FAQs
Driveway and Sidewalk Construction and Repair
Q: Do I need a permit to repair my sidewalk?
A: Yes, for your safety and the safety of the public we require any work being done in the right of way to be permitted. The cost is $50.00. We want to know where the work is being done, what is being done and when the project will start and end. A traffic control plan and a drawing of the work location will be required.
Q: Can I get the permit and do the work myself?
A: Yes, depending on the job we advise using a contractor because of the regulations and specifications that need to be complied with. Whoever takes out the permit will be responsible to the City to do the work correctly.
Storm Water
Q: Can I fill in the swale in front of my house with rock?
A: No, you may not. However, you may request to have the Street Department come do that service for you by calling 541-667-5025 and requesting more information. Upon completion of an intake form, Street crews will examine your swale for size, and generate a cost estimate to complete the work; which you will be responsible to pay. If you decide to proceed, you will be placed on a first-come first-served list. The swale system is a critical part of the City’s infrastructure and prevents flooding. Improper installation of rock by homeowners, or untrained contractors, will result in flooding.
Street Sweeping
The city’s street cleaning program removes dirt and debris from city streets to provide a healthy, safe and attractive environment for Hermiston residents and visitors. Regular removal of leaves and debris by members of the public as well as city crews is necessary to prevent storm water drains from clogging, which can result in street flooding. Street cleaning protects water quality and minimizes the burden on the drain system from surface debris.
The City of Hermiston sweeps approximately 170 centerline miles of streets in Hermiston. At this point in time we sweep every residential street twice a month, main arteries once a week and the downtown core twice a week.
If a storm drain is clogged, the public is welcome to call City Hall 541-567-5521 or the Street Superintendent at 561-667-5062, and we will send crews to clear clogged storm drains.
Q: Why wasn’t street sweeping completed in front of my house?
A: There are many reasons why the sweeper may not have been able to remove debris from your street. Most often, it’s because items such as cars, bicycles, toys, basketball hoops, and refuse containers are blocking the roadway. Vehicles parked too close to each other for the sweeper to maneuver between them is another cause. Low-hanging trees and shrubs can also prevent sweepers from cleaning in front of your house. Sometimes we are not able to cover the sweeping if the main operator is sick and we have other projects that cannot be put on hold.
Q: How can I help street sweepers?
A: Keeping the roadway in front of your house free of large objects and obstructions is the best way to assist street sweeping crews’ clean-up efforts.
- Remove large sticks and branches from the roadway in front of your house. They will clog and jam the sweeper’s operating system.
- Remove grass or weeds that grow in the gutter. This will reduce debris in front of your house and will improve water runoff during storm events.
- Report abandoned autos to the police department. 541-567-5519
- Properly trim your trees so the sweeper can clean next to the curb. (Ordinance # 94.03 (E). 14 feet above a street or alley. 10 feet above a sidewalk). If you need to prune trees in the right of way, contact the building department at 541-667-5025 for a free permit to work in the right of way.
- Do not deposit or allow to be deposited in the street any debris such as rubbish, trash, refuse, dirt, leaves or grass clippings because they will clog and jam up the storm drain system. Ordinance 92.05
- Organize or participate in neighborhood clean-up events.
- If you own a pet, please obey the City’s “scoop law”.
- Talk to your children about the benefits of a clean neighborhood and encourage them to dispose of litter properly.
Q: Does the City have the street sweeping schedule online?
A: At this time the City does not have the sweeping schedule online. This is being worked on and we hope to have it completed in the near future. Large street re-paving and resurfacing projects are on the City’s web site, and contractors are required to notify adjacent property owners of work schedules by providing letters and door knockers to residents about an anticipated work schedule.
Q: What factors frequently disrupt our street cleaning schedule?
- Weather – heavy rainfall, wind storms, snow and ice.
- Equipment breaks down.
- Utility work by other agencies.
- Private construction activities in the public rights of way.
- Other street maintenance and road repair activities.
- Parked cars on both sides of the street.
- How dirty the street is – extra debris in the street delays the sweeper.
- Overhanging tree limbs that prohibit the sweeper from getting to the curb.
- Heavy leaf fall.
- Employee emergencies – unexpected absences due to illness, family emergencies, or other emergencies.
Q: How do I Request a Street Closure?
A: Fill out the Street Closure Request Form as directed and return it to the City Recorder directly by email or at City Hall.
If you have a question regarding streets not addressed here, please contact us through the Citizen Request form, at City Hall 541-567-5521 or Street Superintendent, Ron Sivey, at 541-667- 5062.
