Public Works

Like many other cities, Sandy’s wastewater infrastructure is aging and there is limited funding available to make improvements.  Our existing system is no longer able to reliably meet federal and state requirements that protect local streams and rivers, and our growing community is adding additional demand to a system under increasing strain.  Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is requiring the City to address these problems as soon as possible.

The sewer rate increases, which went into effect in January 2020, are necessary to help pay for immediate upgrades and investments to comply with state regulations, improve and repair our aging treatment plant, fix our leaky sewage collection system, and add needed capacity.  Learn more about the Wastewater System Improvements.

Options considered including doing nothing, upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant, increasing irrigation of local nurseries, letting treated wastewater soak into the ground, temporarily storing untreated or treated wastewater, relocating discharge to Deep Creek, sending wastewater for treatment to another Clackamas County treatment plant, relocating discharge to the Sandy River, and sending wastewater for treatment to Gresham. The two strongest options were relocating to the Sandy River or sending wastewater to Gresham, and ultimately sending it to Gresham was the best option. See a breakdown of the options considered here.

The remaining steps are: City Council adopting the Facilities Plan Amendment, a final engineering evaluation, and completing an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Gresham to formalize our partnership. These steps are on target to be completed by the end of 2025.

The City has taken a number of interim steps over the years, but this city council was willing to take on the task of finding a long-term solution. They recognize it is important to the future of Sandy to not kick this can further down the road.

We project that ratepayers will see significant increases on their wastewater charges, likely 10-14% per year for the next eight years. The overall cost of these projects is over $200 million. In 2025 we secured $5 million from the Oregon Legislature to support these projects, which will reduce the cost to ratepayers. We recognize that this will be hard for the community, particularly given other recent increases. Unfortunately, this is the only way to effectively address this challenge in the long term and provide a pathway to lower rate increases once we have made the transition. The City does offer an assistance program for low-income residents who cannot afford their bills.

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.

Sandy is subject to more wastewater regulations than almost any other City in Oregon. The Three Basin Rule - a state drinking water regulation originally adopted in the 1970s and last amended in the 1990s - permanently caps the volume of effluent that can be discharged in the Clackamas, Santiam, and McKenzie river basins. Compliance with the Three Basin Rule raises the cost of our required capital improvements at least $60 million; a cost that shouldn’t be borne by a town of 13,000 residents for the benefit of over 300,000 downstream water customers. We continue to explore whether that rule can be amended, but the comprehensive approach being adopted by the city will mean sending our wastewater to Gresham so that it is no longer subject to the Three Basin Rule.

More people and businesses mean more wastewater, but the amount of treated wastewater we can discharge has been set since the 1990s by the Three Basin Rule. That limits the amount that can be discharged into the Clackamas, Santiam, and McKenzie river basins. So even though our population makes up a tiny fraction of the people that live in those basins, we are limited by how much treated wastewater we can discharge into them. Even if the City remains the same size, existing property owners would retain the right to add, develop, and expand their properties.

Only fences in excess of seven (7) feet in height require a building permit.

We hope to have the 362nd & Bell Street project complete by the beginning of next year's school year (fall/winter 2023).

Yes.  A Sandy home owner may work on their property between the hours of 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM on weekdays, and from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends.  Please click on the following link for the official City of Sandy policy on construction hours.

Yes. ORS 244.040(2) provides a list of financial benefits that may be received. These include: 

• Official compensation 
• Reimbursement of expenses 
• Honorarium 
• Unsolicited awards for professional achievement 
• Contributions to a legal expense trust fund 
• Some gifts 

Please note, all of these items have specific definitions, and in order to be lawfully received, the financial benefit must meet the definition of the allowable item.

Some volunteers are public officials. By some estimates, there are up to 50,000 volunteer public officials in the State of Oregon. A volunteer is a “public official” if they meet one of these three criteria: 

1. The volunteer is elected or appointed to a governing body of a public body. 
2. The volunteer is appointed or selected for a position with a governing body or a government agency with responsibilities that include deciding or voting on matters that could have a pecuniary impact on the governing body, agency or other persons. 
3. The volunteer position includes all of the following: 
   1. Responsible for specific duties 
   2. The duties are performed at a scheduled time and designated place. 
   3. Volunteer is provided with the use of the public agency’s resources and equipment. 
   4. The duties performed would have a pecuniary impact on any person, business or organization served by the public agency.

For purposes of ORS Chapter 244, volunteers are not public officials if they perform such tasks as picking up litter on public lands, participating in a scheduled community cleanup of buildings or grounds, participating in locating and eradicating invasive plants from public lands and other such occasional or seasonal events.

Yes, Sandy's utility payment system does allow you to pay online as well as set up paperless billing. You will need your eight digit account number (00-0000-00), email and phone number to register.  Sign up or login here.

If it's a result of the city’s infrastructure failing then.. Yes.

If the water is determined to be the result of groundwater or an adjacent property shedding water onto yours, the City would not be involved.

AntFarm

AntFarm’s vision is to see all people healthy, live with purpose, and contribute to community well being. Their mission is to provide life-changing learning experiences for young people which create and connect a healthy, purposeful, and compassionate community.

Physical Address (location of their offices and cafe):

39140 Proctor Blvd

Sandy, OR 97055

Rental Assistance Team and the COVID Support Team: 

(503) 668-7962 Monday - Friday 9am -5pm for help and questions. 

Cafe and Youth Services Team:  (503) 668-9955

Axis Learning Center (Tutoring & more!):

13 computers are available for student or community use– to create and facilitate learning and access to information. We coordinate with our volunteer tutors for one-on-one support for students.

Community Connect: 

Community Connect is a volunteer program that provides services like mowing, yard maintenance, etc. for free for local seniors and community members who are not able to perform property maintenance due to age or disability. Call AntFarm at (503) 668-9955 to learn more and see if you are eligible.

YouthCore:

Our YouthCore employs young people to work on a variety of labor tasks with both personal homeowners, local farms and larger contracting agencies. Further developing the work skills of local youth.

https://antfarmyouthservices.com/
 

Todos Juntos

Todos Juntos is a local nonprofit with two sites here in Sandy. Their goal is to connect youth and their families with resources that will help them be successful in their communities and in school. Services include after school clubs, parenting resources and classes, homework help, and more.
 

Sandy Grade School Site:

http://www.todos-juntos.net/sandy-grade-school.html

Contacts:

Early Childhood Director:

Shawna Johnson: 503-341-3381

Email: shawnaj@todos-juntos.net

Early Childhood Coordinator:

Shara Sala: 541-797-8558

Email: Sharas@todos-juntos.net

Family Resource Coordinator:

April Dobson(bi-lingual English/Spanish): 503-320-0937

Email: aprild@todos-juntos.net 

Cedar Ridge Middle School Site:

http://www.todos-juntos.net/cedar-ridge-middle-school.html

Contacts:

Site Manager

Michelle Emery: 503-756-4931 

Email michelleemery2@gmail.com

Sandy’s Helping Hands

Sandy’s Helping Hands’ goal is to connect local volunteers with families and individuals in need. They also have a Sandy Emergency Assist Program to help families with urgent needs. Contact them directly by email, phone or Facebook for assistance.

Contact Information:

503-710-1082

Email

https://www.facebook.com/sandyshelpinghands

Second Home

Second Home matches volunteer host homes with unaccompanied high school students experiencing homelessness. By ensuring that the students have stable housing and ongoing support, they can focus on completing their secondary education and realize their full potential.

Contact:

Phone: (503) 221-1054

Email: brodrigues@emoregon.org

 secondhome@emoregon.org

https://emoregon.org/second-home/

The Living Room

The Living Room works with youth to support belonging, leadership, and engagement through Peer Support Services, drop-ins, access to resources, and community events. The Living Room strives to be a safe place for all to come and be accepted as they are.

Contact:

PO Box 332

Gladstone, OR 97027

Phone/SMS: (503) 825-2535

Email: info@thelivingroomyouth.org

Instagram

https://www.thelivingroomyouth.org/

Job Corps

Job Corps is a residential career training program with several locations within Oregon and Washington, including its Springdale Campus near Sandy. Job Corps students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship, go on to higher education, or join the military.

https://www.jobcorps.gov/

Developmental Programs Clackamas County

The Developmental Disabilities Program serves eligible adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities that live in Clackamas County. Services include service coordination, abuse investigation, intake and eligibility, and program development.

We strive to respect and maintain the health, safety, and dignity of the people we support.

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/developmental.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

Khara Hillis, khara@konell.net, 503-519-3780

Our community is made of wonderful people with all different kinds of abilities and neurodiversity. For families and individuals it can sometimes be a challenge to find the support and services you need - here are some local resources that may be able to help:

DD & MH Provider of Oregon

"DD & MH Provider of Oregon is a small family owned Medicaid Agency in Sandy Oregon that has over twelve years of experience in the field. We provide Employment Supports, In-Home, and Community Inclusion Supports, Services and Life Skills for people with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in order to obtain their self-directed goals. They strive to provide as many opportunities for volunteering, social events and building lifetime friendships. They believe that everyone can contribute to building a healthy and strong community."

Location and Contact Information:

39084 Proctor Blvd. Suite C

Sandy, OR 97055

Phone: 503-757-2884 or 503-427-8448

Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

(Office currently closed to the public - please call to check in about services)

http://www.oregonprovider.com/

Developmental Programs Clackamas County

"The Developmental Disabilities Program serves eligible adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities that live in Clackamas County. Services include service coordination, abuse investigation, intake and eligibility, and program development.

We strive to respect and maintain the health, safety, and dignity of the people we support."

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/developmental.html

Clackamas County Family Caregiver Support Program

"We are focused on you, the Family Caregiver. We offer information. We can connect you with other programs. We can talk with you about services available to help YOU in your caregiving role.

You may be eligible for this program ff you are an unpaid caregiver caring for someone who is:

• any age and has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
• at least 60 years old or older
• a child 18 years of age or younger and the caregiver is an older relative (not parent) who is 55 years of age or older
• an adult with a disability and the caregiver is a parent or an older relative who is 55 years of age or older

Call: 503-650-5622 to talk with someone from the Clackamas County Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) about the Family Caregiver Support Program."

If you want to use email, you can write to: clackamasadrc@clackamas.us. 

Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division

Clackamas County Urgent Mental Health Walk-Center and Crisis Line:

"We can connect you to urgent mental health and crisis care, as well as long-term support, counseling, safety screenings and more. 

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

Crisis services are also embedded in the Clackamas County Jail to help with release planning.

Phone: 503-655-8585

Hours:

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday closed

*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.

Location:

Ross Center near Clackamas Town Center.

11211 SE 82nd Ave. Suite O
Happy Valley, 97086

Non-Urgent Mental Health Services:

"If you are a Clackamas County resident in need of mental health 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

Youth and families:

• skills training for parents and children
• community-based services for children and families experiencing severe mental health conditions

Phone: 503-742-5335

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

Residential accessory structures that are non-habitable, 200 square feet or smaller and no higher than 10 feet measured from the finished floor to the top of the top plate do not require a building permit.

Important Note: Garages, carports or like structures that have the ability to contain a motor vehicle require a building permit regardless of the size or height of the structure.

No. There are occasions when a public official engages in conduct that may be viewed as unethical, but that conduct may not be governed by Oregon Government Ethics law. Without an apparent statutory violation, the following are some examples of conduct by public officials that are not within the authority of the Commission to address:

• An elected official making promises or claims that are not acted upon. 
• Public officials mismanaging or exercising poor judgment when administering public money. 
• Public officials being rude or unmannerly. 
• Public officials using deception or misrepresenting information or events.

While the conduct described above may not be addressed in Oregon Government Ethics law, public agency policies and procedures may prohibit or redress the behavior. Please contact the Commission staff if you need further clarification regarding how the Oregon Government Ethics law may apply to circumstances you may encounter.

No. Public officials who are relatives can be employed by the same public body at the same time, or serve on the same governing body of a public body at the same time. However, there are provisions prohibiting a public official from participating in the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, firing, or discharge of a relative to/from a paid position as a public official. Another statute prohibits a public official from directly supervising a relative who holds a paid position as a public official.

No. In general, public officials may obtain employment with a private employer or engage in private income producing activity of their own. However, they must not use the position they have as a public official to create the opportunity for additional personal income. They must also ensure that when they are engaged in personal income producing activities, there is a clear distinction between the use of personal resources and time and the use of the public body’s time and resources.

Yes we do.  Click on the following link for our "Dwelling Handrails" handout.

Yes. ORS 244.025 limits a public official, and relatives and household members of the public official, to each accepting no more than $50 worth of gifts in a calendar year, from each source that has a legislative or administrative interest in the official position of that public official.

However, if the source of the offered gift does not have a legislative or administrative interest in the official position, then the public official and his relatives and household members may accept unlimited gifts from that source. In addition, there a number of items that ORS 244.020(6)(b) excludes from the definition of a gift, and in the specific circumstances listed, those items can be accepted without limit.

Yes, the city removes volunteer trees, knocks down invasive species, and trims the grasses in most stormwater detention ponds. 

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."

Sewer lines are maintained by jetting (cleaning), enforcement of our FOG (fats, oils and grease) Program, CCTV and visual inspections, flow monitoring for inflow and infiltration, outreach of what is safe and what isn’t safe to flush or put down the drain. All these things help the city protect and maintain the sewer system for years to come. 

Simple food coloring dye can be dropped into a pipe opening. This should determine where the drain leads. The city can also perform smoke testing to determine if pipes are connected to the proper city infrastructure.

Inspections should be scheduled one of the following ways: Online: BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov; by Phone: 1-888-299- 2821; or, by Downloading the ORinspect app. 

Please note: the ePermittlng system is maintained by the state and any questions or issues should be directed to them. For assistance, contact 503-373-7396 or //Oregon.epermltting@oregon.gov/">Oregon.ePermltting@oregon.gov. 

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

Speed limit changes can be requested to the City of Sandy. A speed study will take place and the data is sent off to ODOT for review. Criteria for determining outcomes is based on multiple factors.

Call Public Works at 503-668-5310 for information about water pressure in your neighborhood. There are many things that could cause pressure to fluctuate in your system.

Commercial/Industrial Standards:

1. Fences on corner lots. Any fence or retaining wall, constructed upon or adjacent to any property line that abuts two or more intersecting streets, shall not exceed 30 inches in height within the clear vision area.

2. Fences in a required front yard. The height of a fence or retaining wall in a required front yard shall not exceed 4 ft.

3. Fences - Side and Rear Yards. The height of a fence or retaining wall in a required side street, side or rear yard or adjacent to a side or rear property line shall not exceed 8 ft.

4. Sight Obscuring Hedges. Trees or shrubs that form a sight-obscuring hedge shall comply with the same height requirement as a fence within the clear vision area. Deciduous trees separated by at least 15 ft. may grow to any height.

Yes. Street trees located in the planter strip are the responsibility of the homeowner.

NO!! It can damage the sewer system and treatment process. It is in violation of SMC Sec. 13.12.080

Sandy's drinking water is tested rigorously and meets safe drinking water standards.

YES!! Make sure to call 811 before you dig. Utilities may be just a few inches under ground.

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.

Due to multiple factors, the city no longer paints curbs. If signage has been defaced or removed at or near a mail box unit, one may possibly be supplied by the postal service. If a driveway is being blocked, reporting to the city's code enforcement department (503-668-5566) is the best option.

Seniors are an incredibly important part of our community. In Sandy, we want everyone to thrive regardless of what stage of life they are in, and we know that seniors sometimes face challenges that can make life difficult.

If you are a senior, and are in need of support services or just want to find ways to connect more to the community, please find information about several different resources available listed below:

Sandy Community/Senior Center

The Community/Senior Center is our community gathering place for information, resources, recreational activities, senior group activities, congregate meals, and many other opportunities for social interaction. 

Address and Contact Information:

38348 Pioneer Blvd.

Sandy, OR 97055

503-668-5569

Regular Open Hours: 

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/comm-services/page/communitysenior-center

Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC):

The Clackamas ADRC is designed to streamline access to information and resources about long-term supports and services in the community. ADRC has information about in-home care, long-term care planning, how to arrange for home delivered meals, how to apply for Medicaid, and much more.  

If you have questions, or are seeking information about options for an older adult or person with disabilities, please contact the Clackamas County ADRC to speak with a certified Information and Referral Specialist.

Meals on Wheels:

The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon’s Older Adult Meals Program (“Meals on Wheels”) provides meals for people across Oregon.

Anyone 60+ can receive these meals. There are no income requirements and no charge for meals. The ADRC can also help connect people with disabilities, regardless of age, to food resources.

Contact Information:

503-650-5622.

Please note, there is no charge for ADRC services.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

https://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/crc.html

Sandy’s Helping Hands

Sandy’s Helping Hands’ goal is to connect local volunteers with families and individuals in need. They also have a Sandy Emergency Assist Program to help families with urgent needs. Contact them directly by email, phone or Facebook for assistance.

Contact Information:

Phone: 503-710-1082

Email

https://www.facebook.com/sandyshelpinghands

AntFarm

AntFarm’s vision is to see all people healthy, live with purpose, and contribute to community well being. Their mission is to provide life-changing learning experiences for young people which create and connect a healthy, purposeful, and compassionate community.

Rental Assistance Team and the COVID Support Team:

(503) 668-7962 Monday - Friday 9am -5pm for help and questions. 

Community Connect: 

Community Connect is a volunteer program that provides services like mowing, yard maintenance, etc. for free for local seniors and community members who are not able to perform property maintenance due to age or disability. Call AntFarm at (503) 668-9955 to learn more and see if you are eligible.

https://antfarmyouthservices.com/

Physical Address (location of their offices and cafe):

39140 Proctor Blvd
Sandy, OR 97055

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

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.

• The mayor of a city signs a contract obligating the city to pay for janitorial services provided by a business owned by a relative of the mayor.
• A city treasurer signs a city check payable to an office supply business that is owned by a relative.
• A city billing clerk alters water use records so that the amount billed to the clerk’s parents will be less than the actual amount due.
• A volunteer firefighter borrows the fire district’s power washer to prepare the exterior of the volunteer’s personal residence for painting.
• A county public works employee stores a motor home that is owned by the employee’s parents in a county building used for storing heavy equipment.
• An employee of a state agency has a private business and uses the agency’s computer to advance the business by promoting, corresponding and managing the activities of the private business.
• A school district superintendent approves and signs her own request for reimbursement of personal expenses the superintendent incurred when conducting official business.

As defined earlier, public officials become public officials through employment, appointment, election or volunteering. ORS 244.040(1) prohibits every public official from using or attempting to use the position held as a public official to obtain a financial benefit, if the opportunity for the financial benefit would not otherwise be available but for the position held by the public official.

The prohibited financial benefit can be either an opportunity for gain or to avoid an expense.

Each public official is prohibited from using the position as a public official to receive certain financial benefits. In addition, each public official is prohibited from using or attempting to use the official position to obtain financial benefits for a relative or a member of the public official’s household, or for a business with which the public official, a relative, or a member of the public official’s household is associated.

There are a variety of actions that could be a prohibited use or attempted use of an official position. The use of a position could be voting in a public meeting, placing a signature on a government agency’s document, making a recommendation, making a purchase with government agency funds, or conducting personal business on a government agency’s time or with a government agency’s resources such as computers, vehicles, heavy equipment or office machines.

Oregon Government Ethics law identifies and defines two types of conflicts of interest: actual conflict of interest and potential conflict of interest.

The difference between an actual conflict of interest and a potential conflict of interest is determined by the words “would” and “could.”

A public official is met with an actual conflict of interest when the public official participates in action that would affect the financial interest of the official, the official’s relative or a business with which the official or a relative of the official is associated.

A public official is met with a potential conflict of interest when the public official participates in action that could affect the financial interest of the official, a relative of that official or a business with which the official or the relative of that official is associated.

Fiber optic construction will require drilling and digging up to each of the buildings at Alpine Village. The SandyNet team has worked with the property management company to identify agreed locations for our infrastructure.

Most construction will require drilling under sidewalks, driveways and walking paths, to prevent ripping or disturbing more ground than necessary. Walk paths, and access to units will not be obstructed during construction.

There is always risk of hitting a utility when performing construction, and SandyNet will take all necessary steps to minimize or mitigate conflicts with other underground utilities. In the event that a utility is hit, or identified as being damaged, SandyNet will work with utilities, tenants and restoration companies to resolve the issue after identifying the cause. Any damaged ground or landscape will be restored or reseeded to its prior state.

Any questions or complaints should be sent to SandyNet's support team. On-site crews are friendly and easy to work with, but are not a valid point of contact for resolving an issue or answering technical questions, please reach out to SandyNet support and we can help resolve any issues or complaints.

In brief, a conflict of interest when an official action by the public official could or would result in a financial benefit or detriment to the public official, a relative of the public official or a business with which either is associated.

A matter is a statutory conflict of interest when both of these conditions are met:

1. The official act will cause a personal monetary gain or monetary loss
2. The monetary gain or loss will be to the public official, a relative of the public official, or a business with which the public official or the relative is associated.

The permitting process is quite extensive and is aimed at maintaining high water quality. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality would be responsible for issuing a permit to discharge the Sandy River, and they require a number of studies and engineering evaluations. The City’s consulting engineers have already conducted water quality studies of the current river flows and a geomorphology study and fisheries biology evaluations to determine the most stable location of the river for an outfall. DEQ would require additional studies such as a mixing zone study, an “antidegradation” study to evaluate any impacts to the river, groundwater quality sampling and analysis, additional geotechnical investigations, and wetlands delineations prior to issuing a permit.

It could be a sewer manhole or a storm manhole. Both systems are not always located in the road. Sewer and storm systems work off gravity, so via a utility easement. A manhole may be in your back yard due to the engineering and design to achieve gravity flow to the next manhole.

Biological stages in wastewater treatment plants are not able to remove substances such as pharmaceuticals, PFAS, Trihalomethanes, Microbeads, Sodium and Potassium Chloride, halogenated compounds, and cyanides from industrial wastewater.

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.

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.

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

The wastewater is treated at the city’s wastewater treatment plant located at 33400 SE Jarl Rd, Boring, OR 97009

“Public official” is defined in ORS 244.020(14) as any person who is serving the State of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions or any other public body as defined in ORS 174.109 as an elected official, appointed official, employee or agent, irrespective of whether the person is compensated for the services. 
You are a public official if you are:

• Elected or appointed to an office or position with a state, county or city government.
• Elected or appointed to an office or position with a special district.
• An employee of a state, county or city agency or special district.
• An unpaid volunteer for a state, county or city agency or special district.
• Anyone serving the State of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions, such as the State Accident Insurance Fund or the Oregon Health & Science University.

Currently all traffic signals are operated by ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation).

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

Ryan Wood ~ Rwood@ci.sandy.or.us
Matt Degner ~ Mdegner@ci.sandy.or.us
OR
PW@ci.sandy.or.us
Phone: 503-668-5310

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

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

All storm drains eventually drain into a water way. Paint and other hazardous materials and chemicals can pollute the local environment and poison wildlife.

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

Multiple factors can lead to an elevated water bill. The utility bill you receive is split into different sections. Water is billed from what is captured through your services water meter (billed at the nearest 100 cubic feet). Wastewater is billed based on the amount of water that went through the meter and then presumably down a connected drain. A leaking toilet or pipe fitting are among the most common reasons why a water bill will rise.

*Call 503-668-7449 to discuss your water usage with our utility clerk.

**Remember to carefully irrigate in the growing months, irrigation systems that over water will cause a rise in your bill also.

To place a hold, go to lincc.org. Click the Place Hold button for any item after performing a search.  If you are not already logged into lincc.org, you will see a login screen when clicking on the Place Hold button. Please enter your library card number and PIN, then click the Log In button.

Yes.  The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.

Residential accessory structures that are over 200 square feet or over 10 feet high measured from the finished floor to the top of the top plate need a building permit.

• Because of its deteriorated condition, the existing pool would require extensive repairs to meet the community’s future aquatic needs.  In September 2019, City consultants estimated that it would require $9.5 million to repair and restore the existing pool facility for 15-20 years of additional service - the cost estimate would be higher in today’s dollars. 

• Regardless of the repair cost, the existing pool cannot meet the long-term aquatic needs of the community due to its configuration. 

  It doesn't make sense to invest millions into a pool that can't meet our long term needs.

  As stated in the PETF report, “the existing natatorium and pool vessel [...] does not provide a separate recreation pool as desired by the PETF for more robust aquatics programming.”  Seniors and families with children in the community prioritize a separate recreation pool because, as the report states, “the combination of shallow water and warm temperature in a recreation pool provides opportunities for a wide range of community programming including water fitness classes, swimming lessons, therapy, and interactive water play.”  Such amenities could not be offered in the existing pool facility.  This led the PETF to instead recommend construction of a new pool facility with separate recreation and competition pools that can appropriately serve the whole community.

• Proceeding with demolition now is the prudent thing to do.  Because it's clear that the old pool facility cannot meet Sandy's aquatic needs anymore, proceeding with demolition now, rather than waiting any longer, is the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars.  Demolition costs will only grow more expensive in the future.

Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are susceptible to wear and failure. Yearly testing ensures they are functioning properly and protecting the City of Sandy’s public water system.

1. Accessory structures shall comply with the setback requirements for the main building except where specifically modified by Development Code Section 17.74.

2. No accessory structure shall be located in a required front yard or side yard setback, except where specifically modified by Development Code Section 17.74.

3. An accessory structure on a corner lot shall meet a minimum street side yard setback except for private vehicle storage.

Please contact the City of Sandy Building Department at building@cityofsandy.com

On June 3, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-11 which allows up to 570 ERUs. This resolution has the effect of adopting a new moratorium and repealing the existing moratorium, rather than being an extension of the existing moratorium, because state law requires a new moratorium be adopted in order to make any modifications to the moratorium terms. On December 2, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-24 which extends the moratorium adopted with Resolution 2024-11 by another six months. 

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.

• If the homeowner/seller has an uncertified woodstove device in any building on the residential property being sold, he or she must remove and destroy it before the close of sale.
• The seller must also give you, the buyer, the seller's disclosure form indicating whether there is a wood burning device on the property.
• It is the seller's responsibility to remove the uncertified wood burning device unless you and the seller agree that you, the buyer, will be responsible for removing the stove. If so, you must remove and destroy the uncertified wood burning device within 30 days after the closing date of sale.
• The buyer must also:
  • Get a receipt indicating you have destroyed the stove.
  • Submit the notification form to DEQ.

For more information on removal of woodstoves please visit the State of Oregon Website or contact them by phone at 503-229-5696

The pool is severely deteriorated and is no longer in a safe condition. 

In 2019 after the initial Community Campus community center planning project did not go forward,  the City asked our consultant for a cost estimate to renovate just the pool (not including any other buildings on the campus site).  The estimate provided to the City in 2019 for renovating the old pool was $9.5 million.   

It doesn't make sense to spend such a large amount of money to renovate a pool that would not meet the long-term needs of the community anyway, because it is not a large enough facility to include a warm water recreation pool in addition to a lap swim pool. 

Yes.   You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-).   In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.

As long as the irrigation system is connected to your plumbing system, the potential for backflow exists, and you must comply with all backflow requirements, including having it tested each year. To eliminate these backflow requirements, the irrigation system must be physically disconnected from your plumbing system. If your irrigation system is served by the same water service that serves your home or business, you can remove the backflow assembly and have the irrigation system cut and capped.

A plumbing permit is required to remove any backflow prevention assemblies, and the owner will need to have the city perform an inspection in order to have the backflow officially removed from the city records.

Here in Sandy there are individuals and families experiencing homelessness for many different kinds of reasons. Common reasons why someone may lose their housing or find it difficult to find stable housing include:

• Affordable housing crisis (unable to find rent that they can afford)
• Sudden loss of a job 
• Trauma such as domestic violence, sexual violence, or child abuse
• Eviction (both for cause, and no cause evictions)
• Mental or emotional health issues
• Property Foreclosure
• Mobile home park closure
• Death of the primary wage earner in the family
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Natural disasters

If you'd like to learn more about this complex issue, please visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which is a nonpartisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States.

Call 503-723-4900 or e-mail ill@lincc.org

Please note: renewals are up to the owning library of the material. Please allow 1-3 business days for a response to your request.

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.

Call or stop by your local library. Most of them have a form or a process for library users to suggest items for purchase. 

You can also use the Contact Us feature on the lincc.org site.

On June 21, 2022 the City Council adopted Ordinance 2022-12: Camping Prohibited in Certain Places.

Key provisions of Ordinance 2022-12 include:

Sec. 8.35.020. - Prohibited camping.

• A. Except as expressly authorized by the Sandy Municipal Code, it is unlawful at all times for any persons to camp on the following:
  • i. All city parks, trails, and areas designated as parks and open space (POS) under SMC chapter 17.32.
  • ii. All areas designated as flood, slope, and hazard areas under SMC Chapter 17.60;
  • iii. Any area on a sidewalk, unless the camping is done in a manner that maintains a clear, continuous sidewalk width of at least five feet;
  • iv. All real property upon which city facilities are located;
  • v. All city owned parking lots;
  • vi. All public property located within an area zoned for residential use under SMC Title 17; and
  • vii. All publicly owned property located along and between Proctor Avenue and Pioneer Avenue, and along Pleasant Street between Bluff Road and Ten Eyck Road.
• B. Except as expressly authorized by the Sandy Municipal Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to camp in the city during the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• C. Except as expressly authorized by the Sandy Municipal Code, it shall be unlawful for any individual to store more than 5 cubic feet of personal property, including camp facilities and camp paraphernalia, on city property during the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• D. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, the City Council may temporarily authorize camping or storage of personal property on city property by written order that specifies the period of time and location:
  • i. In the event of emergency circumstances;
  • ii. In conjunction with a special event permit; or
  • iii. Upon finding it to be in the public interest and consistent with council goals and policies.
• E. The City Manager may adopt administrative rules to implement any of the provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 8.35.030 - Violation—Penalties and enforcement.

• A. Violation of this chapter is a Class “D” violation per ORS Chapter 153. Each day that a violation occurs will be considered a separate offense.
• B. In addition to any other penalties that may be imposed, violation of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance and may be abated in accordance with ORS 202.077 and 203.079.

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a 4 digit password that you create when you apply for a library card. If you don't specify a PIN on your application, then the default PIN is the last 4 digits of your primary phone number.

Your PIN serves as a password to your library account, and helps protect your privacy. You may also use your PIN to renew your library items via the TM3 Automated Phone Renewal System at 503-659-8634.

If you need to reset your PIN, click "Log In" at the top of the page, and then click the Forgot my PIN link. For further instructions, contact your library or view PIN Reset Help

Barbed wire fencing may be permitted for agricultural, community service, commercial or industrial uses when the wire is employed on the top of any other type of fencing, and when the barbed wire is a minimum of 6 ft. above the finished ground surface, and does not extend over a public way. The maximum height shall not exceed 8 ft.

Fill out the Online Form to receive the monthly newsletter by email.

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.

Except for Library of Things, items that belong to any LINCC library can be returned at any other LINCC library. See Locations & Hours for a list of all LINCC libraries.

Oregon passed a new law (HB 3115) in 2021 to require that local governments may only adopt policies that are “objectively reasonable” when dealing with the use of public property by people experiencing homelessness. Local laws dealing with “sitting, lying, sleeping or keeping warm and dry outdoors on public property must be objectively reasonable … with regards to persons experiencing homelessness.”

Cities have until July 1, 2023 to update their ordinances to be in compliance with HB 3115.

The Legislature passed this law to permanently codify a recent 9th Circuit Court ruling, known as Martin v. Boise, which held that cities cannot enforce anti-camping ordinances if they do not have sufficient homeless shelter beds available for individuals experiencing homelessness.

This decision to temporarily stop accepting new land use applications that propose new sewer connections does not affect land use applications received before October 3, 2022 when the City Council passed Resolution 2022-24. 

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.