Clean Up Klamath

Not sure if you're seeing an actual code violation? Our website can help!

Have questions about camping rules? Our contact info is below!

This stuff might not seem like a big deal; you might think it doesn't affect you. But think about it; what would a visitor to our fair city think if we let our trash, trucks, and tires lay around on sidewalks with dead tree branches on them? Not a pretty sight!

Another very common complaint, particularly in the summer months, is overgrown grass or weeds. This portion of the code (401.020(f)) states:

"Any abandoned, inoperable, or unlicensed vehicle, or parts thereof, legally or physically incapable of being operated must be completely enclosed within a building and/or carport unless the owner of the property is lawfully authorized to operate a business specifically for the purpose of storage of discarded vehicles."

Make sure you've got an actual problem on your hands; our Code Enforcement Officers rely on the public to help report code violations, but their resources are limited. Pursuing and investigating complaints that aren't code violations makes it tough for them to manage actual violations.

You can <a href="http://www.klamathcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/189/Initial-Complaint-PDF" target="_blank">download the complaint form</a> online. For your convenience, the form is fillable on your computer; just type your information into the appropriate fields.

We're not talking about an extra set for your main rig, or storing your studded tires for the summer. Don't let your neighborhood look like this picture! -------------&gt;

You can give us a call, too. Our offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

This code is especially scrutinized during the summer, when fire season is in full swing. Overgrown grasses, weeds, and brush dry out quickly, contributing to fire safety concerns.

Uncontrolled or uncultivated growth of weeds, brush, vine, or grasses, over eight inches (8") high which offer vector or rodent harborage, which constitute a fire hazard, or which unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of public and private property within 500 feet of the external property lines on which the vegetation or growth is located.

Tires can be recycled, did you know? Klamath County landfills accept tires with and without rims for most size tires. Their contact information can be located by clicking <a href="http://www.klamathcounty.org/241/Solid-Waste-Division" target="_blank">here</a>.

(All photos provided by the Klamath County Code Enforcement and Klamath County Assessor's teams)

Be sure to keep grass, weeds, and brush trimmed and mowed. Not only will it look nicer, but you'll be making a step toward ensuring fire safety in our community.

You can do your part to help keep our community clean!

Then, you can either click submit on the second page to have your completed form sent to our Code Enforcement staff, or...

You might not think having large, leafy trees would be a problem, but oftentimes, those green giants can be a hindrance to clear views of street intersections. What a mess! Klamath County Code (401.020(h)) addresses this issue:

Visit our <a href="https://www.klamathcounty.org/193/Code-Enforcement" target="_blank">website </a>for code violation information. If you're still sure that there's a violation afoot, we have several ways you can file a complaint:

"Camping on private property is allowed for up to 21 days in any 6 month period. No permit is required for the first 7 days. A permit is required for any stay between 8 and 21 days and must be posted at the property entrance for the duration of the stay. A minimum of 14 days is required between camping stays. The total number of days counted is per all contiguous property under the same ownership. If garbage or trash accumulates at the site, including in trailers or vehicles, or is left at the site, the County may revoke the camping permit and/or not issue any future camping permits until the site is cleaned up."

The second most common code violation pertains to vehicles; mainly, abandoned, inoperable, or improperly stored vehicles and parts of vehicles. The code section (401.020(i)) for vehicles says: 

You can do your part to to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Klamath County!

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Camping: we get it, camping is fun! Klamath County wants to make sure everyone is able to enjoy this fun pastime. However, there is (you guessed it!) a code for that (Klamath County Land Development Code, Article 82):

The complete Chapter 401 of the Klamath County code can be <a href="https://www.klamathcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/185/Nuisance-Control-PDF" target="_blank">found online</a>; there, you'll find useful information on the ordinances that help keep Klamath beautiful. Some of the most common code violations are listed here! Use this handy guide to help determine what is a code violation, and learn how you can help.

"Accumulation, collection or storage of solid waste, hazardous waste, garbage, sewage sludge, or liquid waste, without prior approval of the County Health Officer/Public Health Administrator, or Solid Waste Department, unless the person is licensed by lawful authority to operate a business specifically for those purposes, franchised or has been issued a permit by lawful authority, and storage or accumulation occurs on such property which allows such use as a permitted use under the Klamath County Zoning and Land Use Ordinances."

You can help prevent damaging limbs from dropping on your neighbors, or blocking sidewalks and intersections, by keeping your trees trimmed neatly. This will also increase the longevity of your beloved shade providers. 

Make sure you keep your trash picked up and properly disposed of! Doing so increases the health of your neighborhood and the property values for your neighbors...and you!

"Dead or decaying trees and tree limbs that present a safety hazard to the public or to abutting property owners shall be removed and/or maintained.&nbsp;Maintenance shall include pruning to remove dead, dangerous or hazardous branches; pruning to maintain a minimum height of sixteen(16) feet above all streets and a minimum of eight (8) feet above all sidewalks; pruning to allow line of sight for traffic signs and intersections; and pruning to avoid a nuisance or safety hazard onto abutting properties."

Still have questions? Our website has a <a href="https://www.klamathcounty.org/193/Code-Enforcement" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Questions</a> section (located at the bottom of the page) or you can give us a call at the number listed above.

The mission of code enforcement in Klamath County is to protect the health and safety of the county's residents and visitors and to insure the livability of the community by encouraging compliance with the county's land use, environmental and construction codes.&nbsp;

The Community Development Department and Code Enforcement Department hope that their efforts will enhance the enjoyment of people who live, work and visit our wonderful City.

You can click on the <a href="https://www.klamathcounty.org/FormCenter/Community-Development-14/Submit-a-Nuisance-Complaint-99" target="_blank">submit a nuisance complaint&nbsp;</a>button;

Along with those project cars often comes certain accessories crucial to the motor-vation of said vehicles: in short, cars need tires. Are you a tire collector? There's a code (401.020(m)) for that:

Imagine walking along your driveway, and suddenly your neighbor's 100-year-old oak tree decides to drop a dead limb on your head. Talk about a bad day!

The most common code violation is "solid waste". There is often some confusion about what that means! The entire portion of the code (401.020(b)) reads:

Just a note: camping is only allowed in Klamath County parks for 14 days.

Basically, this portion of the code is referring to garbage, trash, rubbish, or refuse.

Got a project car you're working on? No problem! Just make sure all vehicles that are operable are registered and inoperable vehicles are properly stored in a carport or garage.

"Any accumulation of discarded tire casings which is not demonstrably a part of short term storage for commercial tire recapping or tire retail business or authorized land fill. Short term storage shall not exceed a period of ninety (90) days."

No one wants to live in a junkyard, and that includes your neighbors! Making sure your vehicles are not an eyesore is helpful to the whole neighborhood. 