Basketball Hoop Policy

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 dealing with basketball hoops in the right-of-way in view of the safety and liability issues involved with their use.

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

• Basketball hoops would be removed from any local street when there was a complaint received and verified by staff;
  
• Basketball hoops would be removed from any collector or arterial street on a discovery or complaint basis; 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.

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