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Yes. After dark and during limited visibility conditions, a cyclist must have a white light in front and a red light or red reflector in the rear. This also applies when riding on sidewalks. ORS 815.280

In the summer, water usage increases most with single family residential customers. A single family residential customer is equal to an average of 2.38 people per household. As a comparison, a single family residential customer uses approximately 234 gallons per day during the winter months. During the summer, a single family residential customer uses approximately 341 gallons per day. That is an increase of 46%! 

As you can image, this adds up to a lot of water use in the summer. In Corvallis, we have less rainfall during the summer months than Houston, Texas! Although, we have not experienced a substantial drought condition in recent years, it could very well happen if customer demand for water during the hot, dry summer months exceeds the treatment plants' capacity. In such a situation, customers may be asked to voluntarily reduce their water use on a temporary basis until drought conditions subside. 

To get a trial date changed you must write a letter to the Judge requesting a continuance and the reasons why. Your letter must be received in the Court office within 10 days of receiving your trial notice. 

You may request a court appointed attorney at your arraignment date. Keep in mind, however, that only misdemeanor charges qualify. You will be required to fill out an affidavit that states your financial status. The court will then decide if you qualify. 

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. 

Yes, we do. In 1952, the citizens of Corvallis voted to have fluoride added to City drinking water. Several years later, a group of residents wanted the City to stop adding fluoride, so a second vote was held in 1960. Citizens voted 2-to-1 to continue adding fluoride to the water. 

Fluoride, known for its cavity-fighting benefits, is of special interest to parents with young children. Studies have shown that it strengthens tooth enamel and inhibits acid production by decay-causing bacteria in dental plaque. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 to 1.2 ppm in drinking water. Our target fluoride level is 0.8 ppm. 

The most effective way to report concerns or requests to the City is through the online Report A Problem system at http://www.corvallisoregon.gov/report Staff will investigate and determine if there is an issue that needs to be addressed, and if so, how it compares with competing priorities, and whether there is staffing and budget capacity to address it. Examples of more easy-to-implement improvements include lower cost signs and pavement markings, when and where appropriate. In contrast, if the request would result in the installation of substantial new features or could result in a larger project, the City does not typically have un-budgeted funding readily available. These types of efforts are subject to the City’s annual public budgeting process and Council approval.

Drinking water is perishable. That is why the City of Corvallis takes steps to prevent water quality degradation from the time the water leaves the treatment plant until it gets to your tap. Laboratory professionals take routine samples from sampling stations strategically located in the distribution system. Routine sampling lets the staff confirm that our water is free from harmful bacteria and that there is sufficient chlorine for continued disinfection throughout the system. Automated, continuous water quality monitoring stations also take real-time samples from the distribution system throughout the entire day, every day, all year long. The data are continuously relayed to water system staff to assist them in optimizing water quality. See the annual Consumer Confidence Report for more information about our water quality and testing.

There will be no additional fees to rate payers as a direct result of this ordinance. The implementation of this ordinance, in addition to other programs aimed at reducing stormwater pollution, is funded through stormwater utilities fees, which you can see on your monthly utility bill. 

It's true! In the early spring, the soil has all the water it can hold. As the temperatures warm and the daylight hours lengthen, plants increase the amount of water they remove from the soil, and the amount of water that evaporates from the soil also increases. The amount of water that you apply to your lawn or landscape should equal the amount of water lost through evaporation and transpiration, often called evapotranspiration, or simply ET. Corvallis averages about 34 inches of rain and 34 inches of ET each year. Theoretically, nobody should ever have to water their lawn at all! Of course the rain comes when plants are not growing as rapidly, so many people irrigate. While one inch per week is a good average for the growing season, the amount of irrigation you apply should change from week to week. Your plants need more water in July than in May or September. Check out the Smart Irrigation and A Golden Landscape and Water Efficient Plant Guide for more information about irrigation, lawns, and conserving water.

Bottled water can be a good source of drinking water during an emergency, but it does not store well for long periods of time. Generally, bottled water does not contain a disinfectant, so microbes may grow in it over time. Because of this, bottled water should be treated as a perishable food product. Tap water does contain low levels of disinfectant and should be stored in capped plastic or glass containers. However, even properly stored tap water will not last indefinitely and should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. 

Trials are set for Mondays and Thursdays. Cases are set in advance about two months. If you plead not guilty today, your case will be set within approximately two months. 

Like tap water, the safety of bottled water depends both on the source water and the treatment process. Because bottled water is considered a food product, it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Starting this year, the FDA will require bottled water manufacturers to test their source water and the finished product once a year; however, the quality of the finished product is not government monitored. Any bottled water that contains contaminants in excess of the allowable level is considered mislabeled unless it has a statement of substandard quality. If you use bottled water, consider it a food product and refrigerate it after opening. 

The use of bottled water or home treatment devices is a personal choice, which may be based on taste preferences. If however, you use these products for health reasons, we suggest that you thoroughly research the product you are selecting to assure that it offers the level of protection you are seeking. 

Dioxin is one of a group of chemicals called chlorinated organics. These compounds form when chlorine reacts with organic materials, like leaves, woody material, or decaying plants, in the water. Formation of these compounds depends on several factors including: the amount of organic material present, the concentration and form of chlorine, and the amount of time the chlorine is in contact with the organic material. Dioxin is a highly complex compound that generally only forms when large quantities of organic material and chlorine are in contact for long periods of time. The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level for dioxin in drinking water is 30 parts per quadrillion (ppq). We have been testing for the presence of dioxin in city water since 1991. To date, dioxin has not been detected in our finished drinking water. 

The Taylor and Rock Creek facilities both treat the water with chlorine. Low doses of chlorine act as a disinfectant protecting you against disease-causing microorganisms in the water. We are required by law to add disinfectant in order to meet state and federal regulatory mandates for safe drinking water. 

If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, try filling a container with water and keeping it loosely capped in the refrigerator. 

A few common example violations include dumping used car oil or washing paint brushes into City storm drains, connecting a sink drain to the City storm system, or dumping litter or yard debris directly in a Corvallis stream. This is, however, not a comprehensive list of violations. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to review the ordinance to learn what personal activities may be affected by this new ordinance. 

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If you need non-emergency assistance, please call 541-766-6924.

Since 2004, the City has taken steps to improve water quality and reduce The City is Doing It's Part Preventing Stormwater Pollution stormwater pollution in a variety of ways. We've enacted land development codes that protect waterways from pollution that can occur from urban development and created a robust program to monitor construction activities to ensure best practices. In addition, the City Stormwater Program regularly educates and engages Corvallis residents, students, and businesses in preventing stormwater pollution prevention. For more information, please visit the City Stormwater Program. 

The Municipal Court Judge can grant you a continuance for you to get legal advice. You must ask the judge, at the arraignment time set by the officer, to get additional time and to have a new date to appear assigned to you. Neither the Judge nor court staff can give you legal advice.

 If this took place on a state freeway please call the Oregon State Police Office nearest you.

A known suspect is when you, or someone you know, has information that you believe will identify the person(s) who committed the crime.  This could include video surveillance, someone who can identify the suspect, or license plate information for the suspect's vehicle.  If there is a known suspect, please call us at 541-766-6924 so we can investigate the incident.  

An arraignment is the first appearance before a court to answer to a charge. When you receive a citation, you must enter a plea of either guilty, no contest, or not guilty to the court. This entry of plea is done at arraignment. 

The purpose of this policy is to clarify and describe the City’s snow removal and sanding priorities and the level of service that is intended to be provided by City crews. The City does not guarantee that streets will be free of snow and ice after plowing and/or sanding. Bare, dry pavement should not be expected. The City will attempt to maintain adequate traction for vehicles properly equipped for winter driving conditions.

Residents are asked to remove their parked vehicles, boats, and trailers from city streets if possible. The City will not be responsible for vehicles parked on the street that are isolated by snow piles due to plowing operations. 

Arraignments are:

Mondays

• 1:30 p.m. Traffic/Parking Arraignments

• 3 p.m. Criminal Arraignments

Thursdays

• 1:30 p.m. Traffic/Parking Arraignments

Sanding will begin as soon as slick street conditions materialize. Sanding operations will stop if snow accumulations are covering over applied sand, making sanding operations ineffective.

All sidewalks and walkways adjacent to City-owned and maintained property and public parking lots are cleared by the City. Public sidewalks and private parking lots are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Sidewalks not cleared within 24 hours after the snow and/or ice event has concluded can be subject to code enforcement actions (Municipal Code 5.04.050, Nuisances affecting public safety). 

The Corvallis storm system connects most of our City to waterways via storm drains. This means that all residents, businesses, and industries could be potentially impacted by this ordinance. 

A green bike lane enhances the visibility of a bicycle lane in places where there is a potential for conflict with motor vehicles. In Corvallis, we add these to bike lanes where automobile traffic crosses a bike lane. The dashed green strip shows a mixing zone where all users must be most cautious.

Discolored water is often the result of old plumbing. As pipes get older, corrosion begins to take place and bits of rust may eventually flake off. You may want to periodically flush the faucets in your home to help remove any rust that may be building up inside the pipes. Also, check the screens on faucet aerators and showerheads, as small bits of rust may accumulate there and restrict the flow of water. 

Public Works Utilities crews routinely flush water mains and fire hydrants throughout the city to help improve water quality. These flushing activities scour the inside of the distribution system and can cause discolored water to appear at your tap. If we plan on flushing in your neighborhood, you will be notified prior to the event. If discolored water appears at your house, flush the plumbing for several minutes until the water clears. If the color persists, call 766-6932 for more information.

Even when the water supply is adequate, conservation is simply a wise use of a precious resources. Conservation can contribute to a healthy environment, reduce your water bill, and ensure an adequate water supply for years. Using water wisely just makes good $ense! 

You may drive on the street, but on-street parking will be prohibited. Sidewalks will not be closed. Postal, garbage, and recycling services will be notified before work begins, and there should be no or minimal interruption of these services during the work. 

Un sospechoso conocido es cuando usted (o alguien presente) conoce a la persona o donde encontrar a la persona que cometió el crimen o el número de la patente del auto donde iba el sospechoso.

Si el incidente ocurre en una Autopista Estatal por favor llame a la Patrulla de Autopistas de más cercana.

The budget for Corvallis is comparable to similarly sized cities, though a straight apples-to-apples comparison can be difficult. The City’s comparators include Albany, Bend, Springfield, Tigard, and Medford. In some of those communities, Parks and Recreation, Library, and Fire services may be provided by a separate taxing entity. This can make city-to-city comparisons more difficult. But where comparisons can be made, we line up.

Salary and benefits for most City employees are negotiated with the four labor unions that represent them (Police, Fire, 911 and General Service Employees). The only group not represented by a labor union is management staff and a few confidential employees who are exempt employees.

Negotiations with the labor unions must meet the requirements set forth in the Oregon law, known as the Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act. This law requires us to look at what similar sized comparator agencies are paying in total compensation. In addition, the City has a compensation policy that states the City will be within +/- 5% of the average of our comparators.

The City is unable to decrease salaries or withhold negotiated pay increases without bargaining those changes with the labor unions that represent City staff.

All newly developed property is added to the tax rolls at lower than real market value as a result of tax laws in Oregon. Multi-family property added in 2016 has an assigned assessed value of 62% of the real market value, so if you look at an apartment with a $1 million value, the assessed value would be $620,000 and that tax bill for the City’s permanent rate would be $3,166.

As an example, The Retreat at Oak Creek, which was added to the tax rolls with fully developed real market value of $95 million has an assigned assessed value of $58.5 million. The taxes they will pay for the City’s permanent rate total $299,000, not the $485,140 they would have paid if assessed at full market value.

Yes. However, state law does not allow it. OSU contributes to Transit Operations, Fire Prevention, and funds three police officers. OSU also pays all required fees (e.g., building permits, transportation maintenance fees, system development charges).

The City has made significant investments in efficiency automation for the Police department over the years, including investigative technology, online self-reporting of certain allowable offenses, social media and text-to-911 for emergency dispatch. The City implemented e-citations for both Police and Parking with automated download features. In short, the Police Department is a technologically advanced department and currently maximizes allowable public safety technology.

Fareless Transit was implemented by the City Council to achieve several goals.

One was to increase ridership by creating a barrier-free system, especially for low income residents. This goal has been achieved by a system generating more than 1 million rides a year in a town of 58,735 people.

Another goal was to improve the system’s on-time operation by eliminating the time it took for people to drop fares in the box and obtain transfer tickets. The efficiencies gained in this area have been somewhat offset by the on- and off-boarding of more passengers. However, there have been staff time savings from not having to process the coinage and produce transfer tickets. The Transit Operations Fee has the added benefit of being able to match federal transit operating grants, while fare box revenue cannot. This ensures we are able to use 100% of our federal grant allocation and not leave any federal funding on the table unspent.

Parking in Corvallis is managed by the City to balance the availability and convenience of public parking in neighborhoods and business districts throughout the community. Public parking is not intended for long-term vehicle storage, nor does any business, neighborhood, or household “own” the public parking spots in front of their property. The Corvallis community is also interested in minimizing vehicle trips to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Adjusting the pricing for public parking meters in Corvallis is one of the tools that can help achieve those goals.

All fees collected from parking customers stays in the Parking Fund and is used to maintain, operate, and regulate parking facilities. Parking Fund money doesn’t go to pay for police cars or fill potholes or replace streetlights. Rates are adjusted as needed to ensure that the system is used consistent with adopted goals and practices and to ensure that the fees collected cover the costs associated with managing parking for the entire Corvallis community. The City provides a transparent accounting of the Parking Fund each year as part of the annual budget process.

It could. Some communities around Oregon have been successful at implementing a local gas tax. However, there are challenges when one community in an area implements a local gas tax and other nearby communities don’t.

Meter rates haven’t been raised since 2008, while costs to maintain the system have increased. The Parking Fund can no longer sustain needed operations without borrowing from the General Fund, which is not sustainable.

The City operates the Economic Development Office through an intergovernmental agreement with Benton County. The office is charged with implementing the Economic Development Strategy.

While its focus is primarily assisting existing businesses, the Economic Development Office routinely responds to recruitment leads from the State’s Economic Development Department (Business Oregon), as well as leads from other sources. The Economic Development Office also looks for businesses to fill vacant spaces throughout Benton County, including buildings on the HP Campus. Unfortunately, there just has not been a market for 62,000 square feet of office space in the building mentioned.

Fees for meter and overtime violations (also known as parking tickets) have not been raised since 2003. Similar to meter rates, these fees no longer pay to cover the costs associated with managing public parking for all users, both residents and visitors.

No. All streets will remain open to vehicle traffic. Access to homes and businesses will be unaffected.

All local streets in Corvallis currently have a speed limit of 25 mph. Traffic calming may achieve lower speeds without changing posted speed limits.

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.

No. Oregon State Law prohibits riding e-bikes and e-scooters on the sidewalk.

11^th Street and Tyler Avenue is the intersection of two Neighborhood Bikeways, where heavier than usual bike traffic occurs. A traffic circle will facilitate continuous movement for both cyclists and motorists through the intersection while keeping speeds reasonable. It also provides passive traffic control and discourages cut through traffic in the neighborhood.

For more information about traffic circles, visit the Traffic Circle FAQ page.

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

SUBSCRIBE

See below for construction updates throughout the project.

Slurry seal is a petroleum-based emulsion product mixed with fine aggregate rock to provide a new surface to an existing asphalt street. It slows down aging and significantly reduces vehicle road noise. 

Using slurry in conjunction with a crack seal program provides the most cost-effective method to prevent premature aging. First, sealant is applied to any cracks in the street to prevent water from entering the sub-base and causing further deterioration. Then a layer of slurry is applied. 

11^th Street and Tyler Avenue is the intersection of two Neighborhood Bikeways, where heavier than usual bike traffic occurs. A traffic circle will facilitate continuous movement for both cyclists and motorists through the intersection while keeping speeds reasonable. It also provides passive traffic control and discourages cut through traffic in the neighborhood.

Oregon State University launched a one-year Shared Micromobility Pilot Project in August 2024. Current City Municipal Code prohibits shared micromobility to be parked in the public right-of-way, including on the sidewalk, in the street, or in a park strip (the space between the street and the sidewalk). Shared micromobility is allowed to travel on City streets, within the service boundary, and to be parked in designated areas on private property.

If you see a shared scooter or bicycle that is parked in the public right-of-way, please report it to hello@veoride.com. Please include the location, vehicle ID number and mention OSU in your email.

No insurance, license or registration is required.

Four of the locker stalls will fit a bicycle up to 87” in length. The locker doors are 45” tall and 30.75” wide.

To be a registered voter, you must be 18 years of age on the date of the next election, a resident of the State of Oregon (and the City of Corvallis for local measures and candidates), and a citizen of the United States.

If you have not been registered to vote previously in the State, you must file 20 days prior to the next election date. If you have voted previously within the state, you need to check with Benton County Elections and you may be eligible to vote immediately. All prospective voters register with Benton County.

A person who furnishes temporary overnight lodging is considered a lodging provider. Lodging facilities includes any hotel, motel, inn, condominium, house, cabin, apartment, public or private dormitory, fraternity, sorority, public or private club, space in a mobile home or trailer park, tent camping locations, or similar structures or spaces or portions thereof so occupied; provided such occupancy is for less than a 30-day period.

10^th Street and Grant Avenue are both classified as collector streets with marked vehicle, bike, and parking lanes. Collector streets have higher volumes of vehicles traveling through the intersection compared to the intersection of two local streets, such as 11^th Street and Tyler Avenue. This intersection, compared to 10^th Street and Grant Avenue, shows roughly 1/6^th the amount of vehicle throughput, making a traffic circle an appropriate treatment. Neighborhood traffic circles already exist within our community where two local streets intersect, such as at 11^th Street and C Avenue.

The bike racks are located on the north side of the Public Works compound, at 1245 NE 3rd St.

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

A Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) and a Transportation System Plan (TSP) work together to improve how people get around safely and efficiently. The TSP sets broad safety priorities within the context of the overall transportation system—like roads, sidewalks, and bike paths—planning for growth and future needs. The TSAP builds on these priorities by diving deeper into safety issues, using data-driven methods and different metrics to identify safety problems and recommend targeted solutions. By focusing on crash prevention and reducing serious injuries or fatalities, the TSAP complements the TSP to ensure a comprehensive approach to transportation safety. Together, they create a safer and more effective system for everyone.

The initiative process, which requires collection of signatures equaling 15% of the votes cast in the last mayoral election, is generally initiated by citizens. Examples include the measure to allow smoking in bars, the recall of an elected City official or a Charter amendment.

The referendum process, which requires collection of signatures equaling 10% of the votes cast in the last mayoral election, is used to refer legislation adopted by the governing body to a direct vote. Corvallis City Charter, Chapter 6, Section 32  

Initiatives and referenda are only permitted in May and November elections. House Bill 2957, passed at the 2015 Regular Session

A home energy score is an informational tool that provides potential home buyers with knowledge about how energy efficient a home is. Unlike getting a sample utility bill for that home, which measures individual behavior as much as efficiency, a home energy score more accurately represents how much energy will be lost or retained when a resident heats or cools the home.  There is also research that suggests that mandatory energy usage disclosure policies incentivize homeowners to invest in energy efficiency upgrades in their homes. 

Traffic circles are effective at reducing crashes at intersections because there are fewer conflict points. They also reduce speeds at the intersection and multiple traffic circles can help reduce speeds along an entire corridor.

The Public Works compound is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Borrowers can pick up and return racks only during open hours.

As currently proposed, if your home is within the Corvallis city limits and you are publicly listing or advertising your home for sale in any manner, you will need to get a Home Energy Score and Report before listing it. Common ways people advertise a home for sale include online listings, posters, yard signs and ads in print publications. Some homeowners are exempted from getting a Home Energy Score. Please see below for examples of exemptions. 

If you are selling your home privately between two parties and the home is never publicly advertised for sale, then the requirements do NOT apply.

During the slurry seal application, access to your street will be interrupted for a maximum of ten (10) hours — for one day only — unless the contractor is delayed due to equipment failure or rainy conditions. You may not park or drive on the street from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The post office, garbage service, and 911 emergency dispatch will be notified before work begins. We do not expect any interruption of mail delivery, garbage collection or emergency services. 

The RHP 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 RHP fee.

There are currently no incentives available for electric mobility devices open in Corvallis/Benton County. However, there are funds available for other neighboring communities and states. Keep apprised of the revolving door of funding by finding a website that tracks this information. We like this one from RideReview. 

Yes, your vote will still count if you rank only one or only two candidates. However, your ballot has more power if you rank all three choices. If you choose not to, your ranked vote may not be counted in later rounds if your top candidate(s) are eliminated and the lower choice position(s) are left blank.

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.

Small changes can reduce you and your family’s exposure to PFAS chemicals. We may not be able to eliminate our exposure to PFAS, but there are ways to limit it. For example: avoid re-heating foods in fast food packaging and take-out containers; look for take-out food packaging that is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI); replace non-stick cookware with alternatives that don’t contain PFAS; look for “PFAS-Free” when buying waterproof or stain-resistant items, and dental floss, cosmetics, or other personal care products; and choose household cleaning product with EPA Safer Choice, UL Eco-Logo, or Green Seal labels. 

In addition to your bike, you can store gear like a helmet, bags, bike tools, bike clothing and shoes. 

A Home Energy Score Ordinance would require homeowners to get a home energy score from a certified home energy assessor before selling their home, if the home is going to be publicly advertised for sale.

Water will damage both the appearance and sealing capabilities of the slurry. Please refrain from watering lawns, washing cars, or engaging in similar activities that may cause water to enter the street on the day your street is slurry-sealed.

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.

No. If multiple candidates are chosen for the same ranking, the voter’s intent cannot be determined, and the ballot will not be considered.

Political signs shall be erected and maintained entirely on private property with the consent of the occupant of the premises.

No signs are permitted on public property, including rights-of-way, streets, boulevards, bridges, rights-of-way to bridges and streets, medians, parks, planting strips in front of parks, and any other public property.

The area between the sidewalk and the street is not private property; it is a public right-of-way and signs are not allowed.

Political signs shall not be erected prior to 60 days from the applicable election and shall be removed within 15 days after the election.

Corvallis Land Development Code Sections 4.7.50 and 4.7.70

A traffic circle is similar to an intersection with signals in which you need to signal the direction in which you are going to take. When turning right, you need to signal right, when going straight you do not signal, and when turning left or doing a U-turn you signal left. Whenever you exit a traffic circle you need to signal right to show you are exiting. Cyclists should use hand signals.

It should be noted that testing for PFAS compounds is currently limited. The City is testing for 29 PFAS compounds, including the six  compounds that the EPA is going to be regulating in drinking water.  The City is monitoring advancements in laboratory capabilities and will expand its PFAS compound testing as the industry shifts with improved analysis methodologies over time.

If it is a large amount of trash, you can arrange a pickup by City staff and place the bagged trash by the side of the path at a designated location. Otherwise, please bring the trash bags back to Public Works at the time of your equipment return.

The Rental Housing fee is established in Municipal Code Section 8.03.300.065.  The code states the annual fee will increase by $1 every odd numbered year. 

Residential rental properties within the City of Corvallis are assessed an annual Rental Housing fee. The fee is assessed on a per unit basis. Account balances that become 91 days old and 61 days past due are considered delinquent and are assessed a penalty fee of $100 per unit.

A property owner may appeal the penalty fee. Appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis. To appeal the penalty fee, please follow the directions below:

• If your total statement is $400 or less, contact the City Finance Department by phone (541-766-6990) or by email.
• If your total statement is $401 or more, submit your request to Housing and Neighborhood Services (HNS) Division here. A

Water systems have five years to comply with the EPA rule (see EPA Rule FAQ). The City of Corvallis does the following:  

• Drinking water: The City of Corvallis did voluntary PFAS and phthalates testing in drinking water twice in 2023 and will continue to test twice a year in 2024. PFAS and phthalates have not been detected in Corvallis drinking water. The official PFAS and phthalates tests required by the EPA will occur sometime in the Fall of 2024.

• Wastewater: The City tested wastewater for PFAS and phthalates four times in 2023 and will continue to do so in 2024. The City also tested biosolids from the wastewater treatment plant four times in 2023 and will continue to do so in 2024, to further investigate sources and levels PFAS.

Do not stop inside the traffic circle. If you have not yet entered the traffic circle, pull to the right and let the emergency vehicles pass you. If you are in the traffic circle, exit as normal, then pull to the right and let the emergency vehicle pass you.

It depends on the nature of the charge. If the fee is non-refundable, it is part of what the guest pays for occupancy and is therefore subject to Lodging Tax. Conversely, if the cleaning fee is fully refundable or withheld only for specific damages, it is not subject to Lodging Tax..

The City does not want to place undue financial hardship on lower income homeowners. Addressing this is a top priority for staff and Council. City staff is exploring ways to assist lower income home owners obtain a Home Energy Score. 

The new EPA rule—the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)--establishes   legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur individually and/or as mixtures in drinking water. EPA will regulate five PFAS as individually. They are PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA. EPA will regulate four PFAS as a mixture: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. PFAS can often be found together and in varying combinations as mixtures. Decades of research show mixtures of different chemicals can have additive health effects, even if the individual chemicals are each present at lower levels. With this rule, EPA has set limits for these chemicals individually and/or as mixtures. See the following FACT SHEET (epa.gov) for more information.

In Oregon, speed limits are set by and changed through specific procedures defined in state laws and regulations. The primary consideration of this process is the measured speeds of drivers on the street currently. This means that sometimes if a street is studied, the process may actually result in a higher speed limit being posted. The City may occasionally request review of speed limits through the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), however the process can take upwards of six months or more for a determination on whether or not any speed changes may occur. Information about the speed setting process in Oregon is available here.

Recent changes in state law now allow some cities in Oregon to complete speed studies themselves, subject to State oversight. However, the same statewide rules and regulations must be followed. Due to staff workloads and the time-consuming nature of speed studies, this is not something Corvallis plans to take on in the near future and will therefore continue to work with ODOT when considering speed limit evaluations.

At this time, before forwarding a request for a speed study to ODOT or not, the City considers the context of the street, recent speed data if available, changes to the street that may have an effect on speeds, law enforcement support, and the likelihood of the speed changing through the study process.

Contact the Benton County Elections Office for a replacement ballot.

The Benton County Election Office will tally ballots in accordance with the County and City’s ranked choice voting rules for implementation. A detailed description of the tallying process can be found on the Benton County’s Benton Better Ballot site.

Generally, there are no problems with snow or debris removal in traffic circle.

• Health care facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and residential care facilities that are licensed, registered, or certified by Oregon Department of Human Services.
• Drug or alcohol abuse treatment facilities and mental health treatment facilities.
• Facilities with less than 30 days of rentals in a calendar year.  The exemption granted under this subsection does not apply to a dwelling unit that is rented out as a lodging using a lodging intermediary platform of any kind.    
• Any Facility whose rent is collected for the purpose of emergency or temporary shelter, with a voucher bearing the seal of the City of Corvallis, issued by a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization, as defined by the Oregon Department of revenue.  
• Nonprofit youth or church camps, nonprofit conference centers, and qualifying nonprofit facilities.

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.

The most effective way to report concerns or requests to the City is through the online Report A Problem system at http://www.corvallisoregon.gov/report Many transportation-related items reported to the City come in the form of a suggested or requested treatment. Staff will investigate and determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed and if the suggested or requested treatment is appropriate. If staff does find an issue, and believes it may warrant addressing, we may agree with the treatment proposed (if there was one) or choose a different one utilizing our best judgment. Issues needing to be addressed will have to compete with existing priorities, including staff time and budget. We have a limited range of tools within our annual budget. Examples of more easy improvements to implement include lower cost signs and pavement markings, when and where appropriate. However, please know that if the reported issue or request would require installation of substantial new features or could result in a larger project, the City does not typically have this type of un-budgeted funding readily available. These kinds of efforts are subject to the City’s annual public budgeting process and Council approval. You can learn more about the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) here.

As part of its commitment to mitigating climate change and curbing emissions, the City sees this as an opportunity for community members to better understand their energy usage and to increase energy efficiency in the built environment in our community. The implementation of a home energy performance rating is an objective in both the City's Climate Action Plan (page 12), adopted in 2016, and the City's 2022-2026 Strategic Operational Plan (page 13). If the ordinance passes, Corvallis would be the fourth municipality in Oregon to require a Home Energy Score, following Portland, Milwaukie, and Hillsboro. 

PFAS have NOT been detected in Corvallis drinking water. According to the EPA, a home filter could be an effective way to reduce PFAS levels (EPA filter factsheet). Many water pitcher filters and other home-based water filters are able to reduce the levels of PFAS in drinking water. If you decide to use a filter, look for ones that are certified to reduce PFAS. Be aware that current filters on the market will not yet be certified to reduce PFAS to the new EPA standard, but the added filtration they provide can help reduce your exposure. It's important to note that the current certification standards for PFAS filters (as of April 2024) do not yet indicate that a filter will remove PFAS down to the levels EPA has now set for a drinking water standard.

When we analyze a span of road to implement a Neighborhood Bikeway, we look carefully at every element. Railroad crossings are no exception. We are aware that the condition of these crossings can pose a challenge for some street users. Although improvements may appear straightforward on the surface, crossings are actually located within railroad-owned land and require complex coordination, negotiation, approval, and agreements with the railroad and the State who regulates rail crossings. This makes the process very difficult, time consuming and quite expensive. So expensive, in fact, that the cost of crossing improvements alone can quickly surpass the budget for the entire project.

Due to the complexity of parties involved, high costs, and the desire to still advance other beneficial elements of the Neighborhood Bikeway network, we have elected to remove railroad crossings reconstruction from the current project phase. This does not preclude a later effort to attempt to tackle this complex work here and elsewhere.

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 a penalty. The penalty will be imposed in the same manner and the amount provided under ORS 314.400. 

The quality and safety of drinking water from wells that service fewer than 25 persons, such as most household wells, are not regulated by the federal government under the Safe Drinking Water Act nor by many state governments and laws. Furthermore, the City does not have groundwater quality information and does not monitor or regulate drinking water wells.

Private well owners are responsible for assuring safe drinking water for their households. See this FACT SHEET (epa.gov) for more information. If you want to test your well water, visit the Benton County OSU Extension Service’s Water Tests webpage for more information.

Parts per trillion is a unit of measure. It is a very tiny amount. For perspective, one part per trillion is the equivalent of four grains of sugar in an Olympic sized swimming pool (From EPA Factsheet).  

Approval for property zoning must be obtained from the City of Corvallis and Benton County Development Departments.

The City has received several inquiries from property owners interested in establishing short-term (vacation) rentals. Renting out an entire home for a short-term stay of less than 30 days, with no owner present, is classified in Chapter 3.0 of the City’s Land Development Code (LDC) as a Lodging Service use type. Lodging Services are permitted in a variety of commercial zones, however, they are not permitted within residential zoning districts. Property owners that would like to rent out rooms within their home may qualify as a Home Business. Home Businesses are permitted as accessory uses in a majority of the City’s residential zoning districts. Under the definition of Home Business in the LDC,“…Bed and Breakfast businesses that rent up to two bedrooms within owner occupied dwellings are considered to be Home Businesses and are an allowed use….”

City of Corvallis

Development Services

https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/ds

(541) 766-6929

development.services@corvallisoregon.gov

Benton County

Community Development

https://www.co.benton.or.us/lodgingtax/page/start-short-term-rental

(541) 766-6819

comdevinfo@co.benton.or.us

No, the City of Corvallis has a ‘Grandfathered lodging tax'. Local governments that imposed a lodging tax prior to January 1, 2001 are not required to offer a reimbursement for the costs of collecting the tax (also known as an Administrative Fee).

Conversely, Benton County has a ‘New lodging tax’. Local governments that imposed a new lodging tax on or after January 1, 2001 must allow collectors to retain a minimum of 5 percent of all collected tax revenues as reimbursement for the costs of collecting the tax.

Lodging taxes may be used for visitor information center(s), convention promotion and support, the administration of the lodging tax program and any other municipal purpose.

Questions related to filing and remitting taxes should be directed to the Oregon Department of Revenue.

Questions related to registration should be directed to the City of Corvallis Finance department.

Questions related to property zoning should be directed to the City of Corvallis and Benton County Development departments.

Please visit Oregon Department of Revenue https://www.oregon.gov/DOR/programs/businesses/Pages/lodging.aspx