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Administration

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1. Why do I have a Happy Valley zip code if I am not located in the City?

The U.S. Postal Service determines postal delivery routes and these routes do not necessarily follow city or county boundaries, view our Zip Code Boundary Map

2. How do I determine if I am in the city limits?

Please call our office at (503) 783-3800 or use our City Address Search

3. How do I reserve a meeting room or facility?

You can contact us at 503-783-3800 or fill out the Facility Procedure and Application form.

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Animal Control

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1. I've always licensed my dog with Clackamas County. Why do I have to register with Happy Valley now?

Happy Valley City Ordinance 6.04.036 requires City residents to license dogs from the City.

2. I just got a dog. How soon must I license it?

A dog must be licensed within 30 days of meeting any of the following conditions:

• Your dog has turned six month of age


• You have become the dog's owner or keeper


• You have moved into the City

3. My dog's Clackamas County license is still valid. Can I get a Happy Valley license after this one expires?

Bring proof of a current Clackamas County dog license for your pet to City Hall. You can fill out a license with the City, and your fee will be waived for the remainder of your license period. When your current license expires, you will renew it through Happy Valley and pay a fee at that time.

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Building Department

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1. How long does it take to get a Residential Building Permit?

The wait time for a Residential Building Permit is typically two-weeks assuming the submitted information is complete and correct.

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City Recorder

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1. Are City Council meetings open to the public?

All meetings with the exception of Executive Session are public meetings. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.

2. Can a citizen address the Council on an issue at a City Council meeting?

All Council meetings have an agenda item entitled Appearance of Interested Citizens. You may ask to be heard in this portion of the meeting. Your time will be limited depending upon the length of the overall meeting.

3. How can I place an item on the City Council agenda?

Call the City Recorder at (503) 783-3826.

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Code Enforcement

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1. What is the Code Enforcement Department responsible for?

The Code Enforcement Department is responsible for neighborhood preservation, code compliance, erosion control and nuisance abatement while providing sensitive, courteous, and outstanding public service. We are committed to proudly serving our community in a safe, professional, and effective manner.

2. What does Code Enforcement do?

Code Enforcement investigates and, if needed, enforces the City of Happy Valley's Municipal Code. The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for investigating complaints, sending out notifications and when necessary, issuing citations. Code Enforcement will also attend neighborhood meetings, give presentations, and address neighborhood problems that may be specific to a given area.

3. What is a code violation?

A code violation is a condition or situation that is in violation of one or more of the Happy Valley Municipal Codes.

4. What are the most common types of violations that Code Enforcement deals with?

• Weeds and noxious growth


• Debris on private property


• Overhanging branches


• Vision obstructions at intersections


• Noise violations


• Dog control

5. Can I remain anonymous?

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. If this is a concern, you should report the complaint anonymously. If you do not choose to provide your name, address, and/or phone number, the Code Enforcement Department will investigate your report as an anonymous complaint.

However, if additional information is required to follow up on the complaint, we can be more effective in our investigation and litigation if you provide a name, address, and/or phone number. A site address of the location of the alleged violation must be provided if the name of the person complaining is not provided. We cannot guarantee anonymity to any complainant that provides a name.

6. Who do I call for nuisance barking, dogs running loose, or if I have been bitten by a dog?

Contact the City of Happy Valley at (503) 783-3800.

7. What are the construction hours for the City of Happy Valley?

Construction hours are as follows:

• Weekdays: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm


• Weekends: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday Restrictions
On Sundays, there is to be none of the following:

• Site clearing


• Earth moving


• Installation or construction of underground utilities


• Paving of streets or sidewalks


• Foundation framing and pouring


• Structure framing

Happy Valley Ordinance 97 Sect. 5.033(D)(1). Maximum $500 fine per violation.

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Economic & Community Development

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1. How do I start a business in Happy Valley?

Contact the Planning Department at (503) 783-3800, and they will be able to determine your type of business and assist you through the process.

2. How do I find out what my property is zoned?

The most current zoning map can be found under "Maps." Once you have determined what your property is zoned, you can obtain more information by going to Chapter 16.22 of our Municipal Code.

You can also contact the Planning Department at (503) 783-3800 for the information.

3. I am looking for commercial and/or industrial property zoning revisions. Who do I contact?

Contact Jason Tuck, Economic and Community Development Director or Michael Walter, Planning Director, at (503) 783-3800.

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Engineering

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1. Where can I get a Right of Way Permit?

Right here: Right of Way Permit

2. How much time is allowed for a construction plan review?

City staff aims to review the first plan submittal within four weeks and subsequent reviews within two weeks.

3. Where can I get help with my sanitary sewer or stormwater issues?

Water Environment Services of Clackamas County is the service provider for storm and sanitary issues within Happy Valley.

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Finance

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1. How do I find out what my property value is?

Please contact the Clackamas County Assessors Office.

2. Where do I pay my water bill?

Sunrise Water Authority

3. Where do I pay my sewer bill?

Water Environment Services

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Human Resources

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1. May I submit my resume to the City of Happy Valley to be considered for employment?

Resumes are optional and if submitted must be attached to a completed City of Happy Valley Employment Application.

2. How do you notify the public about any open positions?

A short advertisement is placed in the Oregonian which refers the applicant to our website. All information pertaining to the position and instructions on the application process are found on the website. More Information on Job Openings

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Municipal Court

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1. How can I plead my citation?

Guilty
Guilty means that you admit to the violation and are ready for immediate resolution of the citation. If you are appearing before the Judge and enter a guilty plea, you may offer any explanation or extenuating circumstance that you feel may help the Judge in his decision, however, your comments may not be made for the purpose of explaining why you are not guilty.

No Contest
No contest results in a guilty finding, if the Judge finds all elements of the citation to be in order. A no contest plea preserves your right to appeal to a higher court.

Not Guilty
Not guilty means you deny one or more of the elements of the citation and wish to proceed to trial at a future date to be set by the court.

2. How do I talk to a Judge about my plea?

Request a Judge's arraignment for your court appearance. You will be scheduled for a hearing at the next available date. The Judge is not available for one-on-one visits or phone calls.

3. If I plead Not Guilty, how does a trial work?

You have been cited for a violation in this court. Your rights are similar, but not identical, to those in a criminal case. You are not accused of a crime and do not have the right to a jury trial. Your case will be heard by a Municipal Court Judge. You may choose to be represented by an attorney, however, the City is not required to provide you with one. Many people choose to represent themselves. If you request a trial, more information will be provided for your assistance.

4. How can I keep this ticket off my record?

Some tickets may be eligible for a "fix-it" resolution, if noted by the citing officer or determined by the Judge's ruling. Examples of these types of tickets might be expired registration, no front plate or illegal window tinting. Bring proof of compliance to the Court and you may have the fine and conviction dismissed. A court processing fee will be charged.

Seatbelt tickets may be eligible for dismissal with completion of a court-approved safety class. In some circumstances for other violations, the Judge may also offer a safety class in lieu of a fine and/or conviction, determined on a case-by-case review.

5. My schedule makes it impossible to appear in court, but I want to explain my situation to the Judge. How do I do that?

See option two on the reverse side of your ticket. Enter a plea of guilty or no contest and sign the citation. Send it along with your written explanation and the full base fine as shown on the front of the ticket. If the Judge reduces your fine, a refund will be mailed. Written pleas must arrive at the Court on or before your scheduled Court appearance.

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Planning Department

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1. Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Yes, the City requires a Type A permit for all trees 6" in diameter or larger. A Type A Permit would be required for the removal of one to three trees.

If you are removing four or more trees, then a Type B Permit is required. Additional Information

2. Do I need to have a permit if I have a business in my home?

Yes, the City requires all in-home businesses to obtain a Home Occupation Permit. The type of business will define whether you will need to apply for a Class A or Class B Home Occupation Permit.

3. Can you tell me if I live within the city limit boundary for Happy Valley?

Please go to our City Limit Boundary Search

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Public Works

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1. Why doesn't the City plow my street when driving by?

Routes are plowed on a priority basis with arterials and collectors being our top priority. Clearing priority roads will open routes into all residential areas usually within a few block of each residence.

2. After clearing my driveway, the City snow plow came by and blocked it again. Who is responsible for re-clearing it?

Residents are responsible for clearing their driveways and sidewalks. We cannot provide an exact time when operator will plow your road, and it is impractical for us to change the angle of the blade to avoid driveways. If we did, snow would be left in the street.

3. What if I have an emergency and my street has not been plowed?

Please call 9-1-1. Equipment will be diverted only when requested by an emergency service agency or the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department.