Street Department News (Updated 12-01-07):

PARKING AFTER A SNOWSTORM  Sec. 10-50

The cold frosty air is sweeping into our area bringing winter and the inevitable snow with it. I feel it is important to explain the parking ordinance as it relates to snowfall to everyone. It is vitally important that everyone cooperates with the snow removal procedures so that our streets can be clean and safe to drive on.  Here is an explanation of the Oregon City Ordinance:

It shall be unlawful for any person to park any vehicle on any public street in the city at any time after a snowfall of one (1) inch or more has accumulated unless the snow has been plowed or otherwise removed from the street in the areas surrounding all sides of the parked vehicle except:

1.  Vehicles may be parked on that side of the street where the even numbered buildings are or would be located between the hours of 7:00 a.m. of that day, and 7:00 a.m. of the following day on even calendar days.

2.  Vehicles may be parked on that side of the street where odd numbered buildings are or would be located between the hours of 7:00 a.m. that day 7:00 a.m. of the following day on odd calendar days.

Any person who violates this subsection shall be fined thirty dollars ($30.00).

** The most important thing to remember about this ordinance is that it is a 24 hour period - from 7 a.m. until 7 a.m the next day.**  Watch for weather reports of snow fall. If snowfall is expected for example on December 15th your vehicle should be parked on the odd side of the road until 7:00 a.m. on the 16th.  Then shift your vehicle to the even side of the road thus allowing the street department to push the snow to the curb, clearing the street for travel your vehicle should remain on the even side until 7 a.m. the following day.  

Even and odd sides of the road are based on house numbers. If you live at 203 your house is on the odd side of the street and vice versa. Once the streets are clear from curb to curb you can resume parking on either side of the street where allowed by law.  **The Oregon police department will actively patrol and issue tickets for any violations of this ordinance, and your cooperation is appreciated to keep our streets safe. 

Another ordinance requires all downtown businesses to shovel their sidewalks by 5pm after a snowfall.  Although no tickets for any violations have been issued yet this season, our Police Dept. will be enforcing this ordinance.  Please remain mindful of those patronizing the downtown area by keeping your walks clear of snow and ice.  When we receive a substantial snowfall, the Street Dept., along with a local contractor remove all the snow piled up in downtown area.  This is typically done overnight, a night or two after the storm.  This is just one of many services provided to our community.

Most importantly:  DO NOT; under any circumstances, plow, shovel or snow blow any snow, ice or debris into the streets and/or alleys.  This creates a safety issue and could potentially create a large ice patch that could damage city plows.  The city will vigorously enforce the ordinance that fines those who do this.  Fines are not meant to be a revenue source, but to be a deterrent.

Copies of any ordinance, is available at the Clerks office in City Hall.  If you have any questions, concerns or situations that you feel the city should be aware of, please call City Hall at: 732-6321.

Thanks for your cooperation in keeping Oregon a beautiful place.

Jim Lauer

Street Commissioner