The ABANDONED VEHICLE hotline can be accessed 24/7 by calling 541-552-2277.  To assist us in locating the vehicle, please take note of it's exact location, the make, model and color of the vehicle.  
The process for towing an abandoned vehicle can take approximately one month. 



 

AFR protects large and old trees by thinning out the small
trees and shrubs to reduce density and reduce competition around large
and old trees (often 30-50 inches in diameter, with one measured at
80").

AFR promotes and maximizes retention of "legacy" trees (large, old trees
present prior to fire exclusion-- roughly 150 years old). Cutting or removal
takes the smallest trees first to reduce stress to the larger diameter residual
trees, including smaller trees that serve as ladder fuels that would allow a fire to burn into the canopy of the largest, oldest trees.

There are a limited number of situations where a larger tree (24
inches and above) may be cut for forest health reasons or safety. If you would
like more detail or have further questions about density management,
thinning from below, and protection of legacy trees and "old growth",
please contact Chris Chambers at chamberc@ashland.or.us.

 

 

 

 

APRC oversees 18 parks. All are dog friendly, with the exception of Lithia Park and North Mountain Park. APRC currently has one dog park that is a two-acre fenced-in area where dogs can run off leash and socialize with other dogs - Learn more.

Building permits are the way the City of Ashland regulates construction. Oregon operates under a uniform building code that is adopted locally, which means that building codes are the same in each jurisdiction in the State. The safety of the occupants of buildings is the primary reason for having construction codes. The City of Ashland has also adopted additional selected code sections, in addition to the state and federal laws that govern construction.

Building permits are issued at the Community Development and Engineering Services Building at 51 Winburn Way. Many simple permits (branch circuits, water heaters, decks, etc) can be applied for and issued at the counter, while larger permits require plans to be submitted and reviewed by a certified plans reviewer on staff. For projects more involved than the simple permits, but not major new construction, an over-the-counter application process is available each Thursday morning. Every Thursday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM a Planner and Structural plans reviewer are available at the counter to review and issue permits.

NEW - Contractors doing work in the City of Ashland can now purchase over-the-counter, non-plan review plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits online. Click on the "Quick Permits" link below to be directed to the state's ePermitting website.

• QUICK PERMITS (BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov)

Simple permits, such as electrical branch circuits, water heaters and irrigation systems are done at the counter and take only a few minutes. Larger projects, such as new residential construction and all commercial construction require a full plan review by both the Building and Planning Divisions prior to issuance, and can take three to six weeks depending on the project.

Inspection requests can be placed by phone by calling 541-552-2080, or online by clicking here: ONLINE INSPECTION REQUEST FORM.

To get an inspection for the next working day, you must place your request before 3:00 PM and provide the following information: Permit number, Site Address, Type of Inspection needed, Contractor and a contact phone number. Inspection requests made after the 3:00 PM deadline will be scheduled for the second business day.

Generally, any new construction requires a permit, as well as most restoration and remodel work. Some maintenance work does not require permits, such as carpet\vinyl replacement, trim and moulding installation, repairs to existing mechanical devices, etc. To be sure whether your project requires a permit, you may call the Community Development Department at 541-488-5305.

For electronic meetings, written testimony will be accepted via email to public-testimony@ashland.or.us for both general public forum items and agenda items. Written testimonies submitted by the deadline (see agenda for more details) will be available to the City Council before the meeting and will be included in the meetings minutes.

For in-person meetings, the public attending council meetings may speak at meetings unless it is the subject of a public hearing that has already closed. If you wish to speak, you must fill out a Speaker Request Form with the City Recorder before the meeting begins. Completely fill out your name, address (no PO boxes), and if you would like to speak in Public Forum (only for items not on the agenda) or during an agenda item. 

You will be allowed to speak after being recognized by the chair, normally the Mayor. Each speaker is given an amount of time determined on how many people have filled out a speaker request form. A timing device will be used to alert the speaker of how much time they have left. If the speaker has a handouts that they would like to submit to Council please bring a minium of ten copies.

Council meetings are held every first and third Tuesday of each month starting at 6 p.m. Exact dates can be found on the calendar. Agendas and minutes for each meeting can be found here.

Currently, the meetings are being held electronically until further notice. You can watch the meeting on local channel 9 or channels 180 and 181 for Charter Communications customers. You can also stream the meeting via the internet by going to rvtv.sou.edu and selecting RVTV Prime.

To file a complaint with the City of Ashland, please complete the online CODE COMPLIANCE COMPLAINT FORM


Completed forms should be submitted to: City of Ashland, Attn: Code Complaince, 20 E Main St, Ashland, OR, 97520.

 

All code compliance complaints go through our Community Development/Planning Dept at 51 Winburn Way and must be submitted in writing.  The official form can be found under the Community Development Division of this website.  Select Code Compliance from the drop-down list to see instructions and to download the form for submitting your complaint.

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. Our mission is to prepare citizens to respond effectively in disaster.

CERT trains residents to prepare their families and neighborhoods to mitigate, respond to and recover from disaster.

Our goal is to strengthen our community and make it more resilient neighborhood by neighborhood.

Our motto is "Neighbors Helping Neighbors."

See our CERT - Disaster Preparedness page for more details.

Simple! Contact the CERT office via phone or email and we will get you enrolled in our next Basic Training Course. Upon completion of Basic Training you are eligible to become a member. You may participate in CERT General meetings as a guest until you complete Basic Training.

To view the CERT web page Click Here

For a quick guide to water conservation tips and tricks, go to www.ashland.or.us/watertips.

For water related conservation information, contact the Conservation Division at (541) 488-5306.

The City's website has a complete list of programs available to assist customers in being as efficient as possible with their water.  This includes new toilet and appliance rebates, free shower heads and faucet aerators, soil moisture content readers, and other general tips and tricks for being smart with water.  

Click here to read about conservation programs.

The Conservation Division has developed a website that is customized for the local climate and contains photos and plant information for a variety of landscape and garden types, including native species, fire and deer safe plants and more.  

Click here to visit the Water Wise Landscape website.

If the water use is accidental, such as a broken sprinkler, your neighbor may appreciate you letting them know.  Water use is not restricted until mandatory water curtailment is implemented.

The City monitors water customers that use more than their allotted amount of water and notifies them.  You do not need to tell your neighbor that they are using too much water.

Many factors have to be considered including water availability from all sources including Reeder Reservoir and TID, weather, how much longer will it be until we expect a change in the weather, how has Ashland responded to curtailment and do we expect water use to increase or decrease.  All these factors will be considered to determine if the water situation is an emergency.

For a quick guide to water conservation tips and tricks click here.

The water available during curtailment is based on how much water each water customer can have for their own health and sanitation purposes.  The reason for going into curtailment is to ensure that we have enough water to meet those needs through the dry time of the year.  The water allotment is not based on the size of your house or yard.  

The water available this year is very limited and the water we do have will need to be used for health and sanitation purposes first, which may not leave us with enough to water our yards and gardens.

No.  The City has no way of knowing how many people may be staying at any one location, so the amount of water allowed is cased on the meter size not the number of people in the house.

Curtailment affects the City in a number of ways.  Each department within the City uses water in a different way and each of those departments will be cutting back on their water use.  Some tasks requiring water will be delayed until fall, others will be reduced to the minimum amount required until fall.  Street sweeping for example, will be cut back to two days per week rather than the usual five.  The street sweeper will also be using reclaimed water rather than the usual potable water.

Water curtailment also severely reduces water revenue.  Ashland residents are very good about reducing their water use when asked to do so, this means water bills are lower than a normal year, meaning the City brings in less money than before.  This will require cutbacks in the future within the water fund to offset the reduced water revenue.

If your citation is computer generated, you will find your citation number in one of two places:
On the top located after:

OREGON UNIFORM CITATION AND COMPLAINT
Ashland Police Department- CITATION E0000000

Or at the end of your citation. Your citation number generally begins with the letter E, unless it is a hand written complaint. If it is hand written, contact the Court for your citation number.

Traffic & Municipal Code Violations:
Appearance is not mandatory. You may call, submit a written plea, appear at the counter during office hours  on or before your scheduled appearance date.  

Misdemeanors:
Your appearance is required. Failure to appear will result in a warrant for your arrest. If you are unable to appear, you must submit a written continuation request to the Judge, prior to your scheduled appearance date. Your request for continuance must be approved by the Judge.
 

*Please allow at least one week for your case to be filed with the court.

First,  contact the Court to check the status of your case. Any clerk will be able to assist you.

Traffic:
You are subject to:

•  $15.00 suspension fee with Court action against your driving privileges in the State of Oregon and/or
• Balance turned over to Collections with a 17.5% collection fee (maximum fee $250.00). 

 
Violations:
You are subject to:

• Balance turned over to collections with a 17.5% collection fee (maximum fee $250.00). 

 
Misdemeanors:
The Judge or City Attorney may have requested:
 

• An Order for Show Cause may be sent you at your last known address ordering you to appear in court on a specific date/time to explain to the Judge why you are not in compliance with your probation or DSA.
• A warrant for your arrest due to non-compliance.

 

• Additional fees may be assessed

Traffic & Code Violations:

To request a trial, you must submit a written plea of "not guilty" on or before your scheduled appearance date. You can do this by mail, email, or by appearing at the Court counter during office hours. Once the Court receives your plea, you will be given a trial notice with your trial date. You must sign and return this form to the Court a week prior to your trial unless otherwise instructed by a clerk.

Trials are generally held once a month on Tuesdays at 1:30pm by Zoom. Some blackout dates may apply.  If you cannot appear in person, the Court offers a Trial by Affidavit. Contact the Court for more information.

The Court does not appoint representation on traffic and code violation cases. If you wish to retain your own attorney, you must file a notice of representation 10 days prior to your trial.

The Ashland Municipal Code is located online on the City's home page www.ashland.or.us or by clicking here.

First,  contact the Court to check the status of your case. Any clerk will be able to assist you.

Traffic:

• If you are late on a payment for a traffic violation, your case may have been processed for collections. 

•  If your balance has been sent to a collection agency, contact the court for the contact information of the collection agency.

Violations:

• Once your account has been turned over to the collection agency, you are to pay the collection agency directly. Once you have paid your balance in full, the court will be notified and your case will be closed.

Southern Oregon Credit Services Inc.: (541) 773-6238
Professional Credit: (866) 320-6527

Misdemeanors:

• Contact the Court for further instructions.

 
 

All Ashland Municipal Court warrants are serviceable in Jackson County only.

To clear a warrant you must:

1. Turn yourself in to any local law enforcement agency in Jackson County, Oregon.
2. Appear at the Ashland Municipal Court during office hours. An officer will be called to serve the warrant.
3. Appear any Tuesday morning at 9am for arraignments (excluding holidays.)  You will be placed in the Bailiff’s custody until you appear before the Judge.  

 

• Once a warrant has been issued, you are subject to arrest at any time.

If you were cited for a traffic violation and you would like more information, please visit the State of Oregon website: www.oregon.gov  or click here.

Chemical HazMat railway loads do not travel south of Phoenix, thus do not come through Ashland. However, any train derailment could be disruptive and impact the environment and the community.

If a derailment were to take place in Ashland, our immediate response would be initial assessment by Ashland firefighters, notification (and possible response) of the local HazMat Team (located in Medford, and run by Medford Fire Department), response by ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) and the railroad corporation, CORP (Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad). Other actions would include assessment of weather (where is the wind going to carry fumes/smoke, and who, if anyone should evacuate?) and waterways (if spilling in the water, where will it go and how can we minimize the downstream damage?), DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) and OERS (Oregon Emergency Response System) would also be contacted in the event of a spill over 50 gallons, and would provide more response guidance and be useful in coordinating more resources in the event of a large spill. 
 
What are actions to take to lower the risk? It is important to make sure our railway crossings in our area are well marked and signaled. And that we continue the good work being done by the Ashland Fire Department to enforce weed-abatement along the railroad right-of-way (CORP now comes through annually to clear and reduce vegetation along the tracks). 
 
What can you do to be ready?

1. Make a to-go 72 hour kit (try Ready.gov, ready.gov/kit)
2. Practice your evacuation plan and ‘Know Your Zone!’
3. Keep your vehicles fueled and charged  

The City has not borrowed money from the Cemetery Trust. Cemetery funds are used as outlined by the Trust for cemetery improvements.

Released May 8, 2023 

View City of Ashland Financial Documents/Reports
View City of Ashland Budget Information/Reports on OpenGov.com

Subscribe for daily email alerts at ashland.or.us by clicking on SUBSCRIBE (below News & Info). You can customize your subscription to receive only a little information or stay abreast to all that is happening in the City of Ashland. Notification options include:

• Agendas and Minutes
• City News
• Projects
• Calendar
• Employment
• RFPs (or requests for proposals)

In the case of the Grand Terrace project, the entirety of the proposed development is a rental apartment complex.  No units are to be bought and sold individually, they are not condos or townhomes. It is designed as ten, 23-unit apartment complexes, totaling 230 units. As such the requisite affordable units are to also be rental housing units that are the exact same size as the market rate rental units, and these affordable units will remain affordable for 30 or more years.

In other projects recently approved such as the 43-unit Beach Creak Subdivision, eight of the units in that development are being developed by Habitat for Humanity and are to be affordable ownership housing.  Four of those new affordable units will include the land and are not part of a land trust model.

The reason many regulated affordable units in Ashland are part of an affordable housing land trust is that such land trusts are specifically designed to provide affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families. To achieve this goal, the land trust owns the land under the housing units and partners with affordable housing developers to build the units, which help subsidize the cost of the housing development. By keeping the housing units affordable by removing the substantial cost of the land from the equation, the land trust can help to reduce the burden on low-income households and provide a more stable and secure housing environment for those in need.
 

• Oregon State Law and the Ashland Municipal Code both specify that 72-hours notice be given to those camping in public spaces before relocating/removing campers
• As a practice, APD (Ashland Police Department) enforces state law and camping ordinances when complaints are made, or a situation becomes unmanageable
  • Some of the individuals engaging in the current camping protest have participated in previous advocacy actions similar in nature to their current camping in public ROW or parks. Their request appears to be that they want to occupy public right of ways for their personal use without interruption
  • APD has been posting the camp sites for 72-hour removal and the occupants have abided by this, moving locations every two to three days
  • Most participants in the protest have been offered housing and have declined services, citing instead their belief that they have a right to exclusively occupy public spaces
• APD does not believe those currently camping in public spaces pose a public safety issue and will continue posting for 72-hour removal and monitoring the camp sites
• The City provides an Emergency Warming shelter as needed for those without permanent housing
  • A shelter was authorized last week and another shelter has been authorized this week through the morning of Friday, February 24
  • The shelters are available for anyone to use
  • In December 2022, Council authorized a budget amendment of $100,000 for the severe weather shelter services, for the remaining winter months, January through March

The Ashland Police Department always has and will continue to check Lithia Park at all hours of the day, as calls for service and operations allow.

We reached out to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, who oversee the Fourth of July Festivities, and according to them, there will not be a fireworks show this year; however, the American Band College will be performing at the Ashland High School Stadium. 

Learn more about the annual Fourth of July Festivities 


Released May 2, 2023 

The Audit Commission, and various City Council advisory bodies, were restructured by the City Manager and approved by the City Council at the October 18, 2022, Council Business meeting. The Audit Commission was eliminated in the restructure. Learn more  
 

The City Budget Survey results are now available at ashland.or.us/BudgetSurvey.

1. This project involves four private landowners located outside the City limits, though two of those lots have only minor involvement. The Ashland Loop Road crosses two of the properties on the way to the White Rabbit Trailhead and the Alice in Wonderland trail does as well.
2. This work is not part of our ongoing Ashland Forest Resiliency Project. This is not because the work isn’t valuable, but because there wasn’t ample time for proper engagement of the various partners and public.
3. Generally, the project is on sound ecological footing. We are experiencing a die-off in our forests and particularly in Douglas-fir trees (though pine as well) that is beyond anything we have experienced in Ashland’s history. Related to the changing climate, recent research from OSU that was derived in part from data on City forestlands we’ve been collecting for decades now, describes a “decline spiral”. This is impacting our municipal and Parks lands as well and is something we need to address further and budget for. Our forests are changing quickly though this isn’t commonly understood and anticipating this change by cutting quite a number of green trees came as a shock to many.
4. The City does have grant funding for wildfire fuels reduction from the Oregon Department of Forestry. A portion is earmarked for private lands around the City and the lots where work is underway are eligible. The grant can fund 75% of the clean-up costs (limbs, branches, small trees and brush) after the logging should the landowners show they did not make a profit by removing trees. The objective of the funds are financial assistance, not profit enhancement. The project/property will be assessed with the owner(s) after the work is complete to determine their eligibility. The City is not paying for the logging.
5. Trails and roads will reopen and be brought back to functioning status, or even better than before the work.
6. This work is not a clear cut. Areas where no viable trees existed to leave behind will be replanted with more drought tolerant species this spring.
7. The area should stay closed until work is done for public safety. 

See the news release 
Posted March 21, 2023 

The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) also referred to as the hotel/motel tax, generates approximately $3 million and is used for three purposes: Economic and Cultural Development, tourism promotion and the remainder for general expenses in the General Fund such as police and fire. The hotel/motel rate in Ashland is currently ten percent (10%). The hotel/motel keeps five percent (5%) of the money collected as payment for processing.

Released April 4, 2023

A good example of Charges for Services are utility fees, which help pay for water, wastewater, electric and high-speed data services. The revenue generated is based on the base-cost to provide the service and normally includes a charge that represents level-of-service used (or consumption). Other Charges for Services include: building permits, cemetery fees, police fees, ambulance transportation, recreation fees and so on.

The email for our Legal Division is legal_division@ashland.or.us – Emails to this address will be forwarded to Acting City Attorney, Doug McGeary, and Assistant City Attorney, Carmel Zahran.
The emails for new Councilors Hansen and Kaplan are, eric@council.ashland.or.us and bob@council.ashland.or.us.
 

View the 19 applicants (The deadline to apply was February 14, 5 p.m.). The Council will appoint two Ashland citizens in late February 2023 at a Council Meeting. 

Both projects are part of an ODOT project for compliance to install updated curb access ramps within ODOT’s jurisdiction. Read more. The contractor is Granite Construction. The work is slated for completion in June. Church St will not have a signal, just the ramps.

Our new Compliance Officer, Lisa Evans, will start her new position on March 20, 2023. Currently, Aaron Anderson is addressing code compliance issues that relate to public health and safety as a priority. Our new Climate Analyst, Chad Woodward, started his new position the first week of March 2023.  

The monitoring of the plastic bag ban has historically been a function of the Conservation Division and the Climate Analyst position. If a business was in violation, the Climate Analyst would contact the business and seek compliance. If after verbal, written request, and repeated written warnings, a business willfully remained out of compliance then the Legal Department could direct our Code Compliance officer to issue a citation of the Ashland Municipal Code. 

The trees were removed by ODOT as part of a project to replace the bridge deck over Clay St at this location. The median island will also be removed and will not be replaced. 

The two-percent (2%) administrative fee is General Fund Revenue to offset the cost in the City's Finance Department for the process of collecting and reporting the tax.

An amendment to the Food and Beverage Tax Ordinance (AMC 4.34) was approved by City Council in February 2023. Learn more about this amendment and other ballot measures for the May 16, 2023, Special Called Election. 

Released May 1, 2023 

Council seats are intentionally numbered and staggered so new councilors join at different times. The staggering is to avoid having an elected body comprised of all new councilors. It is beneficial to have seasoned councilors in place who are up to date on complex City issues. Recently, the City received 19 applications for the vacant seats for Position No. 2 and Position No. 3. The applicants were asked to choose between which seats they wished to be considered for: Position No. 2, Position No. 3 or both. Sixteen of the 19 applicants chose, “both,” while two chose, “Position No. 2” and one applicant chose, “Position No. 3.” Both appointed seats will be up for election at the next possible election, which is November 2024. In keeping with the staggered positions, Position No. 2 will be for a two-year term, while Position No. 3 will be for a four-year term.
 

We strive to deliver services essential to the community and enhance quality of life. Ashland revenue is primarily collected from the fees paid for services. Another major source is Property Tax, which generates approximately $24 million for the City. It is used to pay for expenses found in the General Fund such as police and fire, for some of the City’s principal and interest on debt and for expenses in providing parks and recreation. Property owners within the Ashland city limits pay $4.2865 per $1,000 of assessed value for the City’s share of the total property tax assessed. 

Released March 26, 2023

Electric Utility Users Tax is one source that is used to pay for expenses associated with the General Fund, such as police, fire, planning, building, and cemetery programs. The tax generates nearly seventeen percent (17%) of the General Fund revenues. Utility bills include this tax, which is approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the total electric charges on the bill. 

Released April 6, 2023

The Siskiyou Fire in 2009 was investigated by ODF (Oregon Department of Forestry). They can be reached at Oregon.gov/ODF for more information. The Almeda Fire investigation remains open and ongoing with detectives from APD (Ashland Police Department) and JCSO (Jackson County Sheriff’s Office) following new leads, exhausting old ones and remaining dedicated to solving the case – Learn more. 

The City of Ashland continues to pride itself on being progressive. In the summer of 2022, the City Council adopted new Vision and Values statements. Our Vision statements for success are:

• Ashland is a resilient, sustainable community that maintains the distinctive quality of place for which it is known
• We will continue to be a unique and caring city that stresses environmental conservation, fosters artistic expression, and is open to new ideas and innovation
• We will plan and direct our efforts to fulfill this Vision for the long term with a constant view toward being an open, welcoming community for all with a positive economic future

Our Value statements support the Vision – Learn more

The City of Ashland is interested in reopening City Hall to the public and is on working to develop a Facility Plan. One key issue in the planning process will look at how to use City Hall for office space that includes public access. When complete, the Facility Plan will go to City Council for review and implementation approval. 

The first 100K collected in Marijuana Tax is dedicated to the Affordable Housing Trust and is offered through a Request for Proposals process every other year. Learn more about the City's Affordable Trust Fund. 

The wording has been finalized for the Food & Beverage Tax Ordinance and for the Change Compensation for the City Mayor and Councilors. Learn more

The new City Councilors will be appointed at the March 21, 2023, City Council Business Meeting, which will be within the 60-day appointment requirement. 

Bear carts are once again available at Recology Ashland and generally cost an additional $6/month. More information at recology.com/recology-ashland. 

Released April 5, 2023

If a public body, its officers, agencies, departments, divisions, bureaus, boards or commissions are using social media or their personal phones and computers to conduct business (not limited to informing citizens, initiating or seeking opinions, interacting with citizens or other public officials, etc.), then they are subject to Oregon public records laws and such interactions could also implicate public meetings law. 

Since 2015, when the City Council approved the transfer of The Grove to the sites and facilities inventory of APRC, rent has not been paid.  APRC paid rent to the City when the building was managed by the City’s facility management division, which then had responsibility for upkeep and utilities. Once the transfer to APRC took place, the City no longer had the responsibility for the building and those expenses were taken on by APRC. Just as with all of APRC’s other sites and facilities, APRC’s budget is responsible for all expenses, including upkeep and utilities.  
 
APRC does not pay the City to rent the Grove since it is part of our sites and facilities inventory.

Submit a public records request by completing an online form. The time needed to process the request varies from 30 minutes, up to two or more weeks for in-depth requests. For more information, please visit the City Recorder page. 

View current job opportunities with the City of Ashland 

Due to the drought, limited TID (Talent Irrigation District) water and budget restraints, it has been necessary to reduce irrigation in many City Parks, and that includes the Oak Knoll Golf Course. The reduction in TID water has had the biggest impact on the Oak Knoll Golf Course. For more information on Irrigation during a Drought, please visit ashland.or.us/irrigation-drought-aprc.

The Climate Energy Action Plan (CEAP) and water conservation are supported by two (2) City Climate Commissions, the Climate Policy Commission and the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission. This is in addition to a growing number of residents who volunteer their time to educate other community members on the benefits of water conservation and climate adaptation improvements. The Ashland Climate Collaborative is continuously working to message the community on these subjects. For more information visit AshlandClimate.org.

The Intergovernmental Agreement with the Medford Water Commission for water conservation services is working well and the City does not expect to make any changes in the future.

Currently, the City has a staff position that is functioning parttime, working on the CEAP. This position will be posted as a fulltime position by the end of 2022/first part of 2023.

The City of Ashland follows the guidelines for drones that are set forth by the State of Oregon. Learn more. (Currently, regulations around drones are not part of the Ashland Municipal Code.)

The Electric User Tax is one of several funding sources for the City’s General Fund. The tax was adopted on April 9, 1976. Learn more 

Please see the Project Update provided to City Council on November 14, 2022.   

Budget: 
The City of Ashland has a biennium budget. The City of Ashland’s municipal budget is the projected financial operating plan for a two-year period. The City’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. The budget accounts for expected revenues and allocates resources to particular expenditures. Revenues are projected into the future based on historical revenues and current or projected impacts, such as a pandemic, that are estimated to potentially affect those projections. The same is done for expenditures. Expenditure allocations are based on historical needs but also current and projected impacts, such as high inflation, that may impact needed funds. Oregon State Budget law requires the budget to be balanced. This means that the City’s revenues must be equal or greater than total expenses. The budget is often referred to as a living thing or document as supplemental budgets occur regularly as events unfold during the biennium to align with unforeseen circumstances or changes that were not known when the original budget estimations and planning occurred. The supplemental budgets realign allocated funds to appropriate departments or programs as needed to ensure needed expenditures can occur.
 
Audit:
The City of Ashland produces an annual comprehensive financial report, which includes a municipal audit done by an independent audit firm comprised of certified public accountants. Oregon State Law requires local government file annual financial reports and due to the size of our City, the City of Ashland is required to be audited annually. The annual comprehensive financial report is a report of actual revenues collected and expenditures and, unlike the budget, which are estimates and projections, the audit reviews how much revenue was actually collected and how funds were actually spent as well as the condition of the City’s assets. The audit is not of the City budget. The audit is conducted by reviewing actual revenue and expenditure financial statements that provide an overview of how all financial activity. The audit also reviews internal controls to ensure the proper fiduciary care is taken to deter errors or fraud from occurring. The audit also provides a comprehensive look at the City’s assets and liabilities to provide insight to the City’s current financial position in the Management Discussion and Analysis section of the annual comprehensive financial report.
 
Budget = estimate of needed $
Audit = review of how $ was actually spent
 
To review current and past budgets and annual financial reports which contain the annual audits by an independent firm please visit: Financial Documents - Finance - City of Ashland, Oregon.
 

Once again, FREE e-filing will be available at The Grove in Ashland. Learn more. (Many thanks to the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation for providing this service.) 

The City is currently looking into a new feature on the website that will allow citizens to report issues online and see what others in the community have reported on. In the interim, feel free to submit questions with the online curiosity form, or email administration@ashland.or.us. 

From the City home page, ashland.or.us, click to Subscribe for daily City updates. Subscribers can tailor the information they would like to receive from City; for example, City News, Agendas & Minutes, Calendar and more.

Each evening at approximately 6:15 p.m. subscribers receive an email from the City of Ashland. The email will include items posted for the day that they subscribed to see.

In addition, follow the City on Twitter and Facebook: 
@cityofashlandoregon Facebook
@cityofashland Twitter 

Snowplowing is done according to pre-established priority routes. For example, routes to the Ashland Hospital and major arterials will take precedence over collector streets and neighborhoods. (The more traveled roads are the highest priority, followed by less traveled neighborhood street.) View the Snowplow Route Map.

The piles will be burned the week of March 7, 2023. 

The review is not complete. Council will make a motion at a future public meeting to signify that the City Manager has passed the performance review.  Released March 23, 2023

The history of the Food and Beverage Tax can be found on the City of Ashland, OpenGov platform. In the left menu, click on Food and Beverage Tax.

OpenGov is the City's tool for financial management and for presenting budget information to the community and communicating Council priorities.

Released March 24, 2023
 

The following items should NOT be flushed down the toilet: cleansing wipes (even if they are marketed as flushable), gloves, masks, feminine products, dental floss, cat litter, paper towels and so on – These items will not breakdown, rather they will trap hair and absorb grease. Flushing these items can clog your toilet, and potentially cause serious problems in the City sewer system (in the street and at City facilities – or worse, the backups can impact homes, rivers or streams). The only thing that should be flushed down the toilet is bathroom waste (human) and toilet paper and nothing else.

Released April 4, 2023

It is illegal in Ashland to feed deer, raccoon, wild turkeys, bear and cougars. Please do not scatter food or garbage or any other attractant that might lure a wild animal. Want to learn more? Check out the Ashland Municpal Code at ashland.municipal.codes, or reach out to our new Code Compliance Specialist, Lisa Evans, codecompliance@ashland.or.us, 541.552.2424. You may also submit issues via our online form. 

Released April 11, 2023 
Released again on May 5, 2023 

Non-utility services such as ambulance transport, building inspections, recreation, construction services, parking, cemetery services and so on are funded by miscellaneous licenses, permits and other fees and charges.

There is no requirement or authorization for Food & Beverage Tax funds to be used for, or for Parks & Recreation to have, a “savings account.”  Like every other City department, Parks & Recreation is budgeted according to their needs and available resources by the City Council on a biennial basis.  They may not have a “savings account" since all City appropriations legally expire at the end of the budget biennium.  This is the normal and expected practice for all local government entities; when the fiscal period ends all appropriations expire and the next fiscal period’s appropriations are subject to governing body approval.  

Released April 18, 2023 

The City of Ashland owns and operates a parking structure on Hargadine St, adjacent to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Learn more. 

The City Administration and staff cannot support any position on any ballot measure. At the February 7, 2023, City Council meeting, the Council voted 4-1 in favor of placing a proposed amendment to dedicate most Food and Beverage Tax revenues received to purposes currently in Parks and Recreation (see below) and extend the sunset date from 2030 to 2040.
 
The measure poses the question, “Shall the City of Ashland ordinance be amended to dedicate revenues to City parks, open space, recreation and senior service purposes?”

A "Yes" vote for this measure authorizes the City of Ashland to use the Food and Beverage Tax for City parks, open spaces, recreation and senior service purposes as follows, consistent with City policies and practices: twenty-five percent (25%) for capital expenses including acquisition, planning, development, repair, and rehabilitation; seventy-three percent (73%) for operations, maintenance or capital expenses. Two percent (2%) of the tax will be used for administration of the tax. *

The tax rate will remain unchanged at 5%, and any increase to the tax rate or change of its use will require voter approval. The expiration date of the tax will be December 31, 2040.

A "No" vote means the existing Food and Beverage Tax allocation will stay the same, with tax revenues going toward park capital expenses (not less than 25%), street repair debt or parks capital expenses (up to 73%), and tax administration (2%).

*With a “yes” vote, the City’s street repair debt will primarily be funded through franchise fees.

Check out all of the May 16, 2023 Special Election Measures. 

Note: Any statements made by City staff that could be construed as support for this measure, would have been made prior to Council approval of the proposed amendment for the May 16, 2023, Special Called Election. City Administration or staff cannot support any position on any ballot measure.

Released April 26, 2023

The Dusk to Dawn lawn behind Council Chambers and Ashland Police Department was opened on Friday, May12, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily for overnight use. The new rules will be enforced by Friday, May 19. Learn more

Released May 18, 2023 

Previously, the City had an agreement to utilize the Elks Lodge parking lot; however, the owner no longer allows public access to the property.

The City does have a number of parking lots (Pioneer St, Water St, Winburn Way, Second St), as well as considerable on-street parking throughout the downtown, all of which are free, albeit time-limited. View the downtown parking map.

Released June 2, 2023 

The policy for surplus vehicles states that if a vehicle is valued at less than a $10,000, the City Finance Director and City Manager can approve the donation or sale to another government agency or nonprofit organization. If the value is over $10,000, council approval is required. If a local agency is not identified as benefiting from the donation or sale of a decommissioned vehicle, agencies outside of the area are considered.

A: The current Look Ahead can be found under Council Business, ashland.or.us/CouncilBusiness, or by viewing the City Council page and clicking on Council Business. From here you may view the following:

• Agendas and Minutes
• Ordinances
• Resolutions
• Proclamations
• Streaming Video of Council meetings
• Council Look Ahead 

The original intent for The Grove was to serve as a Youth Recreation Center that would be managed by Community Works, a Medford social service agency. The Youth Rec Center was the vision of the late Steve Groveman, an administrator for Community Works who garnered community support for a teen center in Ashland.

In the late 90s, the City offered land for the future youth rec center. This donation assisted in making the low-income teen center viable. Funding for the actual building came from a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) award from the City of Ashland’s HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) funds and private donors. The final construction cost for the building was nearly $900,000, and in March 2000, the 8,000 square foot center was completed.

A requirement of the HUD funding to build and support The Grove, was for Community Works to meet the low-income beneficiary HUD requirements. Sadly, Groveman passed in 1999, and Community Works struggled to attract youth to the center. This combined with budget cuts and a sluggish economy eventually led Community Works to expand the use of the building to activities beyond youth recreation in an effort to offset operational costs for the building.In late 2003, Community Works closed the doors on The Grove and the ownership of the building reverted to the City. HUD then required the City to pay back the CDBG contribution for the building. Once this happened there were no requirements on the use of the building.

The initial CDBG funds granted to Community Works to build The Grove totaled $249,850. In early 2004 the City was able to get credit from HUD for the time that the building was used in accordance with the HUD guidelines as a low-income youth recreation center, and consequently the amount required to pay back had deflated to $214,887. The repaid funds were credited to the City’s HUD line of credit, which were then reused for another CDBG eligible project. Ultimately these funds were used to purchase land for six affordable housing units.

The Grove is located at 1195 E Main St in Ashland.

More information on The Grove…
The Grove is currently used as a Recreation Facility for all ages. Many programs are operated out of the building including Ballroom Dance, Community Folk Dancing, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Tap Classes, Garden Club meetings, Dog Training classes, AARP Tax Aide, and more to come since folks are feeling more comfortable returning to the inside.

The building also is home to operation “bike program,” refurbishing bikes to be used for the bicycle safety education program in the schools as well as donation of bikes to community members in need. It is also the location for the annual Rogue Valley Bike Swap. 

The Grove front office is open to the public Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; however, the building is used seven (7) days a week for programs. The Recreation Division staff also have office space at The Grove. The Division houses the Volunteer Program, operates the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, North Mountain Park Nature Center, Daniel Meyer Memorial Pool and various other general recreation programming opened up to the entire community. Staff and local community meetings often take place at The Grove. 

The OHRA (Options for Helping Residents of Ashland) shower trailer is temporarily housed behind the Grove on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m until their permanent home at OHRA facility on Washington St is ready.

In the event of a disaster, The Grove will be used as an Emergency Operations Command Center.

The City of Ashland utilizes Nixle to alert you of local emergencies and advisories. Complete information at ashland.or.us/Nixle. It's important to remember that EVERYONE in your family (partner/spouse, young adult, teen, tween) should register in the Nixle system. You can choose how you want to sign up (cell, email, etc.)  

Crosswalk striping will be added at the following locations on Siskiyou Ave:

• West side of Park St
• West side of Terra Ave
• West side of Tolman Creek Ave

The City would use a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as a tool of last resort, only after consultation with Ashland Fire & Rescue and local weather forecasters. The likelihood that a PSPS would be required is minimal.

The Electric Utility completed, and City Council adopted, a Wildfire Mitigation Plan in 2022.The plan emphasizes many of the things the City is already doing to reduce wildfire risk and makes some suggestions for things the City can do to be better prepared. 

 

The inspection process for fire hydrants is ongoing and rotates between four (4) zones in the City. Crews focus on one (1) zone at a time to ensure that all hydrants are functioning properly. (All hydrants are inspected at least once during a one-year period.) Hydrants are also reviewed when a request is made for a flow test for a new project, such as a new home.

Ashland’s primary water source is Reeder Reservoir, located in the mountains above Lithia Park. Reeder Reservoir receives its water from the Ashland watershed which begin at the peaks of Mt Ashland and Wagner Butte and flow into the East and West Forks of Ashland creek before entering the reservoir.  

In addition to Ashland’s primary water source, the City has two secondary supplies. These include supply from the Talent Irrigation District (TID) delivered through their canal system to the City that can be treated at the water treatment plant, and delivery of treated water from the Medford Water Commission through the Talent-Ashland-Phoenix (TAP) intertie.

Learn more

The City of Ashland has public charging stations for electric vehicles at the following locations:  

• Ten chargers at the parking lot at Lithia Way and N Pioneer St - 130 N Pioneer St 
• Two chargers at the Hargadine St parking garage - 175 Hargadine St 
• Four chargers at the parking lot at The Grove - 1195 E Main St 

The stations are offered at no cost to the user due to money received through the Oregon Clean Fuels program.

The Ashland Japanese Garden design includes a tea house; however, the funding for a tea house is not in place for Phase I, which will be complete in October 2022. An Opening Celebration of the Ashland Japanese Garden will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Stay abreast and find more information at AshlandJapaneseGarden.org.  

Your meter is read every month to determine how much water was used.

Yes, but remember that the number on the meter reads is in cubic feet, not gallons.
 
Comparing the reading on your meter from one time to another will tell you how much water you have used during that period of time.  To convert the cubic feet into gallons, multiply the number of cubic feet by 7.48.  The result will be the number of gallons used.  For examples 100 cubic feet of water used is equal to 748 gallons.

No.  Anyone who thinks they should be exempt needs to apply for the exemption through the City of Ashland Utility Office.

541-488-6004

The water distribution system moves the water from the treatment plant to the water users.  The system includes underground pipes, storage reservoirs, pumps, valves, pressure control devices and meters.  This is the system that delivers water to your house.

Your water use is measured by your water meter.  Comparing the reading on your meter from one time to another will tell you how much water you have used during that period of time.

Typically your meter is in front of your house near the street.  If you are not sure where your meter is located or if the meter you are reading is yours, you can request that someone from the City verify that the meter you are looking at is actually yours! Call the City of Ashland Utility Billing at (541) 488-6004.

Your meter has a counter on top that displays your total water use.  Write down that reading and compare it to a reading taken at a later time.  The difference between those two numbers will be your total water usage for that period of time.

The water meter measures water used in cubic feet not gallons of water.  Multiply the cubic feet by 7.48 to determine the number of gallons of water used.  For example: 100 cubic feet of water is equal to 748 gallons of water used.

Cloudy water can be caused by a variety of sources.  It could be something in the plumbing of your residence or it can be caused by something in the distribution system.  Try running your water for a couple of minutes, typically this will clear out the cloudy water.  If after a few minutes your water still looks cloudy, please contact the Water Department at (541) 488-5353.

Yes, the City maintains a local weather station for its use and has also made it available to the public.  

Click here to view the data.

Indoor water use varies from house to house and usually depends on the number of people living at the residence.  Below is an estimate of average indoor water use for a family of four.

Toilets: 30 - 60 gallons per day
Showers: 60 - 100 gallons per day
Clothes Washers: 20 - 50 gallons per day
Kitchen/Bathroom Faucets: 30 - 80 gallons per day

The variations in consumption vary greatly based on the age and model of the equipment being used.  For a more precise calculation of your indoor water use, see www.ashland.or.us/conserve.

 

For the past several years, Ashland has consistently used between 900 million and 1 billion gallons of water per year.

The City is obligated by law to put 1 million gallons of water in Ashland Creek. 

Absolutely!  We have a "tip-line" that you may call  or email at any time.  You do not have to leave your name;  just the information or tip you'd like to give. 

The tip-line phone number isn't for emergencies.  It's a resource for people who want to give the police department a tip or information regarding criminal activity without having to speak to an officer.  Our TIP-LINE is (541) 552-2333.

If you prefer to use email for your tip, we now have an email account that goes directly to the detectives.  You can EMAIL the detectives at: tipline@ashland.or.us

If you live outside of the city boundaries, please sign up for the Jackson County Alerts system. 

Those who live outside the Ashland City limits are welcome to sign up for City of Ashland Alerts, but not in place of Jackson County Citizen Alerts.

Not sure about city boundaries? View the interactive Evacuation Zone Map. 

Nixle was convenient and the system allowed more than 19K citizens within the 97520 zip code to sign up for emergency alerts! The new Citizen Alert system will allow you to enter your specific address information. What does this mean for you? It means that you will receive targeted messages for your area. Messages like power outages, or police actions that only affect a certain area, or a target area for evacuation--- Know your evacuation zone!

Being Better Prepared means everyone should sign up for a personal Citizen Alert account. It is important to remember that all members of your household should register for alerts, so everyone is receiving the same alert to know what is happening.

Sign up today by visiting ashland.or.us/Alerts. You’ll be glad you did.

 

View the National Weather Service in Medford, OR  

 A study with KLD Engineering, P.C., was underway well before the 2020 Almeda Fire to analyze estimated evacuation times. The study results were used to update the City’s evacuation map using a zone-based approach and to educate the public.

• Know Your Zone - View our interactive Evacuation Map 
• View the Results of the KLD Engineering, P.C. firm  
  • Study Summary 
  • Full Study 
  • Video on YouTube 

In addition to programming for all ages and abilities, APRC hosts/promotes the following annual events:

• Ashland Community Bike Swap
• Rogue Valley Bird Day
• Ashland World Music Festival
• 4th July Run
• Bear Creek Salmon Festival

And, look for our seasonal opening celebrations of the Daniel Meyer Pool... Island Night: A Aloha State of Mind (July), and the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink... First Frost. 

The Daniel Meyer Pool is located in Hunter Park and open June through September each year. Learn more at ashland.or.us/Swim 

Yes.  Firewise landscaping practices are often in line with Waterwise recommendations.

No.  Firewise landscaping recommends keeping grass short, not green, to prevent rapid fire spread near homes.  Maintaining all grass and weeks to 4 inches or less minimizes flame length and spread and makes fire suppression easier and safer for firefighters.

Within 10 feet of a home, fire-resistant vegetation, including deciduous shrubs and trees, should be free of all dead material and in healthy condition.

Fireworks are already banned within the City limits of Ashland.  There is nothing else to ban that is not already addressed in the current ordinance.

Enforcement of the fireworks ban is a law enforcement responsibility through the Police Department.  Please call 911 to report firework use in the City limits of Ashland.

Call the Firewise Community Coordinator at Ashland Fire and Rescue at 541-552-2231.

Ashland Fire & Rescue engages in many efforts each year to reduce the chance of fire, and the potential impact of fire on the community.

• Citizens can participate in the Firewise Communities program to create neighborhoods prepared for wildfire.
• The Fire Department is part of the regional Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Co-op that provides public education on fire prevention each and every year including signs and education in schools.
• Ashland Fire & Rescue has an active fire prevention program in the Ashland Public Schools.
• A watershed patrol deputy spends 16 hours per week dedicated to forested areas in and around the Ashland Watershed to discourage activities that could lead to fires.  The US Forest Service also has an officer who patrols the watershed.
• Ongoing thinning on City, US Forest Service and private lands reduce the potential for a severe fire in and next to town and our municipal watershed.
• The City's weed abatement program, through the Fire Department, requires that all dry grass be cut each year to reduce fire potential.

Public education efforts will increase as the fire season progresses and in response to the measured indices of fire danger.  This is in addition to the standard prohibitions on known fire causing activities that are regulated by the City and Oregon Department of Forestry each summer.

Fire Department: 541- 488-6300
Firewise Coordinator: 541- 552-=2231 
 

No.  Fire prone landscaping such as juniper, cypress, arbovitae and other conifers, are not recommended near homes and should be removed or meet Firewise landscaping clearance standards found at ashlandfirewise.org.
 

Weed abatement will be very important to minimize fire danger. For information about weed abatement contact Ashland Fire & Rescue at 541-488-5300.

Watering can be minimized and still meet firewise guidelines.  For more information click Firewise Landscaping or call 541-552-2231.

Please call 541-482-2770 to see if you qualify for a burn permit. You need to be located within the City's Wildfire Hazard Zone and:

• burning for wildfire-fuels reduction purposes, or 
• burning State of Oregon listed noxious weeds 

If you fit either of those two categories, you can schedule a site inspection for your permit application.

Burning is only allowed between March 1st to the beginning of fire season and for two weeks after the end of fire season in the fall.

Ashland Fire & Rescue's business office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM except for legal holidays.  Firefighters staff both fire stations 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency response.

All local Fire Districts are listed in the white pages under "Fire Departments" and their email addresses are available via their web sites included on our links page.

The typical response between Ashland's two fire stations is divided between East and West of Mountain Avenue.  Fire Station 1 responds West of Mountain Ave, and Fire Station 2 responds East of Mountain Ave.

For response information regarding your particular address please call Ashland Fire & Rescue's business office at 541-482-2770.

There are two fire stations in Ashland.  Fire Station 1 is located at 455 Siskiyou Boulevard and Fire Station 2 is located at 1860 Ashland Street.

With the exception of some nutrient testing and other specialized testing, our laboratory staff does almost all of the testing.

There are two areas that you may need to be concerned about.  First, the part of your line that runs from the house to the curb; and second, the part that runs from the curb to our sanitary sewer main in the street, easement, or right of way. 

To replace the first part, you will need a plumbing permit from our Building Department.  You may then replace the line yourself or hire a contractor to do it.  Once you have completed the repair/replacement, you will need to call the Building Department back to schedule an inspection prior to backfilling the trench.  For the second part in the street, you will need to obtain a Street Cut Permit from our Engineering Department.  This will allow you to excavate your portion of the line out to the street.  Usually, you will want a contractor to do this since there is much more involved.  Again, once the line has been replaced/repaired and before you backfill, call the Engineering Department back for an inspection. 

DON'T FORGET TO CALL FOR LOCATES 48 HOURS BEFORE YOU DIG - CALL 811.

About 2.1 million gallons of treated water leaves the plant each day and enters Ashland Creek.  This blended water then travels about 1/4 of a mile to Bear Creek.

Backflow assemblies have springs, moving parts and internal seals that are subjected to wear and fatigue.  Backflow assemblies have to be tested by a certified tester listed on City of Ashland's list of approved testers. 

                                                  

 

 

 

 

• Jackson Well Springs
• Ashland's Creekside Campground
• Emigrant Lake Recreation Area (Jackson County Parks)
• American RV Resorts, 405 West Valley View Rd, Talent, OR, 541.535.6632

 

You should give us a call at 541-488-5348.  It probably means that we are in the area cleaning sewer lines.  This does not happen very often.  We use high water pressure to clean the sewer lines and sometimes this pressure travels up the customer's sewer service and "blows" their toilet, shower or sink.  If this happens and you call us we can put you on a call list and notify you prior to the next time we clean in your area.

Know before you splash... we monitor water quality each May through October. Learn more. 

APRC manages 48 miles of trails in and around Ashland. View maps at ashland.or.us/ParksMaps. 

The Rec Division offices are located in The Grove at 1195 E Main St in Ashland. The Grove is the place where you can register for a program, get a map or gift certificate, apply for a scholarship, reserve an APRC facility or just stop by to say hello! 

 

The plant is located at 1195 Oak Street in Ashland.  Take the last paved driveway to the left at the bottom of Oak Street near the Bear Creek Bridge.

We have an operator on duty from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. 

First, you should call us at 541-488-5348.  We will perform an inspection of the area and assist you in determining how and why it happened.  If it was caused as aresult of a blockage in the City's sanitary sewer system, we will immediately take action to clear the blockage.  We will contact the City's Risk Management Department.  They will send out an inspector to check for damages.  For any loss, you may file a claim through our Risk Management Department.

The cost varies from $16.00 to over $400 depending upon the complexity of the permit, and the number of inspections needed. For more information, call Public Works at 541-488-5587.

No.  Anitfreeze cannot be disposed of in the sanitary or storm sewer systems.  You should make arrangements to have it recycled.

Yes.  Just give us a call at 541-488-5348 to set up a tour.

Prior to calling a plumber, you may want to call us.  We will check out the sanitary sewer line in your area.  This may save you a plumbers bill.  We will contact you and let you know whether or not the problem is in your line or not. 

Call us at 541-488-5348.  We may have some suggestions on things that you may want to consider.  Excavation and repairs may not always be the only answers.  you may also want to look at what you put in your sewer lines, such as Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG).  We have some ideas on Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will help. 

FOG is short for Fats, Oils, and Grease.  You will be hearing more about this in the near future.  FOG contributes to blockages in both the homeowners and public sewer lines.

Backflow is when the normal direction of flow is reversed resulting in materials or contaminants entering the City water system.  This can occur whenever the water pressure drops enough to cause a vacuum or "backsiphonage". 

The following testers are certified by the State of Oregon and have provided paperwork to the City of  Ashland. Backflow testers are private contractors and testing costs vary so it's recommended to obtain a price quote before scheduling the test.

• Rogue Valley Backflow: Mark Jamieson,  541-482-9464
• SO Backflow Techs: Philip & Cynthia Sander,  541-779-8927
• Scott Bradley Backflow & Landscape Irrigation Services: 541-601-2259
• AQ Construction: Jeff Quinowski, 541-883-7567

 

 

No.  With the latest upgrade, we no longer use chlorine as a disinfectant.  We now use ultraviolet light(UV).

Recology Ashland Sanitary Service is an independant contractor. They are located at 170 Oak Street.  The Recology Valley View Transfer Station is located at 3000 Valley View Drive.  To contact Recology, please call 541-482-1471.

Call the Electric Department at 541-488-5357 for any maintenance issues.

Those streets are part of the State Highway system, and are maintained by the Oregon Department of Transportation; not the City of Ashland.

Contact Utility Billing at 541-488-5304 to have utility service activated or disconnected, or if you have billing questions about your service.  Utility Billing is located at 20 E. Main Street. 

Call the Street Division at 541-488-5313.

Airport operations are handled by the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at 541-482-7675. The Airport Commission can be reached at 541-488-2211.

Learn more by viewing the City of Ashland Municipal Code -ashland.municipal.codes/AMC/10.68.010

No.  The only water that enters the system is sanitary sewer.

There are a variety of reasons that sewer smells may be entering a home or business.
These include:
· A common reason is the lack of required traps or vents. Every fixture should have a trap and a vent pipe to keep smells from entering the home. If traps and vent pipes are missing, you may need the help of a plumber to install them immediately.

· A common reason is broken seals around the toilet that allows water to siphon or dry out the traps and thus allowing smells to enter the home. There could be an air leak at the wax ring of the toilet or in the vent pipe. Rotted or damp wood can also cause the smell. Check to see if the toilet is tightly sealed to the floor. Grab the bowl of the toilet and try to slide it from side to side. It should resist a few pounds of pressure. If the toilet rocks from side to side, the wax ring has failed. You may need the help of a plumber to fix these problems.

· A frequent cause for inside odors is a dry trap. Pouring a quart of water into all sinks, showers/tubs and floor drains may correct this problem. All drains to a sewer system have a "P" shaped trap that is usually filled with water. The trap provides a seal to keep out sewer gas. If your basement floor drain is rarely used, water evaporates from the trap over time. Eventually the seal is eliminated, allowing sewer gas (and smell) into your house. The solution is easy: pour water into the drain.

· Specifically, the trap under the basin may not be holding enough water and is allowing sewer fumes into the room.  You may want to inspect your trap and be sure it holds enough water.

· If you have an old "house trap" in your basement the trap may be cracked or broken allowing smells to seep through the cracks and into your home.

· If the smell is noticeable mainly around a sink, try flushing a strong cleaner and bleach down the sink's overflow-the small hole(s) inside the bowl near the rim.  When the sink fills to near overflowing, water is routed through an inner chamber to the drain. Debris can collect inside the inner chamber, causing odor.

· There may be a small leak in one of the vent lines of the plumbing system, or a small leak around the base of a toilet or other fixture. You may need the help of a plumber. Check for loose fittings, corrosion, or holes in vent piping. Also, check the top side of horizontal drain pipes. If the top is rusted, it may never leak liquid, but it will leak sewer gas. Drain lines made of copper, steel or cast iron may all exhibit this problem.

· If you have older cast iron piping you may be getting smells through cracks in your pipes. This type of piping has a habit of forming a crack along the topside of the pipe over time, and this could be where your smell is coming from. You may need to inspect every inch of piping for cracks or openings where the smell is coming from, and then make the repair from there. If an entire length of pipe is cracked (quite common), you should replace it using PVC drain pipe of the same size, with no-hub couplers to fit the pipe into place.

· A frequent cause for inside odors is a clogged vent. You may need the help of a plumber or a handyman to disconnect the vent pipes inside your home and clean your vents all the way through the roof.

Each day the City of Ashland issues public works permits to homeowners, contractors, and different agencies planning to perform construction-related work within our City's roadways. The City of Ashland requires that each individual or agency obtain a public works permit before performing any work in the public right-of-way.

Permits allow the City to control what is placed in the public right-of-way and gives the City the ability to ensure that only qualified parties, who are properly licensed and insured, work in our public streets.

Permits also provide the permittee with a clear understanding of requirements for working on public property.

A public works permit provides the authorization for an individual or agency to perform work within the public right-of-way. There are eight types of public works permits

Right-of-Way Closure Permit covers the temporary closure of sidewalks, streets, alleys, parking spaces and paths within the City of Ashland public right-of-way.

Encroachment Permit is issued for the private long-term use of public rights-of-way and easements including, but not limited to landscaping, parking, accesses, etc.

Miscellaneous Construction Permit covers the construction of sidewalks, driveway approaches, curbs and gutters within the public right-of-way.

Excavation Permit covers the cutting and excavations of streets and alleys within the City of Ashland.

Driveway Painting Permit is granted for the purpose of painting a yellow “No Parking Zone” at the entrance to a home or business driveway to assist with visibility and access.

Dust Suppressant Permit is issued for the application of a dust suppressant on an unpaved City street or alley.

Special Event or Block Party Permit are issued to allow a temporary closure of a residential street or alley for the purpose of entertainment to benefit the immediate neighborhood including downtown.

 Sidewalk Café Permit utilizing the public sidewalk for sidewalk dining in the downtown business  district (C-1-D), commercial district (C-1) or employment district (E-1).

Public works permits can be obtained at the City of Ashland's Community Development / Engineering Services Building, 51 Winburn Way. Permit applications can also be downloaded from the City's website by clicking here

Yes. A Miscellaneous Concrete Construction Permit is required from the Public Works Administration Office, located at 51 Winburn Way, if work will take place in the public right-of-way. To contact Public Works, please call 541-488-5587.

All work will be stopped and the individual will be assessed penalty fees or face a potential fine.

Depending on the type of permit issued, some are valid for up to a period of 60 days, while others are valid for six months or more. Specific information can be obtained by contacting Public Works Administration at 541- 488-5587.

Perhaps. A Right-of-Way Closure permit to place a temporary oversized storage container or dumpster will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Factors include the location, available space, amount of public use, length of time, etc. For more information, call Public Works at 541-488-5347.

Important Information

· The City of Ashland requires any person or contractor to obtain a permit when working within the public right-of-way.
· A call must be placed to Oregon Utility Notification Center - 1-800-332-2344 two days prior to digging within the public right-of-way.
· No construction debris or stockpiling of materials shall be placed in the street or within the public right-of-way.
· No above or below ground installations shall be done without City approval.

Important Phone Numbers

Public Works Administration Office: 541-488-5587

Building Department: 541-488-5309

Transportation & Engineering: 541-488-5347

Code Enforcement: 541-488-5305

Tree Permits: 541-488-5305
Oregon Utility Notification Center - 1-800-332-2344 or 811
Website: www.ashland.or.us

If you have any questions, requests or suggestions concerning the Public Works permit process, please contact the Public Works Administration Office at 541-488-5587.

Yes,  The City operates under a National Pollutant Dishcarge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit issued by the Oregon State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  The permit is issued for a period of five years.  Currently, our permit expires on December 31,2008 (DEQ presently working on a renewal). 

The APRC Rec Division offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays) and located in The Grove at 1195 E Main St in Ashland. 
 

There are many issues to consider when using the sidewalks or streets for a parade, race or other special event. The best way to start is by calling the Public Works Administration office at 541-488-5587 or e-mail specialevents@ashland.or.us.

How Do I Find Places Where Sewer Gas Is Coming Into And Entering My Home?
 
1. Check all the traps in your house to make sure your water seal of the sewer is correct.
 
2. Go on the roof or have a plumber or handyman go on the roof and check all of your vent stacks to see if it is clogged or if a dead rodent has lodged in one of the vent pipes.
 
3. Re-install the bowl-wax rings on the toilets in your house, sometimes they get old and let sewer smells seep in.
 
4. If you are on slab foundation, check to see if you have any sewer-leaks in your pipes going into your foundation or under your slab foundation.  (You may need a smoke test for this - contact WWTP at 541-488-5348 to discuss)
 
5. Get a smoke test done on your drains.  A plumber/drain cleaner will cap off all drain vents on your house and blow smoke in your drain, waste, vent system; wherever you see smoke in your house is where the sewer smell is coming from.

Operating a vacation rental or traveler’s accommodation, from a private residence such as renting a house, a cottage, or a room in a home on a short-term basis (less than 30-days), in the City of Ashland requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).  

Short-term accommodations are prohibited in the Single Family Zones (R-1) however they are permitted in the two multi-family residential zones (R-2 and R-3) with a CUP. A CUP is a land use application processed through the Community Development Department and that requires public noticed to surrounding properties.

General requirements for establishing a Traveler's Accommodation include: the business owner of the accommodation must reside on the property; the primary residence on the site must be 20 years old; parking for the accommodation units shall be provided and the property must be located within 200 feet of an arterial or collector street. Arterial and Collectors are the major streets in town such as Siskiyou, North and East Main, Wimer, Iowa, Wightman, Ashland, Mountain, Beach Street and Morton.

Additionally, Traveler’s Accommodations must meet all applicable building, fire and related safety codes at all times and must be inspected by the fire department before occupancy. The business-owner must maintain a city business license and pay all transient occupancy tax. Lastly, advertising for any traveler’s accommodation must include the City of Ashland Planning Action number assigned to the land use approval and offering the availability of residential property for use as a traveler’s accommodation without a valid Conditional Use Permit approval, current business license, and Transient Occupancy Tax registration is prohibited.
Below are the relevant City of Ashland code sections:
18.2.3.220 Travelers' Accommodations in R-2 and R-3
Conditional Use Permits 18.5.4

 
Residents interested in operating short-term accommodations should contact the City of Ashland Planning Division at 541-488-5305.


 
 

Chapter 18 of the Ashland Municipal Code outlines the permitted and conditional uses for each zoning district. Click on the link below to be directed to Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code, Section 18.2.2.030 to view the allowed uses by zone.

• Allowed Uses (AMC 18.2.2.030)

Yes, a fence permit is required for installation or replacement of a fence.  A permit is not required simply to repair an existing fence.

The fence permit applications must contain the following items:

• Site plan of the property that includes property lines, abutting streets with names, north arrow, and the proposed fence locations and heights.
• Drawing of the fence elevation.
• $30.50 permit fee

CLICK HERE to view the “Fence Construction Information” handout for more details and example diagrams.

Yes, trees can be removed and a Tree Removal Permit is required if the following circumstances exits:

• Removal of a tree that is 18-inches DBH or greater and located on vacant property in the single-family residential zones (R-1, RR, WR and NM zones).
• Removal of a tree that is greater than six-inches DBH and located in the multi-family, commercial and employment zones (R-1-3.5, R-2, R-3, C-1, E-1, M-1, CM or HC).
• Removal of a tree located on steep slopes (25% and greater) or in an area surrounding creeks and wetlands.
• Removal of a tree that is identified to be preserved and protected in a previous planning application decision, such as part of the creation of a subdivision or constructing an accessory residential unit.
• Removal of a tree located in the public street right-of-way (see Street Tree Removal Permit handout).
• The topping of a tree.

For more information criteria regarding tree removal permits and applications see the full version of the Tree Removal FAQ.

For details regarding your specific property and the applicable requirements, we recommend that you speak with the City of Ashland Planning Division. A planner is available for questions Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Development and Engineering Building located at 51 Winburn Way, across from Lithia Park. The Planning Division can also be reached at (541) 488-5305 or planning@ashland.or.us.
 

The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) show the areas that would be inundated by a 100 year flood, which has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year. These ditigal maps depict potential flood hazards, and are used by federally-regulated lending institutions and insurance agents in determining who must purchase flood insurance and the cost of that insurance, should it be necessary. In addition, the maps will be used by City, County, and State officials for floodplain management and permitting purposes. The City of Ashland has its own adopted floodplain for Ashland Creek, Clay Creek and Bear Creek, contact the Planning Division at (541) 488-5305 for more information on those floodplains.

CLICK HERE for additional information on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and FEMA documents. 

To view the proposed development proposals, please CLICK HERE.

To determine the zoning district for a property, click on the Zoning Map below:

• City of Ashland Zoning Map

Yes. Chickens are allowed in Ashland provided specific conditions are met:

The number or chickens kept on any property is limited by the lot size. No more than five (5) chickens are allowed on properties of less than 5,000 square feet in area. For properties larger than 5,000 square feet in area, one chicken for each 1,000 square feet of lot area is allowed (up to a maximum of 20 chickens).

Roosters are not allowed within the City, and chickens (hens) cannot be closer than 20 feet to a neighboring dwelling and shall be kept at least 10 feet from any adjoining property. The environment where chickens are kept must be kept odor and debris free; they cannot run loose; and the chickens cannot cause a noise disturbance to neighboring properties.

Standards relating to the construction of Chicken Coops and Chicken Runs are provided in the Ashland Land Use Ordinance: Accessory Buildings and Structures (AMC 18.2.5.040)

Additionally, the Health and Sanitation Chapter of the Ashland Municipal Code addresses specific requirements for the keeping of chickens within the City:
  Keeping of Animals (AMC 9.08.040) 
  Animals at Large (AMC 9.08.030)
  Nuisances Affecting the Public Health (AMC 9.08.060)
  Unnecessary Noise (AMC 9.08.170)
 

Common questions related to Electric Vehicle charger installations:

•  Is a building permit required?
Yes, an Electrical Permit for one branch circuit is needed. CLICK HERE for the application.  Completed forms should be returned to Building@ashland.or.us for processing. 

•  Can the homeowner do the work themselves or is an electrician required?
The homeowner can perform the work if it is their primary residence. If it is a rental property or you plan to sell the property within a year, a licensed electrical contractor is required.

•  Is a City inspection required?
Yes, once the permit is issued and the job is completed an inspection will need to be conducted by the Ashland Building Division. CLICK HERE to request an inspection.  
​

Yes. "Deer Fencing" specifically designed for the purpose of protecting vegetation and gardens from foraging deer can be installed up to a height of 8 feet provided a clear view through the deer fencing is maintained. Fencing materials such as polypropylene netting, taut wires, and woven wire mesh (excluding chain-link) allow this clear view and are adequate to keep deer out. Like all fences, constructing a deer fence requires that a permit be first obtained from the City.




The required standards for deer fencing are provided in 18.4.4.060.B.6 [Deer Fencing] of the Ashland Land Use Ordinance.

The amount of marijuana plants that can be grown on a property is dependent on if the growing is for medical or recreational use. For medical marijuana, the maximum number of plants allowed per lot is 6. For recreational marijuana, the maximum number of plants allowed per lot is 4.

An accessory residential unit (ARU) is a secondary dwelling unit on a lot, either attached to the single-family dwelling or in a detached building located on the same lot with a single-family dwelling, and having an independent means of entry.

 

The size of the ARU cannot be greater than 50% of the primary residence, and the ARU can’t exceed 1,000 square feet.

 

For more information regarding application fees, permits, and zoning requirements for ARUs, refer to section 18.2.3.040 of the Land Use Municipal Code ​

Individual property information is kept on file with Jackson County and can be viewed online using Jackson County Property Data Online (PDO). Commonly requested information that is available through this application includes: property owner information, lot size, the year the structure was built, square footage, sales history, improvements, photos, and assessors maps.

Click on the link below to be directed to the County's online database:

• Jackson County Property Data Online

Basic instructions for using Property Data Online:

1) Select the blue "Search" tab located towards the top-right of the screen.      2) Next, select the search type you would like to conduct (Box #1) There are a number of ways to search for a property; however the most common are by "Map & Taxlot" or by "Address".      3) Select the current year (Box #2).      4) Enter the Map and Taxlot number or House Number and Street in Box #3. Note: When entering Map and Taxlot numbers, all City of Ashland map numbers begin with 391E (Example: 391E10AA)      5) After entering the search information, select the "Submit" icon (Box #4).  The basic property information will appear on the screen. To view more detailed information, select the "Click to View Assessment & Planning Details for this account" link. From there, you will be able to view: Account Details, Sales, Deed Card, Overlay Report, Permit Details, and Tax Reports be clicking on the corresponding icons. Note: Most of the frequently requested property information can be viewed on the "Account Details" page.

DISCLAIMER: The City of Ashland is not responsible for the accuracy of the information obtained from the County's Property Data Online application. Please note that City permit information is not available on the County's program, and zoning information provided by the County can be incorrect. To confirm the property zoning , CLICK HERE to be directed to the City of Ashland Zoning Map. To confirm other details, please contact the Community Development Department at (541) 488-5305. 
 

Solar access is one’s right to a certain amount of sunlight to fall upon their dwelling or property. Solar setbacks are the minimum distance that a structure, or any part thereof, can be located from a property boundary. For detailed information on solar access, solar setbacks, lot classifications, and permits, please refer to section 18.4.8 of the Land Use Municipal Code 

There are considerable variations regarding the terms of affordability and income guidelines for specific housing units and thus is it necessary to contact the City's Housing Program Specialist with questions before renting, buying, or selling a covered affordable housing unit.

To begin the process of qualifying for a unit covered by the Ashland Affordable Housing Program simply follow the link below to access the City of Ashland Affordable Housing Application and Instructions. For questions regarding the affordable housing application or the income verification process, please contact the Housing Program Specialist.

• City of Ashland Affordable Housing Application

The Fair Housing Council of Oregon is the most comprehensive source of information regarding issues of fair housing and housing discrimination. If you feel that you are being discriminated against of have a fair housing complaint you can call the Fair Housing Hotline at 1-800-424-3247, or follow the link below to access the Fair Housing Council's website: www.fhco.org

Ashland has an ongoing program that provides incentives to promote affordable housing development, as well as requirements that some units are to be regulated as affordable for a set period of time. For units established as 'affordable', the City imposes both a maximum rent and sale price, and qualifies the occupants of these units to ensure income guidelines are met throughout the affordability period. These are considerable variations regarding the terms of affordability and income guidelines for specific housing units and thus is it necessary to contact the City's Housing Program Specialist with questions before buying, renting, or selling a covered affordable housing unit. If you have spoken with the Housing Program Specialist about the specific housing you are interested in renting or buying (provided it's covered under Ashland's Program), the income verification forms can be accessed via the following link:
http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=15201
 

The City of Ashland does not own or operate any affordable housing. The City does monitor a number of individually owned single family and multi-family residences located within the City for compliance with income limits established through deed restrictions. The units covered by the Ashland Affordable Housing Program are deed restricted to provide affordable housing with varying terms of affordability income guidelines. The City only becomes aware of available units when applicants call to inquire about income qualification requirements. Because the units are individually owned by private citizens the City does not track or provide updated contact lists for units covered under the program.

If you are looking for affordable rental housing there are resources beyond the City's Affordable Housing Program. The Housing Authority of Jackson County owns and operates several subsidized and below market rate apartment complexes located throughout the Rogue Valley. The Housing Authority also administers the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly know as the Section 8 Voucher Program) for Jackson County. Follow the link below to find out more information about affordable housing offered by the Housing Authority of Jackson County: www.hajc.net

The Southern Oregon Housing Resource Center located inside ACCESS, Inc. offers numerous resources for people seeking assistance in locating affordable rental housing; The SOHRC is also a valuable resource for first time home buyers. The SOHRC website provides a comprehensive list of subsidized rental units throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties and can be accessed by clicking on the link below: www.access-inc.org/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=9

With the exception of internal promotional processes, all job opportunities are advertised on the City's website for a minimum of 2 weeks, usually longer. Anyone interested in employment with the City of Ashland can set up a profile on our website which will generate an e-mail alert when a new job is posted. A City of Ashland Employment Application is required for all positions, and will only be accepted for a specific vacancy. A new employment application must be filed for each job applied for. We do not accept unsolicited resumes.

Due to limited staff resources and the need to operate as efficiently as possible, we request that you do not call or e-mail us to check on the status of your application. All finalists will be contacted by phone to arrange an interview, or by letter to inform them of their status in the application process. Generally, it may take several weeks to process an application depending on the number of applications received for a position.

The Human Resource Department coordinates recruitment and selection for all City Departments with the exception of the Parks & Recreation Department. As Police Officers and Firefighter/Paramedics are highly specialized positions requiring extensive screening and testing, the City routinely conducts a selection process for these positions so that we have a list to hire from when vacancies occur.

Candidates compete in a hiring process which includes written and physical agility testing as well as an oral interview process. Finalists who pass the screening process are placed on an eligibility list for potential future hire. As vacancies arise, the candidates on the list are contacted with a job offer conditioned on successful background investigation, psychological and physical evaluations.

The Human Resource Department maintains an "Interest List" for Police and Fire positions only. Whenever we advertise for an eligibility list process, we mail the job announcement and application materials to those on the Interest List. If you would like to be added to the Interest List for Police or Fire positions, please contact Human Resources. * Please note: Being added to the "Interest List" means that you will be notified when we are conducting a hiring process; it is not a promise of employment.

Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays).

The Living Wage does not require every employer in Ashland to pay their employees a Living Wage. It applies only to Ashland City employees (including Ashland Parks & Recreation) and contractors who work with the City under contracts over a certain size. The Living Wage does not include temporary or part-time employees hired for less than 1040 hours in any twelve-month period. Additionally, in calculating the living wage, employers may add the value of health care, retirement, 401K and IRS eligible cafeteria plans (including childcare) benefits to the amount of wages received by the employee.

The Living Wage Ordinance is available on the City's website by clicking on "City Municipal Code" and typing "Living Wage" into the search engine.

Complete the questionnaire and return it to the court ASAP. Please visit our Jury Duty section on the website for more information.

• Canceling all non-essential meetings and arranging for electronic meetings for those that are essential. View the City Calendar for updates on each meeting.
• Placing 24 portable restrooms and 18 hand washing stations around Ashland to allow for the public to practice safe hygiene 24 hours a day. View the map with the locations of each here: https://gis.ashland.or.us/coronavirus/.
• Serving the unhoused population by securing funding for hotel rooms for unhoused residents, increasing areas where car camping is allowed, contributing funds to OHRA's food services offered, and more which can be found at our COVID-19 Support for Unhoused Population page. 
• Suspending late fees on past due balances and disconnects for late or non-payment for utility accounts through June 30. Bill payment plans will be extended beyond the three-month policy timeframe. 
• Extending the due date of lodging (TOT) and food and beverage taxes until August 1. 
• Activating the Emergency Operations Center and declaring a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for the City Administrator more authority and flexibility in managing the City’s resources to protect public health and safety during this time. 
• Continuing to collaborate with regional, state, and national partners to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

As updates from the Oregon Health Authority are occurring daily, check their website (https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19) for the most up-to-date information. You can also view a map view of the cases by going to https://gis.ashland.or.us/coronavirus/ and selecting the OEM’s Coronavirus dashboard tab. 

For cases by zip code, go to this map provided and administered by Jackson County. The map is updated weekly and shows the total number of cases by zip code, not just the active cases. 

Various organizations are looking for donations of items, money, and time. Below are some of the organizations that could use your help. For more details and ways to connect with these organizations, go to our How You Can Help page.

• Give blood and plasma through the American Red Cross
• Donate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Asante Foundation
• Donate money​ to the Ashland Food Project
• Volunteer with Food and Friends/Meals on Wheels
• Support local businesses many of which allow for curbside pick up and delivery
• Volunteer with Neighbors Helping Neighbors
• Donate supplies (like tents, sleeping bags, and more) to Options for Helping Residents of Ashland (OHRA)
• Become a buddy with the Senior Phone Buddy program.

For more ways to help check out Representative Pam Marsh's webpage on Ways to Give, Help, and Volunteer.

Face coverings still are required for indoor public spaces. For more details,go to the Governor's website. 

Click here for more information on masks.

Click here for examples on how wear and make a mask.

Refer to the Local & Business Resources page for information on evictions, rent, utility, food and other assistance available during this time. 

If you've received a traffic citation and would like to better understand which law you violated, the state has a web-site that might be helpful.  Click on the link below to be redirected.

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/forms/vehiclecodebk.shtml

Option #1

Pay the ticket within 10 calendar days of the date the violation is issued.

Make check payable to and mail to:

Ashland Parking Enforcement

PO Box 566

Ashland, OR 97520

or

Drop the payment in the yellow drop boxes located at:

Ashland Civic Center (Police Station Parking Lot)

1175 East Main

or

City Hall (the box is located on a pole outside the Plaza side of City Hall)

20 East Main

Option #2

Appeal the citation.

1. Write a letter, within ten calendar days, explaining why you are appealing the ticket and include your name, address and phone number. Include the payment for the ticket with the letter. Mail the letter to:

Ashland Parking Enforcement

PO Box 566

Ashland, OR 97520

The Ashland Municipal Judge will review the letter.

If the charge is dismissed, the check is returned to the sender.

The appeal process usually takes two weeks.

Do not go to the Municipal Court in person. The clerks are unable to assist with parking tickets. All appeals must be made in writing.

Diamond Parking Service: 541-552-1422

 

Payment for parking tickets can be made using the Online Ticket Payment Portal

You may also call Diamond Parking at (541) 552-1422 to pay your ticket via phone.

If you would like to appeal for the citation, complete the Online Appeal Form

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---

Parking enforcement is handled by Diamond Parking, a private company contracted by the City of Ashland to enforce parking laws.
Option #1
Pay the citation

• Pay the ticket within 10 calendar days of the date the violation is issued.
• Call (541) 552-1422 Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm to pay by phone
• Make check payable to:  Ashland Parking Enforcement
• Mail payments to :
  Ashland Parking Enforcement
  PO Box 566
  Ashland, OR 97520
• Pay online: https://ashlandoregon.paymynotice.com/​
• Drop payments (no cash) in the yellow drop boxes located at:
  • Ashland Civic Center (Police Station Parking Lot) 1175 E. Main             ***Payments are not accepted at the Municipal Court***
  • Police Department (drop box is located near the parking lot, or you can give the envelope to one of the clerks, cash accepted at this location.
  • City Hall (the box is located on a pole outside the Plaza side of City Hall) 20 E. Main.
  • Utility Billing Counter (no drop box, give the envelope to one of the clerks, cash accepted at this location)

Option #2
Appeal the citation:
        Write a letter, within 10 calendar days, explaining why you are appealing the ticket.

• Include your name, address and phone number along with the payment for the ticket.

         Mail letter and payments to:
         Ashland Parking Enforcement
         PO Box 566
         Ashland, OR 97520
 
The Ashland Municipal Judge will review the letter. If the charge is dismissed, the check is returned to the sender.  
 

The appeal process usually takes two weeks.

 All appeals must be made in writing

---

 Questions:

• Visit their office, Tuesday- Friday 10:00 am-2:00 pm at 40 N. Main St #7, (inside the Ashland Plaza Mall)
• Call: (541) 552-1422 Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm
• Email: ashland@diamondparking.com

APRC follows an Integrated Pest Management Policy adopted by the Commission in 2010 - Learn more

Currently APRC oversees four community gardens - Learn more.

Become a VIP member with APRC! VIP... Volunteer in Parks! It's the Natural Thing to Do!" Learn more 

APRC oversees 18 parks within the City limits. Learn more.

Ashland Parks & Recreation oversees 18 parks/properties that are dog friendly, one of which is a two-acre fenced-in area where dogs can run off leash and socialize with other dogs - Learn more.

Currently, APRC oversees four community gardens - Learn more.

Recology Ashland Sanitary partnered with the Ashland police department to bring a new prescription drug deposit box to the City of Ashland.  The prescription drug deposit box,  which has been placed in the lobby of the Ashland police department, was built and donated by Recology Ashland Sanitary.  In addition, Recology Ashland Sanitary provided the sign that is mounted on the wall above the box.

The prescription drug deposit box will allow citizens the opportunity to drop off the following items in a secure box. 

• Prescriptions
• Over the counter Medications
• Medication Samples
• Medications for pets
• Ointments
• Lotions
• Liquid medication in glass or leak proof containers.

The following items WILL NOT be accepted in the box.

• Needles (sharps)
• Thermometers
• Bloody or infectious waste
• Medications from businesses or clinics
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Aerosol cans or inhalers
• Food items
• Supplements

The best time to drop off your items are during business hours.

Installing this box will assist with keeping prescription medicines away from children, out of landfills, our water supply, and waste treatment systems.

Registration for APRC programs is underway!  Learn more about registering.

The Oak Knoll Golf Course is a Division of Ashland Parks & Recreation - Learn more.

The North Mountain Park Nature Center is a Division of Ashland Parks & Recreation - Learn more.

The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink is located at 95 Winburn Way in Lithia Park at the corner of Winburn Way and Nutley St. The rink is open November through February each year. Learn more at ashland.or.us/IceRink 

APRC produces three (3) Community PlayGuides each year, each with recreation programming that offers something for everyone! More info at ashland.or.us/Register.

The Daniel Meyer Pool is located in Hunter Park and open June through September each year. Learn more at ashland.or.us/Swim 

The Oak Knoll Golf Course is a Division of APRC - Complete info at OakKnollGolf.org. 

The Ashland Senior Center is a Division of APRC and is located at 1699 Homes Ave in Ashland - Learn more.

The North Mountain Park Nature Center is a Division of Ashland Parks & Recreation - Complete info at NorthMountainPark.org. 

In addition to programming for all ages and abilities, APRC hosts/promotes the following annual events:

• Ashland Community Bike Swap
• Rogue Valley Bird Day
• Ashland World Music Festival 
• 4th July Run
• Bear Creek Salmon Festival

And, look for our seasonal opening celebrations of the Daniel Meyer Memorial Meyer Pool... Island Night: A Aloha State of Mind (July), and the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink... First Frost. 

The term "Firewise" was coined in the early 1990's to identify the growing knowledge that landowners could use to reduce their wildfire risks.

A website by this name (firewise.org) is used by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for their Firewise USA®​ program, that "teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses". The Firewise USA® program is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters.  

Firewise USA is a national program created by NFPA that addresses the risks to homes and communities from wildfire in the Wildland/Urban Interface (Often referred to as WUI). It encourages local community-based solutions for wildfire safety, with the goal of reducing home ignitions due to wildfire. The Firewise USA program emphasizes homeowner responsibility and provides the framework for education dissemination, community partnerships, and local actions that support community wildfire safety efforts.

Ashland Fire & Rescue is a working partner with our community to help establish and advise recognized Firewise USA program sites within Ashland. Check out Ashlandfirewise.org for more information about our program!

Unfortunately, there is no roof that is completely “fire proof”, however, with proper assembly of fire-rated materials, homeowners can lessen the potential for a fire starting, slow a fire’s spread and extend the amount of time it takes for a home to ignite. The roof is very vulnerable to fire because it is the largest exposed surface area of your home. The exposed roof can trap embers and easily ignite a home. In a fire vulnerable area, use class A or B roofing materials.

Material Classification

Class A (This is the least combustible roofing material and the highest resistance to fire).
Brick
Concrete
Tile
Slate
Clay
Asphalt
Metal Fiber-cement

Class B
Pressure-treated shakes and shingles
Some asphalt shingles
Some membrane roof coverings

Class C (This is the most combustible roofing material and is much more vulnerable to fire).
Membrane roof coverings
Wood shakes and shingles
Plywood
Particle board

The Ashland Senior Center is under the APRC Senior Services Division and is located at 1699 Homes Ave in Ashland. Visit AshlandSeniorServices.org to learn about all the services and activities for seniors and their families. 

• Smoke is a complex mixture of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particles, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides, and trace minerals.
• Fine particles are the principal pollutant of concern from wildfire smoke for short-term exposures (hours to weeks).

• Respirator masks can be effective in reducing exposure to smoke particles, however they should only be used after first implementing other, more effective methods of exposure reduction, including staying indoors with doors and windows closed, reducing activity, and using HEPA air cleaners indoors to reduce overall smoke exposure. 
• For adults, NIOSH N95 or P100 masks, when worn correctly, have been shown to filter particles and improve the quality of the air being inhaled. 
• Masks can be ordered online or purchased at hardware stores. 
• People with respiratory or heart conditions should consult with their healthcare provider prior to wearing a respirator mask. 
• Effective masks are labelled NIOSH N95 or P100 and must fit properly or they are ineffective. 
• Surgical masks, dust masks, and bandanas or other face coverings do not offer protection from particle pollution. 
• Children should not wear these masks – they do not fit properly and can impede breathing. If the air quality is poor enough that a child requires a mask, the child should remain indoors, in a safe place, and evacuation should be considered.

• Leaving the area may be best for those with health conditions that put them at higher risk for illness.
• Go to a local public building with air conditioning such as a movie theater, mall or library.
• Seek shelter at a friend or relative's home away from smoke.
• If you must stay put:
  • Stay as cool as possible and drink plenty of water.
  • If possible, set up an air purifier. 
• In homes without air conditioning, keep doors and windows closed.

• Ash may be irritating to the skin, nose, and throat, and may cause coughing. Fine particles can be inhaled deeply into lungs and may aggravate asthma and make it difficult to breathe.
• People with asthma or other lung diseases, pregnant women, children, and older adults should not be in the vicinity while cleanup is in progress because it is easy to stir up ash. Do not allow children to play in ash. Clean all children’s toys before using. Clean ash off pets and other domesticated animals, and do not allow pets on contaminated sites.
• AVOID direct contact with ash. If you get ash on your skin, in your eyes, or in your mouth, wash it off as soon as you can.

• If you have asthma or another lung disease make sure you follow your healthcare provider’s directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma action plan. Have at least a five-day supply of medication on hand. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen.  For individual concerns from specific smoke events, consult a medical professional.
• If you have cardiovascular disease, follow your healthcare provider’s directions and call if your symptoms worsen. If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, dial 9-1-1.

• Check the Air Quality Index (AQI).
• See the location of fires, the path of smoke plumes, and air quality information on the AirNow website, under "Current Fire Conditions."

• Fine particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs; exposure to the smallest particles can affect the lungs and heart.
• Fine particles are respiratory irritants, and exposure to high concentrations can cause persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• Exposure to fine particles can affect healthy people, causing respiratory symptoms and reductions in lung function. Particle pollution may also affect the body's ability remove foreign materials from the lungs, such as pollen and bacteria.
• Studies have found that short-term exposure (i.e., days to weeks) to fine particles, a major component of smoke, is linked with aggravation of pre-existing heart and lung disease. 

• Not everyone who is exposed to wildfire smoke will have health problems. Age, individual susceptibility – including the presence or absence of pre-existing lung (e.g., asthma, COPD) or heart disease, and other factors – determine whether someone will experience smoke-related health problems.
• Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from smoke exposure and will not suffer long-term health consequences. Certain sensitive people may experience more severe acute and chronic symptoms. 
• Children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people who are sensitive to air pollution (such as those with pre-existing heart and lung disease) should take precautions to limit exposure to wildfire smoke.
• Sensitive individuals concerned about the potential health implications of exposure to wildfire smoke should discuss this with their primary healthcare provider and check the Air Quality Index (www.airnow.gov) each day for the air quality forecast and for information about ways to reduce exposure.

• Seek a safe location, away from the smoke or wildfire. Stay inside in a safe place with the doors and windows closed. 
• Reducing outdoor physical activity is an effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled air pollutants and reduce health risks during a smoke event. 
• If you have a central air conditioning system in your home, set it to re-circulate or close outdoor air intakes to avoid drawing in smoky outdoor air. Consider upgrading your filter to a HEPA filter with the highest MERV rating suitable to your system. Refer to user manual. 
• Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution: smoking cigarettes, using gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, spraying aerosol products, frying or broiling meat, burning candles and incense, and vacuuming can all increase particle levels in a home and should be avoided when wildfire smoke is present.
• People who wish to clean their residences after wildfire smoke events should use cleaning practices that reduce re-suspension of particles that have settled, including damp mopping, damp dusting and using a high efficiency particulate air HEPA filter-equipped vacuum.
• Portable air cleaners using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and ElectroStatic Precipitators (ESPs) can help reduce indoor particle levels, provided the specific air cleaner is properly matched to the size of the indoor environment in which it is placed, and doors and windows are kept shut. Check to make sure the device does not produce ozone; those devices may increase indoor air pollution.  
• Places to consider going if you have no air conditioning include public libraries, hospitals, movie theaters, and other public buildings with good HVAC systems.
• Individuals who are particularly sensitive to smoke should consider temporarily evacuating an area with unhealthy levels of air pollution until air quality conditions improve. 

Follow the Oregon Health Authority guidance.

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Medford is not supplying Ashland with its own water.  Ashland has water rights to water stored in Lost Creek Lake and Ashland is exercising its rights to access that water.  The water is treated at the Medford water treatment plant.

The amount of water we get via TAP will depend on the water we need. If conditions change, it's possible we will not use any water via TAP.  However, if conditions continue to be much drier that normal, the City of Ashland has water rights for up to 1,000 acre feet of water via TAP.  1,000 acre feet is approximately 325 million gallons.

Please call (541) 488-5345. 

No.  On occasion tours can be scheduled, typically as part of a school group but prior arrangements must be made with the City.

Most of the time, Ashland's water supply comes from the Ashland watershed.  The watershed is located south of Ashland and extends up to the peak of Mt. Ashland.

 

Ashland watershed water flows into Reeder Reservoir from the East and West forks of Ashland Creek.  Water is stored in Reeder before it is sent to the water treatment plant.



 

As temperatures go up, water use in town goes up.  Our water use in the winter is less than two million gallons per day, in the summer our usage goes up to as high as seven million gallons per day.

The snow holds water in the watershed until it melts. The snow itself is almost like having an additional reservoir.  If all the snow melts early in the season when the reservoir is full, it just goes down the creek, we have no way of containing it if Reeder Reservoir is already full. 

This year's snowpack is the lowest since the Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Center began measuring in the 1930's. As of May 9th the snow at the top of Mt. Ashland is less than 10 inches.  

It is not uncommon to have more than sixty inches of snow on Mt. Ashland at this time of year.

The rain helps to reduce the need to use water for irrigation in town.  This helps to conserve the water supply we currently have stored.  However, the rain does not help much with our long term storage.  When the water reservoir is full the rain in the watershed simply flows down Ashland Creek. 

Ashland watershed water flows into Reeder Reservoir before it is sent to the treatment plant.  Reeder Reservoir is located south of town where the East and West forks of Ashland Creek meet.

1.) When there is not enough water in the watershed to supply Ashland with all the water necessary, water from the TID watershed can be used to supplement Ashland's water. 

2.) In addition, during emergencies (drought, wildfires, floods, etc.) 2.13 MGD is available from Medford through the new TAP line. 

It is possible that later in the season more TID users will be shut off from the system if it looks like our available water supply will no be enough to get us through the summer.

TID is the acronym for the Talent Irrigation District.  Their offices are located in Talent.  You can get more information about TID at their website.  Click here. 
 

TID supples water through irrigation ditches to large areas of southern Jackson County.  The water is primarily used for irrigation but can also be redirected to Ashland's water treatment plant where it is treated and sent to town as potable water.

TID water is stored in Howard Prairie Lake and Hyatt Lake before it is sent into the irrigation ditch system.

Their phone number is (541) 535-1529.

For several months City staff has been monitoring the water situation to determine what is necessary.  The snowpack is the lowest we've seen for this time of year so the concern is that we will not have enough water to last all summer without adding TID. 

The snowpack this year is so low that we're concerned we may not have enough water to make it through summer.  Because of this, we'll be pumping as much TID water as possible to the water treatment plant.  In the past years we did not need to pump as large of a volume of water as we will be pumping this year.  Pumping the maximum amount of water that we can does not leave enough water in the TID ditch or other uses.

If TID is left untreated then no, it is not safe to drink.  Once TID water is pumped up to our water treatment plant where it goes through the same process as all our drinking water it is safe to drink. 

In past years we did not need to pump as large of a volume of TID water to the treatment plant as we will be pumping this year.  Pumping the maximum amount of water that we can does not leave enough water in the TID ditch beyond the pump station for other uses.  People with access to TID in advance of the pump station will have access to TID, those households with access to the TID after the pump station will not have access.

No.  When Ashland watershed water is being supplemented with TID water, the TID water is added directly to the intake of the water treatment plant.  The two sources of water are blended at that location before it is treated at the water treatment plant.

TAP is an emergency source of water, not a replacement source of water.  Even with TAP, we will still need to be careful with the water we have.  The decision to continue with curtailment will be made when the TAP system is operational.

The TAP line will connect the Ashland water distribution system with the Medford water system. Medford gets the water form two possible sources: either the Rogue River or Big Butte Springs.

TAP is the acronymn for the Talent Ashland Phoenix water intertie.

The purpose of the TAP water intertie is to bring an additional source of water to Ashland to be used in an emergency.

Yes. Click here to be redirected to the State of Oregon Department of Revenue to file Transient Lodging Taxes online. You can also reach customer support by calling 503-947-2255 or by emailing SPA.help@oregon.gov.

Any cable modem that supports the DOCSYS 2.0 or higher standard is recommended.

If your vehicle was impounded as a result of an arrest, you will need to come to the Police Department at 1155 E. Main to obtain a release form. 

We will release the vehicle to the registered owner, who must provide us with I.D., proof of insurance, a valid licensed driver and $105 CASH for the processing fee. 

The tow lot will have an additional fee.

If you have any questions call 541-482-5211.

 

The treatment plant is located above Lithia Park in the Ashland Watershed next to Ashland Creek and below Reeder Reservoir. 

No.  Ashland does not, and never has, added fluoride to drinking water.

Yes.  Chlorine is an essential part of the treatment process, it is used to disinfect the water. Chlorine levels are continually monitored to maintain compliance with Oregon Health Authority requirements. 

No.  Chloramines are not part of the treatment process used at the Ashland Water Treatment Plant.

The latest Consumer Confidence Report is available on the City's website at the Ashland Public Library, City Hall and the Community Development Building.

2013 Ashland Water Quality Report

New user (if you had not previously accessed your Utility Billing account online)

• Begin by going to www.ashland.or.us and click on the link to Pay Your Bill on the left side of the City’s website.
• Click on the link under Registration Options (the line under the words click here) which will allow you to register.
• Complete the information on the New Users tab using your utility account number on your bill. Then click on Register at the bottom of the page.
• You now have successfully registered in the online billing system.

 
Enroll in Automatic Payments

• First you must register in the online billing system by following the previous instructions for a New User.
• Once you have logged in, click on the Dashboard tab and then the Auto Pay Your Bill (New) Go button on the right side of the screen. Follow the instructions on the screen to verify your email address if you have not done so already.
• The My Profile page will open. Click on the link for the account that you would like to register for Auto Pay.
• The Account Settings page will open. Click on the Yes, I would like to activate auto payment box under Auto Payment of Bill.
• The Add a new payment method page will open.
• Enter in the Payment Type, Description, Credit Card or Checking account information, and then click on Add payment method to this customer.
• You are now enrolled in auto pay and your payment will be processed each month the Wednesday before your due date. You will be sent an email confirmation of each transaction. Please note, if your payment is not accepted an email will also be sent to you with the reason for the decline. 

 

Your utility bill is due and payable upon receipt because the amount you owe is for service you have already received. The bill is delinquent 25 days after the bill has been mailed to you.

A number of things can contribute to an increase on a utility bill. Here are some things to consider.

Electric Bill Increases

• A change in the weather.
• House guests or increase on the number of household residents.
• New electrical appliances such as heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.
• Increased use of hot water.

Water Bill Increases

• Increased water usage in the summer.
• Reactivated automatic sprinkler system. Check to be sure that the sprinkler heads are working properly.
• Check for leaks.  For example a running toilet or dripping faucets (inside and outside).
• Is the hot water heater pop-up valve working properly?
• New construction.
• House guests or an increase in household residents.
• Have you recently filled a pool, spa or fountain?

 

    

Your deposit will be applied to you account after 10 full months of good payment history. If you leave before 10 months, your deposit will be applied to your closing bill and any balances will be refunded or billed to you.

Anyone doing business within the City of Ashland needs a business license. Applications are available at City Hall, 20 East Main or can be faxed upon request. If working out of your home, a "Home Occupation Application" will also be needed. If doing door to door soliciting, you need to provide a picture ID for each person working under the license. The application fee is based on the fiscal year of July 1st to June 30th. The fee is $10 per month and includes the first two employees. $5.00 will be charged for each additional employee. For businesses located outside the City of Ashland, but doing business in Ashland, the fees apply only to those employees that work in Ashland.

 

Click here for the Business License application.

If you have received a letter from Ashland Fire & Rescue titled - Notice of Warning, or Notice of Violation and Order to Abate, for a property located in Ashland, it is because there is a known history of this property violating one or more aspects of Ashland Municipal Code Chapter 9.04, Weeds & Noxious vegetation. You may not have received a Notice to Abate in the past regarding this property. Violations can range in severity and kind but all play a part in increasing the risks of wildfire around a home or business and within our city and/or poses risks to the health of our watershed. 

Due to a printing error in the bulk-mailing process, the notice dated 11/30/2020 has a misprinted DUE BY date. The actual due date is June 15^th, 2021, in preparation for next fire season. We apologize for this important printing error. 

Ashland Fire & Rescue is requesting owners and/or tenants of property in Ashland to better meet the requirements of AMC9.04 to help protect our community from wildfire. This warning letter is being issued at this time to give property owners and/or tenants extra time to prepare for next year’s fire season before legal actions may occur to bring your listed property into compliance with this ordinance.

This letter is not stating that you will be fined or your property forcibly abated, it is a warning regarding your legal responsibility that a property owner and/or tenant may be fined if the violation(s) are, or become, a significant fire risk if not properly abated. 
 
Due to the increasing risks of catastrophic wildfire in our region, Ashland Fire & Rescue is advising that greater efforts be made on your property to meet the June 15^th deadline for weed abatement and to maintain minimum fire safety standards throughout fire season. Minimum fire safety standards are listed in the letter you received.

For further recommendations to improve the defensible space around your property please visit fireadaptedashland.org.
 
After reviewing the requirements set forth in the letter AND have thoroughly evaluated the referenced property and you have specific questions regarding this notice or have other pertinent questions, please email cutweeds@ashland.or.us or call 541-552-2246 and we will respond as soon as we are able. 

No. Landowners who are being incorporated into the WHZ will not see a rise in taxes because of the WHZ expansion.

It was recommended that the Wildfire Hazard Zone (WHZ) be expanded to include all of the City of Ashland. Doing so enhances several elements of the fire safety strategy of the city. The Wildfire Hazard Zone was expanded on October 18th, 2018.

The City will now be able to regulate roof coverings to those appropriate for a community adjacent to and containing wildland fuels. Previously, within City limits, flammable wood product roof coverings were allowed outside of the WHZ. 

The City is also able to now regulate landscaping profiles for new construction that lend themselves to low intensity fire behavior with far less fire-spread potential. Previously, vegetation that produces severe fire behavior and fire spread, such as juniper, cypress, and arborvitae, were allowed unrestricted outside of the WHZ.

Both roof coverings and hazardous landscape fuels were a major factor in the destruction of 11 homes in the 2010 Oak Knoll fire. Properties within wildfire hazard zones are often the only ones that qualify for hazardous fuel mitigation grants. Expanding the WHZ would allow more properties the ability to apply for grant funds to help with fuels reduction and creating defensible space.

Though we are seeking grant funding to help landowners with wildfire mitigation costs, there is only one grant available from Ashland Fire & Rescue to remove or modify landscaping or replace wood shake roofing, and that is the Ashland Wildfire Mitigation Project. Learn More Here!

There is a program through the City of Ashland Conservation department called WaterWise that may have lawn replacement funds. The WaterWise Landscaping website is designed to inspire the creation of landscapes that incorporate native species and other water wise plants that are not only attractive, but capable of using less water than traditional lawns. It serves as a virtual demonstration garden that showcases examples from local residents as well as provides useful information and resources on water efficient gardening concepts. The program assists with funding to remove your green-grassy area and replace it with a drought-resistant landscaping. http://www.ashlandsaveswater.org/.
(Important Note: There are a few plants/trees on the waterwise website and the Native Plants list above that are fire prone and have restrictions as to where they can be newly planted within Ashland. Please also visit www.ashland.or.us/prohibitedplants for more info.)
 

The Wildfire Hazard Zone (WHZ) was expanded as part of the Wildfire Safety Ordinance approved on September 18th, 2018. 

See our Wildfire Safety Ordinance and Wildfire Safety pages for more information.

You can find a list of contractors and landscapers who have completed our Firewise landscaping class at: http://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=14121

You can find a number of fire-resistant landscaping resources at Fire Adapted Ashland. Resources include: 

• Fire-Resistant Plant Species Lists and Booklets
• Fire-Resistant Privacy Screening Plants
• Firewise Urban Landscaping Guidelines
• Firewise Landscaping Courses
• Mulch: the Combustibility of Landscape Mulches

The use of retail fireworks, sparklers, and sky lanterns are prohibited throughout the year within the City of Ashland. See Ashland Municipal Code 15.28-070(C). Ashland Fire & Rescue is asking residents to comply with the ordinance in an effort to reduce fires, injuries and the risk to our city’s natural resources. 
 
The use of any spark producing item which causes a fire is always prohibited. You can be held financially responsible for fire damage and the costs of fire suppression caused by negligent use of fireworks. 
There are three items commonly referred to as fireworks, but are considered "unclassified" items that Ashland residents may legally use:

• Smoke bombs
• Snakes
• Party poppers

Not necessarily, but it may be in your best interest.

If an addition of 200-square-feet or more in new lot-coverage is created, a fire official will perform an inspection to determine if there is adequate defensible space around the entire structure. When inspecting the landscaping, there are a few things that will be assessed:

• Does your structure have established defensible space (a fire break), including a 30 ft buffer area that is free of fire-prone vegetation?
• Are trees properly pruned for fire safety?
  • Are all tree limbs pruned for 10 ft clearance from chimney openings?
  • Are flammable species of trees pruned for a minimum clearance of 10 ft above and away from the roof line and exterior walls?
• Are ladder fuels removed? Ladder fuels are vegetation that let fire transition from the ground into taller vegetation, usually trees. Ladder fuels are typically shrubs or lower tree branches.
• Is vegetation effectively spaced?
• Is fire-prone vegetation present?

If certain criteria are found upon inspection, removal or modification of some vegetation will likely need to be completed before construction can begin.

See our Wildfire Safety Ordinance page for further information.

When planning new additions to existing buildings, decks, patios, or detached accessory structures that would increase lot coverage by 200 square feet or greater (new lot coverage), including adding an additional floor; a landscaping inspection will be required. Simply replacing an existing deck or patio with the same footprint will not require a landscaping inspection.

The fuels reduction assessment and General Fuel Modification Area ( 18.3.10.100.B )shall extend 30 feet from the furthest extent of the addition, deck or accessory structure, or to the property line, whichever is less.

The site inspection will assess and take into account the landscaping around the entire structure, not just the side for the addition is taking place. The General Fuel Modification Area required in this situation shall extend 30 feet from the furthest extent of the addition, deck or accessory structure, as mentioned above.

Modifications may not be needed, may be small, or may be extensive depending on how the current landscaping is situated in regards to fire safety.

Please Note: AMC18.3.10.100.C.3 - For construction of buildings and decks requiring a General Fuel Modification Area, the establishment of the fuel modification area provided for in subsection 18.3.10.100.B shall be completed before bringing combustible materials onto the property.

The General Fuel Modification Area extends 30 feet to help establish a primary fuel break (defensible space) around the structure, which is the 30 feet of space immediately around the home. A secondary fuel break can extend as far as 130 feet-170 feet depending on the slope of the lot. Creating and maintaining these defensible space "zones" will reduce or eliminate ignition hazards presented by vegetation (by thinning fire prone trees, creating spacing between tree canopies, removing and pruning trees, shrubs and dead vegetation).
 

As a landowner in the WHZ (Wildfire Hazard Zone), if nothing is done to change/modify the structures or the property, there is nothing that will be required of you from this ordinance. This ordinance will affect you if any of the following changes occur:

• Increase the square footage of a home, deck or accessory structure by more than 200 square feet OR build a new structure with more than 200 square feet of new lot coverage - You will need to comply with AMC 18.3.10.100.B.
• Build a new structure on a vacant lot that increases lot coverage more than 200 square feet.
• If you partition or subdivide your property, you will be required to prepare and implement a Fire Prevention and Control Plan which includes fuels reduction on all parcels.
• If you are replacing 50% or more of the roof, the roof is required be a non-wood, Class A or B fire-rated roofing material.

Here's a link to "Requirements for Constructing Structures in the Wildfire Hazard Zone." See section 18.3.10.100. For partitions of lots/subdivisions, owners will have to provide and implement a Fire Prevention and Control Plan detailing vegetation/fuels reduction, as appropriate. The link above has information regarding "Requirements for Subdivisions, Performance Standards Developments, or Partitions."

If you are not making any changes to existing property, like creating an addition on your home or building a new structure over 200 square feet, this ordinance will not affect your landscaping. The ordinance only affects new construction over 200 square feet that is being permitted through the City's Planning and Building Departments. The vast majority of citizens won’t be affected by this, though we encourage Ashland's residents to engage in preventative mitigation on their own or through our Firewise USA Communities program. 

Some changes required during new construction will be that shake roofs are not allowed (would need to be replaced), and incorporating only low-flammability plants in the first 30-feet (depending on slope it could be a greater distance requirement). A secondary fuel break will be created from 30-feet up to 200-feet (if applicable) from all structures with spacing requirements for fire-prone vegetation.

Visit our Fire-Resistant Landscaping Best Practices page for more recommendations to adapt and maintain your property for wildfire, or check out the rest of our resources at Fire Adapted Ashland.
 

See ashlandwatershed.org and our Resident Assistance page for more information about any possible private-landowner grant funding.