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Benton County, OR Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Benton County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(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?
File a written complaint with the Benton County Health Administrator in the Health Department. BCC § 21.110 requires the Administrator to investigate any written complaint alleging a violation of the county's solid-waste nuisance rule, and the Administrator can ask the Benton County Sheriff's Office to help with a preliminary look at the property.
Does the county have to act on my complaint?
Yes. BCC 21.110(1) says the Health Administrator 'shall' investigate upon a written complaint, unlike investigations the Administrator starts without one, which are discretionary. If the investigation finds reasonable cause a nuisance exists, the Administrator must give written notice to the Board of Commissioners and the property owner.
What happens after the Health Administrator investigates?
If reasonable cause exists, the Board of Commissioners orders a hearing notice served on the property owner, set 15 to 40 days out under BCC 21.115. At the hearing the owner can cross-examine the Administrator and present evidence before the Board decides whether to declare a public nuisance.
Can I stay involved after filing the complaint?
Yes. BCC 21.115(2) lets any interested person or public agency who requests it be heard at the Board's nuisance hearing, subject to the same right of the property owner to cross-examine anyone who testifies against them, so a complainant can appear and speak at the same hearing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Benton County

All Benton County rules

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