Menu Settings

No.

Racial restrictive covenants have been unenforceable since 1948 based on the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and illegal since 1968. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits the enforcement of racial restrictions.

It is possible to change your initial court date. You must contact the court office to make arrangements.

Yes. You need to go to or call the City Attorney's Office at 456 SW Monroe Avenue, Suite 101, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 and request a copy of the police report. This is known as "Discovery" and there is a $20.00 fee. Please call the City Attorney's Office at (541) 766-6906 for more information.

No. In order to remain fair and impartial to all people, the Municipal Court Judge must discuss all cases while acting in his official capacity as Judge, in the courtroom during regularly scheduled court times. 

The Municipal Court does offer a violations Bureau in traffic cases for non-moving violations. You must contact the court to see if your citation would qualify to be handled by the clerk.

Residents may report problems or concerns to Public Works (541-766-6916) during regular business hours (M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). To report hazardous situations after hours, weekends or holidays, please call 911.

Corvallis’ citation fee is currently $10, and the new fee will be $15. The average citation fee for the comparator cities listed above averages $18.40. It averages over $23 when Davis, CA is included.

For implementation of this ordinance to be effective, the City needs your help! Citizens who witness a possible violation are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department by calling the 24-hr pollution prevention hotline at 541-766-6565.

The City of Corvallis keeps close watch on your water supply. The law requires that you be informed if there is a problem with your water. Potential sources for this news are the radio, television, newspapers, the Benton County Environmental Health Department, the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Program, or directly from the City of Corvallis.

Residents are encourages to use alternate modes, such as public transportation, if roads are icy. Visit www.corvallistransit.com for route and schedule information.

Yes, if possible. If you need time to pay, be sure you ask the Judge when you enter your plea. 

Where necessary, the sealant will be covered with a fine layer of sand to limit tracking. However, caution is still advised. When the material is first applied, it is extremely hot (400°), wet, sticky, and very difficult to remove from skin, shoes and floor coverings. For the safety of children and pets, please keep them off the streets on the day your street is sealed. 

Discharge from individual residential car washing would not be a violation of this ordinance (Section 4.04.030). Although residential car washing is allowed, the City encourages citizens to prevent soap and car grime from entering streams by taking cars to a commercial car wash. In Corvallis, commercial car washes are connected to the City sanitary system, which can treat and remove pollutants. The City Stormwater Program also has a free SudSafe carwash kit for loan to keep suds, dirt, and oils out of the storm system,. This kit is available for stream-friendly car wash fundraisers! 

When organic materials (such as the algae, leaves, or decaying plants found in untreated source water) react with the chlorine disinfectant during the treatment process, disinfection by-products can be created. Some of these by-products form a group of chemicals called trihalomethanes, or THMs. In excessive quantities, these by-products may have harmful health effects. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) of trihalomethanes allowed in drinking water is 100 parts per billion. 

As part of the 1997 Taylor Plant upgrade, enhanced treatment processes and four new filters were installed to help us meet federal drinking water regulations regarding THMs. These improvements have dramatically increased the plant’s efficiency for removing particles that may contain organic material from the source water. The treatment process has also been modified so that chlorine is only added to the water in the final step of treatment. These improvements will help ensure that the formation of disinfection by-products is kept to a minimum. 

Answer: In Attachment 2 of the February 4, 2010 special Budget Commission meeting packet there is a list of enhancements added in the six years prior to that date and the status of each at that time. In Attachment 3 from that same packet is a table of FTE counts by Department dating back to 2000. This table summarizes the increases and decreases in staffing for each department over the last decade. The FY 16-17 Adopted Budget Document also shows trending information on City staffing beginning on page 35.

Our goal is to clear the roadway for safe travel. Unfortunately, berming is an inconvenient result of plowing. Adjacent property owners are responsible for clearing the berm to gain access to the roadway. We do not have the available resources to provide this service, and this is one way you can help.

Sharrows are road markings used to show motorist that people riding bicycles may “take the lane” and helps show the bicycle rider good lane positioning. Use the sharrow marking to guide you where to ride within the lane.

The ordinance protects all parts of the City stormwater system, which includes City infrastructure, as well as natural features like streams from any pollutant that changes the physical, chemical, or biological properties of the stormwater. (For more information, see section 4.04.020 for a definition of pollutant and storm drainage system). 

If the City becomes aware of a violation, the first step taken by the City will be to contact the responsible party and provide information about the issue and the water quality implications. If no action is taken to address the issue, then a formal letter will be sent, as is outlined in section 4.04.090.020 of the proposed ordinance. If sufficient action is still not taken then a fine no less than $100 and no more than $20,000 and/or 30 days in jail may be issued. In some cases, an alternative compensatory action may be substituted for fines and jail time. 

If the incident you would like to report took place outside of the City of Corvallis, please call the police department for that city.

If your incident occurred on the OSU campus, please call 541-737-3010 to file your report.

A violation is a minor infraction in which punishment is limited to a fine only. A misdemeanor is a minor crime in which punishment is limited to imprisonment of up to one year, a fine or both. 
 

Crack seal is a hot, sticky, petroleum-based pavement crack and joint sealant. It does not resurface the entire street – it just fills cracks. The sealant forms a long-lasting, resilient seal which is flexible and expandable in varying and extreme pavement temperatures. Crack sealing prevents the invasion of surface water between the layers of asphalt and sub-grade rock, thus preventing premature pavement failures, deterioration and potholes. 

Cryptosporidium 

(krip-toe-spor-ID-eum) is a microscopic organism that is naturally present in bodies of water throughout the world. Swallowing these tiny organisms can cause an intestinal illness known as cryptosporidiosis, although some persons infected with Cryptosporidium do not get sick. Symptoms include stomach cramps, upset stomach, and diarrhea. For most healthy people, the illness runs its course in a few weeks without serious consequences. However, for the elderly, young children, or for people with weakened immune systems, the disease can be life threatening. 

Cryptosporidiosis can be transmitted by swallowing contaminated water or food (such as unwashed fruits and vegetables), or by touching your mouth or putting anything in your mouth that has touched the feces of a person or animal with cryptosporidioisis. This includes diapers, farm or yard equipment, and pet waste. Studies have shown that about 1/3 of the population has been recently exposed to this germ, indicating that there are many sources of exposure. 

We have been testing city water for Cryptosporidium since 1994. The results indicate that no Cryptosporidium organisms have been detected. We believe the risk of contracting cryptosporidiosis from city tap water is quite low, however, if you are infected with HIV or have AIDS, are a cancer patient, are taking immunosuppressive drugs after a transplant, or were born with a weakened immune system, we encourage you to consult with your physician. Health officials may suggest that you take additional precautions, such as boiling drinking water for one minute before consuming it. 

Plowing will begin when accumulating snow exceeds approximately two (2) inches.

The City Recorder at City Hall has all ordinances and you may request a copy. There is a 25¢ per page copy fee.

Please contact the City Recorder at (541) 766-6901 for more information. You may also go to the Public Library (645 NW Monroe, Corvallis, Oregon, 97330) where the Library staff can assist you in locating specific ordinances. 

We look toward our community in assistance for identifying issues like these and have set up an online form so you can quickly report hazards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once our team receives the issue you have identified, we quickly take steps on proper mitigation if there is a problem. To alert us of an issue, visit www.corvallisoregon.gov and click the Report a Problem link on the navigation bar.

Technicians routinely flush water mains to keep our drinking water clean by removing rust and sediment that might be trapped in the distribution system. Flushing also allows crews to make sure all the valves and fire hydrants are operating as they should. To help protect the environment, the chlorine is removed from this water before it is discharged into the storm drain system. The chlorine in the water could be harmful to aquatic life, and most storm drains discharge directly into Corvallis’ urban streams.

There are many reasons for them to be traveling with the plow up. For example, the plow could be traveling back to the shop for repairs or there may not be enough snow on the street to plow.

This question comes up each year when the weather gets nicer and people start working outside or keeping their windows open. This approach can’t be changed because it is the all-weather Instrument Landing System (ILS) precision approach to Runway 17, our main runway. Instrument landing systems are one of two types of precision approaches which allow an aircraft to safely land in all types of weather. Usually, they are only found at commercial airports because they cost millions of dollars. Ours was installed in the 1980’s when commercial flights were operating out of Corvallis. It is maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is part of what draws business jets and charter flights into Corvallis, especially in the winter. It is setup on our main runway coming from the north because 70% of the time that is where the prevailing winds are coming from (the south). The safest direction for aircraft to land is into the wind. Aircraft use that approach each day, usually one or two dozen aircraft, including the US Army National Guard helicopters from Salem, the USCG helicopters from Newport and Astoria, FEDEX, UPS, business jets, and our local REACH Air Medical air ambulance. REACH requires this approach for operation out of Corvallis. They use it when returning from ambulance calls at night and in bad weather, and would have to relocate to another airport if the ILS was shutdown. Again, no other runway or direction would work for this approach. While we could ask the FAA to decommission the ILS at Corvallis, they normally require the airport sponsor (City of Corvallis in this case) to repay the FAA for the last 20 years of maintenance and improvements that have been made to that system. This is one of the “Grants and Assurances” we signed as part of our acceptance of FAA grant funds over the years. This would also reduce and possibly eliminate any business or charter aircraft coming into Corvallis, especially in the winter and bad weather months. Why is this approach used during the nice weather when you can see forever? Pilots are required to recertify on this system regularly, and they are not allowed to practice or get this certification training in bad weather.

Water interferes with the crack-sealing process, so we ask residents not to water lawns, wash cars, or engage in similar activities that may cause water to enter the street on the day their street is crack-sealed. 

We will attempt to plow or sand bike lanes on the streets; however, limited time and resources prevent us from plowing or sanding bike paths that are separate from the roadways.

Si su incidente es una emergencia, llame al 911. Si no es una emergencia llame al 541-766-6924.

 No, si el crimen ocurrió fuera de la ciudad de Corvallis Police Department por favor llame al departamento de policía de la ciudad que corresponda.

The City’s costs to continue providing existing services grow faster than revenue grows. As a result, the City has been cutting back on costs for a number of years, even as the total budget has grown. The City actively pursues methods for conserving and cutting costs. Significant efforts in recent years have included building solar power stations using grant monies to help offset significant electrical costs, changing to LED street lights as well as moving to LED lighting in buildings. Even with these changes and the cost savings associated with them, other costs are growing faster than revenues.

Roughly one-third of your total property tax bill goes to the City of Corvallis. If you are paying $4,000 in property tax, you are paying City taxes of $1,119 for the permanent tax rate, $180 for the local option levy, and $55 for voter-approved debt for a total of $1,354. This is about 34% of the total property taxes you pay.

Neither OSU nor Samaritan Health Services pays property taxes on their facilities used for their operations. Both pay taxes on parcels used by for-profit operations. For example, the Hilton Hotel parcel is taxed even though it is on OSU property.

However, OSU voluntarily contributes to Transit, Fire Prevention and Police Department staffing.

OSU uses the Oregon State Police Department for on-campus policing service. The City Police Department provides all policing services off-campus. In 2016, the City and OSU agreed on a cooperative effort and OSU is granting $1.2 million to Corvallis Police over 3 years to support local law enforcement. This is an unprecedented collaboration.

Corvallis Fire Department is an ‘all hazard’ department, meaning we provide fire, rescue, emergency planning and prevention services for the City of Corvallis and Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District.

In addition, we provide transport ambulance services for the majority of Benton County and a portion of Linn County (765 square mile area). Also, we provide hazardous materials response in partnership with the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Albany Fire Department and Lebanon Fire District covering Linn, Benton, Lincoln and Polk counties.

Calls for service increase as our population grows and as our demographics change with people getting older. As mobile phones have become commonplace, calls for service have increased. In addition, the Fire Department role has evolved – when people have a problem they don’t know how to handle, they often call the Fire Department. We are often called to assist community members with everything from personal care issues to actual hazard mitigation such as ruptured gas lines.

The Fire Department ambulance service is supported by user fees, and there are a number of cost recovery fees in place for responses such as non-resident motor vehicle crashes; violations of the fire code; out of district responses to ‘un-covered’ areas.

Between 2015 and 2018, the City engaged the community through open houses, public hearings, work groups, advisory committees, and a community-wide survey to create the Transportation System Plan (TSP), which was adopted by the City Council in 2018. It was during this process that the low-stress network was identified to improve walking and biking conditions throughout Corvallis. The streets chosen provide an alternative to adjacent, higher volume roadways for those on foot, wheel or mobility device.

Most of the funding for affordable housing comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), not local funds. The City enacted a new affordable housing Construction Excise Tax in 2016 which is assessed against building permits and not funded by property taxes. By state law, the City can utilize this excise tax revenue to support affordable housing.

Additionally, there is a strong desire for people who work in Corvallis to be able to live here. Without additional affordable housing opportunities, many people who work in Corvallis will continue to live outside the city and commute, adding to street congestion and carbon emissions.

Removal of on-street parking is not typically part of a Neighborhood Bikeway. However, there may be a small number of locations where parking may need to be restricted. For example, areas adjacent to intersections or where a speed hump is installed.

Emergency vehicle access will not be affected. The Fire and Police Departments review plans for treatments like speed humps and traffic circles to ensure they are designed to maintain emergency vehicle access. By their nature, Neighborhood Bikeways are almost entirely on low volume residential streets, which are not considered backbone emergency response routes for Police and Fire.

We completed a parking audit recently and meter rates were compared with Eugene, Hood River, Missoula MT, Salem, and Spokane WA. Corvallis’s current typical hourly rate is $0.50, the new typical hourly rate will be $1.00, and the hourly rate of the comparator cities averages $1.23. We are still below many of our comparator cities in terms of hourly prices.

Though proposed treatments are designed to achieve safer, slower speeds on Neighborhood Bikeway routes, we do not expect a significant diversion to nearby streets.

By Oregon law, the City may not exit the PERS system. Even if an exit was allowed, the City would have to pay its share of the PERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability since that cost is based on benefits already earned that PERS will be required to pay out.

The City Manager does not make any decisions with regard to PERS benefits. The PERS benefit structure is the responsibility of the Oregon Legislature. If you would like to see changes, we recommend you talk with your state legislators or the Governor’s office.

The vast majority of Neighborhood Bikeway streets will have shared roadway markings (also known as “sharrows”) to indicate that the streets are shared by people bicycling and driving. Some routes are on collectors or arterials for short segments and these connections will typically have already-existing bike lanes.

Some segments of Neighborhood Bikeways will see localized repairs or patching. However, due to limited budgets, the priority for major rehabilitation projects is the collector and arterial system. For more information on future resurfacing projects, please visit the Capital Improvement Program’s latest adopted plan. To learn more about how Corvallis streets are assessed and prioritized for repairs visit the Street Maintenance webpage. If you see a small scale repair like a pothole you can report it to the City via Report A Problem (select “Pothole”). City staff will assess the location and determine if it is able to be repaired.

In addition to property specific, or neighborhood specific, engagement during design, staff also provides an opportunity to check in with the broader community. These check-ins occur at roughly the 60% design state and are meant to provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the project and provide "design-level-input" as users of the new systems under design. Design-level input on a specific project does not include input on project scope or the City's general design standards. An example of design-level input would be sharing information with the project manager about a challenge a user experiences transitioning from an on-street bike lane to an off-street multi-use path within the project limits/scope and how that transition may be impacted with the project. The City currently partners with the Sustainability Coalition's Transportation Action Team for meeting facilitation. Meeting dates and meeting materials will also be provided below when available. To sign up for notices about upcoming TAT meetings, [ADD HOW TO SIGN UP FOR TAT MEETING NOTICES]. 

Transportation Action Team Meeting: TBD (meeting dates/materials will be added here when available) 

To sign up for regular project updates once construction starts, please click the link below.

SUBSCRIBE

When Circle Boulevard was extended from Dale Drive to Harrison Boulevard, a temporary speed limit was posted by the City knowing an official speed zone investigation would be required by state law. This speed zone investigation was delayed for several years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. After the pandemic when traffic volumes rebounded to more historic levels, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), who regulates speed limit postings statewide, contacted the City to initiate the speed zone investigation process. Like other states, Oregon relies heavily on the measured operating speed of vehicles using the corridor when establishing speed limits. Public perception of speed, or the speed we may want people to drive, are not factors that the State considers when setting speed limits.  Due to the outcome of this recent speed zone investigation, speed limits along this portion of Circle Boulevard must be changed.

Information on speed zones in Oregon can be found here.

Information on speed zone investigation basics can be found here.

A TSAP is a document that reviews transportation-related crashes involving vehicles, pedestrians, or bicycles to find trends and identify strategies to reduce crashes throughout a city. TSAPs are comprehensive safety plans aimed at reducing and eliminating serious injury and fatal crashes, and use data analysis to characterize roadway safety problems and strengthen a community’s approach through projects and strategies that address the most significant safety risks.

The TSAP developed through this process will serve as a foundation for future transportation safety projects and initiatives, helping the City of Corvallis identify priorities and secure funding to implement solutions over time. It is important to understand that the benefits of the plan will be realized incrementally, and the planning process itself is a critical step. While the adoption of the TSAP is a milestone, it is not an endpoint; successful implementation will depend on available funding and prioritizing efforts to address the most critical safety needs first.

All left turns will be prohibited as well as straight through movement on Tyler Avenue. Vehicles will still have the ability to make right turns into, and from, Tyler Avenue.

Until recently, ODOT has been the sole authority authorized under state law to conduct speed zone investigations and set speed limits based on the outcome of these investigations. In recent years, the Oregon legislature amended the law to allow ODOT to delegate the authority to incorporated cities. Corvallis is not staffed to take on this responsibility and therefore continues to rely on ODOT.  Because the setting of speed limits is so highly regulated, the outcome of speed zone investigations, whether conducted by ODOT or the City, would produce the same results. The change in law only provides an option for cities to handle some of this work themselves, it does not provide for additional influence or control over the outcome.Until recently, ODOT has been the sole authority authorized under state law to conduct speed zone investigations and set speed limits based on the outcome of these investigations. In recent years, the Oregon legislature amended the law to allow ODOT to delegate the authority to incorporated cities. Corvallis is not staffed to take on this responsibility and therefore continues to rely on ODOT.  Because the setting of speed limits is so highly regulated, the outcome of speed zone investigations, whether conducted by ODOT or the City, would produce the same results. The change in law only provides an option for cities to handle some of this work themselves, it does not provide for additional influence or control over the outcome.

If it is a city-owned paved path, we’ll consider requests. However, if the path is maintained by ODOT, Benton County or a private entity, it is beyond the scope of the City’s program. The City also has an Adopt-A-Park Program facilitated by the Parks & Recreation department that includes unpaved trails. For information about that program, visit: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/parksrec/page/parks-recreation-volunteer...

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

When the slurry is dry, it is safe. When it is first applied, the slurry is in a liquid form consisting of asphalt and rock. Because liquid asphalt is potentially hazardous to health and is very difficult to remove from skin, shoes and floor coverings, please keep children from playing near the street until the slurry material dries. Pets should be kept from running free during the slurry application for their safety. 

A Home Energy Score is a report created by a certified home energy assessor that provides information on estimated home energy use, associated costs, and provides options to cost-effectively improve your home’s energy efficiency. Each Home Energy Score is shown on a simple one-to-ten scale, where a ten represents the most efficient homes. See a sample Home Energy Score report here. 

The Rental Housing Fee was created in 1999 in response to the increasing number of rentals in Corvallis. The fee is used is to improve housing standards through education and assistance.  The objectives  are to: (1) Assist community members in finding the rental related resources; (2) Educate through partnerships and outreach, to increase knowledge about fair housing regulations, Landlord / Tenant law, and the Corvallis Livability; (3) Inform by collecting data to improve the City’s understanding of local rental housing trends.

The speed zone investigation for Circle Boulevard was conducted by ODOT between Kings Boulevard and Harrison Boulevard. Based on the outcome of the investigation, ODOT is requiring several changes to speed limits along this corridor. The existing and new speed limits for this portion of Circle are:

A copy of the ODOT’s Speed Zone Order and Speed Investigation Report can be reviewed by clicking on the links provided. To reiterate, public input is not considered under the law as part of speed investigations and does not affect their outcome.

To find nearby locations visit one of the following websites:

• Oregon Drug Take-Back Program
• DEA drug disposal site

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office also organizes an event every April. Click below for more info. 

After Benton County’s successful use of ranked choice voting, in 2022 the City adopted the ranked choice voting method for elections for Mayor and City Council races with three or more candidates and for advisory questions.

• At the November 8, 2016 general election, Benton County voters amended the County Charter to elect officials using ranked choice voting. Measure text and explanatory statement for ballot measure 2-100. 11/8/16 election results.
• At the November 3, 2020 general election, Benton County voters used ranked choice voting to elect County Commissioners. 11/3/2020 election results.
• The Corvallis City Council explored how to implement ranked choice voting in 2021. 9/7/2021 City Council meeting minutes. 11/9/2021 City Attorney Report: Implementing Ranked Choice Voting for City Elections. 11/15/2021 City Council meeting minutes.
• The Corvallis City Council passed Ordinance 2022-02 on January 19, 2022, adopting ranked choice voting. 1/11/2022 City Attorney Report: City Election and Vacancy Procedures. 1/18/2022 City Council meeting minutes. 1/19/2022 Ordinance 2022-02.

Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/RHPupdate to register or update your rental property information or to request a Section 8 fee waiver. Please note: Failure to register a rental property can result in up to a $1000 fine per rental unit.

The City does not have the ability to change the outcome of the speed zone investigation. ODOT conducted the study per the requirements of state law which considers actual measured speeds when establishing posted speeds. However, in conjunction with ODOT performing the investigation, the City reviewed existing signs and striping on this corridor. The City is planning to implement several changes to coincide with the new speed limit signage in order to mitigate some of the concerns surrounding changes to posted speeds. When the City installs the new speed limit signs, we will also provide the following enhancements:

• New pedestrian crossing signs at the existing marked crosswalk at Lantana Drive.
• New pedestrian crossing signs at the existing marked crosswalk at Duniway Drive.
• A new marked crosswalk and pedestrian crossing signs at Dale Drive.
• New advisory speed signs added to the existing speed bump signage. Advisory speed signs will inform drivers that a speed lower than the legal limit is recommended as vehicles approach the bumps.
• A new radar speed feedback sign addressing northbound traffic as it transitions from the 35 MPH to the 30 MPH posted speed south of Witham Hill Drive

Voters mark their ballots in order of preference – 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice.

• Use blue or black pen.
• Fill in the ovals next to the candidates of your choice.
• Make only one choice per column.
• Do not skip columns.
• You may rank as few candidates as you would like.
• You may rank up to three candidates.

Voting instructions from Benton County.

No.  By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase.  In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations.  The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.

Yes. An annual fee is assessed for each rental unit based on Municipal Code Section 8.03.300.065. The fee increases by one dollar every odd year. Property owners who receive partial or full payment through a Section 8 voucher may request a fee waiver.

The fee is a flat fee charged annually and is not pro-rated. A rule of thumb for landlords is, if the landlord anticipates they will collect rent for a unit any time during the year, they are subject to the full fee.

A lodging intermediary is a person, other than a provider, that facilitates the retail sale and charges for the occupancy of short term lodging. Lodging intermediaries include, but are not limited to, online travel companies, travel agents, and tour outfitter companies (such as Airbnb or Expedia). 

• AIRBNB, INC
• EGENCIA, LLC
• FERNWOOD CIRCLE
• HOTEL TONIGHT
• HOTELS.COM, LP
• HOTWIRE, INC
• NAT COR HOUSING
• ORBITZ, LLC
• PRICELINE.COM
• TRAVELSCAPE, LLC

Equipment can be picked up from the Public Works admin office, at 1245 NE 3rd St, Monday - Friday, between 8 am and 5 pm. Pickup should be arranged ahead of time with the Program Coordinator.

For the privilege of occupancy in any lodging, the occupant shall pay the Lodging Tax.

The Lodging Tax Collector shall remit the Lodging Tax for the City of Corvallis, Benton County, and State of Oregon to the Oregon Department of Revenue.

One parking stall will be removed at the southwest corner of 4^th Street and Harrison Boulevard. This vehicle space is part of a realignment of the street with the removal of the concrete bulb out and trees, providing a straight path for automobiles traveling along Harrison Boulevard. No other parking along Harrison Boulevard will be affected. Work on Tyler Avenue is limited to the corners of the intersections, where parking is already prohibited.

No. The existing speed bumps will remain in place and advisory speed signs will be added informing drivers that a lower speed is recommended around speed bumps compared to the new overall posted speed.

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.

You may mark out your name or any other identifiable information

1. Slow your speed as you approach the intersection. 15mph is ideal.
2. Stop in advance of the sidewalk if pedestrians are crossing.
3. Yield to vehicles that arrive first at the intersection.
   Yield to vehicles on the right if arriving at the same time.
4. Keep to the right and travel around the traffic circle in a counterclockwise direction.

As major transportation projects move into the first two years of the 5-year CIP, it is important that project scopes and cost estimates are fully developed in order to appropriately inform the City's biennial budget. This additional project definition is facilitated through preliminary engineering activities that can include road safety audits or intersection control evaluations.  If these efforts are undertaken on a project, they will be made available at the links below.  

Road Safety Audit: <link>

Intersection Control Evaluation: <link>

Staff Response Document: <link>

• Reflective vest (10)
• Trash grabbers (11)
• Work gloves (5)
• Limb loppers (3)
• Pruners (2)
• Rakes (2)
• Shovel (1)
• Standard Broom (1)
• Push Broom (1)

Any residential rental unit within Corvallis city limits is subject to the fee. There are two exemptions, a landlord may request a fee waiver if they accept Section 8 (staff confirms this before the fee is waived) or if the rental unit has a deed restriction that requires the unit to be rented to low income.

Transient lodging providers and transient lodging intermediaries must collect and remit the tax. Under the law, whoever collects payment for occupancy is responsible for collecting and remitting the tax as the Lodging Tax Collector.

Yes. A total of 13 existing street trees will be removed along the north side of Harrison and corners of 3^rd and 4^th streets. All other trees within the project limit will be protected. The City of Corvallis has collaborated with the ODOT project team, and landscape architect, to mitigate the removal of the trees with project landscaping and tree replacement with 13, Red Rage Tupelo trees. 

Political Action Committees (PACs) file contribution and expense reports with the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division on an established schedule. 

If candidates act as their own Treasurers and expect to spend or receive less than $750 during the entire calendar year, reports do not need to be filed. If candidates subsequently exceed that amount, reports do need to be filed.

Please visit the Secretary of State Campaign Finance page and review the Campaign Finance Quick Guide for instructions and a schedule of filing deadlines.

You are responsible for cleaning up the 3 feet adjacent to the path. No trespassing on private property is allowed.

• Watch for incoming vehicles.
• Wait until traffic yields to you when crossing.
• Do not cross to the middle of the circle.

Small changes at home can reduce your exposure to phthalates. We may not be able to eliminate our exposure to phthalates, but you can try to reduce it. For example: microwave and store foods and liquids in glass containers. Avoid plastic food containers and plastic wrap with the Recycling Label #3 on it. Steer clear of the words “fragrance,” “perfume,” or “parfum” in their ingredients. Seek out phthalate-free cosmetics found in the Skin Deep® product clearinghouse. Look for products with EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, and Eco Logo certification labels that are phthalate-free. These are safer choices!

That's fine. A Home Energy Score is simply an informational tool for property owners. There is no "passing" or "failing" a home energy score and there are no requirements that go along with a score. Your report will show you or any future property owners where there are opportunities for increased energy efficiency. 

The project will go through summer 2025.

• Only buy enough medication that you can use before it expires.
• If you know a friend who uses the same over-the-counter medication, consider combining purchases.
• Ask your pharmacist if the drugs will become dangerous after expiration. Some drugs lose some potency, but can still provide some benefits.

Unfortunately, there is no way to rent a locker without a smartphone.

The documents you signed when you purchased your home will include the deed and CCRs. A close review of these documents will reveal whether racial restrictive covenants were applied to your property. Note that the restrictions are often embedded and may be limited to a single sentence or short paragraph.  

If you are not able to locate the documents, you can obtain a copy of the deed from the Benton County Records & Election Department or by contacting a title company. A fee may apply.

Benton County Records & Election Department

• Check online
• Phone: 541-766-6831
• Email:  records@co.benton.or.us

Low Home Energy Scores won't necessarily impact your ability to sell your home. Energy performance is just one of many factors people consider when buying a home. The information from a score helps both a seller and buyer understand the opportunities to improve energy efficiency and lower utility costs. It also allows potential buyers to understand how much monthly utility costs will be.

The City of Corvallis has been awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the State of Oregon.  In addition to developing a transportation safety action plan, this funding will be used to produce a speed limit investigation framework.  This framework will include guidance and criteria that will be used by the City to guide future requests to ODOT for speed zone investigations.  One likely candidate is the Circle Boulevard corridor extending east of Kings where it is anticipated that a study may result in a reduction in the posted speed limit consistent with the reduction being implemented west of Kings.   

In the City of Corvallis, the tax for the privilege of occupancy in any lodging is 9 percent of the total retail price.  This includes all charges and fees other than taxes.

In Benton County, the tax for the privilege of occupancy in any lodging is 3 percent of the total retail price.  This includes all charges and fees other than taxes.  For Benton County, there is an administrative fee reimbursement of 5 percent of the tax due.  

As currently proposed, under some circumstances, a homeowner may qualify for an exemption from the Home Energy Score requirement. As a reminder, the Corvallis Home Energy Score ordinance is still a draft and has not been finalized. The following are examples of exemptions in the proposed ordinance. This may not be the full or final list. Some exemptions may be applicable for properties sold under the following circumstances:

• Transfer of title due to inheritance
• Involuntary transfer of title resulting from default on an obligation secured by real property 
• Title change due to marriage or divorce
• Condemnation of the property
• Other involuntary changes of title 
• Certain situations of undue hardship for the seller

You may use the Write-In space to enter a candidate’s name that is not on the ballot and fill in an oval to rank your choice.

Gross lodging receipts are all amounts received, including all non-optional fees, other than taxes that are paid for lodging in Oregon. Rent includes all fees and assessments based on the number of occupants, human and pets (including but not limited to cleaning, pet, or smoking fees) for which payment is not optional to the occupant. If the operator offers a lodging package that includes something that is not associated with the actual lodging or is provided by a third party, the rent is the price of the package less the cost of the non-lodging portion of the package.

The laws passed in 2018 aim to ease the removal of discriminatory restrictions from property records.  Requests are submitted to the State's area Circuit Court using the procedure detailed in ORS 93.274. Efforts are underway to refine this process and our website will be updated as information becomes available. Please note this is not a City process. All inquiries should be directed to the Benton County Circuit Court.

• Procedure to Remove Discriminatory Restrictions (ORS 93.274)
• Form: Petition to Remove Discriminatory Provisions from Title to Real Property

Benton County Circuit Court

• Phone: 541.243.7850
• Website: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/courts/benton/Pages/default.aspx
• Address: Benton County Courthouse
                   120 NW 4th Street
                  Corvallis, OR, 97330

It Starts with You

• Set the pace! Drive the speed limit. A National Highway Safety Council survey found 70% of drivers acknowledge they speed themselves.
• Utilize on-street parking. A narrow street can slow traffic. However, when possible please also be mindful of moving your vehicle on scheduled street sweeping days for your area. Learn more about sweeping here.
• If you have a neighborhood or homeowner’s association (HOA) ask them to include slow speed reminders in your neighborhood newsletters.
• Allow more time for travel. Accidents happen at any speed, but injuries and damage are more significant at speeds over 25 mph.
• Directed Patrol for targeted enforcement may be requested from Police here. However, please keep in mind that the ability for Police to respond is dependent on staffing and many other competing needs to keep the community safe. 

Signs and enforcement can only do so much to influence driver behavior. The most effective speed control is a safety conscious culture.

If you make a mistake in marking your ballot, place an X over the mismarked oval and fill in the oval of your preferred choice and circle that oval.

Yes, the apron of the traffic circle is built with a height so that it can be driven over if need be. It should be done very slowly to prevent damage to the vehicle.

If the Home Energy Score passes, it will likely not go into effect until early 2023. In the meantime, the City will work with our partners at Earth Advantage to train home energy assessors in the Corvallis area. If you are planning on selling your home after the ordinance goes into effect, you would need to schedule an appointment with a home energy assessor to obtain a home energy score report. Once that is done, you will need to provide that report to any listing agent or service you use to advertise your home. 

The City has adopted a policy and procedure for considering requests for neighborhood traffic calming. You can read more about the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP) here. Requests are only considered for local, residential streets, as traffic calming through the NTCP is not allowed on arterial and collector streets to minimize disruptions to emergency services and transit routes. While there may be past traffic calming that was installed on some of these main streets, new installations are not allowed.

The neighborhood traffic calming program and procedures require broad support from the residents along the subject street and any improvements must be paid for by the adjacent properties. Currently, the City does not have a budget for installing traffic calming on streets by request without neighborhood financial support.

Permanent radar speed feedback sign installations have been used in Corvallis at a small amount of locations, typically at or near school speed zones thanks to special funding from the State or school district. Additional radar speed feedback signs may be installed on arterial and collector streets where speed limits drop, mostly when entering into the City. These devices can have significant ongoing maintenance needs and be costly to replace if struck, vandalized, or they fail. The Police Department has a small amount of portable speed radar feedback signs, however their ability move these around frequently and widely in response to traffic concerns is limited due to staffing and upkeep.

No. The fee collected by the home energy assessor goes directly to the assessor, with the exception of a $35 flat fee that goes to Earth Advantage to support assessor training, marketing, and administration of Home Energy Score policies across the state.

The City is looking at different sources of PFAS in wastewater, including our industrial customers. The City is also working with biosolids researchers at OSU and professional groups in the Northwest and is engaged in regional and statewide efforts to increase knowledge about PFAS risks and how to minimize those risks. The City is also sharing information about PFAS so the public can make educated choices.

• Lodgers who spend 30 or more consecutive days at the same facility
• Any occupant who is a federal employee or an employee of a federal instrumentality (i.e., Red Cross) on official business.
• Any person who has diplomatic immunity.
• Non-profit charitable organizations for the purpose of emergency or temporary shelter.  See the City of Corvallis code 8.04.050.

Please note, property owners who rent a residential unit on a month-to-month or fixed term basis are required to register their unit with the City’s Rental Housing Program. Visit the Rental Housing Program for more information.

• Lodgers who spend 30 or more consecutive days at the same facility
• Any occupant who is a federal employee or an employee of a federal instrumentality (i.e., Red Cross) on official business
• Any person who has diplomatic immunity.

That's understandable! Please contact Kathryn Duvall at (541) 766-6423 or kathryn.duvall@corvallisoregon.gov.

Lodging Tax Collectors must submit a Lodging Tax Return Form and related payment no later than the last day of the month following the end of the tax period. 

The City of Corvallis, Benton County, and the State of Oregon Lodging Taxes should all be filed with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

No. These chemicals cannot be removed by heating or boiling water. See FACT SHEET (epa.gov) for more information. 

Currently, we do not have any speed humps on Neighborhood Bikeways that have channels cut to accommodate for bicyclist and/or vehicles with larger axles, such as emergency vehicles.

While a good idea in theory, we have found that there are two main issues. When bikes and vehicles are sharing the road on local streets, and both a vehicle and bike arrive simultaneously at a speed hump, bikes may be squeezed out of their path of travel by vehicles so vehicles can drive through the channel too. This is when a chain of events can occur. While being closely passed, the rider is forced to move quickly and into crossing the speed hump gap at an angle, which could result in a crash due to the abrupt edges and elevation.

From a maintenance perspective, speed humps with channels are a challenge. The gap accumulates debris such as leaves in the fall, gravel in the winter, and other debris throughout the year. It is simply not possible to remove this material from this gap with our street sweepers. Eventually, it must be manually removed, which is time consuming from an automation standpoint. Since local streets are not swept as frequently as arterials and collectors, this will likely lead to frustration for cyclists.

We will continue to monitor and internally evaluate this topic but at the current time, there is no plan to change the current design of speed humps to accommodate channels.

The Lodging Tax is delinquent on the first working day of the month following each quarterly payment due date. Any lodging tax collector who has not been granted an extension of time for remittance of tax due, and who fails to remit lodging tax prior to delinquency shall pay interest.  Interest will be added to the overall tax amount due at the same rate established under ORS 305.220 for each month, or fraction of a month, from the time the return to the Tax Administrator was originally required to be filed to the time of the payment.  

For instructions on how to file the City of Corvallis, Benton County, and the State of Oregon Lodging Taxes, see the filing instructions here. https://www.oregon.gov/dor/forms/FormsPubs/publication-or-olt-ol_604-006.pdf

If you rent space exclusively through Airbnb, then you are only required to register with the Lodging Tax program. You are not required to collect and remit payment. Airbnb as the lodging intermediary for your reservations should collect and remit the lodging taxes on your behalf. 

If you rent space and collect payment from lodging customers directly, then you are required to both register with the City of Corvallis and to remit Lodging Taxes on those collections to the Oregon Department of Revenue. 

In 2013, the Oregon Legislature enacted Oregon House Bill 2656, which made two important changes to the state law on transient lodging tax. First, the tax must be paid on the full retail price of a room, including any charges added to the price. Second, transient lodging intermediaries, or “online travel companies” that take payment for the rooms they book must remit the tax directly to the state and local jurisdictions on those transactions, rather than forwarding that payment to the hotel or owner. 

Yes, please see Chapter 8.04 - LODGING TAX. 

Please visit Benton County Lodging Tax and Permits https://www.co.benton.or.us/lodgingtax