Yachats Citizen's Handbook
City of Yachats
441 North Highway 101
Post Office Box 345
Yachats, Oregon 97498
Phone: (541) 547-3565
Fax: (541) 547-3063
Email: cityhall@ci.yachats.or.us
Internet: www.ci.yachats.or.us
Table of Contents
Yachats has a Mayor-Council form of government. With the approval of Council, and acting within the scope of that approval, the Mayor acts as the CEO of a corporation, performing many of the day to day operations of the City. All department heads report to the Mayor and Council.
A non-partisan mayor is elected every two years. Four, at-large, non-partisan council members serve four-year terms. The Mayor and Council serve on a voluntary basis.
The City Council is responsible for establishing general policies, which govern the City. This is achieved primarily through the adoption of ordinances and resolutions.
While the City Council is responsible for all decisions made for the City, various Commissions and Committees are very much involved with the process. The Commissions have the following duties:
The Public Works and Streets Commission:
The Parks and Commons Commission:
The office of City Hall oversees all the day operations of the City. The City Hall staff acts as the "service center" for the citizens, elected and appointed officials, business owners and visitors. All questions regarding planning, budget and finance, water and sewer bills, or any other public information requests start here. Planning and Legal Services are also a function of the General Administration Department.
City Hall operates under the General Fund Budget. Resources and revenues for the General Administration, Planning, and Legal Departments are from general property taxes, business and transient rental licenses, franchise taxes, land use application fees, transient room taxes, interest earned, and State sources such as cigarette and liquor taxes and revenue sharing. Expenses for this department include general operation expenses, insurance, legal expense, education and training for staff and volunteers (Commission Members and Council), ordinance review, dues and membership fees, and transfers to other department, projects, or programs.
City Hall is in the Yachats Commons at 441 N Highway 101. The main entrance is on the east side of the building and City Hall is at the left end of the main lobby.
City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p. m.
The City Recorder is responsible to the City Council, and works under their direction. The City Recorder assists the Council in carrying out its responsibilities by providing information and by keeping them informed about the everyday operations of the office and staff, citizen's concerns, and other issues that come before them.
The City Recorder also maintains all records of the City, provides the public with requested information, directs office staff, acts as Budget Officer, Finance Officer, Elections Officer, prepares resolutions and ordinances, is secretary for the City Council and all advisory commissions and committees, and oversees grant management.
The Deputy Recorder and an Administrative Specialist work under the direction of the City Recorder.
The Deputy Recorder performs professional administrative staff work for the City Recorder, City Planner, and Director of Public Works as necessary. The Deputy Recorder also carries out all Municipal Court Clerk duties, acts as Notary and performs all general accounting tasks.
One of the Administrative Specialists works in City Hall as a utility billing clerk and receptionist. The billing clerk completes all the utility billing functions; receives and screens visitors and telephone calls for all staff members; assists callers and visitors by providing information or directing them to appropriate resource; and, gives information to the public and other departments. This person is the executive secretary for the Parks and Commons Commission, the Public Works Commission, and the Library Commission. The person in this position is a citizen's first contact with their local government.
City Recorder and support staff:
The Planning Department implements the City's Development Code and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and oversees the issuance of land use and development permits. The City Planner assists the public on a daily basis and works with the Planning Commission. The Planner also maintains contact with the local, state, and federal agencies, secures grants from various sources, prepares the reports the Planning Commission reviews concerning different types of land use issues, and researches possible ordinance violations.
The City Planner
The City legal services are provided by the City Attorney through a contract. The City Attorney advises the Council on all legal matters and assists the Council in such matters as ordinance review, employee contracts, public hearings, and ordinance drafting. In today's complex environment, it is especially important that the Council be well advised and informed on the important issues that the City must face in order to protect the citizens.
The water and sewer departments are enterprise operations. Enterprise operations are self-supporting from user charges. The operations in these two departments operate in a manner similar to private business - the intent is that costs will be covered by charges. It is not the intention of the city to "make a profit" and because of that the rates are reviewed annually to ensure the charges are not in excess of requirements. The street department is financed by the City's allotment of gas tax and such transfers from the General Fund as needed.
The Public Works Director supervises four full time employees in the three operations: streets & utility, water, and sewer.
The Water Treatment and Sewer Plant Operators perform work involved in the operation of the facilities and repair and maintenance of the equipment, and systems. The plant operators are also responsible for conducting the required tests and maintaining the records. Installations and hookups for new service; repair of underground lines; and, testing valves and hydrants are also part of their duties. All Yachats operators have Oregon certificates, which required extensive education and testing to obtain; and, continuing education is required to keep the certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water and Sewer Bills
Current rates and billing information
The Utility Workers are responsible for mowing, cutting brush, painting, replacing light bulbs, cleaning storm drains and ditches as needed, and reading water meters.
There are a lot of public areas in and around town, and there are also a lot of different agencies responsible for the maintenance.
The Whale Tail Park, Commons, Little Log Church and Museum, and the Library are City parks or facilities. Maintenance is done by dedicated volunteers and employees. The public works employees are also responsible for those streets that are official, dedicated and accepted City Streets. All other areas in town fall under the jurisdiction of the State, County, or private property owners.
Yachats Ocean Road and the three State Parks in the area are maintained by the State Parks Department. Jurisdiction for the State Parks falls under the supervision of the Honeyman office. The actual work crews are dispatched from the Beachside State Park, north of Yachats.
State Parks - Dennis Davidson (541) 997- 3851
Ocean View Drive is a County road and all maintenance is the responsibility of their public works department.
James Buisman - Public Works Director (541) 574-1200
Jim Chambers - Road Main. Supervisor (541) 574-1203
"Main Street" in Yachats is Hwy. 101, and is maintained by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Streets signs are also ODOT’s responsibility.
ODOT - Highway Division - Newport Office (541) 265-2644
Cultural, Educational, and Recreational Services
The rustic little building at the corner of Third and Pontiac Streets in Yachats has been a part of this coastal community for generations.
Built in the shape of a cross from local timber hauled down the Yachats River, the Little Log Church was completed and dedicated in 1930. It was served by ministers from the Oregon Conference of the Evangelical Church, and later by pastors from the Presbyterian Church. When the congregation grew too large for the little building, members built a new church a few blocks away, and the Little Log Church and property was sold to the Oregon Historical Society on the condition it be maintained as a museum. The site was deeded to the city of Yachats in 1986.
The building underwent a complete restoration in 1993, made possible by enthusiastic community support and the loving hands of volunteer workers.
Today the Little Log Church Museum houses a rich treasure of local historical artifacts as well as contemporary works on loan as exhibits. It is still regularly used for weddings, memorials, and special events in addition to fine arts exhibits.
The Little Log Church Museum is open to visitors 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily except Thursday. Hours may vary during winter or special events.
The Yachats Public Library was established by Ordinance 36 in November 1973 stating "The City of Yachats does hereby establish a public library to be known as the 'Yachats Public Library' to be operated and funded by the said city and to be used for the educational and cultural benefit by the citizens of the said city in accordance with the rules and regulations of the said library."
The Library is operated entirely with volunteer help, under the leadership of the Volunteer Head Librarian. The staff of volunteers are dedicated to improving the Library and the services available, as well as increasing use. Patron requests and input are given top priority when purchasing books for the shelves, and developing programs or policy.
The Summer Reading Program for children is always a big success., and since the hard working volunteers develop the materials rather than purchase them, it costs the City very little for this important service.
An on-going book sale at the Library accounts for the majority of "donations" received each year in addition to the various fund raising events during the year, such as the Lemon Pie Social. The Lemon Pie Social is a big "hit" with the community and visitors alike.
Although no late-charge is required, a donation box on the desk is filled on a regular basis.
Library cards are free and even visitors can check books out while they vacation in Yachats. This has promoted many patrons to donate money or books. The Librarian reports that the gifts and books received each year exceed the amount that could be generated by charging for cards.
The Library has several computers for patrons to use, and provides free wi-fi service for those who want to use their own.
The Yachats Commons - A Community Center
The Commons encompasses the building and the municipally owned grounds between 4th and 6th Streets behind the building including the playground, open field area, and woods to the property line of lots on Ocean View Drive.
During a typical 12 month period the events, meetings and on-going classes held have more than 15,000 in attendance. These events include the Lion's Club Smelt Fry, the Annual Chamber of Commerce Arts & Craft Fair, the Lion's Club Barbershop Festival, and Crafts on the Coast Craft Fairs. Other events include family reunions, birthday parties, teen dances & programs, Lincoln County, state, and federal meetings, and a variety of community meetings. City Council and other City Commissions meet in the Civic Meeting Room in the Commons.
The Friends of the Commons meet monthly and sponsor or co-sponsor many events and classes; and, provide financial assistance to projects that improve the Commons.
The Yachats Youth and Families Activities Program operates the Youth Center in the Commons basement. They operate from 4 - 6 PM daily, Monday through Friday. They also offer extended hours during school vacations, and during the summer. This program offers weekly piano keyboard lessons and offers classes such as math tutoring, art, tumbling, dance, guitar and open recreation time. They also have a chess club and model building club that meet during the after school open recreation period, and sponsor youth dances and other programs & events.
Like most small cities, Yachats does not provide police, fire, solid waste or other utility services. Those essential services are provided by a combination of County and State agencies, special districts, co-operatives, and private business.
Electric, Telephone, and Cable
Depending on what you want to do, different procedures apply.
There are some types of projects that do not require a permit. Fences not over 6 feet high; accessory buildings not over 200 square feet or a height of 10 feet tall; patio covers; porches; sidewalks; driveways; and some decks are examples.
While these projects do not require a building permit there are many other factors that need to be considered before proceeding. A quick visit with the City Planner before you start could eliminate problems and additional expenses "down the road." Some things can be confusing. For example a deck less than 30" high does not need a permit, but if it is more than 8" high it must be considered when determining total lot coverage. Lot coverage, easements, set-backs, and safety concerns are some of the things the Planner may be able to help you with.
For all other development a building permit is required. The City of Yachats contracts with the Lincoln County Planning Department for building permit services. After the City Planner reviews the plans to make sure they comply with local development codes relating to building height, lot coverage, setbacks, and other issues, the permits are forwarded to the County for the actual building plan checks, inspections, and final occupancy permits.
If you have further questions the City Planner is in Monday and Tuesday from 8:30 to 4:30 each week and is available to discuss your plans before you start. City Hall also has informational handouts related to every type of land use application or building permit question you may have.
Please note: Private C C & R's that may apply to your property are not enforced by the City. Review of your deed documents and any homeowners association rules should also be an important part of your planning process.
Comprehensive Land Use Planning
In 1973 the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 100 (ORS 197) which established certain statewide requirements for land use planning. In particular, each city and county in the state is required, under the statute, to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans consistent with the statewide planning goals approved by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. In response to this law, the city of Yachats has prepared the Yachats Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
The city’s comprehensive plan is intended to not only address statewide planning goals, but to also take into account local land use planning needs and issues. The plan serves as a guide to land use within and immediately adjacent to Yachats. It establishes policies and land use designations (maps) which will be implemented throughout the city’s zoning and subdivision ordinances.
This statement provides principles which serve as a foundation for the City of Yachats Comprehensive Land Use plan, Zoning Ordinance and Inventory.
Land use policies procedures and applications shall complement the natural beauty of our location and its environment, which has led to Yachats’ long standing reputation as "The Gem of the Oregon Coast."
Land use policies, procedures and applications shall acknowledge certain economic characteristics of the city, namely, that retirement and tourism are major industries. Non-polluting commercial, professional and home businesses constitute part of the economy also.
The construction and maintenance of public, commercial, professional and residential buildings, their siting, design materials and landscaping, within reasonable variation, shall enhance rather than detract from the quiet coastal ambiance of the city as noted above.
Development of the Comprehensive Plan was accomplished by hard working volunteers, City Council, Commission members, and City staff. Review of the plan is an on-going process, with a more formal periodic review process every 10 years.
The Planning Commission also acts as the Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI). The CCI was established to ensure citizens receive adequate information and are afforded feedback mechanisms during the complex Comprehensive Plan process. Their duty is to assist citizens to understand and be involved in the process.
Opportunities for Citizen Participation - In Government and Community
The City of Yachats is most clearly defined by the vital role volunteers play in the management of the City, City owned facilities; and all the organizations and groups that offer services and recreational activities that enrich the daily life of its citizens.
Volunteers, with their abundant skills; abounding energy, and limitless talents represent the most valuable resource to which the City has access; and their work affects every citizen, in many ways, every day.
In a community of approximately 740 people, it is safe to say that almost everyone volunteers to some degree, in some way, at some time during the year.
Without these individuals the quality of life experienced in Yachats would be greatly diminished.
| Yachats City Council | Planning Commission |
| Public Works & Streets Commission | Parks and Commons Commission |
| Library Commission | Yachats Public Library |
| Little Log Church and Museum Board | Little Log Church and Museum |
| Friends of the Commons | Friends of the Log Church |
| Lions Club | Ladies Club |
| Yachats Health Clinic | Yachats Fire District |
| Yachats Youth & Family Activities | Yachats Chamber of Commerce |
| Yachats Visitor's Center | Yachats Big Band |
| Audio Newspapers Volunteers | Friends of the Library |
City of Yachats City Council and Commission Minutes
City Council, Commission members,
and City Hall: cityhall@ci.yachats.or.us