Benton County, OR Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)
Key Facts
- How to report
- Written complaint to the Health Administrator (BCC 21.110)
- Who investigates
- Benton County Health Administrator, with Sheriff's Office help
- Investigation is mandatory when
- Any person files a written complaint
- Notice given to
- Board of Commissioners and alleged violator
- Hearing timing
- 15 to 40 days after notice (BCC 21.115)
- Investigator's powers
- Enter property, photograph, subpoena witnesses (BCC 21.010)
Summary
In unincorporated Benton County, anyone can trigger a solid-waste nuisance investigation by filing a written complaint with the Benton County Health Administrator under BCC § 21.110. The Administrator must investigate, can ask the Sheriff's Office to help, and must give written notice to the Board of Commissioners and the property owner if reasonable cause exists.
(1)The Benton County Health Administrator may, and, upon the written complaint of any person, shall make an investigation to determine whether the storage, collection, maintenance or display of waste or solid wastes by a person is in violation of BCC Chapter 21. The Health Administrator may request the assistance of the Benton County Sheriff in conducting preliminary investigations pursuant to this section.(2)If the Health Administrator finds reasonable cause to believe a public nuisance exists, the Administrator shall promptly give written notice of this finding to the Board and to the alleged violator.
Full Breakdown
005, authority to investigate on the Administrator's own initiative, but a written complaint from any person makes the investigation mandatory rather than optional. The Health Administrator may request the Benton County Sheriff's assistance for a preliminary look at the property. 110(2)). 115: the Board can order a notice served on the property owner or occupant requiring them to appear and show cause why a nuisance should not be declared, with the hearing set 15 to 40 days out unless the Board finds an immediate and serious hazard to public health and safety.
At the hearing the Health Administrator reports the investigation's findings, and the person served with notice may cross-examine the Administrator, present evidence, or make a statement, while any other interested person or public body who asks to be heard gets that chance too, subject to the same cross-examination right. 010, the Health Administrator's investigative authority includes entering the premises at reasonable times, taking photographs of the alleged violation, administering oaths, and subpoenaing witnesses and documents for the eventual Board hearing.
Violations & Fines
A written complaint does not itself impose a penalty: it only obligates the Health Administrator to investigate (BCC 21.110). The consequence falls on the property owner only after the Board holds a hearing and declares a public nuisance under BCC 21.120, at which point County Counsel can sue for an injunction or abatement in Benton County Circuit Court, with abatement costs charged back to the owner as a lien (BCC 21.205, 21.220).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact to report a nuisance property in unincorporated Benton County?
Does the county have to act on my complaint?
What happens after the Health Administrator investigates?
Can I stay involved after filing the complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
Compare Benton County to another location·View the Oregon code violation reporting overview
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