Code Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Division's primary goal is to work towards improving the quality of life for all residents of Umatilla County by protecting the landscape. We seek to provide valuable service to all citizens while faithfully supporting the ordinances that govern land use for our county. We strive to promote voluntary compliance on code violations, and focus on providing education and opportunities to property owners for a satisfactory and lasting result.

Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing the Solid Waste and Development Code of Ordinances for Umatilla County. Our jurisdiction covers all unincorporated areas of Umatilla County and some urban growth areas. Please note: we do not respond to complaints for properties within any city limits.

Common types of violations handled by Code Enforcement include, but are not limited to:

• Accumulation of Solid Waste
• Abandoned vehicles on private property
• Land Use / Zoning Permits
• Illegal placement of Manufactured Homes
• Unsightly conditions
• Unlicensed and/or Inoperable Vehicle Storage
• Water on Roadway
• Operation of non permitted businesses

Examples of Solid Waste: refuse, garbage, scrap metal/wood, rubble, tires, automotive parts, animal waste, construction/demolition materials, household appliances, hazardous or industrial waste, junk vehicles, dilapidated structures

The VOLUNTEER CLEAN UP PROGRAM is also available for groups to participate in cleaning up areas in Umatilla County. Learn more and take advantage of this opportunity!

Complaint Form, complete the Complaint Form with enough detail to allow a proper investigation. Complaints are held confidential.

Complaints are normally handled in the order in which they are received, but some complaints may be handled more urgently if timeliness is an important issue to the safety of the public or environment. Please provide as much information as possible in the complaint; describe the exact nature of the violation, the duration of the violation, and complete directions to the site. If the Officer determines that a Code Violation does exist, a 30 day Warning will be issued to the property owner. Our department does make every effort to encourage voluntary compliance with the property owner. Time extensions may be granted if the property owner is demonstrating attempts to bring their property into compliance. If there is no attempt at compliance or no progress in an agreed upon amount of time, the Officer will then issue a Citation to the property owner to appear in Circuit Court.