Filing a Complaint How Do I File a Complaint?An investigation may be initiated by submitting a written complaint, calling Code Enforcement, or through e-mail. The preferred method is by email for easy communication, or print out the "Code Enforcement Complaint Form" and mail or fax it to the address or fax number listed below. Regardless of the method used, all complaints must contain the information listed below.
Filing a Complaint
Written Complaint: Citizens may submit a letter of complaint or a completed Complaint Form to Code Enforcement at the following address:
Regular Mail: Marion County Code EnforcementPO Box 14500Salem OR 97309 Hand-Delivered:Marion County Code EnforcementSheriff's Office, basement floor, Marion County Courthouse100 High St. NE, SalemFax: A written complaint can be faxed to (503) 589-3284.E-Mail: Submit an email complaint to mailto:enforcement@co.marion.or.us
Phone Calls: Citizens may file a complaint by calling Code Enforcement at (503) 373-4333. Please be advised Code Enforcement staff are out in the field conducting investigations a substantial part of each day and may be difficult to contact. However, they are usually available in the morning, from 8:00 to 9:30, and have voicemail for messages.
Please note Marion County Code Enforcement does not handle complaints regarding property or situations inside any city. You will need to contact the city where the property is located to file a complaint. Links to the City of Salem Compliance Services, City of Keizer website and others can be found on our "Links and Brochures" page.
Your name, address (include zip code), daytime phone number, and e-mail address (if available.
The exact location of the problem, i.e. street name and house number. If not available, provide the location of the property, i.e. northwest corner of Main and Smith Streets.
Nature of complaint – describe the complaint such as type of garbage being collected, type of potentially illegal home business, dangerous building, excessive noise, etc.
Name of property owner or resident (if known).
Length of time of violation (if known).
Whether or not you would like to be kept informed of the investigation.
You may be contacted by an Enforcement Officer if additional information is required. Anonymous Complaints and ConfidentialityCode Enforcement does not accept anonymous complaints. The County believes that anonymous complaints are not as reliable as those made by citizens who are willing to identify themselves. However, information about complainants is kept confidential unless the official enforcement file is subpoened as part of a legal proceeding. For more information, refer to the "Confidentiality" page for more information.
TimelineComplaints are usually handled in the order received. It may take up to two weeks before an investigation is conducted, depending on the number of complaints currently on file. Safety issues take precedence over other complaints and are investigated as soon as possible. Resolving a violation may take up to 90 - 120 days, depending on the nature of the violation and voluntary action of the violator.
Please refer to the “Enforcement Process – What Happens and When” page for information about how complaints are handled.