City of TD tweaks nuisance laws to go after repeat offenders, improve livability

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., July 30, 2023 - The Dalles City Council approved several changes in local ordinances regarding nuisances such as roosters, abandoned vehicles, RV’s parking in public right of ways, and plants such as bamboo growing into sidewalks or into neighboring property.   

The changes come after Councilors asked city staff to bring back recommendations regarding nuisances and livability issues within the city after receiving complaints from residents. 

The changes were unanimously approved on Monday, July 24. The ordinance will go into effect on Aug. 25, 2023.

Abandoned Vehicles

The law was expanded, allowing the city to tow and impound abandoned vehicles on private or public property regardless of whether the vehicle requires a license plate and registration. This will now include, for example, for the towing of heavy equipment such as excavators if it has not moved in three days.

Codes Enforcement Officer Nikki Lesich told the council that 370 vehicles, which included boats, motorhomes and trailers, had been tagged as abandoned since the beginning of the year.

She said three motorhomes were tagged during that time and none of the owners contacted the city. She said the vehicles were loaded with garbage, drug paraphernalia such as needles, and clogged toilets. She thanked Guzman Bros. of Hood River and Kingdom Towing of The Dalles for doing the environmental abatement on the vehicles and disposing of them. 

For abandoned vehicles not requiring licensure or registration for operation, the city is required to reasonably attempt to discern the vehicle owner’s identity and shall otherwise proceed with the abatement… If the City can prove by a preponderance of the evidence the discerned owner is the vehicle’s actual owner. For abandoned vehicles with unknown owners, the City staff person shall proceed consistent with Oregon law.

Fines Increasing for repeat violations

Councilors also agreed to add additional fines to the general provisions of the nuisances for repeat offenders. The current maximum fine is $1,250, but a person’s second and subsequent violations in any one-year period may increase by an amount not to exceed $1,250.00 per each of the person’s repeat violations in any one-year period. For example, if a person was found to have committed the same offense in the same year, the third fine could be as high as $3,750.

Roosters excluded outright

Roosters and young roosters also known as cockerels will be prohibited within the city limits when the law takes effect.

The change was made so that people knew from the outset of purchasing chickens that roosters will not be allowed within the city limits. 

Lesich said currently that most people are not attempting to own roosters, however, some improperly identified get into local’s pens. 

Crowing distracts from the “ambiance of the neighborhood,” she said, noting roosters do not make it through the city’s animal permitting process. But the change in the law makes it proactive rather than reactive.

Noxious Vegetation

Tree of Heaven or Ailanthus altissima is now on the City’s prohibited list when it grows into a right of way or into a neighboring property. And property owners will be given just 14 days instead of 28 to get it removed.

Bamboo, cacti and Tree of Heaven or Ailanthus altissima that extend into public right of way or across property lines were also added to the list of prohibited vegetation.

In addition, people that are responsible for the plants will be given just 14 days to remove the plants instead of 28 days. 

RV permits will no longer be consecutive unless Police Chief approves it. 

Currently, residents can get up to 6 permits per year to park their recreational vehicle or trailer in front of their homes. Each permit is good for up to 5 days. Some have taken advantage of this system in the past, according to Lesich, noting some have had vehicles parked for two months or more as they game the system. 

Under the new law, six permits will be allowed, however, only one can be issued per month and an exception requires written approval from The Dalles Police Chief Tom Worthy.

Lesich said such vehicles can create safety, traffic and noise issues for neighbors.