Many BANA residents, overwhelmed by the snow, have asked for help getting their Homeowner’s Association or the City in snow removal. We asked the City what the policy is and here is the response from Joshua Romero, Community Relations Manager
Snow Removal on Private Roads
Many BANA residents, overwhelmed by the snow, have asked for help getting their Homeowner’s Association or the City in snow removal. We asked the City what the policy is and here is the response from Joshua Romero, Community Relations Manager
“When private developers submit plans for review and approval, streets should be built to City standards. Sometimes, developers prefer to build streets and rights of way that don’t meet City standards. Examples would be narrower streets, no sidewalks, no curbs, unique road signs, etc. The reasons for a developer choosing not to build to City standards vary, for example: the developer’s desire to reduce upfront development costs, wanting to maintain a certain aesthetic or trying maximize the use of buildable land. In this situation, a developer may choose to develop private streets and relieve the responsibility of the City to maintain them.
In cases where the developer prefers to build private streets that do not meet City standards, the homeowners in that development are responsible for maintaining those private streets. Maintenance of these private streets is typically managed through an HOA. Homeowners on private streets should work with their HOA to make sure they are prioritizing street maintenance, including snow removal. Since relationships between residents and their HOAs are private matters, the City does not get involved in cases related to HOAs and private street maintenance. If working with an HOA is not successful, or if the HOA has dissolved, we recommend residents work with a private attorney to resolve any negligence or responsibility issues.
As for the taxation piece, the State of Oregon requires all taxable lots within a taxing district to be taxed at the same rate. In Bend, that means all taxable lots within the City are taxed at the same rate for City taxes.”
So whether the HOA or City is responsible for street maintenance, the taxes are the same.