Operations
The Operations division is an element of the Public Works Department responsible for park, fleet, equipment, right of way, street, and storm drain maintenance activities throughout the city.
***Inclement Weather***
With the winter months ahead of us, snow, ice and wind can often result in significant damage to trees throughout the City including fallen limbs, damaged trees, and trees that have fallen on both public and private property.
The public should refer to the following information regarding tree and debris removal, hazard abatement, and permit requirements.
- For residents cleaning up their own yards, debris can be taken to NW Greenlands, located at 2200 NE Orchard Avenue. There is no charge for this service.
- For debris that has fallen in the public right of way, please report it so that an assessment can be made. Property owners/residents should not place storm debris from their yard into the public right of way.
- Tree debris in the public right of way will be collected by the City.
Street trees are the adjacent property owner’s responsibility per City ordinance, however, certain storm events may trigger the City to address hazards that overhang the public right of way and private property as they are identified. In such an event the following applies:
- Assessments will not include tree removal or comprehensive pruning; and will only include immediate hazard abatement.
- There will be no cost to the public for this service.
Residents and hired arborists or contractors should be aware that street tree removal requires a City approved permit. Should residents have trees removed in the future as a result of storm damage, they should contact the City's Planning Department 503.434.7311 to obtain the proper permits.
Planning for a winter storm event can be difficult. The variations in rate of snowfall, moisture content, air/surface temperatures, micro-climates, time of day and wind velocity make each storm a unique challenge.
It is the goal of this plan to establish general policies and procedures that help make travel within the city as safe as possible and to minimize economic hardship during those events.
By ordinance, trees planted in the public right of way adjacent to private property are the responsibility of the adjoining property owner. The City is responsible for trees planted within the downtown core area. Two specific purposes of the ordinance is to establish the maximum amount of tree cover on public and private lands in the city and to provide tree lined streets. Typically trees are planted as part of new development by the developer, or by property owners.
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The Annual Leaf Pickup Program will begin the week of October 21, 2024, and continue through the week of January 6, 2025. The service is offered to residents every THIRD week and begins each week on Monday morning.
Planning for a winter storm event can be difficult. The variations in rate of snowfall, moisture content, air/surface temperatures, micro-climates, time of day and wind velocity make each storm a unique challenge.
It is the goal of this plan to establish general policies and procedures that help make travel within the city as safe as possible and to minimize economic hardship during those events.
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