City Code Chapter
(Chapter added by Ordinance 155385, effective December 8, 1983.)
3.13.010 Purpose.
(Amended by Ordinances 163823 and 168321, effective December 30, 1994.)
- The purpose of this Chapter is to describe the organization, and mission of the Bureau of Environmental Services. This Bureau of Environmental Service, created by Ordinance in 1983, is committed to the proper management, protection, and where practicable enhancement of our natural resources.
3.13.020 Organization.
(Amended by Ordinances 168321, 174830 and 185397, effective July 6, 2012.)
- The Bureau is administered by the Commissioner in charge and led by the Director of Environmental Services. The Director works with Group Managers and their staff in pursuit of the mission. The organizational structure of the Bureau shall be determined by the Director after consultation with the Commissioner in charge. The Bureau of Environmental Services is responsible for design, construction, operation and maintenance of the sanitary and storm water collection and transport systems, and watershed management. The Director shall have authority to issue administrative rules and regulations in addition to those specified in the Charter and this Code, as are appropriate to provide for the adequate functioning of the Bureau and to carry out the responsibilities under this Code.
3.13.030 Mission.
(Amended by Ordinances 168321 and 174830, effective September 22, 2000.)
- The Bureau of Environmental Services serves the community by protecting public health, water quality and the environment. To achieve this, the Bureau:
- A. Protects, enhances and restores natural waterways; and
- B. Provides sewage and stormwater services to accommodate current and future needs.
3.13.040 Administrative Rules and Procedures.
(Added by Ordinance 185397, effective July 6, 2012.)
- A. The Director of the Bureau of Environmental Services may adopt, amend and repeal rules, policies, procedures, and forms pertaining to matters within the scope of this Code.
- B. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule pursuant to this Section requires a public review process which includes a minimum 30-day public comment period and the opportunity for a public hearing. Notice shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation not less than 30 days before adoption. Such notice shall include the location at which copies of the full text of the proposed rules may be obtained and the place and time of a proposed public hearing. The Director is only required to hold the public hearing if requested to do so.
- C. During the public review process, the Director shall hear testimony or receive written comment concerning the proposed rules and prepare a report of findings and recommendations. The Director shall review findings and recommendations, taking into consideration the comments received during the public review process, and shall either adopt, modify or reject proposals. If a substantial modification is made, the Director may provide additional time for the public review process. Unless otherwise stated, all rules shall be effective upon adoption by the Director and shall be filed in the office of the Director and in the Portland Policy Documents repository described in Chapter 1.07.
- D. Notwithstanding Subsections 3.13.040 B. and C., the Director may adopt an interim rule without prior notice if failure to act promptly would result in a threat to public health and safety or the environment. Any interim rule adopted pursuant to this Paragraph shall be effective for a period of not longer than 180 days.
3.13.050 Permitting Authority.
(Added by Ordinance 186902, effective December 26, 2014.)
- The Director of the Bureau of Environmental Services is authorized to develop and require permits, authorizations, inspections, and other forms of review and approval to implement and assure compliance with those sections of this code that are administered by the Bureau of Environmental Services.