Yellow Curb Painting

Yellow markings on the curb

What does a yellow curb mean? 
In the City of Corvallis, yellow-painted curbs are used to denote no-parking zones. Yellow curbs are typically used in front of fire hydrants, at approaches to stop signs and intersections, some transit stops, and at bike lane transition areas. Yellow curbs may also be used on either side of business and residential driveway approaches to maintain sight lines. 

Who is responsible for painting yellow curbs at driveway approaches? 
Unlike other yellow curb zones, the City of Corvallis does not paint or maintain yellow curbing on either side of driveway approaches. Instead, it is the responsibility of the respective property owner to paint approaches to driveways if they desire this. 

What if my driveway is constantly blocked? 
Parking in front of public and private driveways is already prohibited under the Oregon Vehicle Code. If you have an ongoing problem with people obstructing your street visibility or blocking your driveway and you feel that yellow curbing on either side of your driveway would be helpful, you have the option of painting the curbs yourself.

2 feet yellow curbs from the driveway

HOW TO PAINT YELLOW CURBS

Obtaining a permit
Before any work is done on the curbs, a permit must be obtained from the City’s Public Works Department at 1245 NE 3rd Street. There is no charge for the permit, which remains valid until the property ownership changes. Painting must occur within two weeks of obtaining the permit, so it is recommended to wait for a stretch of dry weather.

Approved Materials and Tools

  1. Paint - Standard Water-based Traffic Paint only - Yellow 
    • Dura-Line 2000 Traffic Paint (available at TMT Pathway, Salem) 
    • Daniel Boone Paint (available at Rodda Paints, Albany) 
    • Sherwin-Williams (available at Corvallis/Albany)
  2. Scraper
  3. Masking tape and paper 
  4. Paint Roller/Brush 
  5. Paint Guard or Pan

Curb Preparation 
To prepare the curb for the paint application, you must first remove any organic material near the curb, scrape off any existing loose paint, and clean any oil spills. Any debris and loose material left must be swept and disposed of properly. Measure two feet (2') out from the driveway edge so that you know where the paint should stop. 

Paint Application 
After masking necessary street surfaces and grass areas, apply the paint to the vertical and horizontal face of the curb with the roller or brush. Warning: the paint will dry very quickly. Apply the paint to only a length of two feet on either side of the driveway. Allow paint to thoroughly dry and then remove any masking materials.

Clean-up 
The paint is water-based and only soap and water are needed to clean the roller and other painting tools used. Cleaning of painting tools in the street and/or catch basins is strictly prohibited.