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Commission weighs expanded sidewalk reimbursement, temporary permit relief after widespread tree-root damage
Summary
Oregon City commissioners discussed options including longer completion windows, a temporary permit-fee amnesty and coordination to help residents fix sidewalks damaged by tree roots; staff will return revised code language and a limited-fee-resolution for commission approval.
Oregon City commissioners spent extended time Aug. 20 addressing a surge of sidewalk repair notices tied to mature street trees. Public works staff and multiple residents described logistical, financial and equity challenges for homeowners required to repair sidewalks that the city code places on adjacent property owners.
Public works director Dana Webb reviewed current practice and the program’s mechanics: a single-property sidewalk permit costs $207, while group permits (three or more properties) carry one fee of $413; property owners participating in the city’s tree-related reimbursement program receive a 50% permit discount under current practice. Staff reported 89 properties in code enforcement citywide; 27 of those had already applied for permits, five had received second notices, and several neighborhoods reported clusters of affected properties.
Residents from the McLaughlin neighborhood…
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