Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Annexation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Scappoose council approves early water and sewer hookup before annexation for property on E. Columbia Ave.
Summary
Council directed the city manager to enter an annexation agreement (under ORS 222.115 and Scappoose code) that will allow early connection to city water and sewer for a property at 34106 E. Columbia Ave because the owner reported unsafe well water and a failing septic system.
Scappoose — The City Council voted Sept. 15 to allow an early connection to city water and sewer for a property at 34106 E. Columbia Ave under an annexation agreement. Community development staff reported the property's well water was unsafe to drink and the county sanitarian advised that the septic tank was failing; the property abuts the city limits and the sewer line runs along the frontage.
Staff summarized applicable law: ORS 222.115 allows a city to enter an agreement with a landowner consenting to eventual annexation in exchange for extraterritorial services; Scappoose municipal code sections 13.04.020 (water) and 13.12.090 (sewer) provide discretion for the council in health-and-safety cases. Staff recommended the council direct the city manager to enter an annexation agreement requiring the owner to submit a formal annexation application within 90 days and to pay half of the annexation fee up front.
Council President Miller moved and Councilor Marquis seconded the motion directing the city manager to enter the annexation agreement; the council approved the motion by voice vote. Staff said hookups could proceed after the annexation agreement is signed, conditions are met and the property obtains required plumbing permits.
Why it matters: The vote allows a property with documented health-and-safety concerns to connect to safe drinking water and sewer services before completing the full annexation process, balancing public-health urgency with statutory annexation steps.
What’s next: Staff will finalize the annexation agreement with the owner; the property owner must apply for annexation within 90 days and pay the required deposit; once conditions are met the city will authorize plumbing permits and connection work.
