Driveway and Bio Swale

Hermiston Driveway Standards are governed by Sections 94.65 through 94.99 and 157.150 of the Hermiston Code of Ordinances as well as Hermiston’s Transportation System Plan.  Bio-swales are governed by Section 94.11 of the Hermiston Code of Ordinances. Some of the more common questions are addressed below.  The Hermiston Code of Ordinances is available online at: https://www.codepublishing.com/OR/Hermiston/

The Transportation System Plan is available at: https://www.hermiston.or.us/commdev/page/transportation-system-plan

Q.  Is a permit required to build a driveway?

A.  YES! Permitting helps ensure driveways are constructed to correct standards, providing the safest traffic flow.  See Section 94.67

Right-of-Way Permit Application 

Q.  How wide can a driveway be constructed?

A.  Driveway approaches are a maximum of 36 feet or no more than 60% of the parcel frontage. Site specific conditions vary. See Section 94.70 for details on Width and Location requirements. See Driveway details here.

Q. How far apart should the driveway be from the adjacent property’s driveway?

A.  Driveways should be spaced every 50 feet where possible. See the Hermiston Transportation System Plan Access Spacing Standards

Q. Can the bio-swale be filled in with concrete?

A.  NO!  Hermiston’s Code defines a Bio-swale as a broad open channel that is lined with grass vegetation, which acts as a filter to remove pollutants from runoff.  See Section 94.11 (A)

Q. Who is responsible for bio-swale maintenance?

A.  Bio-swales must be maintained by the property owner the swale is on or abutting.  Maintenance includes maintaining the grade, slope, depth, plantings, grass and all other facilities necessary for the operation of the swale. Non-functioning swales must be repaired within 30 days of notice to the property owner or it is declared a nuisance and the property may be abated.  See Section 94.11 (B) and (D)

If you have questions, contact Ron Sivey, Street Superintendant @ 541.561.7605