Street Pavement Cut Moratorium

The St. Helens City Council has approved a new ordinance establishing a five-year Street Pavement Cut Moratorium on all newly constructed or resurfaced public streets. This initiative is designed to preserve the quality and integrity of city street infrastructure, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of roadways for the benefit of all residents and businesses.

What the Moratorium Means

• Non-emergency pavement cuts will not be permitted on streets that have been reconstructed or resurfaced within the past five years. This includes asphalt or concrete pavement cutting, removal, or replacement; sidewalk cutting, removal, or replacement; curb and gutter cutting, removal, or replacement; utility installation, repair, or replacement; driveway approach repair, removal, or replacement; or potholing or drilling.
• Excavation shall not be permitted on a moratorium street without a valid moratorium waiver issued by the Engineering Division Manager.
• The moratorium takes effect on the completion date of the paving improvement project.

 Exceptions

Limited exceptions may be granted for:

• Verified emergencies involving immediate threats to public safety or property.
• Utility service failures that cannot be addressed without pavement disturbance.
• Work explicitly authorized by the Public Works Director, where no feasible alternative exists and where restoration will meet or exceed City standards.
• Pre-approved capital improvement projects or public works initiated or contracted by the City.
• Other situations deemed by the Director to be in the best interest of the general public.

All exceptions must receive a valid moratorium waiver from the Engineering Division Manager and must comply with strict restoration standards.

Why This Matters

Frequent street cuts compromise pavement integrity, reduce roadway lifespan, and lead to uneven surfaces and costly repairs. By enforcing this moratorium, the City aims to:

• Protect taxpayer investment in infrastructure
• Maintain safer, smoother streets for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Improve coordination among utilities and contractors

How to Check If a Street Is Under Moratorium

The City will maintain an updated Street Moratorium List of affected streets on this page. Before beginning any street work, contractors, developers, and utility companies must verify moratorium status and obtain all necessary permits and waivers.

Need More Information?

For questions regarding the Street Pavement Cut Moratorium, please contact:

Public Works Department – Engineering Division
Email: Engineering@sthelensoregon.gov
Office: City Hall, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051

Thank you for helping us protect and preserve St. Helens’ streets for the future.