History & Culture

If you have a concern about a nearby property, you may wish to talk to the property owner before reporting the suspected violation to the City. Often, homeowners or tenants do not realize they are offending their neighbors. A reminder is all it takes to correct the situation. However, for those cases when you feel uncomfortable contacting your neighbor or have been unsuccessful in addressing a disputed problem, contacting the City may be your best option.

Feel free to browse around to gain a better understanding of Lake Oswego's ordinances and restrictions. And remember, we are always happy to discuss City codes and enforcement procedures should you have any questions.

Click here to email the city.

Cable Service - questions and concerns about cable television
Conflict Resolution and Mediation Services -- free help in solving conflicts
Coyote and Other Urban Wildlife - description of coyotes and what to do
Dog and Cats -- City rules and guidelines for pet owners
Dumping -- illegal dumping of garbage, junk, or yard debris
Encroachments -- structures suspected of being too close to the property line and/or rights of way
Fences -- fence questions and standards for construction
Hazardous Structures -- unsafe or abandoned buildings
Home Occupations -- home business issues

Landlord/Tenant Complaints
Noise -- activities that are unruly or disruptive and creating a nuisance
Rattlesnakes -- local reports of rattlesnakes, what to do if you see oneSigns -- information on signs
Smoke-free Workplace and Tobacco Sales
Traffic Safety -- traffic safety concerns
Trees -- hazardous trees and other tree removal information
Vehicles -- illegally parked or abandoned cars, trailers, motor homes or other vehicles
Yards -- overgrown weeds and yards
Zoning Violations -- improper land use or other zoning complaints.

Cable Service
Questions about your cable service in the City of Lake Oswego? Please write down your concern and send it to:

Metropolitan Area Communications Commission (MACC)
1815 NW 169^th Place, Suite 6020
Beaverton, OR 97006-4886

Citizens can also call Fred Christ at MACC, at 503-645-7365, ext. 206.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation Services
The City of Lake Oswego provides free conflict resolution and mediation services to city residents. Mediation is a process in which two or more parties meet with a professional mediator to talk about solving a problem. It may be as simple as two neighbors who cannot agree on an issue. Mediation may be used for any type of disagreement. The mediator does not make decisions, but helps the parties arrive at a solution for themselves. All meetings are confidential. To learn more, call the Citizen Information Center line at 503-635-0257.

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Dogs and Cats
All dog owners who live within city limits are required to register their dogs. Dog licenses may be obtained at the Finance Department on the first floor of City Hall, 380 A Avenue. For further information on licensing fees, go to the Finance Department's Dog Licenses page.  Lake Oswego Code requires that dogs be in their yard or controlled at all times. If you just take your pooch out for a short stroll, don't forget the leash.  The Code requires owners to pick up any dog excrement promptly in any area not designated to receive such wastes, including but not limited to public areas such as streets, sidewalks, public parks, parking areas, and any other place not owned by the dog's owner.  If you have any questions about this law (Ord. 2122), please refer to the Lake Oswego Code 31.02.120 at the Library or read the code on the City web site.

Please call 503-635-0250 for more information.

The City of Lake Oswego does not have any existing ordinances or rules regarding cats within city limits. Therefore the Police Department does not assist with cat control issues, lost cats, cat excrement, or any issues related to cat ownership.

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Dumping
Trash, litter, and yard debris that has been dumped into open spaces, city parks, and roadside areas may be reported to either the City Maintenance Services Department (503-635-0280) or the Police Department (503-635-0250).

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Encroachments
Most accessory buildings, such as sheds, must be no closer than three feet from a rear or side property line, provided they are 40 feet from any public street and do not exceed ten feet in height. These structures must also be detached from other buildings by five feet or more, and be smaller than 600 square feet. Structures that do not meet these criteria must meet the setbacks of the underlying zone. Contact the Community Development Department (503-635-0290) for zoning and setback information, and the Permit Center (503-635-0390) for building permits.  Encroachments of structures into a front, rear, or side yard setback should be reported to the Community Development Department. If there is a dispute as to the location of the property line, you should hire a licensed surveyor to establish that line. The City does not conduct surveys of property lines between private properties.

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Fences
Fences may not exceed six feet in height in residential zones. When a fence is within ten feet of a public or private street (excluding alleys) or access ways serving more than two lots, the fence may not exceed four feet in height. Fences must be built so that the structural side of the fence faces the person who built the fence or both sides are at least equal in appearance, such as a good neighbor fence.  For commercial and industrial properties, fences may not exceed eight feet in height.  Fences that exceed six feet must be screened by an evergreen hedge and require a building permit.  Fences that enclose a tennis court, swimming pool (not less than 6 feet high), playing field, recreation facility, or utility structure and are at least 80% open (such as chain link fencing) may be up to 10 feet in height. Any fence taller than six feet requires a building permit. Contact the Community Development Department at 503-635-0290.

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Hazardous Structures
If you believe a structure is hazardous, either from dilapidation, severe structural failure, or illegal construction or electrical wiring, contact the Building Department at 503-635-0390.

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Home Occupations
Home Occupations are businesses allowed in residential zones when they are compatible with the neighborhood character. There are several criteria that must be met continuously for a Home Occupation to be a legal business.  The business must not alter the character of the neighborhood or affect the rights of neighbors to peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood. A valid City Business License is required. No employees, except those who live on the premises, are allowed. No outside storage of goods or materials is allowed other than vegetation, and not more than 25% of the dwelling may be used for the business.  Group Day Care Centers with up to 12 children are exempt from these requirements in accordance with Oregon State Statute.  For more information, contact the Community Development Department at 503-635-0290.

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Landlord/Tenant Complaints

The City Attorney's Office has no jurisdiction over landlord/tenant complaints. For further information on landlord/tenant rights and obligations, we suggest landlords and tenants contact their private attorneys. For general information and referrals, we are aware of the following resources:
1. Landlord and Tenant Laws of Oregon, ORS Chapter 90
2. Oregon State Bar's Tel-Law: (503) 620-3000 or the OSB Online Website web information.
3. Oregon Legal Services (Housing): (503) 655-2518. Services for low income Clackamas County residents. Provides advice and representation on tenant issues, i.e., evictions and federally subsidized housing problems. General information is available on the Oregon Legal Services Community Education website.
4. Oregon Rental Housing Association Telephone: 1-503-364-5468. Information for landlords and renters.

Additional Information on landlord/tenant complaints and disputes is provided on the City Attorney page of this Web site.

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Noise
It is unlawful for any person to create, assist, permit, or continue any loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise in the city. Loud noise includes, but is not limited to the following noises in excess: The keeping of an animal which continues to emit loud sounds; the operation of a vehicle that creates a grinding, rattling, screeching, squealing, motor winding, or any other unnecessarily loud noise; the use of horns except to warn of danger; the use of any mechanical device unless the noise created is effectively muffled. Construction activity is limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in all areas of the city, except that in residential zones, work will not commence before 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.  (Refer to the LOC 34.10.539 Specific Noise Prohibitions for further information.)  The use or operation of any devices designed for sound production, such as radios, televisions, musical instruments, stereophonic equipment, loudspeaker, etc., between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., is prohibited if they are plainly audible in a residence which is not the source of the sound. The creation of excessive noise from a gathering of people between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is unlawful. Noise offenses are handled by the Police Department. Call the non-emergency number, 503-635-0250, to report any excessive noise.

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Rattlesnakes

If you encounter a rattlesnake:

Rattlesnakes are extremely rare in the Willamette Valley.  They can be easily identified by their broad flat diamond shaped head, presence of rattles on the tail (not always on very small ones), vertical pupils in eyes, diamond shapes on a broad body, and generally greenish to tan coloring. They can make a rattling sound with their tail. Adult snakes are 30-40 inches. They will rarely strike at a human unless harassed. Most injuries are the result of someone attempting to handle them. If a rattlesnake bites someone, help him or her remain calm and seek medical assistance immediately. Call 9-1-1. 

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Signs
No signs are allowed in the public right of way, except public signs such as traffic or informational signs and construction-related signage. The right of way area includes areas between public signs, utility poles or fire hydrants and public streets, island medians, parking areas, sidewalks and pathways. No signs may be attached to trees or other vegetation. Signs may not placed on roofs. A sign permit may be obtained from the Community Development Department by calling 503-635-0290.

Signs-Residential Zones: In residential zones, each lot is allowed one temporary sign not larger than six square feet. For Home Based Occupations and Businesses, one non-illuminated sign, mounted to the wall and not exceeding two square feet, is allowed. A sign permit may be obtained from the Community Development Department.

Signs-Commercial Zones: In commercial zones nearly all signs require a permit. Temporary banners and A-frame signs are not allowed unless specific permission has been granted by the City Manager. Restrictions on number, size, and placement of signs vary with each land use zone. Contact the Community Development Department, 503-635-0290, for more information or to report a complaint.

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Smoke-Free Workplace and Tobacco Sales
Ordinance 2287 prohibits workplace smoking and establishes tobacco sales regulations.  A fact sheet summarizes the details of the ordinance, and the complete text of the ordinance is also available. The ordinance forbids smoking in any place of employment, whether or not the public frequents the area. In general, the ordinance does not allow designated smoking areas. It does, however, allow employers to establish an employee break room designated for smoking, as long as the room is not accessible to minors and meets certain ventilation standards. If such a break room is provided, the employer must also provide a non-smoking break room. The ordinance does not prohibit smoking in private residences (unless used as child care, health care, or adult care facilities), smoking-designated hotel or motel rooms, or retail tobacco stores. It also makes an exception for bars and taverns that are posted to prohibit minors during the hours that minors are excluded. In the case of bar and restaurant combinations, smoking is not allowed in the bar unless it is separated from the restaurant by solid floor-to-ceiling walls with solid doors hung in the doorways. The bar also must have a ventilation system that does not permit smoke to enter the restaurant. The ordinance prohibits tobacco sales that are not "vendor-assisted." Self-service displays are not allowed. Tobacco sales by vending machine are not covered by the ordinance. This is because state law already regulates machine sales and forbids cities from adopting different regulations. The state law prohibits tobacco vending machines in any place legally accessible to minors other than industrial plants, hotels, motels, taverns, and cocktail lounges. The ordinance forbids retaliation against any employee or customer who reports violations. If any of the new sales regulations are violated, or if tobacco is sold to a minor in violation of current law, a citation could be issued not only to the employee who commits the offense, but also to the owner, operator, manager, or person in charge of the business. Call the non-emergency police department number at 503-635-0238 to report violations. For help to quit smoking or for educational materials and signage, contact the Clackamas County Tobacco Education Program (link to http://www.tobacco-free.org/).

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Traffic Safety
For general concerns related to speed and safety of traffic in neighborhoods, the City has established the Neighborhood Traffic Advisory Board (NTAB). NTAB looks at various traffic calming strategies and weighs these options against impacts to other neighborhoods.  Issues such as vision clearance at intersections, sight distance problems, and unsafe conditions of streets can be reported to the Engineering Department at 503-635-0270.  Traffic concerns can also be addressed by the Police Department's Traffic Unit, 503-635-0250, during regular business hours.

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Trees
Any tree within the City Limits of Lake Oswego with a diameter greater than five inches at four and a half feet from the ground requires a permit to be removed.To help protect the natural setting in Lake Oswego, a tree removal permit is required for any tree that measures five inches or greater in diameter at four and a half feet from the ground. This includes trees on private property, trees in open spaces, and trees on roadsides, as well as dead, dying, and diseased trees. If you intend to remove a tree, one of six types of permits is required:

• Type I Permits are for most developed single family residential lots and may be issued over the counter at City Hall by the Community Development Department for $10.
• Type II Permits apply to trees located in commercial, multi-family, open space, and undeveloped properties as well as single family lots that can be divided into three or more lots. This permit is also applicable to protected trees, trees in Resource Protection or Resource Conservation districts, and trees on property listed on the Historic Landmark List. These permits are $120 plus $10 for each tree.  A 28-day posted notice is required.
• Dead Tree Permits require a removal site plan, a photograph of the tree or marking of the tree with a yellow ribbon, and if deciduous, a site visit by City staff between Nov. 1 and April 15. The permit is $10.
• Hazard Trees Permits require the removal site plan, photograph or yellow ribbon, an arborist's report, and a hazard evaluation form. This permit is also $10.
• Emergency Permits are for trees that will topple or collapse, and pose a threat to people or property, before any other kind of permit would normally be issued. To obtain an emergency permit and avoid a penalty, you must attempt to contact the Community Development Department. If it is after hours, a weekend, or holiday, a picture or arboristÌs statement demonstrating the immediate need for the tree's removal is required. Fees may be waived for emergency permits. 
• Verification Permit is issued for sites that have received development approval through a Major or Minor Development Process during which specific trees were identified for removal.  These permits are $20 plus $2 for each tree.

Tree Protection Procedures for installation of tree protection.  Permits are required to be posted conspicuously during tree removal. If a bright yellow permit card is not clearly visible, illegal activity may be taking place, and you should contact the Community Development Department at 503-635-0290.

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Vehicles
An inoperable vehicle is one that has no current license, is no longer safely useable, or cannot be moved without being repaired. This does not include cars stored inside a building. Abandoned vehicles include vehicles parked continuously in one location for more than 72 hours.  Abandoned and inoperable vehicles are handled by the Police Department, 503-635-0250 during business hours, or 503-635-0238 after hours.

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Overgrown Yards
When yards become overgrown, they become a fire hazard. Property owners and occupants of property are required to cut and remove any weeds, thistles, dead bushes, grass and other noxious vegetation that exceeds 10 inches in height.  Property owners and occupants are also required to trim blackberry bushes and other intrusive vegetation (such as ivy) to a minimum of 10 feet from property lines where a fence or other barrier has been placed to prevent the intrusion of vegetation.

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Zoning Violations
Zoning violations can include encroaching structures (see encroachments) in required setbacks, unpermitted uses in a zone, home businesses that donÌt satisfy the criteria for home occupations (see home occupations), and other seemingly incompatible activities.  For questions regarding allowable uses and other assorted zoning information, contact the Community Development Department at 503-635-0290.

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Click on these links for information on:

• Business Licenses
• Dog Licenses
• Utility Bills -- Automatic Bill Payment