Common Code Violations

Common Code Violations

Municipal Code violations promote blight, reduce property values, create health or safety hazards, and are generally detrimental to the welfare of the City and its citizens. The Newberg City Council has adopted several ordinances to prohibit such situations and to guide the enforcement process. Click here to access the Newberg Municipal Code (NMC).

Garbage and junk accumulation

The accumulation of garbage, junk, trash, debris, etc. reduces property values and harbors pests and disease. The Newberg Municipal Code addresses garbage and junk accumulation in NMC 8.15.040 and 8.15.050 respectively (see below).

NMC  8.15.040: It shall be unlawful for any person to place, leave, dump or permit the accumulation of any garbage or trash in any building, structure or premises so that the same shall afford food or harborage for rats, or to dump or place on any premises, land or waterway any dead animals, waste vegetable, or animal matter of any kind.

NMC  8.15.050: It shall be unlawful for any person to accumulate or permit the accumulation on any open lot or other premises of any lumber, boxes, barrels, bricks, stones, scrap metal, motor vehicle bodies or parts, or similar materials, rubbish or any articles of junk which could provide rat-harborage, unless the same shall be placed on open racks that are elevated not less than three inches above the ground and shall be evenly piled or stacked.

Discarded or abandoned vehicles

A discarded vehicles is one that does not have a current license plate and is 1) inoperative, 2) wrecked, 3) dismantled, 4) partially dismantled, 5) abandoned, or 6) junked. Storing a discarded vehicle on any property is prohibited, unless it is in an enclosed building.

See NMC 8.05  for more details. To report a discarded vehicle parked on the street, call the Newberg-Dundee Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch at (503) 538-8321.

Improper parking or use of campers, boats, trailers, and R.V.s

Vehicles not in daily use may not be parked in the front yard setback, which in residential areas is the first 15 feet back from the front property line (often the interior edge of the sidewalk).  Parking of these types of vehicles is allowed in interior yards. The parking area must be paved or otherwise meet the standards of NDC 15.440.060.

The occupancy of a recreational vehicle as permanent living quarters is not allowed. Recreational vehicles may be used by visitors of residents for not more than 14 days, and may not be parked on the street for more than 48 hours. R.V.s, occupied or not, should comply with parking standards (see above).

See NDC 15.410.070(E) & NDC 15.445.165 for more details.

Overgrown brush, grass, and weeds

Tall grass and weeds are unsightly, can lead to rodent populations, and can reflect that the property is not cared for – a potential invitation to crime. During the hot months, tall vegetation (over 10 inches in height) is a fire hazard and is required to be cut at least once per year between May 15th and July 15th. The Fire Chief may require that vegetation be cut at any time of the year as necessary to control fire hazards.

See NMC 8.20 for more details.

Signs in the public right-of-way

The public right-of-way generally includes the street, the planter strip, and the sidewalk. Portable signs may be placed in these areas without a permit, but must comply with certain restrictions. Restrictions vary depending on zoning district and location. 

Any signs within the right-of-way that violate these restrictions, including garage sale signs, are subject to confiscation and removal. All signs are regulated by city ordinance and a permit is required for most permanent signs.

For more information on signs, contact the Newberg Planning Division at (503) 537-1240 or review the Newberg Municipal Code sign provisions. NMC § 15.435.

Construction without a permit

A building permit must be obtained before any new construction, alteration, addition, or significant repair of any structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems in a building or property. A few exceptions include:

1. Porches or decks, where the floor or deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point and where the edge of the porch, deck or floor does not come closer than 5 feet to property lines.
2. Fences not over 6 feet in height, except for barriers around swimming pools as required in Appendix G.
3. Non-Habitable one-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and a height of 10 feet measured from the finished floor level, to the average height of the roof surface.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
5. Patio and porch covers not over 200 square feet and supported by an exterior building wall. 

For more information regarding State Building Codes, contact the City of Newberg Building Division at (503) 537-1240 or see NMC 14.05

Obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic on sidewalks and streets

It is the responsibility of property owners to keep the sidewalks and streets abutting their properties clear of obstructions. Trees and bushes, including those on the adjoining planter strip, should be trimmed to a height of not less than 8 feet above the sidewalk and not less than 14 feet above the roadway.

Also, where tripping hazards exist due to damaged sidewalks, it the responsibility of the property owner adjacent to repair the sidewalk. A sidewalk repair permit is required and may be obtained at City Hall.

See NMC 8.15.100 and NMC 12.05.040 for more details.

Improper connection to City utilities or discharge into wastewater system

Connecting to a water meter without a permit, or injuring or obstructing a water line or meter is prohibited. Putting harmful substances into the City wastewater system such as fats, oils, grease, or harmful chemicals is also prohibited and regulated by ordinance.

See NMC Title 13 or call the Newberg Public Works Department at (503) 537-1234 for more details.