FAQS

FAQS

1. Will my name by kept confidential if I submit a complaint?

2. We are outside of the city limits but inside the Urban Growth Area. Do County nuisance codes apply here?

3. How many junk cars is my neighbor allowed to keep on his property?

4. How do I submit a complaint?

5. How long does Wasco County give people to come into compliance?

6. What is solid waste?

7. What are the consequences of NOT complying with the County regulations?

8. Can I build a structure less than 200 sq ft without any approval or permits?

9. Can I leave an RV on my land that doesn't have a legal dwelling (home) to "camp out"?

10. What about relatives and friends staying in an RV on my property that has a legal dwelling (home)?

11. Where do I go for building code regulations?

12. Can I place a "temporary" structure on my property--as long as it does not have a foundation--without permits?

13. What about yurts or tents; are they regulated by the County?

14. Who do I call about septic issues?

15. How do I get rid of my junk car?

16. Who do I call about animal nuisances?

17. I live in the city of The Dalles, Dufur, Mosier, Maupin, Antelope, or Shaniko: do Wasco County nuisance codes apply here?

Question: Will my name by kept confidential if I submit a complaint?
Answer: Unless required by law or the case is brought into a civil court, your personal information (name, phone number, address) will be kept confidential. You may also submit your complaint anonymously without signing it or providing your personal information, however, signed complaints may take precedence over anonymous complaints.¹

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Question: We are outside of the city limits but inside the Urban Growth Area. Do County nuisance codes apply here?
Answer: No; properties in the Urban Growth Area are only subject to the County's solid waste ordinance². The City of the Dalles planning codes (land use, dwellings, structures) apply to the Urban Growth Area; unfortunately, The Dalles nuisance codes do not apply.

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Question: How many junk cars is my neighbor allowed to keep on his property?
Answer: in resource zones (agriculture and forest zones) three "abandoned, unregistered or disabled"³ cars may be kept outside uncovered. In non-resource zones (residential and FF-10 zones) one such vehicle may be kept outside. **Note: exceptions to this would include vehicles that are used on the property for farming or ranch duties or vehicles that have a fitted car cover in place.

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Question: How do I submit a complaint?
Answer: The best way is to use our hassle-free online complaint submission form. You can also print a form online then submit it by mail or scan/email it, or come into the Code Compliance Office and submit your complaint directly.

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Question: How long does Wasco County give people to come into compliance?
Answer: It depends on what the violation is. Serious health hazards will require immediate attention. Other solid waste violations usually will be granted anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months or more to clean up depending on the severity and impact on the surrounding area. Land use violations (illegal dwellings, structures) can take several months due to the involved nature of attempting to permit or remove a structure.

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Question: What is solid waste?
Answer: taken from Wasco County's Solid Waste Ordinance:

Solid Waste - Includes all putrescible and nonputrescible wastes, whether in solid or semi-solid form, including but not limited to: garbage, trash, rubbish, refuse, ashes, paper, cardboard; commercial and industrial wastes; demolition and construction wastes; manure, vegetable or animal solid or semi-solid wastes including yard debris, dead animals; medical and infectious waste as defined in ORS 459.386 and OAR 340-93-030 (42) and (52); all wastes capable of being recycled that are commingled with other wastes; and, incidental Household Hazardous Waste or Small Quantity Generator Hazardous waste as defined under 40 CFR 261.5. The term "Solid Waste" shall not include Hazardous Waste as defined in ORS 466.005 or any of the following:

a. Materials used for fertilizer or for other productive purposes on land in the growing and harvesting of crops or the raising of fowl or animals;
b. Septic tank and cesspool pumping or chemical toilet waste;
c. Reusable beverage containers as defined in ORS 459A.725; and
d. Source separated principal recyclable materials as defined in ORS Chapter 459 and the Rules promulgated thereunder, which have been purchased or exchanged for fair market value.

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Question: What are the consequences of NOT complying with the County regulations?
Answer: Depending on the violation the consequences will include some or all of the following:

Planning Department HOLD on the property (no development allowed)
The violation recorded on the property deed record
Fines up to $10,000 (junk, solid waste)
Fines up to $20,000 or value of dwelling/structure, whichever is greater
Property lien
County abatement of violation charged to the owner