Code Enforcement

These brochures contain useful information on specific County ordinances including regulations, examples of violations, possible exceptions to regulations, resources available to resolve violations, how to file a complaint, etc.

Marion County's Code Enforcement Program (includes valuable resource information)

Outdoor Mass Gatherings

Noise Regulations

Backyard Burning ( only applies in the Salem-Keizer Urban Growth Boundary)

Operating a Business Out of Your Home in Rural Areas

Operating a Business Out of Your Home Inside an Urban Growth Boundary

Mobile Food Vendor Businesses in the Salem Urban Growth Boundary

Mobile Food Vendor Businesses in the Woodburn Urban Growth Boundary

Raising Animals in Backyards (outside city limits and explains limitations on certain animals)

Links to Other Enforcement-Related Sites

Marion County Building Inspection Division   - (503) 588-5147
Marion County Planning Division  - (503) 588-5038
State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board   - (503) 378-4621
Marion County Health Department  - (503) 588-5346
Marion County Sheriff's Office   - (503) 588-5094
Marion County Dog Control  - (503) 588-5366
East Marion Justice Court - (503) 370-8087
Polk County Code Compliance  - (503) 623-9237
City of Salem Community Development Compliance Services - (503) 588-6421
City of Keizer Code Enforcement - (503) 856-3438

Marion County Board of Commissioners signed Off-Road Vehicle Ordinance #1272,  covering recreationally operated use of off-road vehicles.  

Ordinance #1272 defines “Recreationally operate" as driving, operating, or riding an off-road vehicle for recreational purposes. Recreational operation includes the use of an off-road vehicle "...on a track, loop, trail, course, raceway, strip, hill, area with jumps, mounds or banked turns, or other similar terrain.”       

Ordinance #1272 defines “Off-road vehicle" as "...any self-propelled motor vehicle that is designed or capable of traversing natural terrain, including but not limited to motorcycles, dirt bikes, four-wheel drive vehicles, all terrain vehicles, jeeps and halftracks.”

Specific Regulations

1. No person shall operate or allow anyone else to operate an off-road vehicle on any non-road area within the urban grown boundary of any city.
    
2. No person shall operate or allow anyone else to operate an off-road vehicle on any non-road area between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
    
3. No person shall operate or allow anyone else to operate an off-road vehicle on any non-road area for more than 3 hours between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
    
4. No person shall recreationally operate any off-road vehicle on any non-road area that is within 100 feet of the property line of that property.

There are two general exceptions to the regulations listed above:  1) vehicles used for farming, timber, military, fire prevention, emergency services, or law enforcement; and 2) vehicles used exclusively for the purpose of property maintenance.

If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact Code Enforcement staff at (503) 373-4333 or email at CodeEnforcement@co.marion.or.us .  You can also print out the Off-Road Vehicles brochure that has the information outlined above in greater detail, as well as other resources.

The quicker the graffiti is removed, the stronger the message that the community will not tolerate the vandalism. Report graffiti concerns to:

Contact

Ways to help deter graffiti:

1)  Keep property well maintained and well lit.
2)  Check property daily and immediately paint over or remove graffiti observed.
3)  Fences - try to use chain link to prevent a "canvas" for taggers.
4)  Paint wood/vinyl fences dark colors.
5)  Use protective coating/sealant on fences and buildings.
6) Use landscaping such as thorny plants or other shrubs to prevent access to a fence or wall.
7)  See graffiti on public property (utility boxes, postal boxes, street signs)?  Please use the contacts listed above to report it!

Violations inside cities contact each city directly. 

Contact the City of Salem Parking Services office, for vehicles parked on city streets, at (503) 588-6133.

Please note Code Enforcement does handle complaints for RVs, boats, trailers and other larger vehicles parked on the street or driveway inside the boundaries of incorporated cities. 

Rats and other rodents contact the County Health Department, Vector Control, at (503) 588-5357

Illegal backyard burning outside the Salem/Keizer urban growth boundary contact your local fire department.

Excessive dog barking, dogs running loose and/or kennel operations contact Marion County Dog Control at (503) 588-5366.

Garbage Haulers: Contact Recycle Hotline at (503) 390-4000 for garbage service in your area. Garbage haulers also provide estimates to remove old furniture, tires, etc.

Recycling and Disposal Sites: All sites accept cardboard, newspaper, magazines, glass, tin cans, and plastic bottles. For a complete list of locations contact Marion County Environmental Services, (503) 588-5169

North Marion Recycle Station: (503) 981-4117; 17827 Whitney Lane NE, Woodburn. Also accepts scrap metal, used motor oil, consumer batteries. Tires, yard waste and appliances recycled for a fee.

Brown’s Island Landfill: 2895 Faragate St. S, Salem; (503) 588-5169. Also accepts ashes, asphalt, sheetrock, tile, vinyl flooring, sod, timbers, sand, plastic pipe, plaster, brick, etc.

Salem-Keizer Transfer Station: (503) 362-8358; 3250 Deer Park Dr. SE, Salem. Also accepts hazardous waste disposal for antifreeze, fuels, paint thinner, weed killer, etc.

State of Oregon Landlord Tenant Consumer Protection  (503) 378-4320 can help with consumer and business rights and consumer-related enforcement actions.

Marion-Polk Legal Aid  (503) 581-5265 or 1-800-359-1845 provides legal advice and representation to low-income citizens.

Northwest Senior and Disability Services  (503) 304-3400 coordinates service for seniors and people with disabilities to determine needs and eligibility including family caregiver support and long-term care services.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor (503) 585-0651 provides free and voluntary mediation for people in conflict with the help of a neutral third party.  Issues covered include animals, noise and landlord/tenant.

Marion County Housing Authority  (503) 373-4448 assists with low-income housing needs.