Public Works Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for street trees?

Maintenance and care of street trees between the sidewalk and the street is the responsibility of the homeowner.​ This question comes up often and the assumption often is that the City is responsible, but it is in fact the homeowner. 

When a new subdivision is platted, the City requires the developer to provide sidewalks and street trees, and all parkway strips and sidewalks abutting a property become the responsibility of the homeowner. The sidewalk area is to be kept clear and the property owner may be liable if someone is hurt in front of their home due to overgrown vegetation, falling branches, snow and ice, or other obstructions. The pruning of these street trees is also the responsibility of the homeowner.

The City does have a pruning program that operates on a three-year cycle, beginning in December and continuing until that particular geographic area is complete. Under the program, one-third of the city's street trees are pruned each year. This pruning addresses vehicular and pedestrian movement only by creating 8-foot sidewalk and 12-foot street clearances.

When it comes to street trees, what is my responsibility as a homeowner?

Property owners are responsible for sidewalks, street trees, driveway approaches, and planter strips along their property (Tualatin Municipal Code Chapter 2-02 – Sidewalk Maintenance). Property owners should inspect their sidewalk periodically for tripping hazards, broken concrete, low-hanging tree limbs, and other hazards. The property owner should repair all hazards and keep the sidewalk, street trees, and planter strip in good condition. For more information, check out our vegetation and yard maintenance webpage.

While sidewalks are the responsibility of the homeowner, for a variety of reasons they can be neglected and fall into bad shape. The City sets aside a small amount of funding to address these issues, called the Sidewalk/ Street Tree Program. 

Who do I contact about street lights not working?
If you see a street light that is not functioning properly, you can report that directly to Portland General Electric on their website at https://portlandgeneral.com/outages-safety/report-a-streetlight-problem.

Who do I contact regarding signal lights not working, malfunctioning or cycling incorrectly?
With the exception of just a few, most of the signals here in Tualatin are maintained by Washington County.  You can contact them directly to report any malfunctions.  Check out under City Services to locate their information as well as Oregon Department of Transportation if it is one of their signals.  

What is a backflow device and why do I have to have it tested?
The Water Division operates and maintains the City's cross connection control program (backflow prevention), which consists of both commercial and residential backflow prevention. This program ensures that our water system does not become contaminated through commercial users, which include but are not limited to hospitals, medical clinics, metal plating shops, and dry cleaners. Our fastest growing water users are our residential customers with uses like 1) in-ground irrigation system; (2) active well; (3) in-ground swimming pool/spa; (4) ornamental fountain; (5) fish pond; or (6) solar heating system, which are or can be directly connected to the City's water system. The backflow program ensures that the City is in compliance with all City and state regulations.

Devices are required to be tested by the State of Oregon annually between March 1st and June 1st each year. A passing test report must be submitted by you or your testing agency to City of Tualatin Operations, Attn: E. Castro, 18880 SW Martinazzi Avenue, Tualatin, OR. 97062

Who removes dead animals in the roadway?
City crews will pick up dead animals in the roadway.  Call our office if there is an issue at 503-691-3091.

When are the Bulky Waste Day events held? 
The City holds their Bulky Waste Day events twice per year.  Each spring and fall the dates for each event are advertised in Tualatin Today newsletter as well as being advertised on our website.  

When are the Yard Debris Drop Off events held?
The City also holds the twice annual Yard Debris Drop Off Events twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall.  The dates for this event is advertised in the Tualatin Today newsletter as well as being posted on our website.