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AERIAL PHOTOS:
Who can I call to obtain an aerial photo of my property, which is in the City limits?
Call Technical Services (GIS) (541) 726-3684 or email GIS
gissupport@springfield-or.gov.
ANIMALS:
There is a dead animal on the street in front of my house, who should I notify?
Dead animals on City property - Maintenance (541)-726-3761
Dead animals on private property - Property owner's responsibility
There is a loose dog running around my neighborhood, who should I call
Animals (in city limits) - Animal Control (541) 726-3634
Animal Control in the Urban Growth Boundary is not enforced by Springfield
Animal Control; they are enforced by Lane County Animal Regulation (541) 682- 3646
ASBESTOS:
I think I may have asbestos in the ceiling texture in my home. How do I go about getting rid of it safely?
Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, (LRAPA) (541) 726-2514, has extensive asbestos information, and can help you avoid contaminating your home and family with this material. Asbestos removal contractors are also listed in the yellow pages of the telephone book. City of Springfield has a limited number of handouts at the front counter of the Public Works Dept.
BANNERS:
Who do I contact if I want to hang a banner over Mohawk Blvd. or Main Street sites, and what is the process?
Applicants need to contact Tonja Kling (541) 726-3720 for a banner application and to find out site(s) availability. Prior to being given a permit, the banner will need to be inspected to make sure that it meets specifications. *Upon approval, the applicant will need to pay the City a $105.00 installation and removal fee. Once the banner is removed, the applicant has five days to pick it up at the Traffic Maintenance shop, 201 South 18th Street, Springfield.
BICYCLE MAPS:
Where can I obtain Bicycle Maps for the City of Springfield?
Bicycle maps can be obtained at Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth Street or on-line at Bicycle Maps. (Maps are free of charge.)
CAR WASH FUNDRAISER:
My fundraising group would like to hold a charity car wash. Are there any requirements associated with these?
Wash water should be diverted from storm drains and gutters, which eventually flow to local rivers. If you belong to a non-profit group desiring to raise funds you may borrow a Fish-friendly Car Wash Kit for free. The kits divert soapy, polluted water from storm drains to the sanitary system or a vegetated area for treatment. Contact Kim Singleton at (541) 726-3626 for more information.
CHEMICAL SPILLS:
I manage a business that handles a lot of chemicals. Who should I call if we have an accidental spill?
In the event of a significant spill of petroleum or a hazardous chemical, dial 9-1-1. This will automatically contact a series of people who can help limit the danger to you, your business, and the environment.
For complaints involving cars leaking oil while parked on public streets, contact Kim Singleton, Environmental Services Division, (541) 726-3626.
CURB PAINTING:
Do I need to get a permit to paint house numbers on curbs, in front of residential homes?
The city does not issue permits for painting house numbers on curbs.
GRAFFITI:
I noticed some graffiti on the way to work today, who should I notify?
Report either by calling (541) 726-3761 or filling out a report at www.graffiti.lcogweb.org (Graffiti removal is the responsibility of the property owner.)
GRASS AND WEEDS:
While pulling out onto an intersection I had a difficult time seeing, due to a tall bush and some grass. Who should I call to voice my concern?
Call the City’s Maintenance Division to evaluate the situation, (541) 726-3761.
The lot next door has grass and weeds that are very tall and dry. I am concerned that this is a fire hazard. I am not sure who to call.
Call the City’s Maintenance Division, if in the City right-of-way. If the problem is on private property, call the Fire Department (541) 726-3794.
ICY ROADS:
My street has a lot of water on it, which froze last night. We are not able to get out of our drive way. Who should we call to ask to have it sanded?
For streets within City limits you should call the City’s Maintenance Division,(541) 726-3761.
The Ice and Snow control services provide a safer environment during the winter months for the City. The appication of Magnesium chloride is used to prevent icing of street surfaces in specified areas, usually identified on slope.
INSPECTIONS:
I need to have an inspection done on some work that I have completed, how do I request an inspector?
The inspection recorder is checked at 7:00 a.m. each workday morning; subsequently, inspection requests called in after 7:00 a.m. would not be conducted until the following day. The number is (541) 726-3769 and is available 24 hours a day.
INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES:
Is there a list of invasive plant species?
Contact Environmental Services for a list of invasive plants, (541) 744-3382.
LEAF PICK-UP PROGRAM:
I have piles and piles of leaves. I was wondering when the leaf pick up program starts and what do I need to do to prepare to have my leaves picked up.
To find out more information on the leaf pick up program, please go to the following link: Leaf Program
LIGHTS:
There is a street light in front of my house that has a burned out bulb, who should I call?
For maintenance of a street light, call Springfield Utility Board (SUB) (541) 744-3726.
METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (MWMC):
What is METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (MWMC)?
METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (MWMC) is a partnership between the Cities of Eugene and Springfield and Lane County. The MWMC operates the regional wastewater treatment plant and the regional wastewater collection system that serves the entire metro area. They meet the second Friday of each month, 7:30 a.m., Springfield City Hall, Library Meeting Room, and meetings are open to the public. For information on the MWMC, contact Environmental Services (541) 726-3694.
To contact the treatment plant directly, the telephone and address are:
Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (Treatment Plant)
410 River Avenue
Eugene Oregon 97404
(541) 682-8600
OIL SPILLS:
I was changing the oil in my car and I spilled the oil pan in my driveway. How do I clean it up and where can I dispose of the oily mess?
The Lane County Hazardous Waste Center in Glenwood accepts oil and gasoline products as household hazardous wastes. Call for an appointment, (541) 682-3111
Web- site: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center
PLAN HOLDER’S LIST:
I would like a copy of a Plan Holder’s list, this applies to City of Springfield construction projects that have been put out to bid, who do I contact to order one?
Contact Jolie Smith in the Engineering and Transportation Service (541) 726-3687.
PRESSURE WASHING:
Are there any City regulations pertaining to pressure washing?
Yes. Pressure washing may be performed outdoors but several conditions apply. If flowing to storm drains or the street, water must be cold (no heat or steam cleaning) and no chemicals or soaps may be used. Sweep pavement first and clean up any spills prior to washing sidewalks and parking lots. Capture dirt and debris using a rolled up towel or other method near storm drains and driveway exits. Contact Kim Singleton at (541) 726-3626 for more information.
SIDE WALK REPAIR:
Sidewalk repair service is provided according to Municipal Code 3.304. The City has a responsibility to ensure that sidewalks are maintained for the city as a whole, including upgrading corners to provide wheelchair ramps, maintaining new public alley approaches, and repairing sidewalks adjacent to City-owned property. The effort to ensure sidewalks are maintained in safe condition is shared by property owners. Property owners are responsible for the construction and maintenance of sidewalks and driveway approaches next to their property's frontage.
Chapter 3.308 of the City's Municipal Code establishes the property owner's responsibility for repair and their liability in case of an accident. Any time a sidewalk's condition is noted as presenting a safety hazard to pedestrians, the City notifies the property owner in writing that repairs are required and then follows up to ensure the repairs are completed. The repairs are to be done within 10 days of the notice date. If the property owner fails to repair such property within ten days, then the City will repair the sidewalk and bill the property owner/s. The activities that are performed by the Sidewalk program in order to replace inadequate sidewalks is grinding the surface, and panel replacement by pouring new concrete panels. Other activities include design and replacement to American standards on certain intersection sidewalk corners.
SPRAYING:
The City sprays the blackberries in front of my house. I like to pick these berries for consumption. Can I ask the City not to spray these?
The Maintenance Division sprays along some roads to keep the vegetation down. If a property owner objects to the roadside abutting their property being sprayed, they may go to the Maintenance Division office at, 201 S. 18th Street (corner of 18th and South A St) to sign an agreement. Maintenance will then post "No Spraying" signs.
My neighbor is spraying herbicide in a reckless manner. Is there anything that I can do about this?
There is no City of Springfield Code provision that addresses spraying herbicide on private property and or possible overspray onto adjacent properties. This would be a civil matter between neighbors. The City would encourage you to contact Lane County Legal Aid for legal advice on this type of activity. They have attorneys who may be able to provide you with civil laws regarding this activity. They can be reached at (541) 342-6056.
SPRING CLEAN UP:
I look forward to the City’s annual Spring Clean-up. When will it be this year and what are the items that you will accept?
Please go to the City’s link to the annual Spring Clean-up. You will find the answers that you need there. SpringCleanUp
STORMWATER, DRAINAGE, AND FLOODING:
Whenever it rains, the water backs up in the street and into my driveway and garage. I can’t fix the whole street; what should I do?
Stormwater drains along streets can occasionally get overwhelmed and create minor flooding. If your home is subject to flooding on a regular basis, or during only light rainfalls, contact Public Works Maintenance (541) 726-3761. If you see area drains or culverts becoming plugged, help out by carefully removing debris. Never remove a manhole cover or catchbasin grating, as this creates a potentially dangerous situation for both you and anyone in the water nearby.
Some areas of the City are low-lying, and rising groundwater can create flooding on a regular basis. In some cases, the City can help by improving local drainageways and piping. However, flooding in some low-lying areas may be difficult to remedy without expensive major re-piping or reconstruction.
You can help maintain the City’s drainage system by not dumping lawn clippings, pet wastes, sod, or other fill in ditches, low-lying areas or drainageways. These activities can negatively impact your upstream neighbors by blocking stream flows.
STREET SWEEPING:
Is there a given schedule for street sweeping?
The street sweeping program does not really have a set schedule. The City has three street sweepers, two mechanical and one air. Residential streets are swept by the mechanical sweepers approximately 5-7 times per year. The air sweeper is scheduled to regularly sweep arterials and collectors. The City is divided into 12 zones that a sweeper operator is responsible to sweep. How long it takes him to get through a zone is dependent on the amount of debris on the street. Like in the fall, leaves will substantially slow the operation. Heavy rains can also force the sweeping operation to halt as the rain interferes with our ability to sweep. The operators are also in pool and may be called temporarily to work on other crews. With all the conflicts it is hard to say when a sweeper will be in specific location. We would like to get to a point that we could schedule specific areas and request parking on one side of a street or the other but, with our current resources, we are limited. For further questions you can call, Maintenance (541) 726-3761.
The street sweeping service is provided in order to meet air quality control standards and water quality standards for stormwater into the area waterways. Sweeping of arterials and collectors are provided on a sliding scale routine based upon traffic flows, usually on aweekly basis. Residential streets are swept 5-7 times a year.
SURVEYS:
I would like to have my property surveyed. Can the City do that for me?
The City does not survey private property; property owners must hire private surveyors.
TREES/STREET TREES:
My neighbor is cutting or pruning a tree in the parking strip in front of his house. Can he do that?
No one, except City Personnel or a City contractor, is allowed to cut a City street tree in the public right-of-way.
I own a vacant lot that has some trees in it and they look like they are unhealthy. I would like to remove them before they fall. Can I cut them down?
A tree cutting permit is required ONLY if a person wants to cut five or more trees 5-inces in diameter or larger, in one calendar year, and their property is over 10,000 square feet.
I would like to plant a couple of trees out by the side walk in front of my house and was told that the City has a list of approved Street Trees. Where can I find that?
You can pick up a list in the Development Services/Public Works office at City Hall or go on-line at; http://www.springfield-or.gov/Pubworks/design/06.00_Street_Trees.pdf
VEGETATION:
For removal or planting along rivers and streams
Rivers and some streams have riparian setbacks and building restrictions. Planning (541) 726-3759 can answer questions regarding setbacks and restrictions. Environmental Services (541) 744-3382 and Planning (541) 726-3759 can answer questions about vegetation removal and/or planting.
WASTE WATER:
My sewer line is backed up. Who do I call?
The City is responsible for the public sewer system, which ends at your property line. Call the Maintenance Division at (541) 726-3761 and we will send someone out to take a look. If the problem is in the City-owned portion we will fix it, but problems in the private lateral are the responsibility of the property owner.
How is my wastewater bill determined?
Wastewater fees are billed to all users connected to the Eugene/Springfield Regional Water Pollution Control Facility. Customers pay a combined fee which includes: A basic Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) monthly charge; and a flow-based fee, calculated on the amount of water used and customer category. Flow fees are determined from water meter readings during the winter months (December through April). May through November bills are based on the average of the winter usage or actual usage, whichever is less. For more information visit the wastewater page.
I think my sewer billing is in error. Who do I talk to about my sewer rates and/or billing?
Sanitary sewer user fees are included on your utility bill from the Springfield Utility Board (SUB). Occasionally, leaks or broken pipes can result in very high bills. For customer inquiries regarding adjustments or refunds on the sanitary sewer charges, call Environmental Services (541) 726-3696. Sewer user rates are adjusted annually to maintain service levels, and are approved by the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC), and the governing bodies of Lane Co., and the Cities of Eugene and Springfield.
WATER LEAKS:
How can I tell if I have a water leak?
There are several ways to check your plumbing for a leak. The most common leak we see is a silent toilet leak. To check for one, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank of the toilet and wait several minutes. If the color seeps into the bowl, you have a leak.
A good way to check if you have a leak somewhere in your system is to do an overnight meter read. You just write down the reading on your meter before you go to bed for the night (make sure no water gets used over night) Then read the meter again in the morning before you use any water. If the numbers change, you have a leak somewhere.You can also do this when you are going to be out of the house for the day.
Most of the meters in use today have a flow detector on them. This is a small red triangle inside a bubble located under the numbers on the meter. When you are using water, the triangle spins. If you are not running anything that uses water and the triangle is spinning, you probably have a leak.
I just discovered that I have a water leak, what should I do?
Call Springfield Utility Board (SUB), Water Dept. (541) 746-8451 if the leak is located at the main water line. If the leak is on private property, it is the property owner's responsibility. Environmental Services, (541) 726-3696 can help with adjustments on a bill if a Citizen has had a water leak. *Note – Waterline caps are located on the north side of City streets.
WATER QUALITY FACILITIES (PONDS AND SWALES):
I would like to dig a pond on my property, who would I call for more information?
Contact Engineering and Transportation Services, (541) 726-3753
We have a bio-swale that is adjacent to our property that is very overgrown. Who should we call to have it evaluated?
You will want to call Maintenance, (541) 726-3761.
WOODSTOVES/OPEN BURNING:
What is the Red-Yellow-Green woodstove advisory? How do I find out if it is okay to use my woodstove?
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) (541) 726-2514 regulates woodstoves and wood burning in Lane County. The LRAPA website is a good source of information on the advisory, which is also posted in the Eugene Register Guard. The advisory is based on forecast atmospheric conditions that determine how quickly the wood smoke will dissipate from the area.
Citizens requesting permits to burn in wood stoves on "red" (poor air quality) days should contact Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority, (541) 726-2514. The Daily Burn Advisory phone number is (541) 726-3976.
Is backyard burning allowed? How can I get a permit to burn?
Open burning is restricted inside the City of Springfield, and is enforced by the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) (541) 726-2514. Their website explains open burning regulations, which vary inside to outside of the City limits. The website also posts an open burning advisory where that is allowed. Open burning is allowed in some instances and for some materials. Contact LRAPA for details.
Sometimes I smell awful odors from the factory near me. Is there anyone that can help?
LRAPA regulates odors from industrial sources, and will work to minimize or eliminate nuisance conditions. Call the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) (541) 726-2514.
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