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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?

Enter a Plea of No Contest
You may enter a plea of No Contest in person or by mail. If the court accepts your plea, it may not impose a fine that is more than the amount of the presumptive fine. However, the court may elect not to accept your written plea and may send a notice requiring you to appear for a hearing.

Enter a Plea of No Contest with Written Explanation
You must do all of the following before the day and time the citation requires you to appear in court:
• Sign and date Option 2 on the reverse side of citation and
• Send or take the signed citation to the court with the full amount of the presumptive fine and
• Attach a written statement explaining the circumstances of the violation(s) charged.

If you respond by mail, the mail must arrive at the court before you are required to appear. IMPORTANT: By choosing this option, you waive your right to a trial. The court may consider your written statement when establishing the amount of the fine. The court cannot impose a fine that is less than the minimum fine amount. If the court finds you guilty, it may keep all or part of the money you submitted with your written plea. The court will not fine you more without giving you a notice to come to court for a hearing.

Enter a Plea of Not Guilty and Request a Trial
You must notify the court by personal appearance or written request on or before the day and time written on the front of your citation to enter your plea of Not Guilty and requesting a trial. If you submit a written request, it must be signed and dated, and received by the court on or before the hearing date shown on the citation.
IMPORTANT: You have a right to a trial. The court will give you notice of the time, date and place when you MUST appear in person, and may impose penalties if you fail to appear. The court may require you to post a bail amount to assure your appearance if you failed to appear on offense charges in the past. If your trial results in a finding of ‘guilty,’ the court cannot impose a fine that is less than the minimum fine amount. No fine is imposed with a finding of ‘not guilty.’

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.

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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.