FAQs

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.

In winter, treated water is returned to Tickle Creek (which goes into the Clackamas River). Higher winter flows from rain and snow increase the creek’s capability to accept treated wastewater without harming aquatic life. During the summer, the city produces highly treated “recycled water” that is used to irrigate plants at a nearby nursery. The city is proud to be conserving water resources through this longstanding, successful water recycling program. The effluent treated water meets DEQ permitted requirements when it is discharged into Tickle Creek.

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

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."

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/

The city does not monitor local streams. Clackamas County and the Department of Environmental Quality are the agencies to contact for stream/river inquiries.

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.

Stormwater detention in the designed control of stormwater runoff. Detention facilities regulate the discharge rate of water and in some cases allow for permeation or evaporation.

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

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

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

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

If the City replaced a street tree due to a utility repair or related damage, the tree becomes the property of the homeowner after the first growing season.

No.  The planter strip by the sidewalk is the maintenance obligation of the property owner. It's the responsibility of the property owners to provide safe and unobstructed access along the sidewalk.  Failure by the property owner to maintain the trees may result in a code enforcement issue.

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

It's unlikely that street parking would be removed due to lane crowding. If vehicles are illegally parking too far from the curb, please report to the City's code enforcement department by calling 503-668-5566.

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.

Please refer to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for questions related to the state highway. You can also click on the Trip Check website here:  https://tripcheck.com/

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

While monthly utility bills include a base charge, much of the bill is calculated based on individual consumption.  During the COVID-19 response, many local residents have been spending more time working or learning at home, which has increased water and sewer usage for most households.

The other main cause of spiked bills is water leaks.  Remember – sewer and water charges are both based off your water consumption.  Things like leaky toilets and faucets can use many gallons of water if left unfixed.  If you aren’t sure whether you have a leak, give us a call at 503-668-5533.  If we do find that you have a leak, we may be able to make an adjustment on your bill.  There is also more information on water conservation available on the Regional Water Providers Consortium website.

There is a great deal of information on the reasons wastewater rates had to be increased, how Sandy’s rates compare to other area cities, and the required improvement projects currently underway available on the project overview page.

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.

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.