Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Signs Rights Of Way topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oregon City adopts emergency ordinance letting manager remove signs, trim trees in rights of way
Summary
The Oregon City Commission voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 95-1009, giving the city manager authority to remove and place traffic signs and to direct pruning in city rights of way. Commissioners said the measure is intended to speed routine maintenance while staff retain standards and enforcement tools for persistent noncompliance.
The Oregon City Commission on an emergency vote adopted Ordinance 95-1009, amending Title 10 of the municipal code to allow the city manager to order removal or relocation of signs and to direct pruning or trimming of vegetation that obstructs streets and sidewalks.
City Manager Charlie told the commission the change is aimed at clearing rights of way and improving signage without requiring a separate staff report and commission action each time. "This will allow me to make that decision," Charlie said during discussion.
Commissioners said the amendment is meant to cover work inside the public right of way — removing temporary or improperly placed signs, improving sign placement, and trimming trees and brush that interfere with traffic or storm drainage. Public works director Rick and other staff said the authority is not intended as a general enforcement shortcut but as a tool to remove immediate hazards.
Commissioner Ebert said the measure is worth trying as a first step and that commissioners could add stronger enforcement later for the minority of property owners who refuse to comply. "If it does the job, great. If it doesn't, then we can look at teeth later," Ebert said.
The commission also discussed the need to coordinate the ordinance with existing code chapters on traffic sight obstructions and municipal court enforcement. Staff told the commission that citation and municipal-court remedies remain available for repeat noncompliance.
The ordinance was presented as an emergency measure so staff could begin work immediately on sign consolidation and rights-of-way pruning. Commissioners said a traffic safety board is being reconstituted and that board could help set priorities for signage and sight-line issues.
Votes at the first reading and the second reading were recorded as unanimous. On final enactment the commission recorded ayes from Commissioner Ali, Commissioner Ebert, Commissioner Van Orman and Mayor Fowler; the roll-call on the earlier reading included Commissioners Reber and Benjamin as well. The ordinance takes effect immediately and staff said public notices and findings will accompany enforcement actions.
Council members said they expect staff to apply consistent standards and to return to the commission if the approach requires additional enforcement authority or penalties.
