Code Enforcement
A code violation occurs when a property fails to comply with local regulations and standards set by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. These violations can pertain to various aspects of property maintenance and construction, including safety, environmental, and health requirements. The purpose of codes is to ensure that properties are safe, well-maintained, and in harmony with community standards.
Common Types of Code Violations:
- Building Code Violations: These involve structural issues, electrical hazards, or plumbing problems that do not meet established safety codes. For example, failing to obtain the necessary permits for construction or renovations is a common building code violation.
- Zoning Violations: These occur when a property is used in a manner inconsistent with its designated zoning. For example, running a business in a residentially zoned area without proper authorization can lead to a zoning violation.
An investigation may be initiated by submitting a written complaint. Please fill out this Code Enforcement Complaint Form. It is a fillable word document. It does need to be signed. All documents can be emailed to iwilliams@union-county.org, mailed to the Planning Department, or hand delivered. If you are unable to print out the form and sign it, you can email us the unsigned form but you will be required to come into the office to sign the document before a review of the complaint can start.
Union 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.
Anonymous Complaints and Confidentiality Policy
Code Enforcement does not accept anonymous complaints.
Complainant Confidentiality Policy
The County’s enforcement-related confidentiality policy is based on State of Oregon public records’ statutes. Enforcement records are public records but the name of complainant is exempt from disclosure. The exemption is entitled: “information submitted to a public body in confidence.” As such, any record that identifies a complainant is exempt from disclosure. However, notes in a file or a complaint letter that does not specifically identify the complainant may be disclosed.
The County will disclose the complainant’s name if that person is going to be a witness in an enforcement case – the “right of cross examination” requires this provision.