FAQs
Pause on New Sewer Connections
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.
On May 18, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution 2026-04 which adopts a “Development Allocation Program (DAP).” The DAP is a detailed program that provides a framework for distribution of wastewater system capacity to developments as it becomes available in the future. During the period this moratorium is in effect, the City anticipates receiving approval from EPA and DEQ to access an additional 190 ERUs of wastewater system capacity based on improvements the City has been making to its wastewater system.
This new moratorium could last up to two (2) years if extended. The City also has the ability to replace the current moratorium with a new moratorium if necessary.
That’s generally true, but this is a special case. Under Oregon law, (ORS 197.505 to 197.540), cities may impose a moratorium on development when they can demonstrate that a “shortage of public facilities” exists, provided they comply with a number of specific requirements established under the statute.
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.
Absolutely. The increased rates are necessary for the City to secure the financing necessary to make the required system improvements, which are already underway. We’ve already invested over $30 million into rehabilitating the sewer collection system and upgrading the treatment plant. That said, we are pursuing all possible opportunities for grant funding and alternative financing to keep rates as low as possible for customers. We’ve secured $16 million in state and federal grants and over $40 million in low interest loans so far for Sandy Clean Waters, we've been accepted for a Federal Water Infrastructure and Financing Act (WIFA) loan with low interest and favorable terms.
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.
Water conservation is always a good practice. In addition to reducing flows to the treatment plant, conserving water helps the environment and lowers your monthly utility bill. The Regional Water Providers Consortium has water conservation tips and advice available on their website at https://www.regionalh2o.org/water-conservation.
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) 489-2173 to discuss permit requirements.
If the addition 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 expand your house. Please contact the Building Division at building@cityofsandy.com or at (503) 489-2173 to discuss permit requirements.
