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Animal Control

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1. Why should I purchase a license and have my dog wear it?

• A lost dog can be identified by the license and brought home.
• If you are not home and your dog is impounded, we can notify you.
• If a dog bites and has a current rabies shot and license, it can be kept at home for observation, preventing costly impound fees.
• If your dog is injured, and needs immediate authorization for medical procedures through a veterinarian, we can run your dog's license and contact you at the emergency number you provided us when you licensed the dog.
• If you are traveling, and have a car accident, sometimes the dog is thrown clear, to end up lost in possibly another state. A dog license can be traced from anywhere, at any time. And with the emergency contact number you provided when you licensed the dog, we could contact someone to retrieve your dog.
• Failure to license your dog can result in a citation. A license on your dog helps the state regulate the assured compliance of the Rabies Ordinance established for the health and welfare of your community.

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Boards & Commissions

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1. How do I apply for a committee?

To apply for a committee, please fill out the Board/Committee Application

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Building

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1. I have a piece of bare land; how do I begin the building process?

The first steps in building on a parcel of land is to determine if the property is in the City or the County; you can find the address or parcel to determine this information by searching the County's zoning map or the City of Klamath Falls zoning map.  If your property is in the County, you'll want to visit with our Planning Division. They can help guide you through the process, providing valuable information regarding zoning, land use, site plans, and other items you'll need to gather and let you know the next steps to take.

2. During the building process, when do I receive an address for my new home?

Addresses for new homes are issued at the time your building permits are issued. Please review our Residential Permit Process flyer for a flow chart of the process and links to the appropriate departments or organizations, to help guide you through the basic process.

3. Can I build on a flood plain?

You can, but you'll need to meet the flood plain construction requirements. This includes having the finished floor elevation of the living space one (1) foot above the base flood elevation; this is determined by a surveyor and confirmed by the Planning Department. You'll also need vents placed in the walls or foundation and accessory structures (shops, sheds, etc.) must have openings in the portions of the structures that are below base flood elevation. To view FEMA preliminary floodplain maps for Klamath County visit the FEMA website. You may also wish to review the information in the NFIP Floodplain Management Guidebook (click here to be redirected).

4. We've just had a house fire; what do we do to begin rebuilding?

The Klamath County Community Development Department hopes that no one ever has to endure the tragedy of a fire at their home or business, but in the event this does occur, we are here to help. You can schedule a free consultation with an inspector by calling (541) 883-5121, ext. 3072, when you're ready to begin the process. It may seem like a daunting task, and you may require some permits to move forward. Our inspectors can help you navigate the steps you'll need to take. 

5. Why do my permits have to be posted on the job site?

The building code requires that the permit be posted on the job site; our inspectors use the permit to locate the correct location and ensures our records are complete. 

6. Can I install my own propane tank?

Only a licensed Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) installer can install a propane tank; a mechanical permit will be required, however. Visit our LPG webpage for a list of regional installers, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal for a comprehensive list and overview of the LPG program requirements. 

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Code Enforcement

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1. My neighbor has their tree limbs hanging in my yard/driveway/property or in the street/over the sidewalk. What can I do?

Trees overhanging any public right-of-way or road must be trimmed to at least 16 feet above the street and at least 8 feet above the sidewalk. Uncontrolled or uncultivated growth of weeds, brush, vine, or grasses, over eight inches (8") high which offer vector or rodent harborage, which constitute a fire hazard, or which unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of public and private property within 500 feet of the external property lines on which the vegetation or growth is located must be kept trimmed (KCC 401.020 (1) (f) (h) & ORS 368.256).

2. I have a few project vehicles on my property. Can I cover them with a tarp to be in code compliance?

All abandoned, inoperable, or unlicensed vehicles must be stored inside a covered garage or carport, registered or removed from the property. (KCC Ch. 401.020 (i). In addition, vehicles under repair or unlicensed cannot be parked on the street. Operable and licensed vehicles may only be parked on the street or public right-of-ways as long as they are not obstructing or hindering the view necessary for the safe operation of vehicles. 

3. Is it permissible to camp on private property?

The Klamath County Land Development Code Article 82 allows camping on private property for up to 21 days in any 6 month period. Klamath County Land Development Code further states:  The definition of camping is the occupancy of private property within a tent, tent trailer, shelter, vehicle, or recreation vehicle not within an authorization / designated camping facility and deemed a nuisance. When storing RV’s, boats, or trailers on your property, be sure to maintain the proper setbacks and do not block or obstruct sidewalks, roads or other public right-of-ways. Remember that you may not live in your recreation vehicle unless otherwise allowed by the County. 

4. I'm thinking of getting some chickens and maybe a horse; is that allowed in a residential area?

Generally, you can have up to 24 small animals per acre; small animals are rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese or other fowl and similar animals raised and kept for personal consumptive purposes. "Small animal" does not include dogs or cats kept for personal companion purposes.

Large animals include: cattle, horses, sheep, goats, emus, ostrich, llamas, and bison. Please check your Zoning with the Planning Department to verify the appropriate number of large animals allowed on your parcel. Generally, for such animals if lot is over 20,000 square feet; they are not to exceed 2 animals per acre / 1 animal per half acre. (KCLDC Art. 11).

5. I noticed the empty lot across the street has very tall grass and weeds. Who should I contact?

If the property is within the County (you can check here), you can submit a complaint to Klamath County Code Enforcement, either via our submission button at the bottom of the Code Enforcement page or by printing this form and turning it in to our office at 305 Main St, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. If the property is in City limits, you'll want to connect with City Code Enforcement.  

6. I'm thinking of placing one of those "ready built" sheds on my property; do I need a permit for that?

The first step when seeking to make changes to your property's footprint is to connect with our Planning Division. They'll let you know the requirements for making any changes or additions; at the very least, you'll likely require a site plan. Make sure to check your zoning; you'll need to contact City Planning if your property is within city limits.

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District Attorney

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1. Who does the DA represent?

The District Attorney represents the State of Oregon. This means that we do not represent victims or witnesses, but instead work in conjunction with them to pursue justice on their behalf.

2. Can the DA provide legal advice?

Being that we do not directly represent victims or witnesses, we are prohibited from providing legal advice in any capacity, such as advising when to retain a private attorney, how to proceed in a civil case, assistance filling out restraining orders or expungement packets, etc.

3. What’s the difference between a criminal case and a civil case?

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica,

“Criminal law deals with behavior that is or can be construed as an offense against the public, society, or the state—even if the immediate victim is an individual. Examples are murder, assault, theft, and drunken driving. Civil law deals with behavior that constitutes an injury to an individual or other private party, such as a corporation. Examples are defamation (including libel and slander), breach of contract, negligence resulting in injury or death, and property damage.”

4. How can I file a report?

In Klamath County, we as the District Attorney rely on law enforcement to provide us with any reports or information relating to criminal offenses; therefore, all reports must be made through law enforcement.

• If you live in the city of Klamath Falls, contact the Klamath Falls City Police located at 2501 Shasta Way. Phone: 541-883-5336
• If you live in Klamath county, outside of city limits, contact the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office located at 3300 Vandenberg Avenue. Phone: 541-883-5130

5. What happens once a report is filed?

Once a report is taken by law enforcement, it is approved by a supervisor and sent to our office. The case is assigned to a Deputy District Attorney who reviews the report to determine if charges can be filed. If it is determined that charges can be filed, an arraignment date is set which the defendant (the offending party) must appear in court for, thus beginning the prosecution process.

6. What is arraignment? When and where does it happen?

Arraignment is the first court appearance a defendant must attend in a criminal case. It is an opportunity for the defendant to plead guilty or not guilty; most individuals plead not guilty and are assigned a defense attorney or decide to retain their own.

Arraignments happen at 1:30 PM every day at the courthouse located at 316 Main St. The judge overseeing arraignments varies day by day, but you may check in at the courts to find out which court room arraignments are being held in on the day you are attending.

7. What is Grand Jury?

Grand Jury is simply the process by which we determine if we can move forward with felony charges. In Grand Jury, any victims or witnesses involved in the crime are brought individually into a meeting room with a senior Deputy District Attorney and a panel of seven grand jurors who are serving from the community. They ask a handful of questions to confirm the details of the event and that’s it. All told it usually only takes 10 or 15 minutes per witness.

8. How can I get a no contact order removed?

Generally, our office will not remove no contact orders once they are in place for the protection of the victims involved. However, if you feel you have good reason to have one removed, you can write a letter to that effect and provide copies to both the District Attorney’s Office and the courts for the DA and judge to consider.

9. What forms of payment do you accept?

Our primary and preferred form of payment is a cashier’s check or money order in the exact amount required. We cannot accept cash. We can take credit or debit cards, but the process tends to be lengthier than using a cashier’s check or money order due to a lack of a card reader.

10. How do I make a discovery request?

Requests for discovery may be made by filling out the appropriate request form either in our office or online here. 

• If you are the victim in the case there is no fee, but your request may be put on hold until the conclusion of the case.
• If you are a defendant and are represented by a defense attorney, we will not release discovery to you directly as your defense attorney should provide you with it.
• If you are a defendant and are representing yourself (having filled out the necessary paperwork to do so in court) the fee is $20-$30 depending on if there are photos or other large volume media that we will have to copy for you. We will call you to inform you of the fee total when it is ready to be picked up from our office and payment will be required at the time of pick up.
• If you are a defendant who is required to fill out a discovery request for a DUII evaluation, the fee is $20 and must be paid at the time of request so we can send the discovery to the DUII evaluator as soon as possible. Because payment is due at the time of request, these may only be accepted in person at our office.

11. How do I make a property request?

Requests for property to be returned may be made by filling out the appropriate request form either in our office or online here. Property requests are subject to the DA’s discretion based on how the item(s) are involved in the case, particularly if the case is not yet resolved.

12. How can I get my record expunged?

The expungement process (having a criminal offense sealed and removed from your record) is fairly simple, but whether an expungement will be approved depends on a number of factors. To determine your eligibility for expungement, see the law regarding expungement - ORS 137.225, or seek counsel from a private attorney. 

If you decide to file for expungement, you may pick up a packet from our office for $15. Being that we cannot provide legal counsel, we cannot assist in filling out or filing a packet; this too must be done on your own or through a private attorney.  

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Elections

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1. Can anyone find out how I've voted once I mail my ballot?

No. All ballots are separated from the return envelope before the ballots are inspected. This process ensures confidentiality.

2. Can I change my mind after I've returned the ballot?

Your ballot has been cast as soon as you deposit it in the mailbox or at a drop site. After that, you cannot receive a new ballot to re-vote.

3. Can I place other household member's ballots in the same return envelope?

No, each ballot must be returned separately in its own envelope. This is so that each envelope contains the signature of the voter whose ballot is cast.

4. Can I vote for more candidates than there are open positions (i.e. vote for two when the race states Vote for One)?

No, all votes for the race(s) in which you vote for more candidates than open positions will only be tallied as over-votes. These will not count toward any candidate race.

5. Do I have to re-register for each election?

No.  You only need to update your registration when: 

• Your residence or mailing address changes
  
• Your name changes
  
• You wish to change your party affiliation
  

6. Do I have to register by party?

No.  If you do not want to be affiliated with a political party, you may check the box that states not a member of a party. You may not designate or change a party affiliation after the 21st day before the primary election.

7. Do I have to return my ballot by mail?

You have the choice of mailing your ballot or returning it to any county election office or any designated drop site in the state. The times and locations of drop sites are published and available from our office.

8. Do I have to vote on all of the measures / candidates?

No, your ballot will be counted even if you do not vote for every measure / candidate. The measure(s) / candidate(s) that you do not vote for will be counted as an under-vote.

9. How do I get information about the candidates and issues?

You will receive a voters' pamphlet from the Secretary of State for all statewide elections.

10. How do I know if my ballot is received?

You can track your ballot online. A record is kept showing each voter whose ballot has been returned.

11. How do you choose the order of the candidates names on the ballot?

According to ORS 254.155, the Secretary of State completes a random ordering of the letters of the alphabet no later than the 69th day before the date of any election. This list is mailed to the county clerks no later than the 68th day before any election. The county clerk then arranges the candidates by surname according to that random alphabet order.

12. How do you choose what candidates go on the ballot, because I don't know anything about any of the candidates?

All candidates are placed on the ballot when they file an application with our office stating their intention to run. We do not check background, criminal history, education, or work history for any of the candidates. It is the responsibility of the voter to research the candidates to make an informed decision on the candidate that they wish to vote into an elected position. The voter's pamphlets do contain information on the candidate, but on local elections the state of Oregon does not usually publish a voter's pamphlet. On these elections it is the responsibility of the candidate to distribute information.

13. How many registered voters are in Klamath County?

As of April 2, 2013 there are 34,710 registered voters in Klamath County.

14. How may I register?

• By mail-in registration form
• In person at our election office or at a designated state agency, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and some public assistance agencies
• Online at oregon.gov (must have an Oregon DMV Driver's License / ID number).

15. I will be out of town when ballots are mailed. How do I get a ballot?

Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election. You may request either in person, by mail, or by fax an early absentee ballot from our election office. You will need to include your name, residence address and, if different, your mailing address.

16. Is postage required to return the ballot?

No, Oregon has pre-paid postage. You can also deposit your ballot in one of the official ballot drop sites.

17. What does the measure on my ballot effect or change?

Our office does not provide interpretations of the measures on your ballot. You can read the voter's pamphlet or the text of the measure on the ballot. It is your responsibility as a voter to research and understand the measures that you are voting on.

18. What if I have moved and have not updated my registration?

If you are registered to vote by the 21st day before the election but now have a different address and:

• You have moved within the Klamath county, contact our election office. We will instruct you on the process to follow to qualify for a replacement ballot
• You have moved to a different county, go to the election office in your new county
  

19. What if I make a mistake on my ballot?

If you make a mistake, you may call our election office and request a replacement ballot. One will be mailed to you provided the request is received with sufficient time for mailing. Otherwise, you may pick up a replacement ballot in person at our election office.

20. What if my ballot doesn't come?

If you have not received your ballot within a week after they are mailed, call our election office. We will check that your voter registration is current. If it is, we will mail you a replacement ballot.

21. What information is required?

You are required to furnish your full name, residence address, mailing address, date of birth, signature, and your Oregon DMV Driver's License / ID number (if you do not have a Driver's License / ID number then you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number). You will also be asked to provide your political party preference.

22. What is a primary election?

• Major political parties (Democratic and Republican) nominate their candidates at a primary election, which is held on the third Tuesday in May of each even-numbered year. Only a voter who is registered as a member of either political party may vote for that party's candidates at the primary election unless the party opens its primary to voters registered as Not a member of a party. If this is the case, voters who are Not a member of a party must request major party ballots from our office.
• All nonpartisan offices (i.e. judges and district attorneys) are also on the primary election ballot. Any registered voter may vote for those candidates, regardless of the voter's political party affiliation.

23. What is the percentage turnout in Klamath County?

• May 2010 - Primary Election - 50.74%
• January 2010 - General Election - 63.34%
• May 2009 - Special Referendum - 23.74%
• November 2008 - General Presidential Election - 83.9%
• May 2008 - Primary Election - 56.47%
• May 2007 - Special District Election   22.32%
• November 2006 - General Election - 68.31%
• May 2006 - Primary Election - 38.4%
• May 2005 - Special District Election - 20.94%
• November 2004 - General Presidential Election - 86.19%
• May 2004 - Primary Election - 52.21%
• February 2004 - Special Election - 60.84%
• September 2003 - Special Election - 33.10%
• May 2003 - Special District Election - 20.08%
• January 2003 - Special Election - 65.98%
• November 2002 - General Election - 64.60%
• September 2002 - Special Election - 42.01%
• May 2002 - Primary Election - 41.68%
• November 2000 - General Presidential Election - 76.11%

24. What parties are the voters of Klamath County registered in?

As of April 2, 2013 the number of voters registered in the political parties were: 

• 8,799 Democratic Party
• 16,817 Republican Party
• 6,691 Nonpartisan
• 2,403 Other minor political parties

25. When are ballots counted?

Per ORS 254.478 all ballots are counted no sooner than seven days before election day. No results can be announced before 8 p.m. on election night.

26. When will election results be known?

Initial results are released shortly after 8 p.m. election night and will continue to be updated throughout election night until all ballots have been counted.

27. Will my vote still count if I forget to put my ballot into the secrecy envelope?

Yes, the ballot will still be counted.

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FAQs

Show All Answers

1. How do I contact a specific department?

Click here for our Staff Directory

2. How do I start the Residential Permit Process?

For more information on how to start the Residential Permit Process, please Click Here.

3. When is the Museum open and where is it located?

The County Museum is located at 1451 Main St. Klamath Falls, OR 97601.  Hours: open year-round Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

The Baldwin Hotel Museum is located at 31 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Hours: open during the summer from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  

The Fort Klamath Museum is located at 51400 Highway 62, Fort Klamath, OR 97626. Hours: open during the summer from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  

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Geographic Information System

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1. What GIS data is available from Klamath County?

Klamath County sells its tax lots in ESRI shapefile format. Each parcel has a value in an MTL field that links it to the Assessor ownership and property value information. A few other specialized layers are available such as special road districts, livestock districts, and lighting districts. For information on obtaining these shapefiles, please contact Klamath County GIS.

For street centerlines and road names the county utilizes a GIS layer maintained by Aspen GIS Services, Inc. For information on obtaining street centerlines contact Aspen GIS Services by email or by phone at 541-591-4946.

2. How up-to-date is the data?

The tax lot linework and the associated attribute data (ownership and property value) is no more than a month older than the assessors most current maps. The tax map TIF files are the current set of assessor maps and are no older than a few days.

3. How accurate is the GIS data?

The tax lots were digitized by county staff and by students at OIT. They were digitized directly from scanned images of the tax maps. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the linework will vary across the county and should be used accordingly. The current tax lots are maintained in the GIS by GIS staff and updated on a monthly basis.

4. How to purchase GIS data?

Klamath County does not currently accept credit card orders and prefers a check prior to delivery of the data. Requests for a GIS CD along with checks can be mailed to:

Attn: GIS CD

305 Main Street

Room 119

Klamath Falls, OR 97601

The data cost is $150. You can also email Bruce Fichtman to request an invoice or if you have further questions.

5. How and when is data delivered?

The data can be provided on CD, thru an ftp, or both. Orders can usually be filled within 2 days of receiving payment.

6. Is there a data licensing agreement?

Currently Klamath County GIS data is available with no licensing agreement. The data is sold as-is with no expressed or implied warranty as to its accuracy or correctness.

7. Is there a GIS data subscription option?

Klamath County does not currently have a subscription option for its tax lot GIS data.

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Jail

Show All Answers

1. How do I schedule a visit?

See Inmate Visitation.

2. How do I find out if someone is in custody?

Call 541-883-4197 and leave a message in the jail general voicemail box. Leave your name, phone number, and a short message. Someone will call you back with the information you are requesting.

***Coming Soon***

We will be posting Names of individuals lodged at the Klamath County Jail on the In-custody Inmate page.

3. How do I put money on an inmates books?

The Klamath County Jail accepts the following types of funds: cash, postal money orders or checks from local attorney client trust accounts. We do not accept personal checks. You may add money to an inmates account in person at the Klamath County Jail,  online via Trinity Services Smart Money, or by calling 1-866-394-0490.

See Bail Procedures for further details.

4. Can I be notified when an inmate is released?

If you are a victim of a crime and wish to recieve a notification when an inmate is release, You can register with VINE.

 VINE is  America’s number one victim notification network. VINE has been providing victims and concerned citizens with the power of information for decades, allowing these individuals to have the sense of security that they deserve. VINELink can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide the most reliable information for custody status changes and criminal case information.
 
The VINE service provides information by phone, email, TTY, and text message where available. 

See Vine for more information.

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Museum

Show All Answers

1. Where are the falls in Klamath Falls?

On Link River. From the north trailhead, hike a half-mile to a point just below the bridge over the westside canal, and look for a sign on the east side of the trail.,

2. How was the Ella Redkey pool funded?

With property taxes. Mostly.

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Parks

Show All Answers

1. How can I tell which parks are County parks?

County Parks are listed below; click for the address for each:

Crystal Springs Park
Eagle Ridge Park
Exchange Park (Fairgrounds)
Ft. Klamath Park Museum
Hagelstein Park
Henzel Park
Petric Park
Stevenson Park
Williamson River Access Park
Wocus Bay Boat Launch

2. I'm planning to camp at one of the County parks; how can I make a reservation?

Camping in any County park is on a first come, first serve basis; we do not require or take reservations. County parks which allow camping include Eagle Ridge and Hagelstein; please note that camping is only allowed for 14 (fourteen) days in County parks. 

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Planning

Show All Answers

1. I have a piece of bare land; how do I begin the building process?

The first steps in building on a parcel of land is to determine if the property is in the City or the County; you can find the address or parcel to determine this information by searching the County's zoning map or the City of Klamath Falls zoning map.  If your property is in the County, you'll want to visit with our Planning Division. They can help guide you through the process, providing valuable information regarding zoning, land use, site plans, and other items you'll need to gather and let you know the next steps to take. Also, you might want to review information pertaining to buildable lots.

2. How much are the fees for obtaining a site plan or temporary use permit?

Klamath County Planning fees have recently been updated. You may click to Download a printable copy of the fee schedule (PDF) in Adobe Acrobat or review the updated schedule of fees on our site at Fees | Klamath County, OR. Each link contains the same fee schedule in whichever format you prefer.

3. Can I build a shop before I build the house?

You must build a primary dwelling prior to building any accessory structures. One possible solution would be to include a small apartment in the shop, which would then allow you to build other accessory structures. Once you then build the house, you could remove the apartment in the shop so it is no longer considered a dwelling (as there is typically only one dwelling allowed per parcel). You could also obtain a building permit for the dwelling, which would allow you to construct accessory structures (provided they are shown on the site plan) prior to the dwelling. Once you have that building permit for the dwelling, you can also obtain a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to live in an RV during construction. 

4. I want to stay on my property in an RV while I build on my property; is that allowed?

Staying on the property in an RV is considered camping; camping in Klamath County is limited to 21 days in a 6 month period. Once the building permit for the dwelling* has been issued, you can apply for a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to live in an RV while you're building the dwelling. The TUP can be extended as long as the building permit remains active and does not expire; it takes approximately 35 days to receive approval of the TUP. The application fee for a TUP is $450 with a $146 annual renewal fee (building permit fees are separate). *Note: a dwelling is either a stick-built or manufactured home.

5. Can I build on a flood plain?

You can, but you'll need to meet the flood plain construction requirements. This includes having the finished floor elevation of the living space one (1) foot above the base flood elevation; this is determined by a surveyor and confirmed by the Planning Department. You'll also need vents placed in the walls or foundation and accessory structures (shops, sheds, etc.) must have openings in the portions of the structures that are below base flood elevation. To view FEMA preliminary floodplain maps for Klamath County visit the FEMA website. You may also wish to review the information in the NFIP Floodplain Management Guidebook (click here to be redirected).

6. I want to live off the grid, in a tiny cabin with a composting toilet, solar power, and water holding tank; is this allowed?

You can build a small dwelling, but it has to meet the standards of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code which Klamath County uses. The smallest size that meets the code is approximately 300 sq. ft. Alternative materials and styles for dwellings are allowed as long as a registered engineer certifies that they are "equivalent" to the building code. you will need to check with the Klamath County Onsite Department regarding alternative waste and grey water disposal. Solar power is acceptable to use in lieu of other power sources; Klamath County is solar friendly; click here for more information about permitting for solar power. 

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Sheriff's Office - Concealed Handgun License

Show All Answers

1. What does "concealment" mean?

Unless a firearm is partially visible, it is considered concealed.

2. What will the license allow me to do?

A concealed handgun license allows you to carry a loaded or unloaded  handgun concealed upon your person or concealed within your control in a  car or other means of transportation.

3. What if I move to a new address within Klamath County?

ORS 166.295 (C)(2) requires that the "licensee shall report the change of address and the sheriff shall issue a new license as a duplication for a change of address. The license shall expire upon the same date as would the original." Failure to do so may result in revocation of your License. The cost is $15. You MUST submit your address change with DMV prior to coming into our office to have your concealed carry permit updated.  Once you have changed your name with DMV bring your new driver’s licence and current concealed carry permit in on any Tuesday or Thursday morning between 9:00 am and 11:30 a.m. to update your concealed carry permit.

4. What if I move out-of-state or from Klamath County to another county in Oregon?

If you will be transferring your license to another county, register with that county. They will notify us that you are no longer a CHL holder in Klamath County. However, if you do not transfer your license to another Oregon county or if you move out of state, you must notify the Klamath County Sheriff's Office.

5. What if I lose or misplace my Concealed Handgun License?

You should report the loss of your CHL and come in to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office any Tuesday or Thursday between 9:00 am and 11:30 am to apply for a replacement concealed carry permit. The cost is $15.

6. How do I renew my Concealed Handgun License?

Pursuant to ORS 166.295(1)(a), a concealed handgun license is renewable by repeating the procedures set out in ORS 166.291 and 166.292. You are not required to be fingerprinted or to provide character references again. Klamath County residents can come into the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday or Thursdays between 9:00 am and 11:30 am, complete an application and pay a $75 renewal fee.  OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS MUST SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING 541-883-5130.

An otherwise expired concealed handgun license continues to be valid for up to 45 days after the licensee applies for renewal if: 

1. The licensee applies for renewal before the original license expires; 
2. The licensee has proof of the application for renewal; and 
3. The application for renewal has not been denied.

7. Do I need to have my License reissued if I change my name?

Yes. Bring a marriage license or court documentation as proof of your name change. The cost is $15.  You can come in during any Tuesday or Thursday between 9:00 am and 11:30 am to submit your name change.

8. What if I have a Concealed Handgun License but do not have it on my person when I'm stopped by a law enforcement officer and have a concealed handgun in my possession?

This is a serious offense and can result in arrest and seizure and revocation of your License. Always keep your CCL with you!

9. If I'm a resident of another state, but regularly travel through Oregon, will Klamath County issue me a Concealed Handgun License?

Maybe. ORS 166.291 (8) the county sheriff may waive the residency requirement in 1(c) for a resident of a contiguous state who has a compelling business interest or other legitimate demonstrated need. In order for someone who lives out of state to apply for an Oregon Concealed Handgun License, they must schedule an appointment by calling 541-883-5130, to come into the Klamath County Sheriff's Office to apply in person. You will need to have proof of an approved handgun safety course or valid concealed carry permit from your resident state, picture identification, second form of ID and a letter addressed to the Sheriff explaining your need for a concealed carry permit in the state of Oregon.

10. If I have been fingerprinted previously and my fingerprints are on file with the Oregon State Police, do I have to be fingerprinted again?

Yes. We are mandated by law to fingerprint new applicants for Concealed Handgun Licenses, regardless of whether they have been fingerprinted before.

11. How long does it take for a renewal License and when do I get my new License?

By statute we have 45 days to process your application for both new licenses and renewal of your license. Based on the work load of the concealed weapons division, sometimes your permit will be sent to you sooner than the 45 days.

12. Should I bring my weapon to my appointment?

No. Oregon does not require a concealed handgun license applicant to register their handgun or to qualify. Please do not bring your firearm to the Sheriff’s Office.

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Tax Office - Transient Room Tax

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1. How did this tax come about?

In 1978, Klamath County voters approved a 6% Motel Tax Measure.  Klamath County voters increased this rate to 8% by a vote in 2006.

2. Who must register?

Those who provide temporary  overnight lodging. Lodging providers must  charge their customers and pay this  tax. This lodg­ing includes:

• Hotels and motels
• Bed  and breakfast facilities
• Resorts and inns
• Lodges and guest ranches
• Cabins
• Condominiums
• Short-term rental apartments and duplexes
• Vacation rental houses
• Similar structure or  portions thereof so occupied

3. Are there any exemptions?

No tax is imposed on the following transients:

1. Any  occupant for more than 30 successive calendar days (  a person who pays  for lodging on a monthly basis, irrespective of the  number of days in such  month, shall not be deemed a transient).
2. Any  occupant whose rent is of a value less than $4 per day.
3. Any  person who rents a private home, vacation cabin, or like  facility from any  owner who personally rents such facilities  incidentally to his own use thereof.
4. Any  occupant whose rent is paid for hospital room or to a medical clinic,  convalescent home or home for aged people.

4. How do I get started?

If you provide transient lodging, you must complete Transient Room Tax Operator Registration form and mail it to the address on the form. Forms may be obtained from the Tax Collector’s Office or online (PDF).

After we receive your registration form, we’ll assign you a unique Certificate of Authority Number and mail you a certificate. This certificate must be displayed prominently in your establishment.

Begin collecting the transient room tax from the transients and remit the tax to the Tax Collector’s Office. The Tax Collector’s Office will provide paper forms to remit the tax or you may use the online lodging tax form.

The online lodging tax return is a calculating form. It will take the numbers you enter and calculate the tax you owe.

When you complete your return, print and sign it, then mail it to the Tax Collector’s Office with your payment.

5. How and when do I pay the tax?

You must file a return with the Tax Collector’s Office and pay the taxes monthly (due the 15th of the following month). You must file a zero return even if you didn’t collect any tax for the reporting period.