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Spring To Do's

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It's that time again! Flowers are flourishing, bugs are bustling and spring fever is abound. So why worry about code enforcement? Because it is up to all of us to keep our City clean and safe!

So what might be on your Spring To Do list to keep you in compliance with City codes?

Small Vegetation:
Start looking at the grass and weeds again. With the recent warm weather, you might be surprised how much has grown. Grass and weeds should not get over 10� tall or be allowed to go to seed. Spray them. Cut them. Or even cover them with landscape cloth and ground cover.

Big Vegetation:
Wow how the landscaping has grown, but are bushes hanging over the sidewalk? Or are tree limbs blocking the view at the corner? The only vegetation permissible to cross the street or sidewalk is tree limbs which are at least 10 feet above the street.

Landscaping Materials:
Speaking of landscaping, make sure those bark dust, rocks, soil, and decking supply deliveries are deposited into your yard or driveway, and not on the street or sidewalk.

Inappropriate Storage:
Now is the time to clean up all of those odds and ends that you missed over the colder months. Get rid of those last bags of yard debris. Clean up the tree limbs and brush piles. Put the studded tires away in the garage. Dispose of that forgotten Christmas tree. Donate the extra appliances, furniture, and inoperable vehicles to charity. And if you just can't bear to part with it, be sure it is in a fully enclosed storage facility like a shed or garage.

Sheds:
Need to put up a shed for all that extra stuff? Before you build, check with the building department on sizes that require permits, and check with the planning department about mandatory setbacks. Better to check now than to "un-build" later!

Sports:
Want to play some sports? Mount your basketball hoop to your home or dig out a spot for it in your landscaping. Or even park it and your skateboard ramp at the end of your driveway. Just remember that it can not be in the sidewalk area which includes the driveway skirt, or in the street or planter strips.

Signs:
Having a garage sale or selling a home? Remember that no signs are ever allowed in the public right of way. This includes but is not limited to sidewalks, streets, medians, planter strips, traffic control devices and utility poles. Before displaying any signs, visit the Planning Counter and look up the legal areas to place them.

Recreational Vehicles:
It may be time for camping or boating, but make sure you have a legal place to store these items before you buy them. Parking them on the street is illegal, and the Tigard Police Department does issue citations for RV's stored on the street. For more information, contact the Tigard Police Department at 503-629-0111.

Right of Way Maintenance:
Did you know that the area of Right of Way adjacent to your home is your responsibility to maintain? Even if it is behind your home or outside your fence? It's true, and to make sure you stay in compliance, look all of the way around your home. If you have a street or sidewalk on the side or back of your home, be sure you are monitoring this area in addition to the front for overgrown vegetation, weeds, garbage, and illegal signs.

Pets:
Don't forget our furry friends. Dogs that are left chained outside may get lonely and bored�and then bark out of anxiety and frustration. Cats left to roam freely may be a burden on your neighbors and their landscaping. Be fair to your pets and your neighbors. Make sure your pets are adequately contained and entertained. Be sure to provide shelter from the sun and rain, and fresh water. Consider feeding pets indoors to avoid attracting unwanted pests. And when walking pets, remember the leash and scoop laws. You can contact Washington County Animal Control at 503-846-7041 for concerns regarding animal control laws.

Thank you for all of your support in keeping Tigard a great place to live, work, and visit!