Benton County enhances public access to County Code with MuniCode Platform
Benton County is pleased to announce the implementation of a new online platform, MuniCode, which offers improved access to Benton County Code chapters. The MuniCode platform aims to improve the public’s experience navigating the Code in many ways.
MuniCode is an easily searchable tool that houses the entire County Code and County Charter. The public can use it to search for keywords such as floodplain, accessory dwelling unit, solid waste management, food handlers license, vehicle camping, and more.
County Code refers to the collection of laws, regulations, and ordinances enacted by the governing body of a county. These codes govern various aspects of life within the county, including zoning, land use, building standards, public safety, health regulations, and other local administrative procedures. The County Code serves as a legal framework to ensure orderly development, protect public health and safety, and promote general welfare within the county.
“This change is a great enhancement for our community as it provides increased accessibility and transparency and will be a time saver for community members,” said Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse.
The MuniCode platform comes standard with Google Translate built-in, enabling instant translation of the Code into 200+ languages, increasing accessibility for non-native English speakers. Following the initial implementation, MuniCode will display the history of code amendments over time. Users can choose to subscribe to be notified of code changes in sections of interest to them.
An additional feature, MuniDocs, is also now available. MuniDocs will house and organize many important County documents. MuniDocs will allow for full searchability within documents uploaded to the platform using keyword searches.
Benton County’s Code officially went live on the MuniCode platform this month, July 2024, joining thousands of other jurisdictions nationwide using this same online tool.
You can access the full Benton County Code directly from the County’s website, from within County Counsel’s page, Community Development’s page, or from the MuniCode Library by selecting the state of Oregon and Benton County from the list.
Benton County continues to look for ways to increase transparency and improve the public’s experience navigating complex systems. The County made this investment in MuniCode in early 2024 as part of an initiative to enhance website functionality, increase the searchability of Code language, and display Code amendments. Users will no longer need to download individual Code chapters in their search for information. Instead, users can search for terms from within the platform, identify the Code section of interest, share a link directly to specific sections of the Code, print, download, email, compare versions of the Code over time, view recent ordinances, and get technical support – all within one platform.
“Implementing the MuniCode platform is a significant step forward in making our County Code more accessible and transparent to the public. We are proud to join thousands of other jurisdictions in using this innovative tool,” said Rick Crager, Assistant County Administrator.
This new platform enhances transparency and accessibility, ensuring that Benton County residents can easily access, understand, and stay updated on local regulations and ordinances.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468