Dec. 8, 2023 | View as webpage

Holiday decorations don’t belong in or near the roadway

We’re not trying to be Scrooges here, but safety comes first! Don’t put holiday decorations in locations near roads and pathways that could cause safety issues.

Outdoor decorations can brighten these dark winter nights, but it’s against Oregon law to lessen the effectiveness of traffic control devices or create road hazards. Decorations can block signs, sight distance or access to the public right-of-way. Don’t put decorations on traffic signs and signals, roundabouts, center medians or other roadside locations.

Similarly, temporary signs are not allowed in the right-of-way. This includes political, garage sale and real estate signs. The public right-of-way usually includes roadway, ditches, shoulders and sidewalks.

We don’t want to be Grinches this holiday season, but our road crews may need to remove illegally placed decorations. If you see decorations that may impact traffic safety, submit a service request or call 503-846-7623.

Apply: Advisory committees still have vacancies

Interested in serving on a Washington County volunteer community board or commission? We have positions with current and upcoming vacancies. Learn about all committees and how to apply.

Vacant positions on Land Use & Transportation-related committees include:

Northwest Area Commission on Transportation (NWACT)

Two positions will be vacant effective Jan. 1. Applicants must live in the western portion of Washington County, within Oregon Department of Transportation Region 2. 



NWACT is one of 12 Area Commissions on Transportation advisory groups chartered by the Oregon Transportation Commission to deal with regional and local transportation issues that involve the state transportation system. Each county in the four-county ACT is responsible for appointing two community members to the NWACT. Learn about NWACT board member responsibilities. Contact Jessica Pelz, 503-846-3960.

Planning Commission

Three positions will be vacant effective Feb. 1: Two from District 3 and one at large. The Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners on the adoption, revision or repeal of portions of the County's Comprehensive Plan. Members also make final land use decisions for some plan amendments. Contact Todd Borkowitz, 503-846-3593.

Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee (RROMAC)

One position is vacant. The Committee studies County rural road operations and maintenance concerns, works with staff to develop program and funding alternatives and makes recommendations to the Board. Contact Sherri Grey, 503-846-7615.

Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC)

Two positions are vacant. The Committee advises the Board and staff on road maintenance matters in the Urban Road Maintenance District (URMD). Members review and make recommendations on URMD service levels and annual work program, assist in evaluating the cost effectiveness and efficiencies and advise on continuation of URMD and/or other long-range funding opportunities for road maintenance. Contact Sherri Grey, 503-846-7615.

At Washington County, we believe our employees and services should reflect our growing and diverse community. We understand that taking care of our community means taking care of our employees.

Discover career opportunities with Land Use & Transportation! We're committed to building and maintaining a great transportation system and planning and protecting our community's land. Open positions include:

• Engineer, full time regular. Closes 12/10/2023.
• Plumbing Inspector: Combination Inspector I / Inspector II (underfill), full time regular
• Project Manager, full time regular. Closes 12/10/2023
• Survey Technician III, full time regular

Learn what's going on in your area of Washington County. Attend your Community Participation Organization (CPO). CPOs are made up of community members who work together and are actively engaged in decision-making processes. Find out which CPO you live in and learn more.