The Medford Post Office did not have any large post office boxes available. Additionally, the City has contracted with Retail Lockbox, Inc. to process all mailed payments. This is a lower cost option than processing them ourselves. Retail Lockbox, Inc.’s banking partner is located here in Medford, but the actual payments will be processed outside of Medford.

Utility fees pay for maintenance of sewer and storm drain lines, parks and police and fire services. Specifically:

Sanitary Sewer - The sewer fee pays for the treatment of sewage as well as the maintenance and upgrades to the sewer collection system.

Storm Drain - The storm drain fee pays for maintenance and upgrades to the storm drainage collection system. The goal of this program is to minimize flooding and protect streams in Medford.

Public Safety - The public safety fee pays for five police officers and five firefighters as well as debt services for the Medford Police Building, parking garage, and three new fire stations.

Street Maintenance - The street fee pays for operations and maintenance of City streets. This includes such things as pavement preservation, signing and striping, and electricity for street lights.

Parks - The parks fee pays for beautification in the public right-of-way and parks. The fee also pays for debt services for the US Cellular Community Park.

City utility fees pay for infrastructure and services for use by everyone in the city. All residents and businesses within the city use streets, sewer, and storm drain facilities; funding to operate and maintain this infrastructure is provided through the Street, Sewer and Storm Drain utility fees. Likewise, everyone benefits from police and fire protection. While hopefully, you’ve never had an emergency at your location, prevention programs benefit everyone through low crime rates and reduced risk of fire. The Parks utility fee provides funds to maintain beautification areas in the City including park strips throughout Medford, the grassy area along Biddle Road, and North Medford Interchange, to name just a few. 

We encourage you to call our office at 541-774-2140 if you have any questions or concerns about the City of Medford’s utility bill. Customers wanting a review of the classification used to determine the street utility fee may fill out the Street Fee Classification Inquiry form, available by clicking here.

Each utility fee has its own calculation.

Sewer:  Single-family customers pay a flat rate and no additional charge based on water use. All other customers pay the same base charge as single-family customers, but also pay a consumption charge based on water use. Multi-family residential and certain other customers have their consumption charge based on a “winter average”; non-residential customers’ consumption is based solely on water use.

Storm Drain:  All customers pay a flat fee that reflects a property’s impact on the City’s storm drainage system. The impact is based on “impervious area”, which means surface areas that either prevent or retard the absorption of water into the surface of the soil. Examples include buildings, driveways, parking lots and gravel surfaces used for vehicular traffic. The average impervious area for single-family customers in Medford was measured using Geographic Information System (GIS) software and all single family customers pay the same amount. The actual impervious area for all other customers is measured.

Street:  All customers pay a flat fee that reflects the amount of traffic generated for the property’s purpose. The City uses the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) Traffic Generation manual to determine the amount of traffic generated for each residence and business.

Parks and Public Safety:  All customers pay a flat fee based on the number of dwelling units or commercial suites.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is permitted in all single-family residential zoning districts per the regulations in Section 10.821 and applicable building codes.          

Check out the following mapping application for details about Planning activities and permits around the City:
What's Happening in My Neighborhood Mapping Application

 

A "Fraudulent Document Report" must be filled out in order to proceed with prosecution for a bad check. This form is available at the Medford Police Department Fraud Investigation Section located at 219 S. Ivy Street. There are a few guidelines that must be met in order to accept a check for prosecution:

 

1. No out of state checks, regardless of the address of the suspect.
2. For non-sufficient funds checks (NSF)- $200.00 minimum or combined amount.
3. For account closed checks- $100.00 minimum.
4. For forgery- no minimum value.
5. No two-party checks.
6. No counter checks.
7. ID must have been checked and recorded or personal recognition by person accepting check.
8. 10-day (NSF check only) grace period for notification to suspect by merchant.
9. Check must be turned over for prosecution not more than 60 days after being rejected by the bank.

For further information, phone the Fraud Investigation Section at (541) 774-2230.

Bee hives are permitted in the single-family residential zoning districts and all commercial and industrial zoning districts.  A maximum of three hives are permitted on property less than one acre.  Six hives are permitted on property between 1 and 2 acres in size.  An additional 3 hives per acre are permitted for properties over two acres.  Free registration is required.  For complete regulations see Section 10.813(C).  
 

Goats fall under the definition of livestock and are only permitted on property that have the Exclusive Agricultural overlay.

Yes, based on a Medford Municipal Court ruling in 2007.  Chickens are permitted as long as the environment they are kept in is odor and debris free and they do not cause a noise disturbance to neighboring properties.
This question is also covered under the Police Dept. FAQs page. Our language replicates their response.

A bike license form may be filled out online at our website by clicking here.  It can also be filled out at the police department. It is free to obtain the license and only takes a few minutes to complete the process. We must know the serial number of the bike to complete the form. For further information, or to have a form sent to your home, contact Medford Police Records at (541) 774-2250.

Anyone under the age of 16, riding a bicycle in a place open to the public, is required to wear protective headgear in compliance with ORS 815.052.

Refer to: State of Oregon Vital Records, PO Box 14050 Portland, OR 97293-0050 - Phone 971-673-1190  

No. Debris burning is prohibited within the Medford City limits per Medford Code section 5.500.

http://www.ci.medford.or.us/CodePrint.asp?CodeID=3299

There is no burning in the Medford city limits at any time. From November 1 through the end of February each year, there is no burning in Jackson County, except in certain areas outside of the Air Quality Maintenance Area boundaries.

From March 1 through the beginning of fire season, open and barrel burning is permitted in rural areas, but a burn permit is required. Burn permits are valid from March 1 through the end of October each year, except during fire season (Fire season beginning and ending dates are set by the Oregon Department of Forestry 541-664-3328). From the end of fire season, through the end of October, open and barrel burning is again permitted with a burn permit.

Contact your local fire department for more information on burn permits and regulations for your area. Each fire district issues burn permits for their own area. For our rural district (Medford Rural Fire Protection District 2) you can find more information and burn permits here.

You can use the Medford Land Information mapping system to find out if your property is located in the City.  If you would prefer to talk to City staff, contact the City's Public Works Department at 541-774-2100.

5.255 Hours of Park Closure (1) No person shall be in Prescott Park, any other city public park, the I.O.O.F./Eastwood Cemetery or vehicle parking area of those parks or cemetery at any time between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m., except that this section shall not apply to: (a) pedestrians crossing the Mini Park or Library Park on a paved path; (b) participants or spectators of an athletic contest in park areas lit by park flood lights for those contests; (c) persons attending a scheduled event in a park or park building designated for community recreation or instruction; (d) city employees or other government employees during the course of official activities. (2) Violation of this section constitutes a violation. Amd. Ord. No. 5994, Oct. 15, 1987; Amd. Ord. No. 2000-39, March 2, 2000; Amd. Ord. No. 2000-45, March 16, 2000.]

5.600 Control of Dogs (1) No person who owns or keeps a dog shall permit the dog to: (a) defecate on a street, sidewalk or publicly owned property unless the person immediately removes the feces from the property; (b) chase vehicles or persons; (c) scatter garbage; (d) run at large anywhere within the City limits, or within any city-owned public park except for any park area specifically designated as a dog park. To run at large means to be off a leash. (2) Violation of this section constitutes a violation. [Amd. Sec. 1, Ord. No. 1999-151, Oct. 28, 1999; Amd. Ord. No. 2000-45, March 16, 2000.]

No.  Advertising relating to commercial enterprises of any kind is not allowed to be placed in or on a vehicle without the consent of the owner.  The only exception is handbills or stickers placed by US, state, county or municipalities for enforcement activities.  See Medford Municipal Code 8.835

No.   It is unlawful to post or attach in any way a sign on a utility pole, wall, hydrant, bridge, tree or structure in the public right-of-way except by permission of the City Council.

Yes.  Chickens are allowed in Medford but with conditions:  the environment they are kept in must be kept odor and debris free; and the chickens cannot cause a noise disturbance to neighboring properties.

Unlike vehicles, any type of manufactured vehicle or trailer, ie. boat trailer, camp trailer, utility trailer, etc., are only allowed for 24 hours and then must be removed from the public right-of-way and placed on private property.  It should be realized that the public street is for just parking, not storing.  (See Medford Municipal Code 6.345 (2))

All owners of RESIDENTIAL rental property within the city limits of Medford is required to subscribe to and pay for weekly garbage service.  This means that your landlord (or property manager) must order & pay directly for your garbage service through the current City of Medford franchise holder.  The City of Medford has no other requirements for what the property owner must provide tenants, any other requirements would be between the tenant and landlord as per a rental agreement.  See Medford Municipal Code 5.502.

No.  Trailers can only be occupied if parked in an RV park.  Medford Municipal Code 10.859

Vehicles, with valid registration, may sit in the same location without moving for 5 days.  They become a violation on day 6.  Once they move a minimum of 25 feet from their original position this 5-day period will start over.  Vehicles with expired registration should not be on the street for any length of time.  See Medford Municipal Code 6.345

The City of Medford has a graffiti ordinance that requires the affected property owner to remove or cover over the graffiti within 10 days of notification of the nuisance.  The Code Enforcement Department takes photos of the graffiti (or accepts digital photos via email) and forwards them to the Gang/Street Drug Unit within the Police Department for their follow-up investigation.  Phone calls to the Code Enforcement Department are appreciated when instances of graffiti are noticed so that we can get this damage covered over or removed as soon as possible to help keep the city graffiti-free.  See Medford Municipal Code 5.519

Trucks or buses cannot park on a street in front of or within 100 feet of a hotel, apartment, residence, city park, or school between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. During the remaining hours of the day, motor trucks, truck trailers, and commercial buses may only park on residential streets of the city while in the process of loading or unloading persons or property to adjacent properties. This limitation does not apply to commercial and/or industrial zones.

Debris should not be put in the creeks, but if it ends up there, then the Public Works Maintenance Division will remove it once each year.

Public Works Maintenance Division 541-774-2600, once every third year.

Portal Framing is used as lateral reinforcement when a panel is too narrow to
accommodate regular Brace Panels. Typically, it is used for framing Garage openings.
The panels at each end of each Portal Frame must be equal in width and height.
In addition, the bottom (sill) plate must be doubled.

Item	1 Story Structure	2 Story Structure
Min. panel width	22 1/2"
Max. plate-to-plate height	8'
Max. opening span	25', measured panel center to panel center
Min. opening width	8'
Min. Footings	7" x 15", with min. 24" / max. 48" tall foundation walls, measured to base of footings walls
Min. Horizontal Reinforcement	In footing: Two #4, extending 10' beyond panel each direction In foundation wall: one in upper portion
Min. Vertical Reinforcement	Two #4 bars with 6" legs per panel
Min. Header Size	4" x 12"
Min. hold-downs	Two 4,800 lbs. per panel	Two 5,300 lbs. per panel
Anchor bolts	Two 1/2" x 12" per panel, located at quarter points
Min. tie-straps	Four 1,000 lbs. per panel, 8 total1	Two 4,000 lbs. hold-downs or four 2000 lbs. tie straps per panel2
Sheathing	Min. 3/8" plywood or 2MN particleboard, installed vertically on one face
Nailing pattern	Two rows of 8d nails at 3" o.c.
Framing notes	Use double bottom plate, 4 x's at hold-downs, one top plate below the header, and a min. 4" x 12" header spanning to the outside of the panels

¹These are used to tie beam to 4 x's.
²These are used to tie lower 4 x's to upper wall sill plate.

Schematic for One Story Portal Frame

Schematic for Two Story Portal Frame

Structural Intermediate Panel Schematic

Non-structural Intermediate Panel Schematic

Portal Frame Foundation Schematic

Braced Panels, Exterior (BP)

Brace panels are used as lateral reinforcement to walls enhancing the stiffness of the
structure and providing protection against wind forces and earthquakes.

• Typical minimum 4' wide sheathed panel (i.e. min. 1/2" OSB, 1/2" CDX,
  3/8" Structural Plywood, etc.) for an 8' high wall covering a minimum of four studs for 16" o.c. stud spacing and three studs for 24" stud spacing. Let-in bracing and/or approved metal strap bracing is not permitted in this seismic zone.
• Max. height: 12' (Note: This would require a minimum 4' 9" wide brace panel because the maximum height to width ratio 2 1/2:1).
• To be sized and placed at the following minimum intervals:
  One Story or Top of Two Story
  Located at each end and at least 25' on-center but not less than 16% of wall length.
  First Story of Two Story or Second Story of Three Story
  Located at each end and at least 25' on-center but not less than 25% of wall length.
  First Story of Three Story
  Located at each end and at least 25' on-center but not less than 40% of wall length.
• The center to center spacing of 25' in one and two family dwellings may be exceeded up to a maximum of 30' on center, provided the percentage of bracing for that braced wall line meets the requirement for the next highest level (i.e. 16% to 25%, or 25% to 40%).
• Used on braced wall lines inline or offset not more than 4'
• Shall begin within 8' from each end of an exterior braced wall line
• Braced wall lines 12' long or less shall have at least one BP
• All horizontal joints to be blocked to accommodate required nailing.
• Must cover a minimum of 3 stud spaces for 16" o.c. and two stud spaces for 24" o.c.
• Nailing Pattern: min. 6d common nails spaced 6" o.c. (edges) and 12" o.c. (field),
  for the types of panels listed above, or more restrictive if specified on plans.

Brace Panels, Interior (IBP)

Interior brace wall lines extend from exterior wall to exterior wall. Interior brace wall
panels are used in much the same ways as exterior wall panels, with a few changes.

• Typical a minimum 4' wide sheathed panel, a minimum 4' wide sheetrock panel
  (applied to both faces), or a minimum 8' wide sheetrock panel (applied to one
  face).
• Braced wall lines to be placed perpendicular to the exterior wall(s) being braced
  and at maximum 35' intervals measured along those exterior wall(s).
• To be sized and placed at the same percentage requirements as exterior brace panels (% listed above) but not subject to the on-center spacing requirements.
• Shall begin within 8' of the exterior wall line or can exceed 8' if the other end of
  the brace wall line extends fully to the exterior wall
• When the exterior wall is greater than 35' in length and less than or equal to 70'
  in length, the floor diaphragm in joist-framed construction can be utilized without
  requiring a foundation below just for the brace panel. The two possible cases for
  this are:
  1. The BP is parallel with the floor joists below.
     In this case, the joists below the BP must be doubled. The top of the BP
     shall be tied in to ceiling connection with typical methods for stick framing.
     When the BP lies between ceiling joists, 2" x 6" blocking shall be provided
     at 48" o.c., nailed with 4-16d to top plate and 3-16d at each end. The use
     of 400# angle clips at 48" o.c. (minimum 2) must be used for truss framing
     and when the BP below aligns with the ceiling joist above.
  2. The BP is perpendicular to the floor joists below.
     In this case, blocking must be provided between floor joists below where
     the BP is installed. Above the BP, blocking is utilized between the ceiling
     joists, toe-nailed with 4-12d nails to the plate (two at each end) and 3-16d
     at each end of the block. Also, the floor joists at the ends of each panel
     must be doubled.
• When the exterior wall is greater than 70', continuous foundations must be used
  for the entire length of the required brace panel(s). Sheetrock Nailing/Screwing
  Pattern: 1 5/8" 5d cooler or wallboard nails at 7" o.c., or screws 6" o.c. (edges)
  and 12" o.c. (field)

Notes: Above information taken from the 1998 International One and Two Family Dwelling Code, with 2000 Oregon amendments.

Schematic of a Brace Wall Lines

Schematic of Floor Framing for IBP,s

Cross sectional View for IBP,s Using Stick Frame

Schematic of IBP Parallel to Trussed Roof

Schematic of IBP Perpendicular to Trussed Roof

Schematic of IBP Parallel to Cripple Wall Below

Schematic of IBP Perpendicular to Cripple Wall Below

Special Cases:

• Winders: Tread must be at least 9" wide at a point not more than 12" out from narrow end.
  Tread at narrowest point must be at least 6". Must have continuous handrail on the side
  where tread is narrowest.
  
• Spiral: Minimum width: 26". Tread must be at least 7 1/2" wide at a point not more than 12"
  out from narrow end. All treads shall be identical. Minimum headroom: 6' 6".
  
• Circular: Tread must be at least 9" wide at a point not more than 12" out from narrow end.
  Tread at narrowest point must be at least 6".
  

Stairways	Minimum	Maximum
Widtha	36"	n/a
Riser	4"	8"
Treadb	9"	n/a
Variancec	n/a	3/8"
Headroom	6' 8"	n/a
Landingd	3' x 3'	n/a

^a36" above and below handrail, 32" at and where handrail is installed on one side, 28" at and where handrails
are provided on both sides. Exceptions: Spiral stairs. A secondary stairway can be 30" wide and its handrail
can encroach a max. of 4"
^bNosing: Radius of curvature no greater than 9/16", protruding not less than 3/4" and not more than 1 1/4".
This is required
on treads less than 10" wide.
^cMax. Variance: 3/8" smallest to greatest measurement either on risers or treads
^dLanding or Floor: Required at the top and bottom of stairs, except where there is a door at the top of the
flight of stairs, provided the door does not swing over the stairs.

Handrails (Stairs)e	Minimum	Maximum
Heightsf	30"	38"
Sizeg	1 ¼"	2 5/8"
Space between wall	1 ½"	n/a

^eEnds shall be returned
^fMeasured from the nosing of the treads (Open side of stairs min. and max. handrail heights: 34-38", resp.).
^gMust have minimum 1/2" smooth radius

Guardrails (Decks, Balconies, etc.)h	Minimum	Maximum
Heights	36"	n/a
Space between vertical members	n/a	<4"
Space at triangular opening formed by riser, tread, and bottom rail.	n/a	6"

^h Required for porches, balconies, decks, and raised floor surfaces more than 30" above floor or grade below.

Data above taken from the 1998 International One and Two Family Dwelling Code, with OR 2000 amendments.

Design Criteria for City of Medford

Footing Schematics

Raised Footing Schematic

Footing Schematic (Monolithic slab)

Foundation Details

Max. Allowable Spans for #2 Douglas Fir-Larch[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

City of Medford Building Department July 1, 2010

Member Size	O/C Spacing	Floor Joists	Ceiling Joists Storage Above?          No               Yes [6]		Rafters >3/12 [7]	Combined Ceiling Joist/ Rafter
2" x 4"	12"	n/a	12' 5"	9' 10"	n/a	n/a
	16"	n/a	11' 3"	8' 11"	n/a	n/a
	19.2”	n/a	10’ 7”	8’ 2”	n/a	n/a
	24"	n/a	9' 10"	7' 3"	n/a	n/a
2" x 6"	12"	10' 9"	19' 6"	15' 0"	14' 0"	12' 6"
	16"	9' 9"	17' 8"	13' 0"	12' 1"	10' 10"
	19.2”	9’ 2”	16’ 8”	11’ 11”	11’0”	9’ 10”
	24"	8' 3"	15' 0"	10' 8"	9' 10"	8' 10"
2" x 8"	12"	14' 2"	25' 8"	19' 1"	17' 8"	15' 10"
	16"	12' 9"	23' 4"	16' 6"	15' 4"	13' 8"
	19.2”	11’ 8”	21’ 4”	15’ 1”	14’ 0”	12’ 6”
	24"	10' 5"	19' 1"	13' 6"	12' 6"	11' 2"
2" x 10"	12"	18' 0"	32' 9"	23' 3"	21' 7"	19' 4"
	16"	15' 7"	28' 6"	20' 2"	18' 9"	16' 9"
	19.2”	14’ 3"	26’ 0”	18’ 5”	17’ 1”	15’ 3”
	24"	12' 9"	23' 3"	16' 5"	15' 3"	13' 8"
2" x 12"	12"	20' 11"	n/a	n/a	25' 1"	22' 5"
	16"	18' 1"	n/a	n/a	21' 8"	19' 5"
	19.2”	16’ 6”	n/a	n/a	19’ 10”	17’ 9”
	24"	14' 9"	n/a	n/a	17' 9"	15' 6"

 

---

[1] Deflection Criteria: Oregon One and Two Family Dwelling Code

Roof, no ceiling, Rafters=L/180; Floors=L/360; Ceilings=L/240 (Drywall).

[2] Rafter loading is for light roof covering (3-tab, metal, shakes, shingles) plus live load. For heavier roof covering, see Building Department.

[3] Strength – Floor Joist Live Loads 40# psf, Dead Loads 10# psf; Ceiling Joist (no storage) Live Loads 10# psf, Dead Loads 5# psf; Ceiling Joist (with light storage) Live Loads 20# psf, Dead Loads 10#psf; Roof Rafters Snow Loads 25# psf, Dead Loads 15# psf.

[4] For load conditions or deflection limit settings outside the scope of this chart, use the WWPA Lumber Design Suite located at the Association’s web site at www.wwpa.org

[5] Span table based on WWPA Western Lumber Span Tables, 572 Edition Rev. 7-04.

[6] Attics spaces served by a fixed stair shall be designed to support the minimum live load specified for sleeping rooms. Table R301.5. This table uses 20#LL; 10#DL

[7] Where the roof pitch is les than 3:12, structural members that support rafters and ceiling joists, such as ridge beams, hips and valleys, shall be designed as beams. R802.3 

 

Flood Plain Information

Specific Site Information

For specific site land and flood plain information, Jackson County has a site with a lot of useful information. To determine if your property is in the flood plain, click on the link below, click on "Interactive Maps" and then "Land Information". Next, check the box marked "Flood Plain" and then enter your address or map and tax lot number. A list of parcels should be shown below. If the address does not work, the map and tax lot number will more often work. Click on the purple culdesac button to make your map appear. If there is yellow hatched shading running through your parcel, you are in the 100 year flood plain which is designated as zone "A". If your property does not appear in the yellow crosshatched area, you are not in the 100 year flood plain.

Link to Jackson County Smartmap

 

FEMA Information

The City of Medford participates in the national flood insurance program. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides the guidelines for the flood insurance program and this consists of :

• Providing community support by telephone to home owners, insurance companies and lending agencies.
• Requiring flood certificates to show that buildings in the flood plane are elevated 1'-0" above the base elevation.
• Provide (when requested) flood determination letters to show that buildings are not in the flood plane.
• We have flood insurance rate maps available in the Building Safety Department for public review.

These are just a few of the duties that the City of Medford performs under the guidelines that FEMA requires the city to perform.

The City of Medford is also a member of CRS (Community Rating Service). This service provides a reduction in flood insurance rates by the services that the city performs. The City of Medford has qualified through CRS for a 5% reduction in insurance rates and we will endeavor to qualify for further reductions in the future.

 

Link to FEMA

 

The following files are information files for your viewing. They include general flood plain information, and information for realtors and others wishing to inquire about flood plain properties.

• Flood Plain Information

• Flood Plain Information for Realtors

Building Code Standards

A current list of code standards and links to code PDF's are a available on the Building Codes Division Website.

Current codes adopted by The City of Medford are listed in the Design Criteria Information Handouts for Commercial and Residential.
 

Link to Department of Environmental Quality

Retaining Wall Requirements

ALL RETAINING WALLS REQUIRE PERMITS

Masonry, Concrete, or Prefabricated Stacked Block Type Retaining Walls:

• Engineering is required on retaining walls when:

  1. Walls are subject to hydrostatic pressure from groundwater; or
  2. Walls are supporting more than 48" of unbalanced backfill; or
  3. The prefabricated block manufacturer requires it for the specific site conditions.

Link to Oregon Office of Energy

The City of Medford developed a "Customer Satisfaction Card" to be retained in each department of the city.  The Police Department has copies of these cards at the Police information counter located on the first floor of the Medford Police Department, 219 S. Ivy Street. The "Customer Satisfaction Card" may be used to comment, whether good or bad, on police services and personnel.  These cards are then given to the employee's supervisor and the City Manager's Office.  You may also e-mail or write a letter to the department, Attn. Randy Sparacino, Chief of Police, and the information will be relayed to the appropriate personnel.

To send a comment card electronically, you can HERE and submit the form.

To make a complaint against an employee(s) of the Medford Police Department, it is desirable that you come to the Police Department and lodge the complaint with the Watch Commander or the specific supervisor of the employee(s) against whom the complaint is being filed. However you may lodge the complaint with any employee of the Department, or you may telephone or mail the complaint to the Department in care of the Chief of Police. The department will treat all information received confidentially, but you should be advised that before any action will be taken against any employee, they will be advised of all charges against them, their accuser(s), and the witness(s) against them to ensure that their civil rights are protected and they are afforded due process under the law.

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board recommends that you follow these simple steps that could save you from expensive scams or potential problems:

1. Ask the Oregon Contractors Board for their free publication, "16 Ways to Avoid Remodeling, Repair, Construction and Landscape Problems." It covers many smart tips every homeowner should know before starting a building, remodeling, or repair project.
2. Beware of "high-pressure" tactics or "too good to pass up" deals. Honest and reputable businesses will be happy to have your business next week or next month and won't pressure you to decide today.
3. Check out the contractor with the Construction Contractors Board. Ask if the contractor is currently licensed, bonded, insured and if the business has a claim history.
4. Don't pay any money or agree to any work without a detailed, written contract. Plan to get 2-3 bids, but remember the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best. The saying "you get what you pay for" usually applies to home improvement projects.

You can check out a contractor’s history on-line at the website shown below. From this site you can view their license information and if they have a history of claims filed against them. All you need to input is their license number, telephone number, or name.

Link to Oregon Construction Contractors Board

For more information contact:
Oregon Construction Contractors Board @503-378-4621 ext. 4900 or
1-888-366-5635 (toll-free automated inquiries).

Information on filing a restraining order is handled through Jackson County Circuit Court at (541) 776-7171.

A person may contact the Oregon State Police Sex Offender Registration Unit (503) 378-3720 for any questions regarding sex offenders.

You may also go to the following web page at:
http://sexoffenders.oregon.gov/

Using this website, you can search by name and physical address (within a 1 mile radius).

 

refer to: Jackson County Clerk's Office, Recording Section, 2nd Floor, 10 S. Oakdale  541-774-6152

Call the Medford Planning Department at 541-774-2380.

There are a variety of fees associated with the development of a piece of property. The Planning Department 541-774-2380 can tell you about fees associated with applications for various kinds of land use actions, such as subdivisions, zone changes, etc. The Building Safety Department 541-774-2350 can tell you about fees for various types of building permits. The Engineering and Development Division of Public Works 541-774-2100 can tell you about Systems Development Fees (SDC’s), hook-up charges, plat checking fees, etc. The Medford Water Commission 541-774-2430 and the Parks Department 541-774-2400 also have fees related to developing a piece of property.

Call the Medford Planning Department at 541-774-2380.

Being within the City Limits entitles one to various City Services, such as Police, Fire, Water, Sewer, etc. If you are interested in annexing a piece of property to the City, contact the Medford Planning Department at 541-774-2380.

Property lines are officially established by professional land surveyors. However, if your street frontage is improved with curb and walks, the Public Works Department may have improvement plans that may show a relationship between the improvements and your front property line also known as the public right-of-way line. 

Please contact the Public Works Department 541-774-2100 to see if information may be available for your property.   Determination of the front property line (public right-of-way line) is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner, and the City assumes no liability for the information it provides. 

If the determination is needed to establish setbacks for structures, the City strongly recommends retaining a licensed land surveyor to determine where the front property line is located.

The Jackson County Surveyors office is also available and could assist you in finding surveys that may have previously established your property lines 541-774-6191.

 

For information pertaining to the Mayor and City Council of the City of Medford contact the City Recorder's office at (541)774-2017. 

For all other election questions contact Jackson County Elections Office, 1101 W. Main Street, Suite 201  (541) 774-6148.

The best way to find out about employment opportunities is to visit our web site at www.ci.medford.or.us and follow the link to employment opportunities. Positions newly open with the City are advertised in the Sunday edition of the Medford Mail Tribune. Many jobs are also advertised in the Portland Oregonian and other specialty publications such as professional association newsletters. You can also stop by the Human Resources Department.

Medford Utilities collects utility fees for the Public Works Department. These fees are used to maintain the City's sanitary sewers, storm drains, streets, street lights and traffic signals, and to help maintain the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Contact Engineering & Development 541-774-2100 for more information.

 

‘SDC’ stands for ‘System Development Charge’.  It is sometimes called an ‘impact fee’.  The City charges SDCs at the time a new building permit is taken out to pay for the additional street, storm drain, and sewer capacities needed to serve new customers. It is related to the additional “load” placed on the various infrastructure systems by new buildings, new development or additions to existing buildings. The Engineering & Development Division 541-774-2100 calculates SDC’s for streets, sanitary sewers, storm drains and sewage treatment. If you know what type of building, the nature of the occupancy and the size of the building, we can give you a rough estimate of the amount of the SDC’s that will be charged. The Medford Water Commission 541-772-2430 is responsible for an SDC for the water system and the Parks Department 541-774-2400 is responsible for an SDC for new parks. If you have questions about any of these fees, contact the appropriate department.

SDC’s are based on how much of a system’s capacity will be used by new development. We can provide an estimate of what these fees will be. Contact Engineering & Development, 541-774-2100.

The use of retail fireworks within the City of Medford is PROHIBITED during any declared fire season except when the sale of fireworks is permitted within the State of Oregon pursuant to ORS 480.127 (June 23-July 6).

The use of all types of fireworks is PROHIBITED within the following areas:

• Hazardous Wildfire Areas
• Bear Creek Greenway
• Any City Park
• Any Public School

 

The City maintains copies of available elevation certificates for properties within the City.  If one is not found for your property, a licensed land surveyor can be hired to complete the form for you.  Copies of available certificates can be found on the Planning Department's website under the FEMA and Flood Awareness button or by calling the Planning Department.

The City maintains copies of available elevation certificates for properties within the City.  If one is not found for your property, a licensed land surveyor can be hired to complete the form for you.  Copies of available certificates can be found on the Planning Department's website under the FEMA and Flood Awareness button or by calling the Planning Department.

For the full regulations regarding food trucks, or Temporary Food Vendors (Outdoor), please reference Section 10.840 (D)(3) of the Medford Land Development Code (MLDC). A brief summary of the requirements is as follows:
- When located in the Central Business (C-B) and Historic Preservation (H) Overlays, the exterior length and width, when multiplied shall not exceed 128 square feet.
- When located outside the C-B and H overlays, the exterior length and width, when multiplied shall not exceed 170 square feet.
- All food must be in a read-to-eat condition when sold.
- The temporary food vendor must be on an improved surface (i.e. pavement)
- Temporary food vendors must comply with all Fire and Building Safety Requirements

Food trucks are permitted, with special use regulations, in all commercial and industrial zones except for Heavy Industrial (I-H). For the special use regulations for “food trucks” reference Section 10.840 of the Medford Land Development Code.
To find out your zoning, please refer to this link of the Official Zoning Map or to the FAQ titled, “What is my property zoned?”

Most people are familiar with the concept of a utility fee. In most cities, residents are used to paying for water and electricity, telephone, garbage service, cable TV, etc. These are all “utilities”. In addition to water, most Medford residents pay for three City-owned utilities which are operated by the Public Works Department - sanitary sewers, storm drains and streets. Residents living south of Cherry Lane and East of N. Phoenix Road also pay a special utility fee for pedestrian lighting.

The revenue collected from Utility Fees helps pay for operating the respective systems. For example, the revenue collected from the sanitary sewer fee is used to maintain the City’s 230 plus miles of sewer pipe and its seven pump stations. It is also used to help pay for the operation of the regional wastewater reclamation plant located on the Rogue River near TouVelle Park.

Revenue collected from the storm drain utility fee is used to maintain the City’s 110 plus miles of storm drain pipe, 55 miles of roadside ditches and 25 miles of creeks and drainage channels. Some of the money is also used to construct new drainage facilities.

Revenue collected from the street utility fee is used to maintain the City’s 200 plus miles of streets and 22 miles of alleys. However, new streets cannot be constructed with these funds. Revenue collected from the pedestrian street light fee is used to maintain the pedestrian lights in those areas.

Medford Municipal Court only handles misdemeanors and violations issued by Medford City Police within the city limits of Medford. If you received a citation from another police agency, you should refer to your citation for the proper court in which to appear. Did you receive your citation from a state police officer? If yes, then chances are you are scheduled to appear in the Circuit Court of Jackson County. Refer to our “Other Area Courts” page for address and phone information on other courts in our region.

Yes, our normal operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

When the Medford Water Commission first started billing on behalf of the City, sewer was the only City utility fee, which was directly related to water usage. Today there are up to eight fees, most of which have no relation to water usage. The calculations for some of the fees are quite complex and separate billing allows the City to have both accountability and responsibility for the accuracy of the utility bill. The City Council approved this change on December 6, 2012.

The City recognizes that a large portion of water usage in summer months for residential customers is used to water landscaping and does not go into the sewer. To obtain a more accurate reflection of water use that goes into the sewer, the City averages water used in the winter. Water used in December, January and February is averaged over the three months and used as the basis for the sewer fee for the entire year.

The Medford Municipal Court does offer a traffic school program. You should contact the court to see if you are eligible for this program. You can also refer to the program information section of this website for more information.

You should always contact the court immediately to investigate the status of your case and discuss your options. Failing to appear or pay a citation can result in collection action, suspension of your driving privileges and, in some cases, a warrant for your arrest. These types of actions result in additional costs to you.

Each court is responsible for maintaining and processing its own records. You must pay or appear in the court where the citation is filed.

Your license can be suspended for many reasons. Your local DMV is the best place to start, where you can request information on the pending suspension. If your suspension is due to outstanding fines in this court, you should contact us for your options.

For any emergency, always dial 911.

Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) is the dispatch center that receives all emergency calls. If you need to reach ECSO's non-emergent dispatch line for any non-emergent issues, call 541-770-4784.

The fire department does not service fire extinguishers. You can contact a local fire extinguisher company, as they have the proper equipment to service them.

Please pull to the right and stop. This will allow fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue their response.

Medford Fire-Rescue no longer offers community CPR classes. The City's Parks & Recreation Department does offer certified classes and there are several options in the local area for CPR classes:

Medford Parks & Recreation            541-774-2400     www.ci.medford.or.us/parks

American Red Cross                        541-779-3773      www.redcross.org/take-a-class

Rogue Valley CPR & First Aid          541-245-0963      www.roguevalleycpr.com

Southern Oregon CPR & First Aid    541-890-3868      www.socprfa.co

We currently have five fire stations located in Medford:

Station 2
1107 Stewart Avenue
Station 3
534 Highland Drive
Station 4
2208 Table Rock Road
Station 5
2124 Roberts Road
Station 6
3700 Barnett Road

The original Fire Station 1 was built in 1929 and was located downtown, at the corner of 3rd and Front Street. It was no longer being used after Fire Station 5 was built on Roberts Road in 1975. In the late 1970's, the decision was made to have the building on 3rd and Front Street demolished and the existing stations have never been renumbered.

To receive our radio frequency, program your scanner to 154.445.

Our firefighter shifts are 24 hours long. Line personnel work an average of 56 hours per week and are on a rotating 9-day cycle (also known as a tour) of 24 hours on duty, with days off in between.

Medford Fire-Rescue does not install child safety seats. However, we do have a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) who performs safety seat checks one day per month. These checks are done by appointment only and must be scheduled in advance. Car seats must be installed to the best of your ability prior to coming to the appointment.

To schedule an appointment for a child safety seat check, please call our Headquarters at 541-774-2300.

When the department has a vacancy we are filling, we post the information on our Hiring Info page. Hiring is done through a recruitment process, which is comprised of several steps. For more information on the recruitment process, click here. 

The best way to request a copy of a fire report is to use the City's online request form by clicking here​. Alternatively, you can call Medford Fire-Rescue Headquarters at 541-774-2300. There can be a fee for this service, depending on a variety of factors, including the length of the report.

Our Headquarters is located in the Lausmann Annex at 200 S. Ivy St., Room 180, Medford, Oregon 97501. It is across the parking lot from the City Hall. Our phone number is 541-774-2300, and we are open Monday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. If you have an emergency, you should always call 911.

Yes, Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) is the dispatch center that receives all 911 emergency calls and they have a separate line for non-emergent fire and law related situations: 541-770-4784.

As always, for any emergency, dial 911.

Medford Fire-Rescue's jurisdiction includes the City of Medford and Fire District 2. To find out if you are in our district, you can contact our Headquarters at 541-774-2300 or, you can visit the Jackson County Interactive Mapping website. Once there:

• Select the "Precincts & Districts" tab
• In the column titled "Layer List", uncheck the boxes next to "Tax Lots" and "Voting Precincts" and check the box next to "Fire Districts"
• Search for the property address in the search bar
• Click on the black dot that appears on the map of the property and a little white arrow will appear in the bar at the top of the search result box
• Click the white arrow to display the fire district assigned to the property

 

Many residents ask why fire engines respond to emergency medical calls. The answer is quality of care! Medford Fire-Rescue strives to give our residents the best care possible and always provides the fire engine closest to the emergency, which is staffed with firefighters who are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics.

In an emergency medical incident, additional staffing may be necessary to treat the patient and prepare him or her for transportation to the hospital. This additional staffing enables the responding crew to simultaneously complete different tasks for the patient's care. For instance, when a patient has a heart attack, hooking up the defibrillator, CPR, starting an IV, and administering life saving drugs may all need to be accomplished quickly and simultaneously in order to give the patient the best chance for survival.  By having additional EMTs and Paramedics on hand, the care of the patient is improved, and the preparation time before transportation to the hospital is significantly shortened.

 

On some medical calls, the fire engine may remain on the scene for assistance, but is still available to respond to another emergency if necessary.

The Medford Police Department's Code Enforcement Division handles the enforcement of uncontrolled vegetation (including tall weeds and grass) in the city limits. The ordinance is enforced from May 1 through September 30 of each year and you can learn more about the regulations on our Weeds & Grass page. 

To file a complaint, Code Enforcement can be reached at 541-774-2016 or you can file a complaint on their website by clicking here.


*For County property outside of Medford city limits, there is no ordinance for weed and grass abatement. You can visit Jackson County Code Enforcement's website for more information or call them at 541-774-6906.

The best way to get rid of gasoline is to use it in your lawn mower. The fire department cannot accept the gasoline as we do not have a method for disposal.

You can also contact Rogue Disposal & Recycling to inquire about their annual Household Hazardous Waste event which takes place at their transfer station (they accept gasoline during the event). They can be reached at 541-779-4161.

Yes, Medford Fire-Rescue's Fire and Life Safety Division offers counseling through our Youth Firesetter Program. For more information, call us at 541-774-2300 or click here.

This process is called "venting". Dangerous, superheated gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building, making it near impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof, and the building is “vented”, the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It increases the chance of survival for any victims involved and it makes it easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (explosion) and flashover. Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic, where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters often try to get ahead of the fire on the roof and cut holes to access the attic, in an attempt to stop the fire from spreading. When venting by breaking a window (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, it actually helps contain the fire within that room.

Although these tactics cause some damage, repairs are much less expensive than repairing structural damage from the fire.

	Safety Standards for Rentals

Landlords and Property Managers

If you are a landlord or property manager, you have the ability to significantly
reduce safety hazards by being observant and by following up on concerns forwarded
to you by tenants. The property owner is responsible to correct any code violations
which may pose a hazard to the tenant or public. The City of Medford Fire or
Building Safety Departments are responsible to intervene when they are aware of a
public safety risk.

Tenant Complaints

Occasionally complaints are received and evaluated by the Fire and Building Safety
Departments. The first question is, "Have you notified your manager or landlord?"
If not, it is usually suggested that you notify the manager or landlord prior
to any intervention by the City of Medford. If you feel the complaint is serious
and the manager or landlord is ignoring your requests, please contact the Building
Safety Department at 774-2350.

If Fire Department intervention occurs, an inspector will first discuss the
concern with the manager or landlord and perform an inspection to evaluate the
situation. If a problem exists, the inspector will then require correction(s)
in a reasonable time frame or refer the problem to the Building Safety Department
for correction(s).

If Building Safety Department intervention occurs, an inspector will perform an
inspection of the premises to evaluate the complaint. If a violation exists, the
inspector will inform the landlord or manager and send a certified letter with a
notice of violations with a time frame for the corrections to be started or refer
the problem to the Fire Department for correction(s). A Code Compliance Permit
must be obtained from the Building Safety Department to cover the costs
of the inspections and ensure the violations are properly corrected. The
cost for this is $50. In addition, if applicable, all necessary Plumbing,
Electrical, Mechanical, and Building permits must be obtained from the
Building Safety Department before doing any work.

Manager/Landlord Complaints:

If the tenant is maintaining an unsafe condition, the Fire or Building Department,
when requested by the manager or landlord, will determine if and what type of
intervention is appropriate. Often, as a manager or landlord, the lease may allow
you the ability to act on a problem, depending on the nature of the situation.

Habitable and Safe Structures:

The City of Medford has adopted the Uniform Housing Code, 1982 edition, which
gives the minimum standards for a structure to be habitable and safe. The
following items are listed to help maintain your building and to determine if
your structure is safely habitable:

Functioning Heating Facilities: Every dwelling unit and guest room
shall be provided with heating facilities capable of heating all habitable rooms.

Adequate Sanitation: This includes proper fixtures for Kitchens and Bathrooms.
It also includes adequate amounts of hot and cold running water to plumbing fixtures
and a proper sewage disposal system.

Adequate Ventilation: All fuel burning appliances requiring mechanical ventilation
must be vented properly.

Adequate Floor Area: A dwelling unit must have at least one habitable room not less
than 150 sq. ft. with other habitable rooms not less than 70 sq. ft. each, with exceptions.

Smoke Detectors: Smoke detectors can save lives and also alert someone to call the
Fire Department promptly to minimize damage. All residential units are required to have
smoke detectors installed. These smoke detectors may be battery operated or hard wired
into the unit's electrical system. The new smoke detectors now come with a lithium
ten-year battery and have a built in 15-minute delay button in case a detector goes off
while the tenant is cooking. Smoke detector batteries should be checked monthly by the
tenant to ensure proper operation. Batteries in the older smoke detectors should be
changed annually or sooner, if required. Battery style smoke detectors requiring
replacement should be exchanged for new, long-life type. Special smoke detectors
are available for the hearing impaired. The manufacturer's installation instructions
should give you proper placement details.

Proper Egress: Each dwelling unit must have required functioning exit door and
an openable window or door for each bedroom with clear access to outside. Also,
exits must be properly maintained and sized for any increase in occupant load,
alteration or addition, or any change in occupancy.

Structurally Sound: This includes foundation, floor supports, walls, ceilings,
roofs, fireplaces, etc.

No Public Nuisances: This includes any danger to human life or health, any danger to
children, overcrowding, insufficient ventilation or illumination, inadequate or unsanitary
sewage or plumbing facilities, uncleanliness as determined by a health officer, or
whatever renders air, food or drink unwholesome or detrimental to the health of human
beings, as determined by the health officer.

Safe Electrical Equipment, Fixtures, and Wiring: Many apartment rental fires are
caused by faulty electrical problems. These include improper use of extension cords,
damaged flexible cords, overloaded circuits, and defective appliances. Some fires can
be prevented through proper use and inspection of extension cords, not plugging in more
appliances than a receptacle will take, unplugging heat-producing appliances when not in
use or when you are sleeping (i.e. toasters, coffee machines, blow dryers, curling irons,
portable heaters, etc.), and visually inspecting lighting fixtures and devices. GFI devices
and should be installed where outlets are near sinks, in Garages, and exposed to weather,
should be regularly tested.

Safe Plumbing Fixtures and Equipment: Bathroom and Kitchen facilities should be
maintained so as to prevent any health risks. All plumbing fixtures shall be connected
to a sanitary sewer or an approved private sewage disposal system. These facilities
should be maintained also to prevent any damage to the structure due to leakage and
dry rot.

Safe Mechanical Equipment: Heating and ventilation units require regular service.
Develop and use preventative maintenance programs for all mechanical equipment.
Keep motors free of grease and dust. Check filters regularly and change them as
necessary. Make sure exhaust vets are working properly and fresh air return vents
are kept clean and open to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Maintain a 3' clearance
of all combustible materials around gas heaters, water heaters, and all types of portable
heating devices.

Proper Weather Protection: This includes deteriorated, crumbling, or loose plaster;
deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, foundations or floors,
including broken windows or doors; defective or lack of weather protection for exterior
wall coverings; or broken, rotted, split, or buckled exterior wall or roof coverings.

No Fire Hazards: This includes any building or portion thereof, device, apparatus,
equipment, combustible waste or vegetation which, in the opinion of the chief of the fire

	Inspection Information

Inspections are performed by the City of Medford between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Inspection requests are received by a voice recording system and require 24-hour advance notice for inspection. For same day service, your request must be received BEFORE 7:00 A.M. When making a request, you must provide us with the Permit Number (Same as "Application number"), the type of inspection, return phone number, and any additional information the inspector might need to know. The inspection request phone number is 774-2350.

	Related Links

 

Business Assistance

Department of Consumer and Business Services

 

Accessibility

Oregon Disabilities Commission
The Access Board

 

Building Codes and Related Code Sites

Oregon Office of Energy
International Code Council

 

Electrical Codes and Related Links

Oregon Building Codes Division

 

Plumbing Codes and Related Links

Oregon Building Codes Division
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials

 

Mechanical Codes and Related Links

Oregon Building Codes Division
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)

 

Fire Codes and Related Links

Oregon State Fire Marshall
NFPA

 

Evaluation and Testing Services

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
National Evaluation Service, Inc. (NES)
Underwriters Laboratory(U.L.)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

 

Contractor Information Link

Oregon Construction Contractors Board

 

Flood Plain and Safety Links

FEMA
Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Division (OR-OSHA)
Emergency Preparedness Information, Oregon Emergency Management
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
National Weather Service, Pacific Region
Department of Environmental Air Quality

 

Housing Links

HUD
Oregon Housing & Community Services

 

Other Jurisdictional Links

BuildingIndustry.com
California Contractor's State License Board

The Medford Police Department is located in downtown Medford at 219 S. Ivy Street. 

The Medford Police Department lobby is open from 6a.m.-8p.m. Monday thru Friday; it is closed on the weekends and on major holidays.

Some of the relevant rules governing Marijuana in the City are found in Chapters 5 and 10 of the Municipal Code.      Permitted marijuana uses in the commercial and industrial zones are outlined in Section 10.337.  

The following brochure describes the rules and regulations in more detail:

City of Medford Marijuana Regulations and Licensing for Commerical and Industrial Uses brochure
 

Marijuana-related businesses include Production, Processing, Wholesale, Laboratory, Retail and Dispensary.  These uses are permitted in various commercial and industrial zoning districts.   See the following brochure for more details.

City of Medford Marijuana Regulations and Licensing for Commerical and Industrial Uses brochure
 

Refer to: Jackson County Clerk, Room 114, 10 S. Oakdale  541-774-6153

The Medford Rural Fire Protection District 2 Board of Directors meets monthly, with the exception of June and July.  Due to the budget meeting and budget adoption; there are two meetings in June and there is no meeting in July.  All meetings are advertised in the local newspaper classified section. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. in the Lausmann Annex.

Lausmann Annex
200 S. Ivy St., Room 151
Medford, OR 97501

To determine whether there is a warrant for your arrest, you must appear at the police station in person with identification.  No information about warrants is given over the phone.

 

A person may request a copy of their criminal history through the Oregon State Police Identification Service Section located in Portland Oregon. A request form may be picked up at the Medford Police Department or the local Oregon State Police Office. You must submit a set of your fingerprints, along with a completed request form and a $12.00 payment to:

Oregon State Police
Identification Services Section
Unit 11
PO Box 4395
Portland, OR 97208-4395

A notarized copy may be requested for an additional $5.00. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Oregon State Police. For further questions please call (503) 378-3070, ext. 236.

If you are only interested in a local records check, the Medford Police Department will do an adult criminal arrest record check for the city of Medford only. The charge for this service is $10.00.

A person may request an "Open Record Check." This form is given out when someone wants to check the background of another person. A form may be picked up at the Medford Police Department or the local Oregon State Police Office. The fee for this service is $15.00. Mail form and check or money order to:

Oregon State Police
Identification Services Section
Attn: Open Records
PO Box 430034
Portland, OR 97208

No.  The person that may have the warrant may come to the police department in person and show ID and we will advise them if they have a warrant. 

However, a citizen who feels a person may be wanted may leave that information with the police department and we will follow-up with that information.

A copy of a police report may be obtained from the Medford Police Records Department located at 219 S. Ivy Street. Not all cases can be released, even if you are the victim.  For example, we cannot release a case if it's still under investigation.

For further questions, please phone the Records Division at (541) 774-2250.

Yes.  A copy of a police report that is readily available is $20.00.  You may pay via cash, check, or credit card.

If you have specifics about a case, you may get a copy of that case as long as it is closed. Cases that involve Juveniles cannot be released by our agency.  You may contact JDH at (541) 774-4800 in regards to obtaining these records. 

For more information, contact the Medford Police Records Department at (541) 774-2250.

You may call in a service request if a street light is not working properly. We will need the exact location, the pole number (a small metal tag attached to the pole) and a description of the type of pole. Contact Public Works Maintenance 541-774-2600.

The information you provide on this form helps us determine the amount of your monthly street utility fee. Generally, the square footage and type of business are the determining factors. Contact Engineering & Development 541-774-2100.

To report a deceased animal, contact:

Public Works Operations
541-774-2600
           or
Rogue Disposal
541-494-5491

Contact Rogue Disposal 541-779-4161.

Public Works funding is 95% user-fees. Only 5% is from property taxes.

Fines are due and payable when the fine is imposed. We accept cash, checks and Visa/MasterCard. Sorry, checks are not accepted when a warrant or suspension request is in effect. If you are experiencing a financial hardship, you may apply for a payment agreement with the court.

We can handle many citations by phone with a credit card. Visa and MasterCard are accepted over the phone when you are paying a fine in full.  You may also pay on-line with your credit card by clicking on the "Online Services" link located at the top of this page.

When is a Residential Building Permit Required?

A permit is required before beginning construction, alteration, or repairs, other than ordinary repairs.  Ordinary repairs are nonstructural repairs and do not include addition to, alteration of, or replacement or relocation of water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electrical wiring, or mechanical or other work for which a permit is required.

The City of Medford Building Department requires the following permit(s):

Fences over 6 feet

Retaining walls

Room additions

Carports

Arbors

Gazebos

Greenhouses

Door and window replacements (where there are egress requirements)

Garage/Attic conversions

Porches and decks over 30" above grade

Re-roofing where the existing roof is stripped and sheathed, where the roof pitch is changed, or where the roof material is changed

The following items do not require a permit(s):

Detached one story accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds or similar uses provided the square footage is not over 200 or over 10 feet in height

Concrete sidewalks, slabs platform and driveways

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and other similar finish work

Prefabricated swimming pools where the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade. Barrier requirements around pools are not exempt

Swings and other playground equipment

Patio and porch covers not over 200 square feet and supported by an exterior building wall

Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support

Retrofitted insulation

Nonbearing partitions, except when partitions create habitable rooms

Masonry repairs

Gutters and downspouts

Door and window replacements where no structural member is changed and egress requirements are not involved

Replacement or repair of siding not required to be fire-resistant

Re-roofing, except in wildfire hazard zones as provided in Section 325 or where replacement or repair of roofing does not exceed 30% of the required live load design capacity and is not required to be fire-resistant

Plastic glazed storm windows

Framed-covered uninhabitable one story accessory structures not more than 500 square feet not closer than 3 ' to property line, where the structure is composed of a rigid framework that supports a fabric membrane

Electrical - To replace light bulbs, florescent tubes, or approved fuses, or to connect approved portable electrical equipment to permanently installed and properly wired receptacles. See OAR 918-309-0000 10(a)

Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be

Permits Required (Where applicable)	Building	Electrical	Plumbing	Mechanical

APPLYING FOR A BUILDING PERMIT

To obtain a permit, in addition to the above requirements, the applicant must complete a Building Permit Application form with the following information and supporting documentation: Work Description. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit applied for. Location. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address, and similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building. Estimated Cost. State the valuation of remodeling or alteration to an existing building. New construction and room additions will be computed with State approved cost data calculations. Who will be performing the work? Information must be given about the General Contractor and Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical sub-contractors.

Additional Notes: Permit must be signed by owner, or authorized agent who may be required to submit evidence to indicate such authority. If development is proposed on a recent land partition, then a final plat must be recorded; however, if development is proposed on a recent subdivision (four or more tax lots), then a final plat must be recorded and a walk-thru inspection completed prior to initiating a Building Permit application. When the building permit is ready, the Building Safety Department will contact the applicant. Please remember that Plan Review is scheduled on a first-come, first served basis. The average review time is 2 weeks and may vary.

Every permit is good for 180 days from the point of the last inspection. The work must commence within 180 days from the issuance of the permit. In addition, the permit will expire if the work is abandoned or suspended for a period of 180 days or more after the work has commenced. Before such work commences or is resumed, a permit extension or renewal must be obtained.

How do permits protect my home?

• Permits ensure that a certified inspector inspects the construction project or installation. Inspections help make sure work is done safely and to code. When a city or county inspector approves work, you can ask questions from an expert and know that the work has been checked for safety violations. This is of particular value to the do-it-yourselfer who doesn't make installations every day. Incorrect installations can result in house fires, flood damage, and/or structural problems.

• Permits help ensure that licensed contractors do the work if the homeowner doesn't handle the job. Only Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licensed contractors, and those who carry a trade license, such as plumbers and electricians, are allowed to legally work in Oregon. State and local building departments issue permits only to contractors who are properly licensed and bonded.

  What about value? Getting a permit can save you money!

• Inspections help ensure that work meets the building code. Inspections not only reveal minor problems that could lead to costly repairs, but also liability and life-safety concerns like structural weaknesses, dangerous wiring or defective plumbing.

• When it comes to selling a house, realtors and lenders may require that any construction work is done with permits to ensure that the house is safe for future occupants. If work is not permitted, instead of closing on your home, you'll have to scramble to catch up with permits and inspections - and additional repair work if the installations weren't made to code.

• Insurance companies may not cover construction work that isn't permitted. If your unpermitted deck collapses, you may be liable for injuries or out thousands of dollars for repairs.

  Here's what homeowners can do to protect themselves:

• Insist on permits? It simply doesn't pay to cut corners when it comes to your biggest financial asset, your home.

• Check a contractor's CCB license to ensure that the contractor is legally licensed and bonded to work in Oregon. Beware of a contractor willing to work without permits.

• Use - or insist that the contractor uses - only licensed plumbers and electricians. Along with homeowners working on their own homes, only licensed plumbers and electricians are legally allowed to do plumbing or electrical work in Oregon. Professional licenses reflect four years of intense training and annual continuing education, and ensure that contractors are qualified to do the work.

  How do I get a permit?

• When using licensed contractors, they will take out the permits. Always retain copies for your records.

• If you are doing the work yourself, you can call the local building department or use the Internet. Getting a permit is as often as easy as downloading a form and sending the application and fee to the local jurisdiction.

• County and city front desks are set up to help you through the permit process.

  Link to Oregon Building Codes Division

For a list of commonly-requested phone numbers, click here: PHONE NUMBERS.

	Plan Examples

Plot Plan Example

Cross-section Example

	Building Code Standards

Residential

2005 Oregon One and Two Family Dwelling Specialty Code

Commercial

2007 Oregon Structural Specialty Code

Electrical

2005 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code

Plumbing

2005 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code

Mechanical

2007 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code

	Residential Plan Submittal Requirements

	3 Complete Sets of Legible Plans. Must be drawn to scale, showing conformance to the applicable local and state building codes. Lateral design details and connections must be incorporated into the plans or on a separate full size sheet attached to the plans with cross-references between plan location and details. Plan review cannot be completed if copyright violations are evident. Minimum size is 18" x 24", min. scale 1"=10'.
	Site/Plot Plan Drawn to Scale. The plan must show: lot and building setback dimensions; property corner elevations (if there is more than 4' elevation differential, the site plan must show contour lines at 2' intervals for a distance away from the building necessary to show compliance with OTFDC Sec. 401); location of easements and driveway, footprint of structure (including decks), location of wells/septic systems, utility locations, any known fill sites or landslide hazard areas, North direction indicator, lot area, impervious area, existing structures on site, and surface drainage.
	Foundation Plan and Cross Section. Show footing and foundation dimensions, anchor bolts, any hold-downs and reinforcing steel, construction details, foundation vent size and location, soil type, and ground-floor elevation. Also show location of each storm drain, sanitary sewer, and water service connection.
	Floor Plans. Show for each floor, including basements, all dimensions, room identification, door and window sizes and locations, stairs, location of smoke detectors, water heater, HVAC equipment, ventilation fans, plumbing fixtures, balconies and decks 30" above grade, etc.
	Cross Section(s) and Details. Show all framing member sizes and spacing such as floor beams, headers, joists, sub-floor, wall construction, and roof construction. More than one cross section may be required to clearly portray construction. Show details of all wall and roof sheathing, roofing, roof slope, ceiling height, siding material, footings and foundations, stairs, insulation, fireplace construction, thermal insulation, etc.
	Elevation Views. Provide elevations for new construction; minimum of two elevations for additions and remodels. Exterior elevations must reflect the actual grade if the change in grade is greater than 4' at building envelope. Full size sheet addendums showing foundation elevations with cross-references are acceptable.
	Wall Bracing (Prescriptive Path) and/or Lateral Analysis Plans. Building plans must show construction details and locations of exterior and interior lateral brace panels; for non-prescriptive path analysis provide specifications and calculations to engineering standards.
	Floor/Roof Framing Plans. Required for all floor/roof assemblies indicating member sizing, spacing, bearing locations, nailing and connection details. Also show purlin/strut locations. In addition, show location of attic ventilation.
	Basement and Retaining Wall. Cross sections and details showing placement of reinforcing steel, drains and waterproofing shall be provided. Engineered plans are required for retaining walls exceeding 4' in height and basement walls not complying with the prescriptive code requirements. For engineered systems, see item 13, for "Engineer's calculations".
	Beam Calculations. Provide two sets of calculations using current code design values for all beams and multiple joists exceeding prescriptive code requirements, and/or any beam/joist carrying a non-uniform load.
	Roof Truss and Manufactured Floor Member Details. Show, if applicable, manufactured truss and floor joist layout. Truss calculations must be turned in before building permits are issued.
	Electrical Plans. Required when house is over 10,000 sq. ft. and/or panel is more than 400 Amps. This consists of load calculations and line drawing of service.
	Paved Driveway, Sidewalk, and Culvert. If applicable, include location, width, and other specifications as required. Collector or arterial street access requires a turn-around driveway per Medford Code Section 10.746(11). Questions can be answered by contacting the Engineering Department @ 774-2100
	Grading and Drainage Plan. Required for all residential permits except single-family residences. If the development is either in the Elk Creek or Midway Creek drainage basins, the drainage plan must include detention facilities designed to restrict runoff to 0.25 CFS or less per acre of development. Detention facilities shall be designed and certified by an Engineer registered in the State of Oregon. Questions can be answered by contacting the Engineering Department at 774-2100.
	Flood-Plain Information. Buildings shall not be constructed within the floodway of 100-year flood zones. Structures may be constructed within the 100-year flood plain if the finished floor and all electrical and mechanical systems are not less than one (1) foot above the base flood elevation. For flood plain map information, please check with the Building Safety Department.
	Energy Code Compliance. Identify the prescriptive path or provide calculations.
	Engineer's Calculations. When required or provided, (i.e., foundation, sheer wall, roof truss, retaining walls exceeding 4', etc.) shall be stamped by and engineer or architect licensed in Oregon and shall be shown to be applicable to the project under review by cross-reference to the applicable plan location.
	Manufactured Housing. In addition to all previous requirements, the following standards must be met: It must be multi-sectional and enclose at least 1000 sq. ft. It must be located not more than 12" above grade on an excavated and back-filled foundation which is enclosed at the perimeter. A minimum roof slope of 3:12 with either a composition, wood (shake or shingle), or tile roof. It must have either exterior siding consisting of painted or stained wood, aluminum, or fiberglass, with lapped siding, board and batt, or board and board motif applications. It must be manufacturer certified to have an exterior thermal envelope meeting performance standards which reduce heat loss levels equivalent to the performance standards required of single-family dwellings constructed under the State Building Code as defined in ORS 455.010. It must have a garage or carport constructed of like materials and must be constructed within six (6) months of Building Permit issuance.

Approved Checklist For Compliance With OAR 918-090-0320
The items listed above are required for plan review and may be used by the jurisdiction
to determine a complete set of plans and compliance with OAR 918-020-0090(3)(a)(C)
and (4). Checklist must be completed before plan review start date. Minor changes or
notes on submitted plans may be in blue or black ink. Red ink is reserved for department
use only.

	Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements

All the items listed below are required at the time of submittal:

	Engineer's or Architect's stamp and signature Required if:  - The building ground area is greater than 4000 sq. ft.  - The highest interior finish surface is greater than 20 ft. above the lowest interior floor finish  - The occupancy classification is changed  - The type of construction is changed  - Alterations to the structural elements (Engineer)
	Three sets of drawings The plans must be drawn to scale on a minimum paper size of 17" x 22". Please include a scale bar - this is used to scale the drawing electronic for review through ePlans.
	Architectural Review Completed? If required, this must be done prior to plan submittal. For additional information, contact the Planning Department @ 774-2380.
	Elevation Certificate? Required when the structure is to be located in a Flood Plain.
	Fire Sprinklers? This is a separate submittal to this office when fire sprinklers are new or modified.
	Signs? This is a separate submittal to the Planning Department.
	Reduction of Site Plans Two sets copied on 8 1/2" x 11" or 11" x 17" size paper.
	Reduction of Floor Plans Two sets copied on 8 1/2" x 11" or 11" x 17" size paper.
	Structural Calculations One copy, if required.
	Book Specifications One copy. The Department prefers specifications as part of a document package.
	Interior Lighting Budget One copy per electrical engineer. Provide note that exterior lighting is per minimum standards. See "Electrical Drawing Requirements".
	Civil drawing
	Cover drawing Contains: Project Data (Construction type, occupancy type, and building square footage. Multi floor buildings must show square footage per floor). Drawing Index (Show all drawings submitted). Project Directory (General contractor and subcontractor (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) information if available at time of submittal). Parking Requirements Symbols Legend Height of Building Referenced Codes (Oregon Structural Specialty Code, ASCE 7, etc.).
	Site Plan
	Foundation Plan(s)
	Floor Plan(s)
	Framing Plan(s) Or provide information on another plan.
	Building Cross-sections
	Exterior Elevations
	Roof Plan
	Plumbing Information/drawings When applicable. Additional information may be required.
	Mechanical Information/drawings When applicable. Additional information may be required.
	Electrical Information/drawings When applicable. Additional information may be required.
	Landscape Drawings
	Restaurant Kitchen Drawings For new or modified kitchens.

Refer to: Jackson County Assessor's Office, 3rd Floor, 10 S. Oakdale  541-774-6059

Refer to: Jackson County Assessor's Office, 3rd Floor, 10 S. Oakdale  541-774-6059

The Police Department no longer holds auctions.  All items eligible for auction are handled by - PropertyRoom.com.  to see these items go to:  www.propertyroom.com

 

The City of Medford purchased the original Camp White plant in 1948 from the Federal Government. By 1956 Medford was treating wastewater from Central Point, Phoenix, and Bear Creek Valley Sanitary District (BCVSA). In 1969 a twenty year agreement was signed which gave Medford the responsibility to bond and construct a new facility on the existing site, to be paid for by monthly user fees. Subsequent expansions have been paid for through System Development Charges since 1980.

The RWRF is a regional facility that currently serves the cities of Central Point, Eagle Point, Jacksonville, Medford, Phoenix, Talent, White City, and the areas served by RVS.

The Plant Manager is Dustin Hagemann. 

Yes, contact Ed Sturtevant to arrange a tour at 541-774-2750.

Please provide us with your brochures, business cards, etc., and a facility supervisor(s) will call you to discuss your product (service) if they are interested. Visitation is by appointment only between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with the exception of Holidays.

We are located off of Table Rock Road on Kirtland Road near the intersection of Antelope and Kirtland, (1100 Kirtland Road).

Yes, the Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program was originally approved by Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality on July 7, 1983.

Twenty one, eight of which are categorical industrial users that have specific federal requirements.

Yes, the plants Biosolids Management Plan was approved by the Department of Environmental Quality in 1988. The biosolids program is conducted in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) waste discharge permit, 40CFR Part 503 (Code of Federal Regulations), and OAR Chapter 340 Division 50 (Oregon Administrative Rules) regulations and requirements.

The biosolids are beneficially used. They are applied to local farmland at crop nutrient requirement levels. Some is beneficially used as cover and fill material at the local landfill.

The Rogue Disposal transfer station 541-779-4161 and Matt Garris Waste Oil Recovery, Inc. 541-830-1100 are both good sources to dispose of waste oil to be recycled. Matt Garris also takes anti-freeze. Rogue Disposal suggests you call their phone number for their annual hazardous waste disposal event dates if you prefer to use Rogue Disposal for anti-freeze disposal. Since ethylene glycol anti-freeze is a poison, if everyone disposed of antifreeze down the drain, contamination of the environment could result. There may be additional recyclers listed in the phone book to handle these hazardous wastes in an environment-friendly manner.

Campgrounds, RV Parks, and some gas stations. We do not take it at our facility.

The average daily influent flow for 2005 was 18 million gallons per day.

Currently the treated water flows into the Rogue River, with a small amount reused for RWRF landscape irrigation and a pilot agricultural reuse project to grow Poplar trees and fiber plants such as Kenaf grass and Mescanthus for pulp and lumber.

The RWRF has a staff of twenty-seven. The staff operates and maintains process equipment, performs lab analyses, monitors industries, oversees long range regional planning, and manages and inspects design and construction projects for the facility. User rates are among the lowest in Oregon, and the entire U.S.

The bar screens have removed glass eyeballs, false teeth, and money (thanks, but tipping is not required).

The Phone number to report a non-emergency is (541) 770-4783.

The Detective division may be reached by phoning (541)774-2230.

Police Records and Information may be reached by phoning (541) 774-2250.

The Medford Municipal Court number is (541) 774-2040.

Clicking on the following link will direct you to a seven-minute video that offers Domestic Violence Survivors instruction and simulated view of what to expect when filing for a restraining order.  The DVD was made possible by a STOP VAWA Grant, in collaboration with CVSD and Oregon State Police/LEDS. 

*  Please note that this is a large file, and may take awhile to load.

VIEW RESTRAINING ORDER VIDEO

	Smoke Alarms

Relating to new construction and most major remodeling work, the following is a summary of what the Oregon One and Two Family Dwelling Code states:

• Smoke alarms shall be installed in each sleeping room, outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.
• All alarms shall be interconnected...
• Ionization smoke alarms shall not be located closer than 3' horizontally from:
  • the door to a kitchen
  • the door to a bathroom containing a tub or shower
  • a supply register of a forced air heating or cooling system (outside the airflow from those registers).
• A smoke alarm installed within 20' of a cooking appliance shall be photoelectric-type smoke alarm or the alarm shall have an approved alarm silencer means.

To find out more information about smoke alarms and fire safety, click on the link below.

	Swimming Pool Safety

If you own a swimming pool in the City of Medford or are building one, the International One and Two Family Dwelling Code provides safety standards to help prevent an accidental drowning from happening. The following are items that we check for when performing a final inspection on a swimming pool:

Fences/Barriers:

• The top of barrier must be a minimum 48" above grade, measured from the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool.
• The maximum gap between the grade and bottom of barrier shall be 2".
• Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4" diameter sphere.
• Solid barriers, such as block walls, shall not contain indentations or protrusions, which could make them climbable.
• Where there are horizontal and vertical members and the distance to the top of the horizontal members is less than 45", the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between the vertical members shall not exceed 1 3/4". Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing between the cutouts shall not exceed 1 3/4" in width.
• Where there are horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45" or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4". Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1 3/4" in width.
• Maximum mesh size in chain link fence is 1 1/4" or slats provided.
• Maximum opening in diagonal members (i.e. Lattice, etc.) is 1 3/4".

Gates:

• Pedestrian access gates shall open outward and be equipped with a self-latching device.
• Access gates (other than pedestrian) shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device.
• Where the release mechanism is located less than 54" high, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3" below the top
  of the gate and the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2" within 18" of the release mechanism.

Dwellings Exiting Into Pool Area:

• Where a wall or dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following conditions shall be met:

1. The pool shall be equipped with a power safety cover in compliance with ASTM F1346 as listed in Section B106; or
2. Other means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching devices or door alarms must be installed on all doors.

If you need any further information or know about an unsafe pool, please contact the Medford Building Safety Department @ 774-2350. Thank you for your cooperation.

	Earthquake Preparedness Information

Oregon's Emergency Management website has valuable information about how to make the furnishings in your home earthquake-safe. Go to the link below and find the earthquake section under emergency preparedness information.

Earthquake Preparedness Information, Link to Oregon Emergency Management

We will mark the location in the street right-of-way if you plan to do construction which may disturb the sewer lateral. The locations of the sewer mains, sewer laterals, and storm drain pipes can also be determined from maps located in the Engineering and Development office located at 200 S. Ivy Street on the second floor of the Lausmann Annex at Medford City Hall 541-774-2100. To find the locations of water mains, however, you will have to talk to the people in the Medford Water Commission offices. They are currently located on the first floor of the Lausmann Annex to City Hall, Room 177.

Contact Public Works Maintenance Division 541-774-2600.

Public Works Maintenance Division 541-774-2600. Then the problem may be in your private lateral, but if it is the City main-line, then this will save you the cost of calling a plumber.

Contact Medford Water Commission 541-774-2430.

The property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk along the frontage of the property. The property owner is also liable for any injuries resulting from hazardous sidewalks. If you would like to report a hazardous sidewalk, call the Engineering and Development Division at 541-774-2100.

Ionization smoke alarms sold in Oregon are required to have the hush/silence feature. Only solely battery-powered ionization alarms sold in Oregon must be packaged and sold with a ten-year battery. Photoelectric alarms are exempt from this requirement. Smoke detectors that are part of fire alarm systems do not require the hush feature and ten-year battery.

Ionization smoke alarms contain material that ionizes the air, making an electrical path. When products of combustion enter the device, the molecules attach themselves to the ions. The change in electric current flow triggers the alarm. Photoelectric alarms contain a light source and photocell, which is activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed towards the photocell. The photocell is then activated to trigger the alarm. Ionization smoke alarms detect fast-burning fires quicker, while photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoldering fires quicker. Both types are credited with saving lives. A combination photoelectric/ionization smoke alarm provides the best protection.  

Apartments are required to have smoke alarms as per the building code requirements at the time of construction. If an apartment building was built after January 1, 1993, smoke alarms were required to be interconnected and within each sleeping room, in the hallway leading to the sleeping rooms and at every story of the apartment unit. For apartment buildings built prior to that date, the minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed immediately outside of the sleeping area, such as in a hallway leading to the sleeping rooms and at every story of the apartment unit.

One and two-family dwellings are required to have smoke alarms as per the building code requirements at the time of construction. If a house was built after April 1, 1996, smoke detectors were required to be interconnected and within each sleeping room, in the hallway leading to the sleeping rooms and at every floor level of the dwelling. For homes built prior to that date, the minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed immediately outside of the sleeping area, such as in a hallway leading to the sleeping rooms and at every floor level of the dwelling.

When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a structural permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.

Exception: Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

A fire produces hot smoke and deadly gases that rise toward the ceiling. Smoke alarms should be installed either on the ceiling at least four inches from the nearest wall or high on a wall, four to 12 inches from the ceiling. Smoke alarms are designed to cover a 30' x 30' area, so more than one may be needed for large rooms. Contact your local fire department for more specific information. It is recommended they are installed within each sleeping room, in the hall leading to the sleeping rooms, and at every story of the residence.

A smoke alarm should not be installed in the following locations:

• A kitchen, because normal cooking operations could cause the unit to sound a false alarm.
• A bathroom because the steam from a shower could cause the unit to sound a false alarm.
• A garage because vehicle fumes could cause the unit to sound a false alarm.

 

Only Ionization smoke alarms that are solely battery operated need to have a ten-year battery, hard-wired do not. However, all ionization smoke alarms, whether hard-wired or solely battery operated, are required to have a hush/silence feature. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's office (OSFM) recommends meeting manufacturer's recommendations for battery replacement.

Smoke alarms have a limited life span. They are designed and listed for a 10-year life span. Smoke alarms that are older than 10 years need to be replaced (They should have a date stamp on the back of the alarm). Test smoke alarms monthly. Vacuum your alarms monthly to remove dust and cobwebs. If you have photoelectric alarms, replace the batteries with long-life batteries for enhanced reliability.

Look for an smoke alarm that has a hush/silence feature, a malfunction signal, a loud alarm and if it is solely battery operated, a ten-year battery. Only purchase an alarm that has been tested by the Underwriter’s Laboratories (it will have a UL symbol on it). Ionization smoke alarms detect fast-burning fires quicker, while photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoldering fires quicker. Both types are credited with saving lives. A combination photoelectric/ionization smoke alarm provides the best protection. 

If a rental dwelling unit is not equipped with the required smoke alarm, or if the smoke alarm is not operating properly, and the owner or the owner's authorized agent has not installed a properly operating smoke alarm within 10 days after receiving written notice from the tenant of the deficiency, the tenant may file a complaint with the State Fire Marshal or the appropriate official charged with the duty of providing fire protection services within the local jurisdiction.The State Fire Marshal, or the appropriate local fire official, shall investigate the alleged violation. If it is found that the landlord has failed to install the required smoke alarm, or a properly operating smoke alarm, a citation may be issued.

The State Fire Marshal, or the appropriate local fire official, shall investigate the alleged violation. If it is found that the landlord has failed to install the required smoke alarm, or a properly operating smoke alarm, a citation may be issued.

Ionization alarms will have the radio active symbol on them, photoelectric will not.

The law specifically states the SELLER is responsible. The seller may install the smoke alarms, or have them replaced by someone else.

No, however, if smoke alarms are not upgraded, the Title Company will not transfer title to the buyer. The State Fire Marshal's Office confirms Title Companies in Oregon are complying with this requirement.

The City of Medford generally does not plow city streets. In fact, we do not have any snow plows. If it is determined that plowing is needed, we do have a plow attachment for a front-end loader and two road graders that can be deployed.  We can also request the assistance of Jackson County and the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide limited plowing as they have resources available. City streets are not conducive to plowing as it can cause damage to infrastructures such as road reflectors, water valves, traffic markings, and manholes. 

The underside of overpasses and bridges are exposed to the cold ambient air. This effect causes them to become icy much quicker than the regular roadway which is somewhat insulated by the ground below it. Motorists should use extra caution when driving on these structures.

The best advice is to visit a local tire store. They should be able to assist in making a determination what is right for you based on your vehicle and driving habits. There are many options available.

The City is planning to use red cinder on a trial basis during the winter of 2017/2018 to see if it is a superior product compared to what is currently used. While red cinder may provide better traction, it may also be a bit messier. 

It is the City’s general policy to sand Arterial and Collector streets only. This policy was derived from a number of factors; the most important factor being a lack of resources required to remove the sand after the snow event. 

Absolutely, calls can be made 24/7 to Medford Public Works Operations Division at 541-774-2600.

Driving too fast for the conditions and following too closely are common mistakes made by motorists that lead to accidents. Motorists should give themselves plenty of stopping distance and also avoid accelerating too quickly and abrupt turns. It is always a good idea to allow extra travel time in adverse weather conditions.

The intent of sanding the streets is to assist motorists with traction to help them get to their destination safely. However, after a period of time, the sand gets displaced to the edges of the travel lane by vehicles and would then only help a motorist in recovering from a skid or slide on the edges of the travel lane. Motorists should still use extra caution when driving in these conditions even if the road has been sanded. 

If you feel that you are in danger, it is best to call 911. Otherwise, you may call a tow company to assist you.  

Street overlays are prioritized to provide the best maintenance at the lowest overall cost. Contact the Public Works Maintenance Division for information on pavement overlay. For information on paving unpaved streets, contact Engineering & Development 541-774-2100.

Public Works Maintenance Division, 821 N. Columbus, Medford, sells a $5 permit which allows you to paint a yellow no-parking zone on the curb, 6’ on each side of your driveway. Paint is provided with the permit.

Residential streets are swept every 6 to 8 weeks. Check with Public Works Maintenance Division541-774-2600.

Contact Engineering & Development 541-774-2100.

You should report this to the Engineering & Development Division of the Public Works 541-774-2100. Be sure to get the address of the problem sidewalk. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks in front of their property. A letter will be sent to the affected property owner instructing them to repair the sidewalk within 30 days of the notice.

Q. What is the definition of a scooter?
A. It has no more than 3 wheels; has handlebars and foot support area; has a power source incapable of going over 24 mph.

Q. How old do you have to be to ride a scooter?
A. Age 16 or older

Q. Do you have to wear a helmet?
A. Yes.  Always, regardless of age.

Q. Do you need a license?
A. No, but if your license is suspended, you may not operate any motor vehicle, including motorized scooters.

Q.  Where can I ride a scooter?
A.  Any Roadway that has a designated speed limit of 25 mph or less.  They can be ridden on a roadway with a greater posted speed limit, but only if there is a bike lane and it is utilized by the operator.

Q. Is there a maximum limit on a gas motor?
A. Yes, 35cc.  If the motor size exceeds this, the vehicle falls under the guidelines for mopeds.

Q. Is there a maximum limit on electric motors?
A. Yes, 1000 Watts.  If the motor size exceeds this, the vehicle falls under the guidelines for mopeds.

Q. What is the maximum speed limit?
A. 15 mph

Q. Does my scooter need to be insured?
A. No

Q. Can I ride my scooter in a designated crosswalk zone?
A. No, the scooter must be walked.

Q. Does my scooter need to have lights, turn signals, etc?
A. Except when riding at night, no, but the operator is responsible for making the proper hand signals when turning.

Q. Does my scooter need to be registered?
A. No

Q. Can I ride my scooter on the sidewalk?
A. No.

 

The Medford Police Department handles abandoned autos through their Code Enforcement Division. You may reach this division by phoning (541) 774-2016. Abandoned vehicles are tagged by Community Service Officers per the City Ordinance. An abandoned vehicle cannot be parked on a public way for more than twenty-four (24) hours.

Infants must ride in a child safety system in a rear-facing position until both one year of age AND 20 pounds.

Children over one year of age AND between 20-40 pounds must be properly secured in a foward-facing child safety seat.

Children over 40 pounds must be properly secured in a booster seat until 8 years of age OR 4'9" in height.

Children who are age 8 or older, OR taller than 4'9" must ride properly secured with a safety belt system.

You must go to Medford Municipal Court, located on the second floor of City Hall at 411 W. 8th Street, to get a sticker to place on the back of your ticket. You will then go to the Police Department located at 219 S. Ivy Street and request an on-duty officer or Community Service Officer to sign off on the ticket. The ticket will then need to be taken back to Municipal Court for dismissal.

Yes. The Medford Police Department has a Citizen Traffic Compliant Form available to fill out anytime a person has a complaint against another citizen for a traffic violation.  Citizen Traffic complaint forms are available at the Police Records counter on the 1st floor of of the Medford Police Department, 219 S. Ivy Street.  After the form is filled out, a case number is obtained and the statement is sworn to and signed in front of a Medford Police Records Specialist.

The Municipal Court Judge and the City Attorney will review the form and decide if there is enough evidence to cite the offender. The City Attorney will notify the Police Department if a cite needs to be issued to the offender.

Please contact Diamond Parking with your parking questions, to purchase parking permits or to pay parking citations.  Diamond Parking is located behind the Middleford Parking Garage at 301 Middleford Alley in downtown Medford.  They can be reached at (541) 774-2082.  The Police Department and Municipal Court are not involved with these tickets.

Items Needed for Impound Vehicle Release:

    1.  Proof of Ownership:

• Name of Registered Owner or Lien Holder must be on DMV registration files, or
• Official (stamped) paperwork from DMV showing transfer of title

    2.  Proof of Valid Insurance on the Vehicle:

• Insurance policy has to show the specific vehicle on the policy.
• Policy does not have to be in the Registered Owner's or Lien Holder's name.

    3.  Proof that a Person with Valid Driving Privileges will be Operating the Vehicle:

• Valid driver's license, or
• Implied Consent temporary permit.  (Issued to DUII drivers when license confiscated).  This is valid for 30 days - 12 hours after issuance.

    4.  Police Department Administrative Fee:

• $120.00 cash.  Check is acceptable if local business.  We also accept Visa/Mastercard.

 

NOTE:

The vehicle taken into custody is subject to a $120.00 cash/credit card administrative fee to be paid to the Medford Police Department.  Towing and storage charges are to be paid to the towing company and are separate from this charge.  The vehicle will be sold if the charges are not paid.

The owner, possessor, or person having a legal interest in the vehicle is entitled to a hearing to contest the validity of taking the vehicle into custody and removing it, and to contest the reasonableness of the towing and storage charges.  In order to have a hearing, you must do the following three things:

1. Request a hearing, in writing, and mail or deliver it no later than five days from the date of your tow notice.  Your hearing shall be set for four days after the request is received.  These time periods do not include Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays.
2. Your request must state the grounds upon which you believe the custody and removal of the vehicle is not justified.
3. Mail or deliver your written request to:  Medford Municipal Court, 411 W. 8th Street #285, Medford, OR 97501-3188.

Further information may be obtained from the Medford Police Department (541) 774-2250

Due to the potential for damage to some vehicles, the police department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child or animal is inside your vehicle, the police department will send a rescue unit to remove the child or animal from the vehicle.

The motor vehicle must be valued at less than $500.00. You must complete a Medford Police Abandoned Vehicle-Notice of Tow Form, available at the Medford Police Department. Affix the notice to the vehicle stating that the vehicle will be towed if it is not removed. (The notice shall remain on the vehicle for 72 hours before the vehicle may be removed). Prepare the vehicle for towing by removing all garbage or trash. Call a participating tow company (list available at the police department), and furnish the "Notice of Tow" to the tow company. The tow company will phone the police department with necessary information.

Trucks or buses cannot park on a street in front of or within 100 feet of a hotel, apartment, residence, city park, or school between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. During the remaining hours of the day, motor trucks, truck trailers, and commercial buses may only park on residential streets of the city while in the process of loading or unloading persons or property to adjacent properties. This limitation does not apply to commercial and/or industrial zones.

If the tree or limb is blocking the public right of way Public Works will respond to remove any portion of the tree that impedes or endangers the traveling public, both vehicles, and pedestrians. The portion of debris on your vehicle would be handled by you and/or your insurance. 

With this type of concern we recommend that you call 911 first, then notify Public Works at 541-774-2600 with the information including that 911 has been called. Until the wire or cable has been identified and de-energized by the appropriate utility, Public Works cannot remove the tree for safety reasons. Additionally, we may close the street off entirely to protect the traveling public. 

Medford Public Works is responsible for keeping the right of way open for Public access.  Calls to report this type of concern can be made 24/7 to Medford Public Works Operations Division at 541-774-2600.  If a tree falls into the public right of way we will respond to remove any portion of the tree that impedes or endangers the traveling public, both vehicles, and pedestrians.  During severe weather events Public Works personnel triage reports of trees down to determine priorities and dispatch staff accordingly.  

Property owners are responsible for clearing any debris that is on their property. If a tree that is growing on private property falls into the public right of way Public Works will respond to remove any portion of the tree that impedes or endangers the traveling public, both vehicles, and pedestrians. It is the property owner’s responsibility to dispose of the tree; therefore, the cut portions may be left for the property owner to take care of; providing that leaving the cut portions does not create a hazard to the public. 

Public Works determines the type of response by priorities which include access to hospitals, clinics, main transportation routes, and keeping response routes open for our Public Safety (Medford Fire and Police) personnel.   Our response may also be delayed due to the volume of requests.

Public Works will clear the right of way but may determine that the disposal of the debris is your responsibility.  Using this determination, the crew has left the debris for you to dispose of.  You may give the wood away; dispose of it at a landfill or Bio-Mass.

During times of severe weather, we can receive a multitude of calls in a short time. Please continue to call Public Works at 541-774-2600, or our answering service will answer.  You and your concern are of highest importance to us so please be patient.

Trees located in the parkways are the responsibility of the property owner.

Property owners have this responsibility. If they don’t do it, contact the Medford Fire Department 541-774-2310.

On residential streets, it is the property owner’s responsibility

Bio Mass, in White City, 541-826-9422.

Call Rogue Disposal 541-779-4161

Call Rogue Disposal 541-779-4161.

City Arborist Adam Airoldi works for our Parks & Recreation Department. He can help answer your questions regarding:

• Dangerous trees
• Trees in the public right-of-way
• Types of trees to plant

 You can reach him at directly at (541) 774-2690 or adam.airoldi@cityofmedford.org.

 

Business Licenses are processed through the Building Department.  Call them directly at (541) 774-2025.

If you live in the hillside areas, you live within the designated hazardous wildfire zone. You can view and zoom into the county's hazardous wildfire map at the following link:

http://jacksoncountyor.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=37038&Command=Core_Download&method=attachment&language=en-US&PortalId=13&TabId=1568
 

For those in the Medford City limits, you can view and zoom into this information at the following link:

http://www.ci.medford.or.us/Files/Hazardous%20Wildfire%20Area%20Map%20Eastside.pdf

 

 

To find the zoning of your property, click the link to access Medford Land Information, the City’s public GIS system.  In the search bar labeled Find address or place, type the address in question and hit Enter.  Then, on the left hand side of the webpage, click the MLI icon (White square, with blue letters).  From there click the Quick Search button. Lastly, after you have selected Quick Search, click the property in question. The desired zoning information can then be found on the left hand side under Zoning.
Please follow this link for a pdf version of a pdf version of the City’s Official Zoning Map on the Planning Map Galley Page.
DISCLAIMER: For official rulings on a property’s zoning, which may be needed by lenders, please consult with the Medford Planning Department for a Zoning Verification, (541) 774-2380 (fees may apply). 

Permitting residential uses in commercial and industrial zones is allowed within all commercial and industrial zones, but certain Special Use Regulations will apply. These Special Use Regulations limit the types of housing permitted and are summarized below.
Residential Uses in Industrial Zones (Section 10.835 Residence for Caretaker or Watchman):
One single-family residence for a caretaker, owner, operator, manager, or security guard is allowed for any industrial use for purposes of security and protection of the principal use.
Residential Uses in Commercial Zones (Section 10.837 Dwelling Units in Commercial Districts):
Dwelling units shall be permitted in all commercial zones. In all commercial zoning districts, except the Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) zone, the dwelling type standards for the Multiple–Family Residential-30 (MFR-30) district shall apply. Dwelling units in the Neighborhood Commercial (C-N) district, both single family and multi family, shall be attached, accessory, and subordinate to the primary commercial use (in other words, mixed use development) Additionally, single family dwelling units shall be allowed in all commercial districts when attached to a commercial building and approved by the Site Plan and Architectural Commission or Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission as applicable.
 

To know if a proposed use is permitted in a zoning district first, you must know your property’s zoning. To find out your zoning, please refer to this link of the Official Zoning Map on the Planning Map Gallery or to the FAQ titled, “What is my property zoned?” (the FAQ above this one)
Once you know your property’s zoning, it is necessary to find which use category best represents the use in question. Please refer to the Medford Land Development Code (MLDC) to determine which use category your proposal falls under. Below are the various sections which apply to the use categories of the MLDC:
Residential Zoning Classifications (Single and Multi-Family):
Section 10.314 Permitted Uses in Residential Land Use Classification
Commercial and Industrial Zoning Classifications:
Section 10.337 (SIC 01-289) Uses Permitted in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts; or
Section 10.337 (SIC 291-369) Uses Permitted in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts; or
Section 10.337 (SIC 371-497) Uses Permitted in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts; or
Section 10.337 (SIC 501-639) Uses Permitted in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts; or
Section 10.337 (SIC 641-809) Uses Permitted in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts; or
Section 10.337 (SIC 811-972) Uses Permitted in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
Commercial and industrial uses are sorted by their respective Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes. To determine the SIC Code that best matches the proposed use, first reference the Index to Commercial and Industrial Uses found at the beginning of Section 10.337 (SIC 01-289). Each category is represented by a broad classification identified by capitalized letters. Within each broad classification you will find a more specific category identified by a two digit number, this is where one will find the first two numbers of the SIC Code.
For example, if one wanted to open a grocery store they would first identify the broad based category. In the case of the grocery store this would be G. Retail Trade. From there, one would identify the more specific retail classification, in this case that would be 54 Food Stores. Then, one would go to the portion of the Medford Land Development Code that classifies 54 Food Stores. Here, the specific types of Food Stores are identified by their distinct SIC Code, for example SIC Code 541 represents a Grocery Store. Once the specific use is identified, one would look to the zoning chart to see if the use is conditionally permitted, permitted, or prohibited.

DISCLAIMER: For official rulings on a property’s zoning or on a particular land use, please consult with the Medford Planning Department, (541) 774-2380 (fees may apply).