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Building Department

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1. When am I required to get a permit?

Permits are required for any new construction and alterations and additions to existing buildings, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical changes, and manufactured dwellings.

2. Why do I have to buy a permit to build on my own property?

Oregon law requires you to obtain permits, even on your own property, to ensure that minimum building standards are met for your own safety and for the safety of future property owners and occupants.

3. Who is responsible for obtaining permits?

The property owner or contractor is responsible for obtaining structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and manufactured dwelling set-up permits. Oregon law requires that if an electrical contractor performs the work, the contractor is responsible for obtaining the permit. Permits are non-transferable.

4. How can I see if my contractor is licensed?

You can check online at www.hirealicensedcontractor.com or call the Construction Contractors Board at (503) 378-4621. Contractor Verification

5. When do I need an electrical permit?

A permit is required to do the following:

Install or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device.

Run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture, install a receptacle for a garage-door opener, or convert from fuse box to circuit breakers.

Install or alter permanent low-voltage systems such as security alarms or stereo or computer systems.

You must be both the owner and the occupant of a dwelling to obtain a permit to do electrical work yourself. You may not perform any electrical installations or modifications on a house or residential unit that is intended for sale, lease, rent, or exchange.

6. What electrical work can I do without a permit?

If you are both the owner AND the occupant of a dwelling, a permit is not required to replace electrical devices or to perform the maintenance on an existing electrical installation.

If you are not sure if you need a permit, please call the building department at (503) 874-2207.

7. When do I need a plumbing permit?

A plumbing permit is required to do the following:

Replace water heaters, alter piping inside a wall or ceiling or beneath a floor, and for plumbing in all new installations.

Repair, alteration, or replacement of freeze-damaged or leaking concealed piping, if new piping exceeds 3 feet.

Remodeling or adding on to your one or two family dwelling when existing plumbing is to be relocated. This includes installation of building sewers, water service, and exterior rain drains.

8. What plumbing can I do without a permit?

A plumbing permit is not required in the following circumstances:

When a property owner does “ordinary minor repairs” to plumbing systems on his or her own property, which means repair, replacement, or maintenance of existing accessible fixtures, parts, and appliances and their related water and drain attachments. Do not alter an existing plumbing system without a permit.

When a property owner or licensed plumber performs emergency repairs to, or replacement of, freeze-damaged or leaking concealed piping, provided new piping doesn’t exceed 3 feet in length.

9. When do I need a permit for mechanical work?

A permit is required to do the following:

Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system that must be vented into any kind of chimney, including unvented decorative appliances

Install a woodstove, fireplace insert, pellet stove, or related venting

Install, alter, or repair gas piping between the meter and an appliance (indoors or outdoors)

Install bath fans, dryer exhausts, kitchen range exhausts, and appliances that are required to be vented

10. What is mechanical work?

Mechanical work on one- or two-family dwellings includes work on heating, cooling, or ventilation systems, including bath vents and woodstoves. Installation, alteration, or repair of gas piping between the meter and an appliance or other equipment, including all liquefied petroleum gas piping, is also considered mechanical work.

11. When do I need a building (structural) permit?

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any one- or two-family dwelling or related structure. For example:
# add a room
# build, demolish, or move a carport, garage, or shed of more than 200 square feet
# finish an attic, garage, or basement to make additional living space
# cut a new window or door opening, or widen existing openings
# move, remove, or add walls
# apply roofing when all of the old roofing is removed and new sheathing is installed
# build a stairway
# build a retaining wall more than four feet high
# build a deck more than 30 inches above grade
# put up a fence more than six feet high
# move more than 50 cubic yards of earth or any amount of cut or fill on sites affected by waterways or slope hazards

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Code Enforcement

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1. What are the regulations concerning garage sales?

Garage sales and yard sales are allowed in any residential zone as long as they are limited to the sale of household goods and equipment, plants, clothing, and furniture. Each individual address is limited to three garage or yard sales per year and each sale may not last any more than three days. The hours of operation should only be between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Garage sale signs should be limited to one per property where the garage sale is being held. You can have a maximum of three off-site signs, but these must be placed on private property (with the permission of the property owner). They are not allowed to be placed in the public right of way, which includes utility poles and the area between the street and the sidewalk. Please remember to pick up your signs by the end of the day when your garage sale is complete.

2. What are the regulations concerning tall grass and/or weeds?

The vegetation that the city regulates as a nuisance is considered "noxious vegetation" and includes weeds more than 10 inches in height; grass more than 10 inches in height; dying or dead vegetation; poison oak; poison ivy; caneberry bushes or other spreading, intrusive plant material that exceeds into the right of way or across a property line; or other rank, noxious, and dangerous vegetation that poses a health, fire, or traffic hazard. Between May 15 and October 31 of every year, property owners or others responsible for maintaining property are required to cut down or destroy noxious vegetation as often as needed to prevent it from becoming unsightly, a fire hazard, or maturing and/or going to seed.

3. Is there an "attractive nuisance" code?

Yes. Property owners must restrict unguarded machinery, equipment, or other devices which are attractive, dangerous, and accessible to children. This could include stored lumber or logs, open pits, quarries, cisterns, or other excavation without safeguards or barriers to prevent such places from being used by children.

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Municipal Court

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1. How do I make payments?

Fines are due and payable when the fine is imposed. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, you may apply for a payment agreement with the court. We accept cash, checks, money orders, and debit/credit cards. Payments can be made in person at the Finance Department at City Hall, by mail, or in the after-hours drop box located outside City Hall in the parking lot. Please do not make cash payments through the mail or drop box. If paying by cash you should go to the clerk’s office during normal operating hours and obtain a receipt. If you pay by mail, please list the exact name on your case and a docket number, this insures your payment is credited to the proper account. Make checks and money orders payable to the City of Silverton. Mail payments to:
Silverton Municipal Court
306 S. Water St.
Silverton, OR 97381

Payment Agreement

2. How do I handle infractions through the Violation Bureau?

General operations office hours are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. There is a three business day waiting period from the date of citation. All business must be finalized no later than 4:30 pm the day before your court appearance. All business must be handled in person at City Hall.

If you would like to plead guilty or no contest, you can appear before the court clerk, who will look at your driving record and may be able to reduce the fine. The clerk uses the same fine schedule as the judge. If you have more than three convictions on your driving record, the clerk will be unable to reduce the fine. The clerk can take not guilty pleas and set trials on all infractions either in person or by sending in the yellow copy of the summons with option three filled out, signed, and dated.

If you would like to plead guilty and explain to the judge what happened, this can be done in writing. The letter must be accompanied by the full base fine of all charges. All letters of explanation are given to the judge and must be received before your posted court appearance. The judge reads them, takes your statement and driving record into consideration, and assesses fines accordingly. If you are fined less than the base fine, the refund should reach you within four weeks.

If your ticket is for No Insurance or Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance, and you have proof that you were insured for the vehicle on the date of the ticket, bring your proof to the Court Clerk prior to your court date and that charge will be dismissed. Be sure the proof contains the effective dates of the insurance.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Who do I contact to rent the Silverton Community Swimming Pool?

Reservations may be made through the Silver Falls YMCA. Contact them at (503) 873-0205.

2. When is the Silverton Reservoir stocked with fish?

The reservoir is stocked by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. They may be reached at (971) 783-6000.

3. Is the Silverton Reservoir Marine Park open all year?

Yes, the Marine Park is open all year. Occasional closures are due to icy road conditions or maintenance issues.

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Peer Court

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1. What is Youth Peer Court?

Youth Peer Court is an alternative to the criminal justice system for youth who have committed a misdemeanor crime or offense.

2. Who is Eligible for Peer Court?

Peer Court is for youth, 12 through 17 years of age, who have appeared before the Silverton Municipal Court and entered a guilty plea. Under an adult judge's discretion, offenders will either be forwarded to Peer Court for sentencing or may remain in Juvenile Municipal Court for sentencing.

3. What is the Peer Court Process?

A youth, who has admitted guilt to an offense, will appear before a jury of their peers for sentencing. A parent or guardian must accompany the youth in court. The jury is then presented with evidence relevant to the case; they deliberate and present a verdict. The offender accepts or rejects the sentencing.

4. What are the Benefits of Peer Court?

Youth offenders receive positive, individualized support; youth are given a chance to explain their situation to other teens; and when the sentence is successfully completed and no other offenses are committed within one year of the disposition, the youth's criminal record can be expunged or destroyed. However, in the case of MIP Alcohol, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Reckless Burning, the youth is not eligble to apply for expunction until their eighteenth birthday.

5. What are the types of Cases & Consequences of Peer Court?

Youth Peer Court reviews offenses that are referred through municipal court. Typical cases that are heard in peer court include MIP Alcohol, Possession of Less Than an Ounce Marijuana, Shoplifting (Theft II & III), Trespassing, Criminal Mischief, MIP Tobacco, Curfew, Driving w/out a license and Reckless Burning. Sentencing may include some combination of the following: drug/alcohol assessment, monetary fee, community service, jury duty, prison tour, diversion workshop, essay, apology & more. The sanctions offer the youth an opportunity to "fix" the situation while learning how to make a positive behavioral choices for their future.

6. What is the Protocol for Peer Court?

The courtroom is a formal, serious place, commanding respect from all who participate in its proceedings. Therefore, there are some expectations concerning dress and behavior for youth involved: No Shorts, No Tank Tops, No Caps or Hats, No Inappropriate T-Shirts, No Ripped, Dirty or Saggy Pants. Confidentiality is very important to the integrity of the court and we ask that all the facts presented in court-remain in court.

7. What are the Peer Court Room Roles?

Youth Positions:
Bailiff: ensures smooth operation of court, administers oaths.
Case Presenter: reads the police report/citation during the case, listens to evidence-questions offender and parent-deliberates on sanctions.
Juror(s): listens to evidence-questions offender and parent(s) about the situation, agrees on appropriate sanctions in deliberation.
Exit Interviewer: reviews the sanctions with the offender and outlines their responsibilities for completion.
Interpreter: assists in understanding of all materials and proceedings.
Sanction Review Panel: listens to and reviews completed sanction materials and then accepts or rejects information, assigns extensions.

Adult Positions:
Judge: Presides over the hearing, explains the criminal charges, instructs the jury on what evidence and factors to consider in determining a sentence.

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Planning

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1. Where is the Planning Division located?

The Planning Division is located on the second floor of City Hall at 306 S. Water Street, Silverton OR.

2. How do I find out the zoning of my property?

Zoning of property can be found on our zoning map or by calling the Planning Division at (503) 874-2207.

3. What are setbacks?

Setbacks are the required distance separating a building, structure, or other designated item from a property line. Setback requirements for buildings are included in the Zoning Ordinance of the Municipal Code under Title 18 Chapter 2.

4. Can I subdivide or develop my property?

Every situation and property is unique. Planning staff can help with the basics to get you started in determining if your property can be subdivided or developed. Call the Planner at (503) 874-2207 or visit the office during operating hours.

5. How tall can my fence be?

The combined height of fences, retaining walls, and/or other decorative landscape elements (i.e., rocks, railroad ties, etc.) within the front yard setback or in front of the front facade of a building shall not exceed 42 inches as measured from the grade closet to the street right of way. Fences in the front yard of corner lots may be six feet in height, provided the fence is 50 feet from the through-curb intersection and set back at least 5 feet from the property line. More information can be found in Silverton Municipal Code Section 3.2.500.

6. Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees located in the right-of-way require a permit, but may only be removed in certain situations.

7. How do I report a zoning violation?

Call the Code Enforcement Division at (503) 874-2207. Code Enforcement Division

8. How do I locate my/the property lines?

Property lines can only be located accurately by finding the property pins at the corners of the property. Call the Planning Division at (503) 874-2207 (with the street address) to obtain the approximate dimensions of the property according to the Marion County Tax Assessor Maps, and the width of the street right-of-way in front of your property. Marion County Tax Assessor

9. How do I locate utility lines on my property?

“Call before you dig”: Oregon Utility Notification Center, 1-800-332-2344. Call Before You Dig Website

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Police

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1. How do I file a police report?

You may report a crime in person at 306 South Water Street during business hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. After hours, you may come to the Police Department and pick up the grey phone located at the front entrance. You may also call (503) 873-5326 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2. How can I get a copy of a police report?

Police reports are generally public records and available for inspection and release. Requests for police reports must be made in writing. Cases that have not been adjudicated (resolved by the court) will not be made available. The fee schedule for public records is outlined on the request form. Please download the public record request form.

3. My vehicle has been impounded. How do I get my vehicle back?

The registered owner of the vehicle must contact the Police Department in person for a vehicle release. The business office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The registered owner must provide proof of ownership (title, bill of sale, registration), a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and $50 cash.

4. I need to get my property back from the police department. What do I need to do?

Property is released by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call (503) 873-5326. If your property was seized as evidence during an investigation, it may only be released if authorized by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

5. Do you offer fingerprinting?

The Silverton Police Department offers fingerprinting services to the general public but does not provide fingerprint cards. This service is provided Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. A fee of $10 and valid photo identification is required. If you do not have the fingerprint cards, contact the Oregon State Police ID Services Bureau at (503) 378-3070.

6. How can I get a Silverton Police Department patch?

The Silverton Police Department does not honor requests from the general public for police patches.

7. How do I find out if someone is in jail?

The Silverton Police Department does not have a jail. The Marion County Jail is located at 4000 Aumsville Highway in Salem. Their phone number is (503) 581-1183 or visit their website for inmate / offender information.

8. Do I need an alarm permit?

No, there is no permit or fee required. If you have a new alarm system installed, please contact the business office at (503) 873-5326 to report it.

9. Can I donate stuffed animals or old cell phones to the Police Department?

We are not currently collecting stuffed animals or cell phones at this time.

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Public Works

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1. How do I report a streetlight problem?

The City of Silverton contracts with Portland General Electric, PGE, to supply and maintain our public streetlights. You may report any problem directly to PGE using their website: PGE: Report A Streetlight

2. Does the City of Silverton have a recycle center?

Allied Waste operates a recycle center every Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM at the City Shops located at 830 McClaine Street. Starting October 1, 2011, they will be open from 9 AM to 1 PM. If you have questions, please contact Allied Waste toll free at 877-981-1278. Please note - the City Shops does not accept recycle materials during the week. (Items not accepted by Allied Waste are: old paint, batteries, solvents, or household chemicals.) Allied Waste

3. How do I dispose of old paint, batteries, solvents or household chemicals?

The City and the Allied Waste Recycle Center do not have facilities in place to recycle or handle household hazardous waste. These items may be disposed of at the Salem-Keizer Recycling & Transfer Station at 3250 Deer Park Dr. SE in Salem. Please contact them at 503.588-5169, if you have any questions. For directions and more information, visit their website. Salem-Keizer Recycling & Transfer Station

4. How do I read my water meter?

Follow this link for detailed instructions on how to track your water usage. Reading Your Meter

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Silver Trolley

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1. How do I reserve a ride with the Silver Trolley?

Ride reservations can be made by calling (503) 873-4546. Dispatch is available to answer calls Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with 24-hour voicemail. Dispatch encourages riders to schedule at least 24 hours in advance, and you can schedule rides up to a month in advance.

2. How much does the service cost to use?

A donation is encouraged to support the Silver Trolley program.

3. How is the Silver Trolley funded?

The Silver Trolley is funded through federal and state grants, donations, and the city's general fund.

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Utility Billing

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1. How often are we billed?

Services are billed monthly; they include water and sewer.

2. When do we receive our utility bill?

Utility bills are mailed the last business day of each month.

3. What is my due date?

All of our customers share the same due date, the 16th of each month.

4. What payment options do I have available?

• In person at City Hall. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover


• Drop Box outside City Hall in parking lot


• Auto-Pay (direct from checking or savings Account)

Auto pay form

5. What are the current water and sewer rates?

A rate sheet is available at City Hall or you can view a current rate sheet online. Current Rates