Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Aquatics
Can I rent a locker?
Lockers are free for anyone to use; just bring your own lock and you’re good
to go! If you forgot to bring a lock, we do have locks for sale at the front desk. We also rent locks for $1 a day.
For more information or to answer questions not listed above, please call the front desk at 503-982-5288.
Do you have goggles and/or food for sale?
We do! We have goggles, swim caps, swimsuits, swim diapers and more for sale. We also have concession items, drinks and ice cream for sale.
Do you have life jackets for swimmers to use?
We do have life jackets available for guests as well as toys, kick boards, noodles, and other various swimming equipment to help you enjoy your swim!
Do you have towels for guests?
We do have towels available to purchase for just $3.00 each at the front desk.
What age can a child use the facility without parent supervision?
We ask that parents supervise all children that are less than 48” and keep them within arm’s reach. Children must be 14 or older to use the sauna, spa or weight room.
What can I wear to swim at the Aquatic Center?
We encourage all guests to come prepared to swim in a bathing suit; however, we do also allow shorts, t-shirts and tank tops over a bathing suit or in place of.
When is open swim?
Open swim is anytime we are open! Monday through Friday 7:00 AM-11:00 AM, 4:00 PM-7:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Building
When Do I Need a Building (Structural) Permit?
A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, or move any one or two-family dwelling or related structure. For example:
- Add A Room
- Build, 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 or add walls
- Apply roofing when all of the old roofing is removed and new sheathing is installed
- Build a stairway
- Build a deck more than 30 inches (.76m) above grade
Even if no building permit is required, separate approvals or permits by the Planning Division and Public Works Department may remain required.
When Do I Need a Mechanical Permit?
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
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. Homeowners or a licensed contractor may legally install natural gas piping.
Think Safety First!
For your safety, your family's safety, and the safety of future occupants - and to avoid expensive mistakes - do not do any mechanical work that is beyond your skill level.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
A plan review generally takes less than two weeks for one and two-family dwellings. Time frames can change, depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the information you submit with your application.
Once plans are submitted with an application, plan review fees will be invoiced and can be paid online in ePermitting or in person at the finance department. All remaining fees will be paid at the time the permit is ready to be issued.
When your plans have been reviewed, stamped "approved" and signed, and all fees have been paid, an approved "site copy" of plans will available for pick up to have on the job site.
What Information Will I Need to Get a Permit?
You will need the following information:
- The address of the property
- A description of the work proposed, including a narrative and/or drawings addressing any applicable land use / planning / zoning conditions of approval
- The owner's name, address, and phone number
- If a contractor is doing the work, the contractor's name, address, phone number, and state license number
- Three sets of plans for new construction of homes or for remodeling that clearly show all work on the building and where the building sits on the property
- Typical plans include a site plan, foundation plans, floor plans, roof framing plans, elevations, and cross sections showing construction details
- Refer to the Commercial Plan Submittal Checklist or Residential Plan Submittal Checklist for minimum submittal requirements for plan review
Mechanical permits generally do not require plans to get a permit to do mechanical work on a dwelling. You will be expected to briefly describe the work proposed. For example, describe the appliance you intend to install and whether you will be installing a new vent, new ductwork, etc. If you are installing new gas piping, know how many outlets for future gas appliances you need.
Mechanical permit fees are based on the number of appliances, chimneys, vents, or gas piping outlets that will be installed. Permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.
Where Do I Apply for a Permit?
Both electrical and plumbing permits are applied for through Marion County Public Works (www.co.marion.or.us/PW/BuildingInspection/Pages/ApplicationsandBrochures...), located at 5155 Silverton Road NE, Salem, OR 97305 (503-588-5036).
Homeowners may submit building and mechanical permits at Woodburn City Hall, 270 Montgomery St - OR - create an account in Oregon ePermitting and apply online using these instructions.
Contractors must apply online via Oregon ePermitting.
When Can Work Start?
When your permit has been issued and an approved set of plans is returned, work can begin. The permit and plans must be on the job site and available to the inspector.
To change your plans from what was originally approved, you must provide revisions on two additional sets of plans and take them to the City of Woodburn Building Division. Do not mark on the approved set.
How Do I Get an Inspection?
If a licensed contractor: to request an inspection, schedule via Oregon ePermitting or call 1-888-299-2821 and use your IVR number.
If a homeowner: to request an inspection, call 503-982-5250 and reference your permit number - OR - use your IVR number and schedule through E-Permitting.
Resources to help schedule inspections can be found here: E-Permitting Inspection Code List Ways to Schedule Inspections
Inspection requests received prior to 7AM will be done on the same day. Requests received after 7AM will be done the following day.
Unless all of the work is outside and accessible, an adult needs to be at the site to provide access for the inspector.
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Finance
Business Registration - Who do I call with a business registration question?
Please contact the Finance Dept. at 503-982-5222, opt. 0.
Taxi - How do I make a taxi complaint?
To make a complaint to the taxi company about a taxi cab or driver, please contact the taxi company directly.
To make a complaint to the City about a taxi cab, taxi driver, or taxi company, please call 503-980-6320 or email taxi@ci.woodburn.or.us. This contact information should be posted inside each taxi cab.
In emergency, call 911.
Taxi - Who do I call with a taxi licensing question?
Please contact the Finance Dept. at 503-982-5222, opt. 0.
Water Utility - Can I make a payment on an account that is not mine?
Yes, if the the utility account holder has informed you of the amount to pay.
The city will not disclose account information, such as balance or activity, to anyone who is not the listed account holder or listed as authorized for information on the account.
Water Utility - Can I turn my water service off if I will be on vacation or the residence will be unoccupied for over a month?
If you wish to suspend water service for a period of at least 30 days, please contact the Finance Dept. at 503-982-5222, opt. 0, to determine if your account is eligible to be placed on vacation status. Some utilities should remain on, especially in the winter. Water service should remain on if there is a need to have automatic sprinkler systems remain active.
There is a $35 fee for being placed on vacation status.
Water Utility - I own property and have hired a property manager. How do I authorize them to act on my behalf for water & sewer utilities?
To authorize a property manager to act for you, please submit a signed Property Management Agreement to the Finance Dept.
For questions, please call the Finance Dept. at 503-982-5222, opt. 0.
Water Utility - My water usage is higher than usual. What could be causing it?
If you notice an unexpected increase in water consumption, you may have a leak. Check for leaking toilets, interior pipes, or outside faucets. You may also want to check the programming of automatic sprinkler systems.
As soon as the leak is fixed, please contact the Public Works Drinking Water Section at 503-982-5380. If you contact them timely, you may be eligible for a leak adjustment on your bill.
Water Utility - Who do I call if I think I have a water leak or if I have fixed a water leak?
Please contact the Public Works Dept. Drinking Water Section at 503-982-5380.
Water Utility - Who do I call with a water & sewer online statement question?
Online statements are temporarily unavailable. The online and phone payment systems are available and have the balance as of your last billing statement.
For questions about your current balance, please call the Finance Dept. at 503-982-5222, opt. 0, or send an email to finance@ci.woodburn.or.us.
Water Utility - Who do I call with a water & sewer utility bill question?
Please call the Finance Dept. at 503-982-5222, opt. 0.
Water Utility - Why do I have a bill for water and sewer service if I had no water usage during the month?
There is a minimum monthly charge for having water available and the amount of the sewer charge remains constant every month. The minimum monthly amount for water service to a typical single family residence is approximately $17 and the minimum sewer monthly charge is approximately $52.
General_FAQs
Are Parks, Picnic Shelters and Sports Fields available for rent?
Yes. Fee schedules and available fields along with permit forms are available on the website.
Sport Fields
Jesse Cuomo
Recreation Services Manager
503-982-5266
Picnic Shelters
Karen Sherman
Special Programs Manager
503-980-6321
Are Pool Parties allowed at the Aquatic Center?
Yes. The aquatic center can host a pool party on specific days and times.
Department: Community Services | Aquatic Center
Contact Phone: 503-982-5288
Are Youth Sports available?
There are a variety of sports available for boys, girls, small children and youth.
Department: Community Services | Recreations and Parks
Contact Phone: 503-982-5266
Burn Days - What can be burned?
Burn Days are specific to days and times for debris. There is also certain types of material that may not be burned.
Contact Phone: 503-982-0011
Can I obtain a Police Report at the Police Department?
Yes. Contact the Police Department.
Department: Police Department
Contact Phone: 503-982-2345
Concern regarding child safety seats/restraints in a vehicle. Who can assist with this?
Contact the Police Department and a National Child Passenger Safety certified technician/ officer can assist with this request.
Department: Police Department | Call to make the request in advance.
Contact Phone: 503-982-2345
Dog License Permits
Marion County Sheriff's Office handles licensing of dogs.
Marion County Sheriff's Office
Marion County Dog License Information
503-588-5233
Graffiti - Where is this reported?
Witnessing someone in the act, call 911 and report it immediately.
Otherwise, please call the Police Department.
Department: Police Department | Permits
Contact Phone: 503-982-2345
How many City Councilors are there for the City?
There are (6) City Councilors.
Department: Administration - City Council and the Mayor's office can be found on the Government page.
Contact Phone: 503-982-5228
Notary Services
Notary information is available through the Secretary of State's office.
503-986-2200
Planning a wedding/ birthday/ other event and want to have live music. What is the permitting process?
Permits in residential areas are not granted. Areas such as a restaurant, park, or other establishment, permits of this type are processed by the Police Department. There is a $33 application fee.
Department: Police Department | Sound Permit Application
Contact Phone: 503-982-2345
Street light(s) out on a City Street | Tree/Branch Removal
Portland General Electric is responsible for their power poles and lines as well as removal of Trees and tree limbs.
Portland General Electric (PGE)
800-544-1795 Opt 3
800-544-1794 (tree)
Street light(s) out on a State Highway (I-5, OR 99E, Hwy 214)
Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over the state highways.
Oregon Department of Transportation
503-362-0457
There is a "loose" dog in the neighborhood. Who can assist with this?
City Ordinance only covers stray or "at loose" dogs.
Departments: Police Department | Code Enforcement Please, do not call 911 unless there is a real emergency
Contact Phone: 503-982-2345
There is a dead animal on a City street.
The Public Works Department disposes of dead animals.
Departments: Public Works - Streets
Contact Phone: 503-982-5240
There is a pothole on a City Street. Who takes care of that?
The Public Works Department, Street Section makes annual repairs on City streets.
Department: Public Works - Streets
Contact Phone: 503-982-5240
There is a property or open lot in the City that has overgrown weeds/ grass/ abandoned property that is a real fire/ safety hazard. Who do I call about this?
The City Code Enforcement Division responds to these types of complaints for violation of City Ordinances.
Department: Police Department | Code Enforcement Please, do not call 911 unless there is a real emergency
Contact Phone: 503-982-2345
There is wildlife in a private property. Who can assist with this?
Wildlife Control operators may assist with the situation and have a list of independent contractors on their website.
Oegon Department of Fish and Wildlife
800-720-ODFW (6339)
What are the sign rules for garage/yard sales?
The sign ordinance specifies the type, size, location and duration of temporary signs.
Department: Economic Development Services
Contact Phone: 503-982-5246
What is the street sweeping schedule for City Streets?
Public Works manages and oversees the street sweeping schedule.
Department: Public Works - Street Sweeper Schedule Map
Contact Phone: 503-982-5240
Where can someone get a marriage license?
Marion County Licensing and Recording process marriage licenses.
503-588-5225
Who is allowed to check out books at the public Library?
Woodburn residents receive a card free of charge at the Circulation Desk. Additional details are available on the Library's website.
Department: Community Services | Library
Contact Phone: 503-982-5262
Who is our City Administrator?
Scott Derickson
Department: Administration
Contact Phone: 503-982-5228
Middle Housing
What is middle housing?
Middle housing includes accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes (also known as fourplexes or quadraplexes), townhouses, and cottage clusters (several small or very small houses centered on a common area such as a lawn or courtyard). Woodburn already allows ADUs per state law.
What is HB 2001? Why was it passed?
The 2019 legislature passed House Bill 2001 (HB 2001) into a law that requires cities to allow "middle housing" in residential zones that already allow houses. For Woodburn, this means all residential zones.
The purpose of the state law and the Middle housing Project is to increase the amount of lower-cost market-rate housing. Middle housing can be less expensive to build than conventional large houses and apartments in new apartment complexes, and that may make it possible to charge lower rents or sale prices. Also, middle housing will be allowed in more locations than apartment complexes are allowed today, which may result in more new housing units being developed.
Can middle housing be built anywhere?
No.
First, state law requires that cities allow middle housing in residential zones that already allow houses.
Second, the City can continue to require that property be ready for development before the City approves development. If the situation of a property isn't good enough to build a house - for example, if water or sewer is lacking - then the City retains the right also to deny building a middle housing type.
Third, cities can regulate siting and design of middle housing if the regulations do not "discourage the development of middle housing" per state law.
What is the City doing?
The City Council on June 9, 2022 approved Legislative Amendment LA 21-02 "middle housing" by adopting Ordinance No. 2603 effective June 30, 2022.
- To see the Woodburn Development Ordinance (WDO) strikethrough-and-underline amendments, look to ordinance Exhibit A, available within the City Council June 13, 2022 agenda packet starting on p. 18.
- To see the final, "clean" version of the WDO, on or after June 30, 2022 visit as usual the Woodburn Development Ordinance (WDO) webpage.
How does the project affect homeowners?
The Middle Housing Project would allow those who are already homeowners to pursue building a dwelling or dwellings on their properties to generate rental income. In some cases, homeowners may also convert their home into multiple units.
The City is forming a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) as the main body advising City staff and officials on what amended regulations should be. Contact the Associate Planner if you're interested in joining the TAG to influence the rules the City Council might review and adopt.
How does the project affect renters?
The Middle Housing Project could entice some homeowners to pursue building a dwelling or dwellings on their properties to rent out.
The City is forming a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) as the main body advising City staff and officials on what amended regulations should be. Contact the Associate Planner if you're interested in joining the TAG to influence the rules the City council might review and adopt.
How does the project affect developers and contractors?
State law generally requires that development regulations not discriminate between houses and middle housing types. This necessitates major amendments to the Woodburn Development Ordinance (WDO). City objectives include to make amended regulations clear and simple for small developers, including homeowners and small home builders, who choose to pursue middle housing.
Does this mean the City will no longer allow Single Family Homes to get built?
No. The City will continue to allow houses on properties that are zoned for them and are ready for development.
How could parking rules change?
State law through Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 660-046 limits cities to requiring no more than two off-street parking spaces total for a duplex. It also has a specific set of standards about parking in subsection 660-046-220(2)(e).
Though the City cannot require more off-street parking, developers would remain at liberty to provide more than the minimum. Developers often do provide more parking than required if they think that is what the market wants.
Does this interfere with homeowner association (HOA) codes, covenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs)?
The law allows most existing deed restrictions, homeowner association agreements (HOA), and covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) to remain as they are. However, these agreements are unenforceable if they both (a) prohibit middle housing and (b) were adopted on or after August 8, 2019. New deed restrictions, agreements, and CC&Rs cannot prohibit middle housing.
Can I legalize my illegal accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?
Staff welcomes people who want to legalize unpermitted ADUs through City permit approvals. If a landowner can make an existing unpermitted ADU meet zoning regulations including Woodburn Development Ordinance (WDO) Section 2.07.20 as well as building code and public works standards, then the answer would be yes. There's no need to wait for the Middle Housing Project because existing regulations allow pursuit of ADUs. Visit the ADUs webpage for further details.
The City is forming a technical advisory group (TAG) as the main body advising City staff and officials on what amended regulations should be. Contact the Associate Planner if you're interested in joining the TAG to influence the ruels the City Council might review and adopt.
I am a home builder/contractor: Does this relax the building code? Can I be exempt from street improvements?
No, and - in most cases - no.
The Middle Housing Project in no way relaxes the statewide uniform building code. That said, the law requires the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Building Codes Division, which manages amendments to the building code, to create an alternate approval pathway for internal conversions of houses into two or more dwellings. This would make it easier for a house to be converted into a duplex or triplex. Consult the Oregon Building Codes Division directly with questions on this specific topic.
Regarding street improvements, Woodburn Development Ordinance (WDO) Section 3.01.01D has a limited exemption for building a house on a lot in a long-established neighborhood, namely exemption from street widening, sidewalk, and a landscape or planter strip for street trees. It appears to City staff that state law requires that if the City continues to allow exemptions, that it administer them equitably for both houses and middle housing types. The City might instead eliminate the exemption.
The City is forming a technical advisory group (TAG) as the main body advising the City staff and officials on what amended regulations should be. Contact the Associate Planner if you're interested in joining the TAG to influence the rules the City Council might review and adopt.
Municipal Court
Can I pay any citation at this Court?
No. Each Court is a separate system. Please verify the address and contact information listed on the citation before making payment or appearing.
Can I pay for someone else's ticket?
Yes, if the plea has been submitted to the court by the defendant listed on the ticket and sentencing has been determined.
The court will not disclose amounts due to anyone who is not the listed defendant. The listed defendant must tell you the docket number and amount due in order for you to make the payment.
Can I pay my fines and fees without going to Court?
Yes, after the court receives your plea and sentencing has been determined. Court payments are accepted in-person, online, by phone, and by mail.
- In person: Pay in person at the Traffic Violations Bureau (Finance Customer Service Window) at City Hall, 270 Montgomery St., any weekday prior to your appearance, and you may receive automatic deductions if eligible.
- Online: here
- Phone: Pay by phone by calling 503-982-5222, opt. 1.
- Mail: Pay by mail to Attn: Municipal Court, 270 Montgomery St., Woodburn OR 97071. Please note your citation number and the name on the citation when mailing a payment.
Can I take a traffic safety class (diversion program) so the citation won't appear on my driving record?
Yes, if you are eligible. Please contact the Violations Bureau beginning ten calendar days after receiving the citation, up to the day before the appearance date (court date) listed on the citation. On the appearance date listed on your citation, you must appear before the Judge, not the Violations Bureau, to request the diversion program. Please check with the Court to see if you are eligible for the diversion program, or to obtain additional information.
Diversion program eligibility factors include, but are not limited to:
- No convictions or diversion for any motor vehicle violation (including DUII) within the three years immediately preceding the date of the citation
- Drivers whose licenses are not issued by Oregon must obtain their driving record from the state that issued their license, and must provide that driving record to the Woodburn Municipal Court.
- Driver's license is not a Commercial Driver's License
- No other pending motor vehicle citations in this or any other court
- Citation does not have more than one violation
- No accidents associated with the alleged offense
- The traffic violation is not a Class A Violation or a No Insurance Citation
- The traffic violation is a moving traffic violation
- Agree to plead No Contest to the traffic offense with which you are currently charged
- Agree to pay the fee set by the Court for the offense within the time for payment set by the Court
Do you have an interpreter while I am in Court or conducting Court business?
Yes. Please contact the Court for additional information.
- Arraignments: For Spanish, a certified Court Interpreter is present at all arraignments. For other languages, please contact the Court in advance of your scheduled arraignment. A certified Court Interpreter will be scheduled, or a telephone Language Line service may be used.
- Trials: Please contact the Court in advance of your scheduled trial date to request Court Interpreter services. A certified Court Interpreter will be scheduled, or a telephone Language Line service may be used.
How do I view my Red Light citation video and pictures?
Use the information on your citation to log onto the PhotoNotice.com website and view your Red Light citation video and pictures.
Please view the video and pictures before appearing in court or making a plea.
How would the diversion program affect my citation and my driving record?
If you comply in full with the requirements of the diversion program, the Court will dismiss the case and the citation will not be reported to the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A dismissed case remains on your Court record and may be used to determine eligibility for any future diversion program requests.
If you do not comply in full with the requirements of the diversion program, the diversion will be terminated, you will be convicted of the offense, and the citation will be reported to the DMV.
The fine is more than I can afford at this time. Can I make payments?
Yes, after the court receives your plea and sentencing has been determined.
A payment plan may be set up for most citations. You may request a payment plan by appearing early, before your scheduled Court appearance, or after you leave the Court Room following the arraignment. Please contact the Court Clerk to verify eligibility by calling 503-982-5222, opt. 1.
A $25 fee is charged to set up a payment plan. The Payment Plan Agreement form is available to view and download from the Municipal Court Forms tab. The paper form may be obtained from the Court Clerk at the Finance Dept. Customer Service window in City Hall.
What are the requirements to complete the diversion program?
- Pay the full amount of the fee set by the Court to Woodburn Municipal Court on or before the date set by the Court.
- Pay the fee for the mandated course to the course provider. Course fee is approximately $50. Course fees vary based on provider and whether course is completed online or attended in person.
- Complete the mandated course within 90 days and provide proof of completion to the Court.
- Do not receive a citation for a motor vehicle violation during the six (6) months following your appearance or plea.
- Drivers whose licenses are not issued by Oregon must obtain an updated driving record from the state that issued their license, and must provide that driving record to the Woodburn Municipal Court.
- Keep the Court advised of your current mailing address and telephone number during the six (6) months following your appearance or plea.
What happens if I cannot appear in Court?
You can appear anytime before the scheduled Court date at the Violations Bureau (Finance Customer Service window), at 270 Montgomery St., or send the base fine amount with a letter of explanation for the Judge to read to 270 Montgomery St. The letter and base fine has to arrive at the Court Office before the scheduled date of appearance. The consequences for not appearing in court can be severe. It is in your best interest to do one of the above.
Where is Justice Court?
Marion County Justice Court is located at:
4660 Portland Rd. NE, Suite 107
Salem, OR 97305
Contact Phone: 503-576-7200
Which Court is at City Hall?
Woodburn Municipal Court is located at Woodburn City Hall.
Search Tips and Tricks
Do the search results include the contents of PDFs and other documents?
Yes. The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.
If I search for a phrase (e.g. alarm permit), will the results only show exact matches?
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.
Can I exclude a word from a search (e.g. all pages that have the word "alarm" but not the word "permit"?
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.
