City of Woodburn
Frequently Asked Questions
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The top 10 questions asked are now in Video format. You can view these Video answers to some FAQ's by going to
Frequently Asked Questions Video page.
- Who is our City Manager (City Administrator)?
- The City Administrator is Scott Derickson
- How many City Councilors does Woodburn Have?
- There are 6 City Councilors. More information on our City Council and the Mayor's office can be found on the
Mayor and City Council Page
- How do I get to the Police Department?
- Click Here for a Directional Video
- From City Hall, go west on Montgomery, turn right on Settlemier Ave, turn right on Newberg Hwy, go under the train trestle,
the first driveway on the right is the Police Dept. There’s a sign in front.
- Map
- Where is Justice Court?
- Click Here for a Directional Video
- Justice Court is in the strip mall which is just north of Goodwill. Their address 986 N. Pacific Court. Their telephone number is 503-981-8101.
- Map
- How come my water usage is so high?
- Click Here for a Directional Video
- There are two charges on a water bill: the sewer charge and the water charge. The sewer charge is calculated based on
water used during the four winter months. The water charge is based on water used each month. If you notice a change in
your amount due, and you have not changed your usage, perhaps you have a leak. Call the Finance Office to discuss how to check
for a leak. It’s easy! Our phone is 503-982-5222.
- You can also go to our Water Meter web page that
explains how to read your meter and how to use this reading to determine if you may have a water leak
- Why am I charged for water when I know there was no usage during the month?
- Click Here for a Directional Video
- There is a minimum charge for having water available. The amount of the sewer charge remains constant every month. The amount for water, to have it
available, is approximately $13.
- There is a property or open lot in town that has overgrown weeds/grass/abandoned property that is a real fire/safety hazard
Who do I call about this?
- You can call the Woodburn Police Department (please, do not call 911 unless there is a real emergency). They will contact
the City Code Enforcement Division who will inspect any of the above complaints for violation of City Ordinances. For
more information, contact the Police Department at 503-982-2345 or go to their web page
- I have some yard debris that I want to burn. What are "Burn Days" and what can I burn?
- Burn Days are days and time of day that you can burn yard debris. There are certain types of material that you cannot
burn. For more information regarding Burn Days and what you can and cannot burn, see
DEQ - Open Burning. If in doubt or you cannot access the web site, please call the
Woodburn Burn Line at 503-982-0011
- I have questions regarding child safety seats/restraints in my vehicle. Is there someone I can call?
- I noticed that the street light/s are not working on my street. Who do I call?
- For street lighting on a city street, call 503-982-5236
- For street lighting on a state highway such as Interstate 5, Ore. 99, or Ore. 214, call the Oregon Department of
Transportation at 503-362-0457
- I am leaving for a vacation/trip that will be extended. Should I ask that my utilities be turned off until I return?
Will this save me money?
- There are many variables that apply here. The best way to answer this question is to call City Hall, 503-982-5222,
and have your account checked to see if shutting off your utilities will actually save you money verses doing nothing.
Additionally, some utilities should not be shut off at all, as doing so may cause damage to your home, especially in
the winter
- I have a raccoon, rat, possum, squirrel, or other wildlife problem. Who do I call?
- City Ordinance only covers stray or "at loose" dogs. For all other critters, call a private pest control company
- If you have a problem with a skunk, you will need to call a private pest removal company as the City does not have the personal or equipment to handle this
situation. You can visit Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for a list of Wildlife Control Operators that may assist you
with this problem.
- I have a honey bee problem or other bee problem. They have established hive/s on or at my house. What can I do?
- Again, you will need to call a private pest control company. However, Matt Gwynn, the City Maintenance Superintendent
has been helpful in the past with this problem. While it is not part of his City duties, he may be able to help.
You can reach Matt by phone at 503-980-2424 or by e-mail at matt.gwynn@ci.woodburn.or.us.
- How do I report Graffiti?
- If you see someone involved in the act of creating Graffiti, call 911 and report it immediately
- Otherwise, please call the Police Department at 503-982-2345
- There is a dead animal on my street that needs to be disposed of. Who do I call?
- Call the City Maintenance office for removal. Their number is 503-982-5236
- Where can I get a marriage license?
- Click Here for a Directional Video
- The City of Woodburn does not issue marriage licenses. Contact the Marion County Courthouse in Salem. Their number
is 503-588-5225 or go to the Marion County web site
- I need to license my dog. Where do I do this?
- I need a Notary Public to get something notarized. Where can I go?
- I want to start a business or do soliciting. How do I get a Business License or a Solicitors License?
- Can I rent athletic fields in City Parks?
- I am having a wedding/birthday/other event and want to have live music. How do I obtain a permit to have a musical band
play in my back yard?
- Permits in residential areas are not granted. In other areas such as a restaurant, park, or other establishment, permits of
this type are handled by the Police Department. You can contact them by calling their business line at
503-982-2345. There is a $33 application fee for this type of permit
- I am having a yard/garage sale and want to put up signs. What signs can I set up?
- You can place signs in your yard only. Typical yard/garage sale signs tacked or taped to light poles, traffic sign
posts, and on other poles and posts in the public right of way are not allowed.
Signs allowed per Section 3.110.11.G of the Sign Ordinance:
- "Lawn signs and A-frame signs in residential zones provided that not more than two such signs are located
on a lot or parcel and the total area for all such signs does not exceed eight square feet. Such signs shall
not exceed six feet in height and shall not be placed in the public right of way or vision clearance areas."
- Signs that are discovered in locations not allowed by the above ordinance will be removed by Code Enforcement Officers
- Many other questions regarding signs can be answered by reading the City of Woodburn Sign Ordinance.
- I want to check out a book at the
Woodburn Public Library. Do I have to be a resident of the City to do this?
- Woodburn residents receive a card free of charge. To receive a free library card, visit the Circulation Desk at the
Woodburn Public Library. We will need to see photo ID with your current address, or another document showing your
current address if you've recently moved (e.g. a bill or rental agreement).
- Residents of Marion County living outside of Woodburn may also receive a free library card. For children 14 and
under, this free (CARE) card for non-city residents allows them to check out up to 25 items from the YS library.
Free adult cards are allowed 1 check out and 1 hold.
- A full-service card may be purchased for a household for $60 per year (or $30 for 6 months). These children
and adult patrons can check out up to 50 items.
- A non-resident borrowing card (out-of-district, or not living in Marion County) may be purchased for $75.00
per household per year. These children and adult patrons can check out up to 50 items.
- With a Woodburn Public Library card, patrons may check out any of the material in our collection, as well as
request material from the other public libraries in Polk, Yamhill, and Marion counties. To search the catalog and
place requests, see the Library Catalog section of the
Woodburn Public Library web page.
- Can I obtain a Police Report at the Police Department?