Public Works

In the past, Sandy had some of the lowest wastewater rates in our area.  In fact, in many years over the past decade, billing rates did not increase at all even though system costs continued to rise.  That meant the City had a lot of ground to make up to make the system's finances sustainable. 

With the new increased rates, Sandy is about average relative to other cities in Clackamas County.  View a graph comparing monthly charges for a typical single-family household on the Water Systems Improvement page.

The City Council approved an assistance program to help lower-income individuals afford their utility bills.  Those who meet the income threshold can have the wastewater portion of their bills reduced by 50%.  For more information, visit the customer assistance program page. 

Also, during the COVID-19 response the City has made the decision to suspend late fees and water shut-offs for non-payment.  We understand this is a difficult time and we are mindful of the financial difficulties being experienced by our fellow residents.

Only fences in excess of seven (7) feet in height require a building permit.

We hope to have the 362nd & Bell Street project complete by the beginning of next year's school year (fall/winter 2023).

Yes.  A Sandy home owner may work on their property between the hours of 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM on weekdays, and from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends.  Please click on the following link for the official City of Sandy policy on construction hours.

Yes. ORS 244.040(2) provides a list of financial benefits that may be received. These include: 

• Official compensation 
• Reimbursement of expenses 
• Honorarium 
• Unsolicited awards for professional achievement 
• Contributions to a legal expense trust fund 
• Some gifts 

Please note, all of these items have specific definitions, and in order to be lawfully received, the financial benefit must meet the definition of the allowable item.

Some volunteers are public officials. By some estimates, there are up to 50,000 volunteer public officials in the State of Oregon. A volunteer is a “public official” if they meet one of these three criteria: 

1. The volunteer is elected or appointed to a governing body of a public body. 
2. The volunteer is appointed or selected for a position with a governing body or a government agency with responsibilities that include deciding or voting on matters that could have a pecuniary impact on the governing body, agency or other persons. 
3. The volunteer position includes all of the following: 
   1. Responsible for specific duties 
   2. The duties are performed at a scheduled time and designated place. 
   3. Volunteer is provided with the use of the public agency’s resources and equipment. 
   4. The duties performed would have a pecuniary impact on any person, business or organization served by the public agency.

For purposes of ORS Chapter 244, volunteers are not public officials if they perform such tasks as picking up litter on public lands, participating in a scheduled community cleanup of buildings or grounds, participating in locating and eradicating invasive plants from public lands and other such occasional or seasonal events.

Yes, Sandy's utility payment system does allow you to pay online as well as set up paperless billing. You will need your eight digit account number (00-0000-00), email and phone number to register.  Sign up or login here.

If it's a result of the city’s infrastructure failing then.. Yes.

If the water is determined to be the result of groundwater or an adjacent property shedding water onto yours, the City would not be involved.

AntFarm

AntFarm’s vision is to see all people healthy, live with purpose, and contribute to community well being. Their mission is to provide life-changing learning experiences for young people which create and connect a healthy, purposeful, and compassionate community.

Physical Address (location of their offices and cafe):

39140 Proctor Blvd

Sandy, OR 97055

Rental Assistance Team and the COVID Support Team: 

(503) 668-7962 Monday - Friday 9am -5pm for help and questions. 

Cafe and Youth Services Team:  (503) 668-9955

Axis Learning Center (Tutoring & more!):

13 computers are available for student or community use– to create and facilitate learning and access to information. We coordinate with our volunteer tutors for one-on-one support for students.

Community Connect: 

Community Connect is a volunteer program that provides services like mowing, yard maintenance, etc. for free for local seniors and community members who are not able to perform property maintenance due to age or disability. Call AntFarm at (503) 668-9955 to learn more and see if you are eligible.

YouthCore:

Our YouthCore employs young people to work on a variety of labor tasks with both personal homeowners, local farms and larger contracting agencies. Further developing the work skills of local youth.

https://antfarmyouthservices.com/
 

Todos Juntos

Todos Juntos is a local nonprofit with two sites here in Sandy. Their goal is to connect youth and their families with resources that will help them be successful in their communities and in school. Services include after school clubs, parenting resources and classes, homework help, and more.
 

Sandy Grade School Site:

http://www.todos-juntos.net/sandy-grade-school.html

Contacts:

Early Childhood Director:

Shawna Johnson: 503-341-3381

Email: shawnaj@todos-juntos.net

Early Childhood Coordinator:

Shara Sala: 541-797-8558

Email: Sharas@todos-juntos.net

Family Resource Coordinator:

April Dobson(bi-lingual English/Spanish): 503-320-0937

Email: aprild@todos-juntos.net 

Cedar Ridge Middle School Site:

http://www.todos-juntos.net/cedar-ridge-middle-school.html

Contacts:

Site Manager

Michelle Emery: 503-756-4931 

Email michelleemery2@gmail.com

Sandy’s Helping Hands

Sandy’s Helping Hands’ goal is to connect local volunteers with families and individuals in need. They also have a Sandy Emergency Assist Program to help families with urgent needs. Contact them directly by email, phone or Facebook for assistance.

Contact Information:

503-710-1082

Email

https://www.facebook.com/sandyshelpinghands

Second Home

Second Home matches volunteer host homes with unaccompanied high school students experiencing homelessness. By ensuring that the students have stable housing and ongoing support, they can focus on completing their secondary education and realize their full potential.

Contact:

Phone: (503) 221-1054

Email: brodrigues@emoregon.org

 secondhome@emoregon.org

https://emoregon.org/second-home/

The Living Room

The Living Room works with youth to support belonging, leadership, and engagement through Peer Support Services, drop-ins, access to resources, and community events. The Living Room strives to be a safe place for all to come and be accepted as they are.

Contact:

PO Box 332

Gladstone, OR 97027

Phone/SMS: (503) 825-2535

Email: info@thelivingroomyouth.org

Instagram

https://www.thelivingroomyouth.org/

Job Corps

Job Corps is a residential career training program with several locations within Oregon and Washington, including its Springdale Campus near Sandy. Job Corps students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship, go on to higher education, or join the military.

https://www.jobcorps.gov/

Developmental Programs Clackamas County

The Developmental Disabilities Program serves eligible adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities that live in Clackamas County. Services include service coordination, abuse investigation, intake and eligibility, and program development.

We strive to respect and maintain the health, safety, and dignity of the people we support.

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/developmental.html

Oregon Health Plan

The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage for low-income Oregonians from all walks of life. This includes working families, children, pregnant women, single adults, seniors and more.

To apply or check on your application for OHP status, you can call or go online to fill out an application.

Contact Information:

OHP Customer Service – 800-699-9075

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Apply.aspx

Khara Hillis, khara@konell.net, 503-519-3780

Our community is made of wonderful people with all different kinds of abilities and neurodiversity. For families and individuals it can sometimes be a challenge to find the support and services you need - here are some local resources that may be able to help:

DD & MH Provider of Oregon

"DD & MH Provider of Oregon is a small family owned Medicaid Agency in Sandy Oregon that has over twelve years of experience in the field. We provide Employment Supports, In-Home, and Community Inclusion Supports, Services and Life Skills for people with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in order to obtain their self-directed goals. They strive to provide as many opportunities for volunteering, social events and building lifetime friendships. They believe that everyone can contribute to building a healthy and strong community."

Location and Contact Information:

39084 Proctor Blvd. Suite C

Sandy, OR 97055

Phone: 503-757-2884 or 503-427-8448

Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

(Office currently closed to the public - please call to check in about services)

http://www.oregonprovider.com/

Developmental Programs Clackamas County

"The Developmental Disabilities Program serves eligible adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities that live in Clackamas County. Services include service coordination, abuse investigation, intake and eligibility, and program development.

We strive to respect and maintain the health, safety, and dignity of the people we support."

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/developmental.html

Clackamas County Family Caregiver Support Program

"We are focused on you, the Family Caregiver. We offer information. We can connect you with other programs. We can talk with you about services available to help YOU in your caregiving role.

You may be eligible for this program ff you are an unpaid caregiver caring for someone who is:

• any age and has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
• at least 60 years old or older
• a child 18 years of age or younger and the caregiver is an older relative (not parent) who is 55 years of age or older
• an adult with a disability and the caregiver is a parent or an older relative who is 55 years of age or older

Call: 503-650-5622 to talk with someone from the Clackamas County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) about the Family Caregiver Support Program."

If you want to use email, you can write to: clackamasadrc@clackamas.us. 

Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division

Clackamas County Urgent Mental Health Walk-Center and Crisis Line:

"We can connect you to urgent mental health and crisis care, as well as long-term support, counseling, safety screenings and more. 

Crisis services are available to anyone living in Clackamas county regardless of ability to pay or insurance plan and include:"

• 24-hour phone crisis intervention
• phone screening and referral to appropriate provider(s) based on insurance/payment source
• emergency (same day) or urgent (within 48 hours) intake appointments
• brief treatment sessions (3–6) for crisis stabilization
• community consultation, information and referral to other agencies or services
• The crisis program also consults with families, outpatient clinic staff and community members, law enforcement and local service providers who are involved with individuals in mental health crisis

Crisis services are also embedded in the Clackamas County Jail to help with release planning.

Phone: 503-655-8585

Hours:

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday closed

*Please call ahead before coming to Clackamas MHC. You can reach us at 503-655-8585. You can also reach us through our front office line at 503-722-6200, where you can leave a message.

Location:

Ross Center near Clackamas Town Center.

11211 SE 82nd Ave. Suite O
Happy Valley, 97086

Non-Urgent Mental Health Services:

"If you are a Clackamas County resident in need of mental health services, we can help. We serve children, youth, families and adults who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties.

Services are available to Oregon Health Plan members or residents who don't have insurance."

Services:

• assessments or evaluation to help decide what services you need
• office-based counseling for individuals
• groups focusing on mental health conditions, life skills and symptom management
• medications for mental health conditions
• hospital care for mental illness
• job services for people managing severe mental health conditions
• in-home services for adults experiencing severe mental health conditions
• peer services and supports

Youth and families:

• skills training for parents and children
• community-based services for children and families experiencing severe mental health conditions

Phone: 503-742-5335

Oregon Health Plan

"The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage for low-income Oregonians from all walks of life. This includes working families, children, pregnant women, single adults, seniors and more.

To apply or check on your application for OHP status, you can call or go online to fill out an application."

Contact Information:

OHP Customer Service – 800-699-9075

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Apply.aspx

Residential accessory structures that are non-habitable, 200 square feet or smaller and no higher than 10 feet measured from the finished floor to the top of the top plate do not require a building permit.

Important Note: Garages, carports or like structures that have the ability to contain a motor vehicle require a building permit regardless of the size or height of the structure.

No. There are occasions when a public official engages in conduct that may be viewed as unethical, but that conduct may not be governed by Oregon Government Ethics law. Without an apparent statutory violation, the following are some examples of conduct by public officials that are not within the authority of the Commission to address:

• An elected official making promises or claims that are not acted upon.
• Public officials mismanaging or exercising poor judgment when administering public money.
• Public officials being rude or unmannerly.
• Public officials using deception or misrepresenting information or events.

While the conduct described above may not be addressed in Oregon Government Ethics law, public agency policies and procedures may prohibit or redress the behavior. Please contact the Commission staff if you need further clarification regarding how the Oregon Government Ethics law may apply to circumstances you may encounter.

No. Public officials who are relatives can be employed by the same public body at the same time, or serve on the same governing body of a public body at the same time. However, there are provisions prohibiting a public official from participating in the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, firing, or discharge of a relative to/from a paid position as a public official. Another statute prohibits a public official from directly supervising a relative who holds a paid position as a public official.

No. In general, public officials may obtain employment with a private employer or engage in private income producing activity of their own. However, they must not use the position they have as a public official to create the opportunity for additional personal income. They must also ensure that when they are engaged in personal income producing activities, there is a clear distinction between the use of personal resources and time and the use of the public body’s time and resources.

Yes we do.  Click on the following link for our "Dwelling Handrails" handout.

Yes. ORS 244.025 limits a public official, and relatives and household members of the public official, to each accepting no more than $50 worth of gifts in a calendar year, from each source that has a legislative or administrative interest in the official position of that public official.

However, if the source of the offered gift does not have a legislative or administrative interest in the official position, then the public official and his relatives and household members may accept unlimited gifts from that source. In addition, there a number of items that ORS 244.020(6)(b) excludes from the definition of a gift, and in the specific circumstances listed, those items can be accepted without limit.

Yes, the city removes volunteer trees, knocks down invasive species, and trims the grasses in most stormwater detention ponds. 

Domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, and elder abuse affect thousands of people every day.

If you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, or are unsure if they are experiencing abuse - there is hope. There are many different local organizations where you can find support, services, and healing.

Please Note: while all agencies listed provide confidential services - only some are able to provide completely confidential services as certain agencies may be required by mandatory reporting laws to report situations of abuse to law enforcement.

Your safety is most important - if it isn't safe to have your situation reported to law enforcement, or if you are not sure whether or not you want to make a report yet, Clackamas Women's Services can provide completely confidential services regardless of whether or not you want to involve law enforcement. Their advocates, by law, cannot report situations of abuse to law enforcement unless they have the consent of the survivor. (Information about mandatory reporting and confidentiality is listed here to ensure transparency and to support survivors in having as much control over their situation as possible).

Clackamas Women’s Services (CONFIDENTIAL SERVICES)

"We provide compassionate, confidential, and expert support to survivors experiencing and healing from these types of violence:

• Domestic Violence
• Sexual Violence
• Stalking
• Elder Abuse
• Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking

We work with survivors currently experiencing abuse to help establish safety, as well as survivors healing from abuse experienced in the past. All services are offered to the community are free of charge and confidential. Since we know violence can often cause displacement, people do not have to reside in Clackamas County for us to connect."

Reach us at our 24-hour Crisis and Support Line: 1-888-654-2288

Office located at:

A Safe Place Family Justice Center

256 Warner Milne Road

Oregon City, OR 97045

Office Phone: 503-655-8600

https://www.cwsor.org/

*Survivors: your computer and phone use can be monitored by an abuser. If this is a concern, please find a safer (public) computer or phone. 

A Safe Place Family Justice Center

"Since 2013, A Safe Place Family Justice Center has been helping individuals and families by providing support and safety planning for anyone experiencing family violence, sexual violence, stalking, or abuse against older adults and people with disabilities. Their trained and compassionate professionals from over nine agencies are available to meet with you by appointment or by walking into A Safe Place.*

Now able to offer limited in-person services to include protective orders and video court. Please call us at (503) 655-8600 to see if in-person or remote services work best for your situation."
 

Contact:
Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm and Friday 8am – 1pm

Phone: (503) 655-8600

Confidential advocates are also available 24/7: (503) 654-2288.

*Due to COVID Appointments are necessary.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

https://www.asafeplacefjc.org/

*Survivors: your computer and phone use can be monitored by an abuser. If this is a concern, please find a safer (public) computer or phone. 

Children’s Center

"Our mission is to work with the community to end child abuse and neglect through assessment, treatment, and prevention.

For children who have experienced abuse, Children’s Center can provide trauma-informed, expert medical examinations; forensic interviews; family support services; and provides prevention and education in the community at large."

Contact:

Phone: 503-655-7725

Location:

1713 Penn Lane

Oregon City, OR 97045

https://www.childrenscenter.cc/

Oregon Abuse Hotline:

"If you think someone is being hurt or is in danger, call 911 immediately.

Report child abuse or elder abuse to the Oregon Abuse Hotline by calling: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

The Oregon Abuse Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This toll free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services. You can also report child abuse by calling a local police department, county sheriff, county juvenile department, or Oregon State Police."

Victim’s Rights Law Center

"The Victim Rights Law Center provides free, comprehensive legal services for sexual assault victims with civil legal issues in Massachusetts and Oregon. Our attorneys harness their knowledge from representing survivors to train professionals nationwide to improve the response to sexual violence."

Oregon Office:

Phone: (503) 274-5477
Toll Free: (855) 411-5477
Legal assistance intake line: x6

Live intake hours: 

Mondays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (English and Español) 

Tuesdays 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (English)

Wednesdays 2:00 – 4:00 pm (English and Español)

Fridays 9:00 – 11:00 am (English)

Location (may be able to meet remotely or more locally):

520 SW Yamhill, Suite 430
Portland, OR 97204

https://www.victimrights.org/

Reporting Abuse and Neglect of People with Developmental Disabilities:

Anyone that sees, hears, suspects, or has been told about abuse or neglect of someone with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability can make a report.

If you believe that abuse, neglect or financial exploitation may be occurring, you can call the statewide abuse reporting line: 1-855-503-SAFE

Reports will be screened to see if they meet criteria for investigation and reported to law enforcement when a suspected crime has been committed. Protective services assistance may be offered to alleged victims by Service Coordinators, Personal Agents, or other individuals that help provide support to protect health and safety.

Clackamas County abuse investigators provide training to individuals who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities, their families, and staff on how to identify and report abuse and neglect."

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/ddabuse.html/

The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office - Victim Assistance Program 

"The Victim Assistance Program provides support to individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, and/or financial harm as a result of the commission of crime that is being investigated and/or prosecuted by police/District Attorney's office.

If you are a victim of crime, you can fill out the Victim Rights Request Form and return the form to our office 707 Main St., Suite 201, Oregon City, OR 97045. You may also fax it to 503-650-3598 or email it to victimsassistance@clackamas.us.  An advocate from the District Attorney’s Office will contact you to provide appropriate information or services during the process of your case.

To speak to someone before completing the form, please contact the Victim Assistance office for more information at: 503-655-8616."

Sewer lines are maintained by jetting (cleaning), enforcement of our FOG (fats, oils and grease) Program, CCTV and visual inspections, flow monitoring for inflow and infiltration, outreach of what is safe and what isn’t safe to flush or put down the drain. All these things help the city protect and maintain the sewer system for years to come. 

Simple food coloring dye can be dropped into a pipe opening. This should determine where the drain leads. The city can also perform smoke testing to determine if pipes are connected to the proper city infrastructure.

Inspections should be scheduled one of the following ways: Online: BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov; by Phone: 1-888-299- 2821; or, by Downloading the ORinspect app. 

Please note: the ePermittlng system is maintained by the state and any questions or issues should be directed to them. For assistance, contact 503-373-7396 or //Oregon.epermltting@oregon.gov/">Oregon.ePermltting@oregon.gov. 

Please refer to the City of Sandy's website here:  https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/publicworks/page/street-lights

After a storm, if limbs and debris will not fit in your yard debris container, the City has a free chipper rental program.

Click on the following link for more information about "How to Reserve the Chipper": https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/publicworks/page/how-reserve-chipper

The treatment plant was upgraded in 1998. It is capable of treating 1.25 million gallons per day during dry weather and up to 4 million gallons per day during wet weather. An activated sludge process is used followed by effluent filtration. Ultraviolet (UV) light is used to disinfect the treated wastewater eliminating chlorine disinfection, which tends to harm beneficial aquatic species.

Residential Standards:

1. Fences on corner lots. Any fence or retaining wall, constructed upon or adjacent to any property line that abuts two or more intersecting streets, shall not exceed 30 inches in height within the clear vision area.

2. Fences in a required front yard. The height of a fence or retaining wall in a required front yard shall not exceed 4 ft.

3. Fences - side and rear yards abutting streets. The height of a fence or retaining wall in a required side or rear yard abutting a public right-of-way shall not exceed 6 ft.

4. Fences - side and rear yards abutting other lots. The height of a fence or retaining wall in a required side or rear yard abutting other lots shall not exceed 8 ft.

5. Sight Obscuring Hedges. Trees or shrubs that form a sight-obscuring hedge shall comply with the same height requirement as a fence within the clear vision area. Deciduous trees separated by at least 15 ft. may grow to any height.

6. Front Yard Fences for Existing Dwellings on Major Arterials. The height of a fence in a required front yard for an existing dwelling (constructed prior to July 1, 1996) facing a major arterial shall not exceed a height of 6 ft. outside the clear vision area.

7. Fences on Through Lots. Gates are required in rear-yard fences on through-lots since it remains the property owners’ responsibility to maintain the area from the curb or edge of pavement to a proposed fence.

The city can come out to determine who the responsible party is.  Private drainage systems located from the curb to the house, are usually the homeowners responsibility. There are some public drainage systems in our community that will be the city's responsibility.

No.  The City will not remove a fallen tree, limb, or branch from a private owner's property or structures in most situations.  The property owner is responsible for debris cleanup, tree removal, and repair of damaged structures.  

If any structures were damaged, you may need a building permit for repairs. Please reach out to our Building Division at: building@ci.sandy.or.us

NO!! FOG's (Fats, Oil and grease) poured down kitchen drains accumulates inside sewer pipes.  As the FOG's builds up, it restricts the flow in the pipe and can cause sewer wastewater to back up into homes and businesses. Sanitary sewer backups result in high costs for cleanup and restoration. FOG's can also impact the city’s side of the sewer system, manholes can overflow into parks, yards, streets, and storm drains, allowing FOG to contaminate local waters, including drinking water. Exposure to untreated wastewater is a public-health hazard. It is in violation of SMC Sec. 13.12.080.

There is no fee to get a street tree removal permit but there is an application that can be submitted online at the following link: Online Street Tree Removal Application  OR you can fill out a hard copy application that can be found on our  Street Tree Removal webpage. 

Mental health and well being is important for everyone in our community, which has been highlighted even more during the pandemic.

Whether you are looking to talk to a therapist for the first time, are in a mental health crisis, or struggling to support someone you love who is dealing with mental illness, there are many different local resources that may be available to help:

Mental Health Services - Clackamas County

"If you are a Clackamas county resident in need of counseling services, we can help. We serve children, youth, families and adults who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties.

Services are available to Oregon Health Plan members or residents who don't have insurance."

Services:

• assessments or evaluation to help decide what services you need
• office-based counseling for individuals
• groups focusing on mental health conditions, life skills and symptom management
• medications for mental health conditions
• hospital care for mental illness
• job services for people managing severe mental health conditions
• in-home services for adults experiencing severe mental health conditions
• peer services and supports

For youth and families:

• skills training for parents and children
• community-based services for children and families experiencing severe mental health conditions

Non-emergency: 503-742-5335

https://www.clackamas.us/behavioralhealth/services.html

Urgent Mental Health Walk-In Center - Clackamas County

"Our Crisis Response Team consists of trained crisis clinicians who are able to respond to people in need of crisis services. Our response may include everything from telephone intervention to coordinating a same-day, emergency mental health assessment. Crisis services are available to anyone living in Clackamas county regardless of ability to pay or insurance plan and include:"

• 24-hour phone crisis intervention
• phone screening and referral to appropriate provider(s) based on insurance/payment source
• emergency (same day) or urgent (within 48 hours) intake appointments
• brief treatment sessions (3–6) for crisis stabilization
• community consultation, information and referral to other agencies or services
• The crisis program also consults with families, outpatient clinic staff and community members, law enforcement and local service providers who are involved with individuals in mental health crisis

https://www.clackamas.us/behavioralhealth/urgentmentalhealth

Location:

Ross Center near Clackamas Town Center.

11211 SE 82nd Ave. Suite O

Happy Valley, 97086

Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm

Saturday 10am - 7pm

Please call ahead before coming to Clackamas MHC - you can reach us at: 503-655-8585. You can also reach us through our front office line at: 503-722-6200, where you can leave a message.

We're still available 24/7 for crisis phone support through the Clackamas County Crisis and Support Line: 503-655-8585.

Please call or check this website for future updates.

Mental Health Connection - Clackamas County

"Hope and connection are important in these trying times. Our Crisis and Support Line phone number is available 24/7. This number is not just a crisis line… the staff there can provide support for anyone who might be worried or anxious about what is going on.

Clackamas County Mental Health Center is now open with reduced hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday). We are scheduling telephone and video meetings only at this time (no in-person appointments). Please call 503-655-8585 to schedule if you are in need of urgent mental health support."

Call: 503-655-8585. We’re here for you.

https://www.clackamas.us/mentalhealthconnection

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Clackamas County (NAMI Clackamas)

"NAMI Clackamas is a grassroots organization by and for people impacted by mental illness, whether in themselves or a family member.​ Most of our services are provided by peers...that is, people who have "been there" and "done that".​

Everything we offer is available at no cost to the individual.​"

NAMI HELPLINE:  

503-344-5050 or text "NAMI" to 741741

Location:

10202 SE 32nd Ave., Suite 501

Milwaukie, OR 97222

Office hours: 10am - 6pm

Online Support Group information: https://www.namicc.org/

No hablan ingles? 

latinxoutreach@namicc.org

Folk Time

"Folk Time is a monthly community meeting (pre-COVID), where members decide on activities for the coming month. It creates space for socializing with others to help people with mental health diagnoses prevent relapse and have a higher level of life satisfaction. 

Rural Outreach Social Program offers programs to Clackamas County in the cities of Sandy, Molalla, and Estacada. The Rural Outreach Program meets regularly by coordinated events within the community."

Hours of operation: Tues 10:00am-1pm Thurs 2pm to 5pm Fri hours and outings vary

Address: Locations vary based on participant engagement.

Contact: Social Programs Lead, TaMara Edens:tedens@folktime.org"> tedens@folktime.org

https://folktime.org/social-programs/

Veterans Crisis Line:

"Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?

Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is free, confidential and available 24/7, 365 days a year. Anyone who is a Veteran, all Service members, National Guard and Reserve, and their family members and friends can access this line."

Contact Information:

Call: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1

Text: 838255

You can also chat online with responders via their website:

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Senior Companion Program

"Senior Companion Program (SCP) offers support to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in Clackamas County. There is no charge for services. Our program helps individuals live independently for as long and safe as possible.

Trained Senior Companion volunteers help individuals in need of assistance. Our volunteers become companions for seniors to address certain needs, such as:"

• help clients get to critical appointments and services
• assist with household needs
• participate and encourage social activities
• help clients maintain independence

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/companions.html

Oregon Health Plan

"The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage for low-income Oregonians from all walks of life. This includes working families, children, pregnant women, single adults, seniors and more.

To apply or check on your application for OHP status, you can call or go online to fill out an application."

Contact Information:

OHP Customer Service – 800-699-9075

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Apply.aspx

https://www.namicc.org/

Online Support Group information: https://namior.org/nami-oregon-online-support-groups/

Many factors can lead to different taste characteristics.

Seasonal algae blooms in source water and chlorine residual levels are just a few examples of things that can lead to taste variations.

This application was approved through the Development Services Department (Planning).  File No. 22-003 FSH can be found at the below path:

Planning File No. 22-003 FSH

The city can remove the contaminants with it's vacuum truck.

No.  The property owner is responsible. Property owners may legally prune encroaching tree limbs and branches back to their property line but cannot  do so in such a way that will remove more than 25 percent of the tree canopy.

In addition to the monthly fee increases, new commercial and residential development projects will pay their fair share for the required sewer investments. System Development Charges, which are paid by new development, were increased from $1,834 to $4,889 for each new home in 2020, and are proposed to increase to $5,157 in 2021.  View the Wastewater System Improvements page.

• The mayor of a city signs a contract obligating the city to pay for janitorial services provided by a business owned by a relative of the mayor. 
• A city treasurer signs a city check payable to an office supply business that is owned by a relative. 
• A city billing clerk alters water use records so that the amount billed to the clerk’s parents will be less than the actual amount due. 
• A volunteer firefighter borrows the fire district’s power washer to prepare the exterior of the volunteer’s personal residence for painting. 
• A county public works employee stores a motor home that is owned by the employee’s parents in a county building used for storing heavy equipment. 
• An employee of a state agency has a private business and uses the agency’s computer to advance the business by promoting, corresponding and managing the activities of the private business. 
• A school district superintendent approves and signs her own request for reimbursement of personal expenses the superintendent incurred when conducting official business.

As defined earlier, public officials become public officials through employment, appointment, election or volunteering. ORS 244.040(1) prohibits every public official from using or attempting to use the position held as a public official to obtain a financial benefit, if the opportunity for the financial benefit would not otherwise be available but for the position held by the public official.

The prohibited financial benefit can be either an opportunity for gain or to avoid an expense.

Each public official is prohibited from using the position as a public official to receive certain financial benefits. In addition, each public official is prohibited from using or attempting to use the official position to obtain financial benefits for a relative or a member of the public official’s household, or for a business with which the public official, a relative, or a member of the public official’s household is associated.

There are a variety of actions that could be a prohibited use or attempted use of an official position. The use of a position could be voting in a public meeting, placing a signature on a government agency’s document, making a recommendation, making a purchase with government agency funds, or conducting personal business on a government agency’s time or with a government agency’s resources such as computers, vehicles, heavy equipment or office machines.

Oregon Government Ethics law identifies and defines two types of conflicts of interest: actual conflict of interest and potential conflict of interest.

The difference between an actual conflict of interest and a potential conflict of interest is determined by the words “would” and “could.”

A public official is met with an actual conflict of interest when the public official participates in action that would affect the financial interest of the official, the official’s relative or a business with which the official or a relative of the official is associated.

A public official is met with a potential conflict of interest when the public official participates in action that could affect the financial interest of the official, a relative of that official or a business with which the official or the relative of that official is associated.

In brief, a conflict of interest when an official action by the public official could or would result in a financial benefit or detriment to the public official, a relative of the public official or a business with which either is associated.

A matter is a statutory conflict of interest when both of these conditions are met:

1. The official act will cause a personal monetary gain or monetary loss
2. The monetary gain or loss will be to the public official, a relative of the public official, or a business with which the public official or the relative is associated.

The permitting process is quite extensive and is aimed at maintaining high water quality. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality would be responsible for issuing a permit to discharge the Sandy River, and they require a number of studies and engineering evaluations. The City’s consulting engineers have already conducted water quality studies of the current river flows and a geomorphology study and fisheries biology evaluations to determine the most stable location of the river for an outfall. DEQ would require additional studies such as a mixing zone study, an “antidegradation” study to evaluate any impacts to the river, groundwater quality sampling and analysis, additional geotechnical investigations, and wetlands delineations prior to issuing a permit.

It could be a sewer manhole or a storm manhole. Both systems are not always located in the road. Sewer and storm systems work off gravity, so via a utility easement. A manhole may be in your back yard due to the engineering and design to achieve gravity flow to the next manhole.

Biological stages in wastewater treatment plants are not able to remove substances such as pharmaceuticals, PFAS, Trihalomethanes, Microbeads, Sodium and Potassium Chloride, halogenated compounds, and cyanides from industrial wastewater.

Call a plumber. If the plumber determines that the back up was caused by an issue on the city’s side of the sewer system, please contact public works at 503-655-8211.
Most responsibility shifts from homeowner to the city when it nears the back of the sidewalk.

Oregon State law allows that studded tires are legal to use from November 1st to March 31 in most calendar years.

Most curb and sidewalk improvements take place when a property is going through a permitted improvement at the home. If the value of the home is forecasted to increase by a set percentage, then frontage improvements are required (at the homeowners cost). There are situations where council gives direction on right-of-way enhancements for desired streets. These improvements are made to attract development.

The water may drain into a nearby waterway or a storm detention pond.

The wastewater is treated at the city’s wastewater treatment plant located at 33400 SE Jarl Rd, Boring, OR 97009

“Public official” is defined in ORS 244.020(14) as any person who is serving the State of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions or any other public body as defined in ORS 174.109 as an elected official, appointed official, employee or agent, irrespective of whether the person is compensated for the services.
You are a public official if you are:

• Elected or appointed to an office or position with a state, county or city government.
• Elected or appointed to an office or position with a special district.
• An employee of a state, county or city agency or special district.
• An unpaid volunteer for a state, county or city agency or special district.
• Anyone serving the State of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions, such as the State Accident Insurance Fund or the Oregon Health & Science University.

Currently all traffic signals are operated by ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation).

Ryan Wood at: rwood@ci.sandy.or.us or Matt Degner at: mdegner@ci.sandy.or.us (503-668-5310)

Please email Thomas Fisher at: tfisher@ci.sandy.or.us for question that are not found on this page

The installation of a crosswalk or stop sign would require a traffic/pedestrian study.

Contact: tfisher@ci.sandy.or.us for questions regarding traffic calming or pedestrian safety.

All landscaping maintenance (including street trees), are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Street trees are to be trimmed to a height of 10' above the top of the curb and 8' above the sidewalk. Trees that are not trimmed can impede emergency vehicles, school buses, and maintenance equipment

For questions regarding "Street Trees", please contact Thomas Fisher at tfisher@ci.sandy.or.us

Clackamas County and D.E.Q. maintain waterways.

All storm drains eventually drain into a water way. Paint and other hazardous materials and chemicals can pollute the local environment and poison wildlife.

Please refer to the City of Sandy's website here: https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/publicworks/page/snow-and-ice

General Commercial - Code Section 17. 44: C2 (General Commercial)

Medium Density Residential - Code Section 17.38: R2 (Medium Density Residential)

Flood Slope Hazard Overlay - Code Section 17.60: FSH (Flood Slope Hazard Overlay)

* Please see the attached Zoning Designations & Project Map located at the end of this webpage.

Uncovered patios do not require a building permit, but rain water may not sheet flow off of patio surfaces on to neighboring property.

Covered patios larger than 200 square feet require a building permit.

Wintertime residential wood burning is a significant source of air pollution, including fine particulates and air toxics. At times, heavy smoke from residential wood burning in a community can exceed federal air quality health standards for particulate matter. Particulate matter in woodstove smoke can be easily inhaled and reach the deepest part of our lungs; it is known to cause or contribute to respiratory disease, asthma attacks, heart problems, and premature death. Wood smoke also contains toxic organic compounds known to cause cancer.

This issue is an important focus for Sandy's City Council and for the City of Sandy staff.

In 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2022-12, amending Chapter 8.35 of the Municipal Code to prohibit camping in certain places in the city including:

• All city parks, trails, and areas designated as parks and open space (POS) under SMC chapter 17.32.
• All areas designated as flood, slope, and hazard areas under SMC Chapter 17.60
• Any area on a sidewalk, unless the camping is done in a manner that maintains a clear, continuous sidewalk width of at least five feet
• All real property upon which city facilities are located
• All city owned parking lots
• All public property located within an area zoned for residential use under SMC Title 17
• All publicly owned property located along and between Proctor Avenue and Pioneer Avenue, and along Pleasant Street between Bluff Road and Ten Eyck Road.

City Council created a goal for the 2021-2023 session to:

• Collaborate with regional and community partners to address homelessness
  • Appoint a homelessness task force
  • Create a plan to address homelessness in Sandy

The Homelessness Task Force has begun meeting and will continue to work on developing proactive and collaborative strategies for dealing with the important issue of homelessness.

This task force will use a two pronged approach:

• Explore options through City policies and ordinances
• Connect with other agencies and the Social Services Task Force to address service gaps in the area

Additionally, the Sandy Police Department has added a new Homelessness Liaison position to improve the City's response to homelessness in real time.

For years, our treatment plant has not been able to consistently treat the high volume of sewage and stormwater that flows to the plant, especially during wet weather. This leads to permit violations and intermittent pollution of Tickle Creek, which is a small tributary to the Clackamas River. 

Under the Clean Water Act, these violations could result in large fines for Sandy.  The City is under enforcement proceedings from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to complete the improvements and increase the capacity and performance of the City’s treatment plant. 

This moratorium will help us avoid further violations while the system upgrades are being completed.

1. Accessory structures shall comply with the setback requirements for the main building except where specifically modified by Development Code Section 17.74.

2. No accessory structure shall be located in a required front yard or side yard setback, except where specifically modified by Development Code Section 17.74.

3. An accessory structure on a corner lot shall meet a minimum street side yard setback except for private vehicle storage.

Please contact the City of Sandy Building Department at building@cityofsandy.com

No.  By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase.  In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations.  The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.

Here in Sandy, we have single adults, couples, and even families who are experiencing homelessness. Though it may not be as visible on the surface, many children are also experiencing and dealing with the impacts of homelessness in our community. 

During the 2019-2020 school year, there were 75 homeless children enrolled in the K-12 Oregon Trail School District. 

Of those students: 

• 56 are living in “doubled-up” situations (i.e., their family is staying with another family) 
• 14 are unsheltered (i.e., living in a car, camping, or other place not meant for human habitation)
• The remaining 5 are living either in shelters or hotel/motel
• Of the total homeless students, 8 are unaccompanied

To learn more about the impacts of homelessness on children, please visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness's page on children and families. The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States.

Relevant definitions according to the National Center for Homeless Education and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act:

A student is considered homeless if he lacks fixed, regular, and adequate housing. This is broader than just living “on the street.” 

It includes temporarily living with other people because he had nowhere else to go; living in substandard housing (if it doesn’t meet local building codes or the utilities are turned off, it is generally not adequate); living in emergency or transitional shelters, for example, trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after disasters; or living in motels, camping grounds, cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or any public or private place not designed for humans to live in. 

A student living in any of these situations and fleeing an abusive parent may be considered homeless even if the parent would provide support and a place to live.

A student is considered “unaccompanied” when they are not living in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

Please call our automated TeleCirc number at 503-659-8634.  During hours of operation, you can call the Sandy Library at 503-668-5537 or the Hoodland Library at 503-622-3460.

Yes you do -- this is required by law in Oregon.  Please click the following link to the Oregon Utility Notification Center for more information.

Here in Sandy there are individuals and families experiencing homelessness for many different kinds of reasons. Common reasons why someone may lose their housing or find it difficult to find stable housing include:

• Affordable housing crisis (unable to find rent that they can afford)
• Sudden loss of a job 
• Trauma such as domestic violence, sexual violence, or child abuse
• Eviction (both for cause, and no cause evictions)
• Mental or emotional health issues
• Property Foreclosure
• Mobile home park closure
• Death of the primary wage earner in the family
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Natural disasters

If you'd like to learn more about this complex issue, please visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which is a nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States.

Call 503-723-4900 or e-mail ill@lincc.org

Please note: renewals are up to the owning library of the material. Please allow 1-3 business days for a response to your request.

Sandy has been working hard to address our wastewater challenges for years, investing tens of millions of dollars into repairing and upgrading our system.  We’ve already repaired and replaced the oldest sewer collection pipes in the city, and we’ve made vital improvements to the treatment plant.  But more is needed to protect Tickle Creek and achieve permit compliance.  This development moratorium will help us avoid further violations and fines under the federal Clean Water Act while the upgrades are being completed.

Call or stop by your local library. Most of them have a form or a process for library users to suggest items for purchase. 

You can also use the Contact Us feature on the lincc.org site.

On June 21, 2022 the City Council adopted Ordinance 2022-12: Camping Prohibited in Certain Places.

Key provisions of Ordinance 2022-12 include:

Sec. 8.35.020. - Prohibited camping.

• A. Except as expressly authorized by the Sandy Municipal Code, it is unlawful at all times for any persons to camp on the following:
  • i. All city parks, trails, and areas designated as parks and open space (POS) under SMC chapter 17.32.
  • ii. All areas designated as flood, slope, and hazard areas under SMC Chapter 17.60;
  • iii. Any area on a sidewalk, unless the camping is done in a manner that maintains a clear, continuous sidewalk width of at least five feet;
  • iv. All real property upon which city facilities are located;
  • v. All city owned parking lots;
  • vi. All public property located within an area zoned for residential use under SMC Title 17; and
  • vii. All publicly owned property located along and between Proctor Avenue and Pioneer Avenue, and along Pleasant Street between Bluff Road and Ten Eyck Road.
• B. Except as expressly authorized by the Sandy Municipal Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to camp in the city during the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• C. Except as expressly authorized by the Sandy Municipal Code, it shall be unlawful for any individual to store more than 5 cubic feet of personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia, on city property during the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• D. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the City Council may temporarily authorize camping or storage of personal property on city property by written order that specifies the period of time and location:
  • i. In the event of emergency circumstances;
  • ii. In conjunction with a special event permit; or
  • iii. Upon finding it to be in the public interest and consistent with council goals and policies.
• E. The City Manager may adopt administrative rules to implement any of the provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 8.35.030 - Violation—Penalties and enforcement.

• A. Violation of this chapter is a Class “D” violation per ORS Chapter 153. Each day that a violation occurs will be considered a separate offense.
• B. In addition to any other penalties that may be imposed, violation of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance and may be abated in accordance with ORS 202.077 and 203.079.

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a 4 digit password that you create when you apply for a library card. If you don't specify a PIN on your application, then the default PIN is the last 4 digits of your primary phone number.

Your PIN serves as a password to your library account, and helps protect your privacy. You may also use your PIN to renew your library items via the TM3 Automated Phone Renewal System at 503-659-8634.

If you need to reset your PIN, click "Log In" at the top of the page, and then click the Forgot my PIN link. For further instructions, contact your library or view PIN Reset Help

Barbed wire fencing may be permitted for agricultural, community service, commercial or industrial uses when the wire is employed on the top of any other type of fencing, and when the barbed wire is a minimum of 6 ft. above the finished ground surface, and does not extend over a public way. The maximum height shall not exceed 8 ft.

Fill out the Online Form to receive the monthly newsletter by email.

Yes, we are pursuing all possible opportunities for external funding and financing to keep rates as low as possible for customers.  We’ve secured over $16 million in State and federal grants and over $40 million in low interest loans so far for Sandy Clean Waters, and we expect to secure even more in low interest financing in the months to come.

The moratorium will not affect your property taxes.

Except for Library of Things, items that belong to any LINCC library can be returned at any other LINCC library. See Locations & Hours for a list of all LINCC libraries.

Oregon passed a new law (HB 3115) in 2021 to require that local governments may only adopt policies that are “objectively reasonable” when dealing with the use of public property by people experiencing homelessness. Local laws dealing with “sitting, lying, sleeping or keeping warm and dry outdoors on public property must be objectively reasonable … with regards to persons experiencing homelessness.”

Cities have until July 1, 2023 to update their ordinances to be in compliance with HB 3115.

The Legislature passed this law to permanently codify a recent 9th Circuit Court ruling, known as Martin v. Boise, which held that cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances if they do not have sufficient homeless shelter beds available for individuals experiencing homelessness.

This decision to temporarily stop accepting new land use applications that propose new sewer connections does not affect land use applications received before October 3, 2022 when the City Council passed Resolution 2022-24. 

If the remodel doesn’t necessitate modifications to your sanitary sewer connection that would increase flows into the sewer system, then the moratorium should have no effect on your plans to remodel your house. Please contact the Building Division at building@cityofsandy.com or at (503) 668-0880 to discuss permit requirements.

The moratorium will not affect the work being done on the Comprehensive Plan. Envision Sandy 2050 is a long term visioning and goal setting project that will guide Sandy for the next 25+ years, while the moratorium is a short duration solution to help solve a capacity problem at the sanitary sewer treatment plant.