FAQs
Please select a category below.
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.
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.
What's Happening in My Neighborhood Mapping Application
- No out of state checks, regardless of the address of the suspect.
- For non-sufficient funds checks (NSF)- $200.00 minimum or combined amount.
- For account closed checks- $100.00 minimum.
- For forgery- no minimum value.
- No two-party checks.
- No counter checks.
- ID must have been checked and recorded or personal recognition by person accepting check.
- 10-day (NSF check only) grace period for notification to suspect by merchant.
- 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.
This question is also covered under the Police Dept. FAQs page. Our language replicates their response.
No. Debris burning is prohibited within the Medford City limits per Medford Code section 5.500.
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
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
All owners of RESIDENTIAL rental property within the city limits of
No. Trailers can only be occupied if parked in an RV park. Medford Municipal Code 10.859
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 | |
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
Braced Panels, Exterior (BP)
Brace panels are used as lateral reinforcement to walls enhancing the stiffness of thestructure 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 wallpanels 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:-
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. -
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.
-
The BP is parallel with the floor joists below.
-
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)
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
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 |
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 |
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" |
Data above taken from the 1998 International One and Two Family Dwelling Code, with OR 2000 amendments.
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
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
|
Member Size |
O/C Spacing |
Floor Joists |
Ceiling Joists No Yes [6] |
|
Combined | |
|
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:
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.
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.
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.
Retaining Wall Requirements
ALL RETAINING WALLS REQUIRE PERMITS
Masonry, Concrete, or Prefabricated Stacked Block Type Retaining Walls:
- Engineering is required on retaining walls when:
- Walls are subject to hydrostatic pressure from groundwater; or
- Walls are supporting more than 48" of unbalanced backfill; or
- The prefabricated block manufacturer requires it for the specific site conditions.
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.
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.
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board recommends that you follow these simple steps that could save you from expensive scams or potential problems:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
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).
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 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.
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
- Any Public School
- 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
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?”
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.
Many residents ask why fire engines respond to emergency medical calls. The answer is quality of care! The Medford Fire Department endeavors to give our residents the best care possible and always provides the closest fire engine to the emergency with staffed, competent Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians(EMTs).
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, rescue breathing, 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 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 available to respond to another emergency if another emergency call comes in.
For further information regarding the emergency medical services provided by the Medford Fire Department, please contact the Fire Department at the non-emergency number of (541) 774-2300.
Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle with red lights and sirens go through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call to which they were responding. Often several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, assessed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control or that a single unit could handle the emergency. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.
Dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. By venting the window (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house. Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause. Replacing broken glass is much less expensive than repairing structural damage from the fire.
We currently have 5 fire stations. Fire Station #2 is located at Stewart and Columbus, Fire Station #3 is located at Siskiyou and Highland (near Bear Creek Park), Fire Station #4 is located at Table Rock Road and Berrydale (near Railroad Park), Fire Station #5 is located at Roberts Road and North Keene Way (near North Medford High School), Fire Station #6 is located at Barnett and North Phoenix.
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.
A firefighter’s shift is 24 hours long. They work a rotating 9 day cycle of 24 hours on duty with days off in between averaging 56 hours per week. We have 3 shifts (A-shift, B-shift, and C-shift).
Firefighters have many other duties in addition to responding to emergencies. They spend a lot of their time training for structure fire attack, wildland fire attack, motor vehicle crash extrication, rope rescue, interior search and rescue, emergency medical incidents and training for a variety of other different types of calls they respond to. They also do commercial inspections, station and apparatus maintenance, school tours, and public education, as well as participation on Fire Department committees and meetings.
Preference is given to candidates that have paid or volunteer firefighting experience, a college degree in Fire Science, and EMT certification. A valid Oregon Driver’s License is required.
You can request a copy of a fire report through the City's online request form by clicking here. Alternatively, you can call Medford Fire-Rescue Headquarters at (541) 774-2300 or come by our office at 200 S. Ivy St., Suite #180, Medford, OR 97501. There is a charge for this service, which varies according to the length of the report.
For specific information regarding your address you may call Medford Fire Headquarters at (541) 774-2300. The general coverage areas are as follows: Fire Station #2 at Stewart and Columbus responds to the Southwest area of the district, Fire Station 3 at Siskiyou and Highland responds to Southeast area, Fire Station 4 at Table Rock and Berrydale responds to the Northwest area, Fire Station 5 at Roberts and N. Keene Way responds to the Northeast area and Fire Station 6 at Barnett and North Phoenix responds to the east area of the district.
There is no burning in Jackson County from November 1 to the end of February each year, except in certain areas that are outside of the Air Quality Maintenance Area boundaries. In addition, there is no burning in the City limits of Medford, at any time. From March 1 through the beginning of fire season, open and barrel burning is permitted in rural areas, with a burn permit. 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. See your local fire department for a burn permit and specific regulations for your area. Each district issues burn permits for their own area. Burn permits are valid from March 1 through the end of October each year, except during fire season.
Our Headquarters is located at the corner of 10th and Ivy St. in the Lausmann Annex (200 South Ivy St., Suite #180, Medford, Oregon 97501). It is across the parking lot from City Hall. Our phone number is (541) 774-2300, during normal business hours. If you have an emergency, you should always call 9-1-1.
Medford Fire-Rescue Headquarters is open during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Yes, to report a non-emergency situation you can call (541) 770-4783, 24 hours a day. This is our Central Communications number and may not be used for routine fire department business, such as burn permits, etc.
For any emergency in the
The fire department does not service fire extinguishers. There are many fire extinguisher companies in the telephone book that 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 its response.
Medford Fire-Rescue no longer offers Community CPR Classes. There are many options around the City for CPR classes. Some of them are:
- American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class or (541) 779-3773
- Rogue Valley CPR & First Aid https://www.roguevalleycpr.com or (541) 245-0963
- Southern Oregon CPR & First Aid https://www.socprfa.com
The City of
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. A second option is to call a hazardous materials waste hauler to dispose of it for you.
Yes, call the Medford Fire Department at (541) 774-2300 for information on Juvenile Fire Setter Counseling.
Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Medford Fire-Rescue responds with adequate resources when they are responding to a citizen in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. It is likely that in a time critical emergency situation, requesting more units after discovering that there’s a need after we arrive, will be too late. We have learned from experience that it is much better to release fire engines after we determine that they’re not needed than it is to call for more fire engines after investigating and finding out that we need more.
A structure fire requires a number of people to do all of the assigned tasks almost simultaneously. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention.
This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous superheated gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment or for victims to survive. 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 victim’s chance for survival and makes it much 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 may go ahead of the fire on a roof and cut holes to access the attic to stop the fire from spreading through the attic.
There are two reasons. First, automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, and/or the presence of hazardous materials. Second,
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Safety Standards for Rentals |
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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
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Inspection Information |
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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.
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Related Links |
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| Business Assistance |
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Department of Consumer and Business Services
| Accessibility |
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Oregon Disabilities Commission
The Access Board
| Building Codes and Related Code Sites |
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Oregon Office of Energy
International Code Council
| Electrical Codes and Related Links |
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Oregon Building Codes Division
| Plumbing Codes and Related Links |
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Oregon Building Codes Division
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
| Mechanical Codes and Related Links |
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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 |
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Oregon Construction Contractors Board
| Flood Plain and Safety Links |
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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 |
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HUD
Oregon Housing & Community Services
| Other Jurisdictional Links |
|---|
California Contractor's State License Board
The following brochure describes the rules and regulations in more detail:
City of Medford Marijuana Regulations and Licensing for Commerical and Industrial Uses brochure
City of Medford Marijuana Regulations and Licensing for Commerical and Industrial Uses brochure
The meeting location is:
Lausmann Annex 1st Floor (City Hall Campus)
200 South Ivy Street, Room #151
Medford, Oregon 97501
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.
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.
Oregon State Police
Identification Services Section
Attn: Open Records
PO Box 430034
Portland, OR 97208
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 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.
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.
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 |
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| 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:
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Additional Notes:
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Insist on permits? It simply doesn't pay to cut corners when it comes to your biggest financial asset, your home.
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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.
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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?
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When using licensed contractors, they will take out the permits. Always retain copies for your records.
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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.
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County and city front desks are set up to help you through the permit process.
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Building Code Standards |
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Residential
2005 Oregon One and Two Family Dwelling Specialty Code
Commercial2007 Oregon Structural Specialty Code
Electrical2005 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code
Plumbing2005 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code
Mechanical2007 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code
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Residential Plan Submittal Requirements |
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| 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:
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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.
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Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements |
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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) |
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| 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. |
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| Architectural Review Completed? If required, this must be done prior to plan submittal. For additional information, contact the Planning Department @ 774-2380. |
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| Elevation Certificate? Required when the structure is to be located in a Flood Plain. |
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| Fire Sprinklers? This is a separate submittal to this office when fire sprinklers are new or modified. |
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| Signs? This is a separate submittal to the Planning Department. |
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| Reduction of Site Plans Two sets copied on 8 1/2" x 11" or 11" x 17" size paper. |
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| Reduction of Floor Plans Two sets copied on 8 1/2" x 11" or 11" x 17" size paper. |
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| Structural Calculations One copy, if required. |
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| Book Specifications One copy. The Department prefers specifications as part of a document package. |
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| Interior Lighting Budget One copy per electrical engineer. Provide note that exterior lighting is per minimum standards. See "Electrical Drawing Requirements". |
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| Civil drawing | |
| Cover drawing Contains:
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| Site Plan | |
| Foundation Plan(s) | |
| Floor Plan(s) | |
| Framing Plan(s) Or provide information on another plan. |
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| Building Cross-sections | |
| Exterior Elevations | |
| Roof Plan | |
| Plumbing Information/drawings When applicable. Additional information may be required. |
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| Mechanical Information/drawings When applicable. Additional information may be required. |
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| Electrical Information/drawings When applicable. Additional information may be required. |
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| 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
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.
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Smoke Alarms |
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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.
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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:
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Where a wall or dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following conditions shall be met:
- The pool shall be equipped with a power safety cover in compliance with ASTM F1346 as listed in Section B106; or
- 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.
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Earthquake Preparedness Information |
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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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- 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.
- Your request must state the grounds upon which you believe the custody and removal of the vehicle is not justified.
- 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
- Dangerous trees
- Trees in the public right-of-way
- Types of trees to plant
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
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).
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.
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).