City of Lincoln City, OR
Home MenuFrequently Asked Questions
REQUESTING ALTERNATE FORMATS OR OTHER ASSISTANCE To request information in an alternate format or other assistance, please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Kevin Mattias, at 541-996-1221 or kmattias@lincolncity.org. Visit the ADA Accessibility | City of Lincoln City, OR webpage to view how the City continues to remain in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding City programs, services, processes, and facilities.
Empty heading
City Administration
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
- No Fireworks are allowed on public property in Lincoln City. Fireworks are also prohibited on all beaches. Visit our Fireworks page for more information.
- We have an online Service Request Form you can fill out and submit directly to us! Visit our Service Request Form for more information including telephone numbers if you don't want to fill out our online form.
Yes, Lincoln City’s City Hall and Explore Lincoln City are now scent free areas. A fragrance-free environment helps create a safe and healthy workplace. We ask that visitors to City Hall and Explore Lincoln City refrain from wearing cologne, aftershave lotion, perfume, perfumed hand lotion, fragranced hair products, and/or similar products. The chemicals used in scented products, even in small amounts, can make some people sick, especially those with fragrance sensitivities, and other medical conditions.
Is there a process for Non-Profit Organizations to apply for Property Tax Exemption Program for Low-Income Housing they hold?
Yes, below is a PDF application for Non-Profit Corporation Property Tax Exemption Application. as well an Oregon Department of Revenue brochure on Property Tax Exemptions for Specified Organizations. The deadline to submit the application to Lincoln City is February 15, 2024.
Non-Profit Corporation Property Tax Exemption Application
Oregon Department of Revenue Brochure on Property Tax Exemptions for Specified Organizations
The county is no longer pursuing tent sheltering at this location or any location in the county. The county does plan to develop a primary care clinic for the Health and Human Services Department to replace the clinic currently located in the same building as the DMV on the North end of Lincoln City. The county will have a wide variety of staff located in the clinic, including doctors, nurses, behavioral health clinicians, family support staff. The clinic also has an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs, so we also provide primary care to many Lincoln County veterans.
In collaboration with the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, the County plan to develop a 28-unit permanent apartment complex for adults and families served by Lincoln County Health and Human Services. These tenants will be required to pay rent based on income. The Housing Authority of Lincoln County will own and manage the property. There are 9 similar units that have been operating in Lincoln County successfully for several decades.
The Housing Authority of Lincoln County plans to build a family housing complex on the remaining parts of the property. For more information on this project, you can reach out directly to the Housing Authority of Lincoln County Director Karen Rockwell at krockwell@housinglincolncountyor.gov
Economic Development
Explore Lincoln City
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Throughout the year, more than 3,000 artisan-made floats will be placed along Lincoln City’s seven miles of shoreline, ready to be found and treasured. Inspired by the historic Japanese fishing floats that once washed ashore, this one-of-a-kind program invites visitors to slow down, wander, and experience the coastline with a sense of wonder. Learn more about glass floats and Finders Keepers at ExploreLincolnCity.com.
Finders Keepers floats are hidden year-round; float drops may be suspended during unsafe weather or ocean conditions. Always be mindful of tides, sneaker waves, and coastal hazards.
- Sign up for the Industry Newsletter—your source for updates that support local tourism businesses, partners, and stakeholders. Stay informed on regional initiatives, upcoming events, networking opportunities, and potential partnerships that help strengthen our community.
Explore Lincoln City is the tourism department of the City of Lincoln City and the official Destination Management Organization (DMO) for the Lincoln City area, serving as a resource for Lincoln City’s tourism industry and promoting economic development through tourism marketing, destination management and stewardship initiatives. Explore Lincoln City is funded by transient lodging tax (TLT) paid by visitors for overnight stays. Every year, Explore Lincoln City reinvests a portion of TLT to support Lincoln City tourism partners. Since 2009, Explore Lincoln City has delivered $1,380,000 in grants and community partnership funding, supporting hundreds of meaningful projects and events in Lincoln City. For more information on the economic impacts of tourism and additional industry resources, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com.
Start your Lincoln City adventure with the official Explore Lincoln City Visitor Guide. Order your free guide and discover all that the Oregon Coast has to offer.
Maps
The Explore Lincoln City Welcome Center is located on the 4th floor of the City Hall building, at 801 SW Highway 101 in Lincoln City. Visit the welcome center for travel guides and information on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Lincoln City Welcome Center at D River Wayside
Explore Lincoln City and the City of Lincoln City are developing a new Welcome Center and restroom facility at D River Wayside (101 US-101, Lincoln City, OR 97367). Construction will be completed in early 2027.
For more information visit ExploreLincolnCity.com.
Municipal Court
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Make Municipal Court Payment
In our ongoing efforts to better serve the Community, Lincoln City has partnered with Xpress Bill Pay, the premier provider of online payment systems to provide secure online services. You do not need to set up an user account with Xpress Bill Pay to make this payment. You can pay using the citation number, case number or name. You can make a full or partial payment.
To make a payment via the phone, please call the Court (Monday - Wednesday - 8:00am - 5:00pm) at 541-996-1217 .
Alternatively, you can also call the Finance Department from (Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 5:00pm) at 541-996-1211.
You may also mail in a check or money order to the Court.
If your License is Suspended
Please call Valley Credit Service, Inc. at 503-585-5651The Municipal Court hours are Monday - Wednesday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Telephone Number is 541-996-1217.
Parks & Recreation General
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Yes!! Info on recent developments found here: New Community Park Development or call 541-996-1222. We are excited to build this park for our community!
What services does Lincoln City Parks & Recreation provide for the youth, teens, adult, and senior groups?
LCP&R provides many opportunities for activities and services made to promote the health and wellness of all members of our community. We have classes, facilities, open spaces, parks, events, programming, and sports that are open to all. From yoga, water fitness classes, workout facilities, sports teams, after school programming, concerts, community events, and gardening, LCP&R has something for everyone. https://www.lincolncity.org/departments/parks-recreation
Parks & Recreation Community Center and Recreation Program
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Our facilities are available for members of our community and visitors alike with a daily drop-in fee or Community Center membership. All are welcome! Visit our Community Center webpage for more information.
All of our fitness classes are included in a membership scan or drop in fee.
Yes, we are open to the public and they are welcome to join for a drop-in fee.
You can purchase a membership no matter where you live! We offer memberships for anyone that wishes to participate. Those that live inside the city limits receive a discount on memberships. All others can join at our regular price! Visit our Community Center webpage for more information.
Our swimming lessons program is greatly based on our staffing levels. We are working on expanding the program during the school year, but currently our swimming lessons are minimal during the summer season.
That is our definite plan. We are working through some staffing issues, and once those are resolved, we look forward to opening the Center to the public on Sundays.
- No, but we do have a hot tub!
- The current schedule may be found on the City’s website on the Community Center’s webpage.
- Spring: Soccer ages 5-14yrs old, MS Track & Field
- Fall: Volleyball grades 3-6th, MS Cross Country, Soccer ages 5-14yrs old
- Winter: Basketball grades 1-6th.
Generally, 1p - 3p Mon-Fri are the slowest in the lap pool. Visit our Aquatics webpage for more information.
- The diving board, rope swing and slide are open during our recreational swims. Visit our Aquatics webpage for more information.
Parks and Open Spaces
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Yes, our parks and open spaces are open to the public. Visit our Parks, Open Space, Trails and Beach Access webpage for more information.
Garden beds are available at the Oceanlake and Taft Community Gardens. Beds may be rented by contacting 541.996.1248 or visit Community Gardens webpage.
Use of our open spaces and parks is free for our general public. Community events are also available at no cost on a first come basis. There are costs involved when reserving a park amenity for exclusive use.
Yes. To reserve any park shelter, contact the community Center at 541-994-2131 Forms also available online. or Visit our Parks and Recreation webpage.
Fill out the volunteer form located on our website. Or contact 541-996-1248. https://www.lincolncity.org/departments/parks-recreation/volunteer
We clean all restrooms daily.
- During the growing season, once a week. During the winter, as needed.
We have a system where we work from south to north through town on a weekly basis. Once we complete going through the open spaces, we start over.
- There is no charge; however, we do ask a credit card be put on file for security. Visit our Beach Mobility Access webpage for more information.
We follow the 7 principles of Leave no Trace, which states that the public packs out what they pack in. Visit our Leave No Trace webpage for more information.
Planning & Community Development
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
An application for a floodplain development permit shall be submitted, and the floodplain development permit must be issued, PRIOR TO the commencement of any Development within the floodplain.
- The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (Firm) for Lincoln City are available by clicking on the applicable link provided on this page. You can also visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home and enter your address in the self-service portal.
- A completed application for a Floodplain Development Permit must be submitted via email to planning@lincolncity.org. The applicable application fee must also accompany the submittal, which may be paid using the Online Credit Card Authorization Form.
Development means any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment and materials.
What type of work or activities require a Floodplain Development Permit prior to commencement of the work or activity?
A Floodplain Development Permit is required for work or activity for any area that is horizontally within a flood zone. The permit is required prior to any development taking place.
- The fillable application for a Floodplain Development Permit is available on the City’s website at https://www.lincolncity.org/government/documents-forms. The form is also on this page right below the link to the flood damage prevention code.
- LCMC Chapter 15.16 Flood Damage Prevention webpage
Fillable Floodplain Development Permit Application.
- LCMC Chapter 15.16 Flood Damage Prevention webpage
- The City of Lincoln City is a participating member of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP provides flood insurance to Lincoln City residents that is not typically available on the private market. As a participant of the NFIP, property owners are required to adhere to the Floodplain Development standards adopted by the City in Chapter 15.16 of the Lincoln City Municipal Code. Not only does participating in the NFIP allow for citizens to acquire much needed flood insurance, it also promotes safe and responsible development within areas subject to flooding.
Why does the City of Lincoln City require Floodplain Development Permits prior to development in the floodplain?
Police Department
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Yes. Every alarm user shall obtain a permit for each alarm system located in the city within sixty days of use of the alarm system. This requirement does not apply to the self-contained residential smoke alarms which are not connected to a communications center or a private monitoring service.
The police department does not notarize documents for the public.
No, the police department does not take pictures for passports.
All record requests must be in writing either in person, via mail/email, or via fax. Written requests can be mailed or delivered to:
Lincoln City Police Department
Attn: Records Section
1503 SE E Devils Lake Road
Lincoln City, OR 97367Fax: 541-996-1250
The Oregon Public Records Act (Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 192) provides that records created by a public agency shall be subject to inspection and release unless exceptions are established by statute. Within the request, you should provide: your name, address, phone number, the report type, date, location, persons involved, and case number, if known. There is a $15.00 fee for the first 5 pages of the report and $.30 for each additional page unless you are listed as a victim in the report. All costs for reports must be paid prior to the report being released.
Call the non-emergency phone 541-994-3636 if you have further questions regarding police records.
If the incident occurred in the jurisdiction of the Lincoln City Police Department, you have two main options:
- You can come to the front lobby of the Police Department to file a report. The LCPD address is 1503 SE East Devils Lake Road, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367. The Police Department is open 24/7.
- You can call our non-emergency number 541-994-3636 and talk to the Dispatch Center at the Lincoln City Police Department. They will take your initial information, such as where the crime occurred, who was involved, your name, address, and telephone number. They will then pass along the information to the appropriate personnel who will make contact with you and compile the actual report
The Lincoln City Police Department does not operate a jail. The Lincoln County Jail is located at 251 West Olive Street in Newport, Oregon and can be reached by calling 541-265-4277.
By appointment only. Please call Monday - Friday from 10:00am - 4:00pm
Telephone: 541-994-3636
Sex Offender Registration is by appointment only. Please call Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 3:00pm.
Phone Number: 541-994-3636
I drive a pick-up and there is not enough room for all of my children up front. When is it acceptable to have children ride in the bed of the pick-up?
Oregon Law specifically prohibits transporting people under the age of 18 in the open bed of a pick-up. Exceptions exist in certain situations such as hunting and farming activities.
I find it more comfortable to place the shoulder strap of my seatbelt behind me or under my arm. Is this legal?
No. As stated above, Oregon Law requires seat belts and safety seats to be used properly. Properly is defined as using the belts as designed. For adults, this means the shoulder belt is across the chest and the lap belt is across the upper thigh. For children using booster seats, this means the same thing. Never use just the lap belt with a booster seat.
Property that was taken by the Lincoln City Police Department can only be released by appointment. Call 541-994-3636 to schedule an appointment. Any property that was seized as evidence during an investigation may be released only after authorization by the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.
The Vehicle Release for an impounded vehicle can be obtained at the Police Department Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm. The process requires the current owner of the vehicle to provide vehicle registration or proof of ownership, current insurance on the impounded vehicle, and a valid driver’s license or bring a licensed driver. An administrative fee of $100 must be paid before release is given. The Lincoln City Police Department will only issue a vehicle release to the registered owner(s) or appropriate legal interest holder. Once a vehicle release is given to the owner, they need to contact the tow company and settle up with them.
My child is old enough for a booster seat but my vehicle’s backseat only has lap belts. What should I do?
The lap-shoulder belt is the better option when available. Absent a shoulder belt, the lap belt is not a safe option. Using a booster seat with a lap-only belt system places your child at risk of sliding out of the belt in a collision. Do not use a booster with a lap-only belt system.
My child is old enough for a booster seat but the vehicle seat belt hurts their neck. What should I do?
Because a child is old enough to use a booster seat does not necessarily mean they are big enough. Another option is “belt-positioning booster seats.” Seatbelts installed in vehicles are designed for use by adults. The purpose of a booster seat is to lift the child high enough to accommodate the adult belts. Belt-positioning booster seats redirect the vehicle belt across the child’s chest.
My child refuses to wear their seatbelt or they take it off when I’m not looking. Will I receive a citation if my child unfastens their self from the seat?
Yes. If your child is old enough to manipulate a seat belt or safety seat harness, they are most likely old enough to learn the importance of using the equipment properly. As the driver of a vehicle, you are responsible for anyone in the vehicle under the age of 16 years old. You may want to consider if the seat you are using is age appropriate for your child. If he or she continues to unfasten the belt, you need to address the behavior.
My child safety seat has LATCH. Is it safer to use the LATCH or the seat belt? Do I have to use the seatbelt and the LATCH?
Most vehicles and safety seats manufactured since 2002 have the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children or LATCH systems in place. You should never use this system unless the seat and the vehicle both have the proper devices in place. Consult your owner’s manuals for both.
LATCH generally does not require the vehicle’s seatbelt for proper installation. Many people are uncomfortable with the thought of not using the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the safety seat. However, when installed properly, LATCH is an acceptable alternative. Parents wanting a more permanent installation of the safety seat in their vehicle generally use LATCH.
We found this child seat in a yard sale but it didn’t come with instructions. Can LCPD help us install it in our vehicle?
No. People are often tempted to use second hand safety seats as a way to save money. You should never use a safety seat without the benefit of the instruction manual. It is also important to know the history of a seat. If the seat has been the subject of a recall, you need to be able to verify that the corrections have been made properly. You also need to know if the seat has been involved in a collision. Child Safety Seats are designed to only be effective in a single collision.
If you have a traffic accident or collision, you must:
Stop at Once
Stop at the accident scene or as close as possible without needlessly blocking or endangering other traffic. "Hit and run" is a serious traffic crime. Conviction will mean your driving privileges will be revoked or suspended.Render Aid
Give any reasonable aid to injured persons. Remember, injured people should never be moved carelessly. In many cases, they should not be moved at all until it is possible to get an ambulance or someone trained in first aid to the scene. If a driver is involved in an accident in which a person is killed or rendered unconscious, the driver is required to remain at the scene of the accident until a police officer arrives. Failure to do so is classified and punishable as a "hit and run."Exchange Information
Give to the other driver, passengers in the vehicle or any injured pedestrian your:- Name
- Address
- Driver license number
- License plate number of your vehicle
- Insurance information.
Report the Accident to DMV
Oregon Accident and Insurance Reports may be obtained at any law enforcement agency, motor vehicles office, or downloaded online at: Oregon Department of Transportation : Accident Reporting and Responsibilities : Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services : State of Oregon.Complete the Alarm User Permit Application or you can pick one up at the Finance Department in City Hall located on the 3rd floor of 801 SW Hwy 101 in Lincoln City. The application for the Alarm User Permit or annual renewal as well as the applicable annual fee must be filed with the Finance Department each calendar year. The Finance Department will then forward the permit information to the Lincoln City Police Department. For further questions regarding the Alarm User Permit, call the Finance Department at 541-996-2151.
Public Works
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
- To complete work within the right-of-way residents should fill out a Right of Way (ROW) permit.
This can be found in the Public Works tab of the documents page:
https://www.lincolncity.org/government/documents-forms/
This can be submitted, along with a site plan of the proposed work, to the public works department via email. Contact information for current administrative staff is listed above.
Be sure to call 811 for utility locates prior to breaking ground on any work within the right-of-way!
Many homes have existing Deferred Improvement Agreements (DIAs) recorded on the deed report. This is additionally required as a condition of approval for some, new single-family developments.
A DIA states that, even though the City requires improvements for public infrastructure for newly built and remolded houses (LCMC 17.52.230), the City understands that improvements might not be feasible at the time of construction. The City records these DIAs to defer the improvements until it determines the reason(s) for the deferment no longer exist. At that time the homeowner will be responsible for the cost of the roadway improvements.
To call in DIAs, the City will create a Local Improvement District (LID). These LID will be used to collect the fees from the individuals who hold a DIA. With the collected LID funds, the listed improvements will be made in the district to benefit the contributing homeowners. These LID’s typically give the homeowner the options of making one payment in full, or to spread the payments over 20 years.
In a project partially funded through the City of Lincoln City, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) grants, and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians, Lincoln City is constructing a 10-foot-wide, multi-use pathway along the east side of Hwy 101 from West Devils Lake Road (WDLR) to the Neotsu Post Office. The pathway will include a 578-foot section of boardwalk over wetlands. Planning for the project began in 2020, with construction beginning in June of 2024. The anticipated completion date is January 2025. The cost of the project is $5.73 million
This multi-use pathway along Hwy 101 helps the City to meet one of its goals of the City’s Walking And Biking Plan: Provide a continues system of appropriate walkways and bikeways on US 101 within Lincoln City.
System Development Charges (SDCs) are fees established by city ordinance for use of the city's water, sewer, roadway, and park facilities.
These are a portion of the fees applied to new permits based on either (1) water meter size for single family homes OR (2) the number of units in a multifamily development. This is reflected in the System Development Charge link in the Public Works documents tab (https://www.lincolncity.org/government/documents-forms/)
Fees are dependent upon location, in addition to the above, but typically include the: Water Reimbursement, Water Improvement, Sewer Reimbursement, Sewer Improvement, Park System Charge, Transportation Fee.
Urban Renewal Agency
Expand/Collapse Questions and Answers
Is the City’s property at 914 SW 4th Street (Taft Nelscott Delake Fire Station No.2 Building) available for lease or sale?
This property is not currently available for lease or sale. It was originally included in the City’s 2018 public property redevelopment offering. The originally selected developer is no longer pursuing the project, and a new development team has since been identified.
Site studies have neared completion, and the City is positioned to support redevelopment. The timing of development is now dependent on the developer’s schedule.
More information about City and Urban Renewal Agency properties from the 2018 redevelopment offering is available on the City’s website:
https://www.lincolncity.org/departments/economic-development/public-property-development
