The recurring problem presented by the placement of basketball backboards and hoops within the public right-of-way has affected every town within the Willamette Valley. Liability issues and public safety have combined together to force cities to deal with the issue.

The City of Salem has instituted the following procedures to deal with basketball hoops in the public right-of-way in view of the safety and liability issues involved with their use.

On June 28, 1999, City Council adopted a policy that basketball hoops would no longer be allowed on or within the public right-of-way, therefore:

• Basketball hoops will be removed by their owner from any local street when a complaint is received and verified by staff and the issues related to the hoop are not addressed immediately;
  
• Basketball hoops will be removed by their owner from any collector or arterial street upon discovery or complaint; and,
  
• If basketball hoops are not removed within the time allowed, they will be picked up by City crews and retained at the City Shops for a period of 60 days. The property owner will be responsible for paying all costs involved in their removal.

Questions regarding this policy may be addressed to the City of Salem Public Works Department at 503-588-6211.