a solicitor working for a company, the company must obtain a business license, as well as a solicitor card for each solicitor going door-to-door.  If you are the owner – and also going door-to-door, you must have a business license as well as a solicitor card. The cost for the card is $5.  All solicitors, while they are working in Troutdale, are required to have their personalized solicitor card with them at all times.

Yes. Livestock registration is required per by Multnomah County Ordinance (13.308). Obtaining a permit is free and can be done through Multnomah County Animal Services. 

Yes.  If there are two locations of the same business (for example, two Plaid Pantry stores within the City limits), then each store must be licensed individually.

Yes. You can apply for a free permit and find a list of recommended tree species on the City's Street Trees page.

The City of Troutdale does not handle animal complaints. Multnomah County Animal Control provides this service for Troutdale for domestic animals. You can contact them at 503-988-7387 or at their website.

For wildlife complaints, contact Fish and Wildlife at 503-657-2000 and for wild birds call the Portland Audubon Wildlife Care Center at 503-292-0304.

Contact Multnomah County Vector Control at 503-988-3464.