URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY WORKSHOPS

This year the City hosted its 13^th consecutive season of free Urban and Community Forestry Workshops. The final workshop for this year, Creating Backyard Habitat in Urban Spaces, came to a close on Saturday, September 21, 2019. The final workshop of the year, was hosted at Tryon Creek State Natural Area and led by Friends of Tryon Creek Education Director Gabe Sheoships and Backyard Habitat Certification Program Site Technician Cindy Ellison.

Ten participants learned how to create natural habitat in their own yard space for native flora and fauna, and explored the many benefits of the Backyard Habitat Certification Program which is conducted in partnership with the City of Lake Oswego, the Audubon Society of Portland and the Columbia Land Trust to support urban stewards and their efforts to create and enhance native habitats. Topics of discussion included techniques to reduce soil compaction and improve soil quality, selecting native plant species based on site conditions ranging from dry to moist and sunny to shady, leaving snags and large woody debris, providing a water source, and more! The indoor presentation was followed by a native plant hike with species identification and discussion about planting the right species in the right place.

Next year’s workshop series line-up is being developed; topics will include Tree Pruning, Tree Selection and Planting, Gardening for Pollinators and others. Be on the lookout for future workshops to be announced in the monthly HelloLO Newsletter, on the City’s website, and via social media and listservs. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited with preference given to Lake Oswego residents.

CITY COUNCIL (CC) ACTIONS ON PLANNING ITEMS

On September 3, the CC terminated the January 16, 2018 agreement with Sturgeon Development Partners, LLC for the disposition and development of the North Anchor properties.

On September 17, the CC held a study session and provided direction on Refinement of a Home Demolition Tax. The Council also held a study session on a Riparian Lands Tax Incentive Program.

PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) ACTIONS

On September 9, the PC conducted a public hearing and tentatively recommended approval of a Zone Change at 4403 Kruse Way from PNA to CR&D (LU 17-0070). Adoption of the Findings, Conclusion and Order is scheduled for October 14.

On September 23, the PC conducted their second work session on the proposed 2019 Annual Community Development Code Amendments (LU 19-0033). A public hearing is scheduled for November 13.

Please refer to the following web page for the current PC meeting forecast: http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/boc_pc/schedule-and-information

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMISSION (DRC) ACTIONS

At their meeting on September 4, 2019, the DRC:

• DRC granted the applicant’s request to re-open the public hearing for AP 19-01 [TR 499-19-01631], a request by Lynn Bertelsen for a Type II tree removal application to remove one 54” DBH Douglas fir tree. The hearing was postponed to Monday, October 7.
• Held a public hearing for LU 19-0024, a request for approval of a Development Review Permit to construct permanent seating to replace existing temporary bleachers, a stadium cover, and a press box on the south side of the Lakeridge High School football stadium. The application was tentatively approved by the DRC and the adoption of the Findings, Conclusion and Order was scheduled for September 16.

At their meeting on September 16, 2019, the DRC:

• Approved the written Findings, Conclusions and Order for LU 19-0024.
• Held a public hearing on AP 19-06 [TR 499-19-03281], a request for approval of a Type II tree removal permit to remove one 37.7”DBH Douglas fir tree. The DRC denied the request and the adoption of the Findings, Conclusion and Order was scheduled for October 7.

HISTORIC RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD (HRAB):

At their meeting on September 11 the Historic Resources Advisory Board discussed:

• Revisions to the Preservation Code (LOC 50.06.009 Historic Preservation)
• 1551 SW Childs Road; Art Stevens House and property
• Ryder Williams House Designation
• SAB / HRAB Deconstruction Policy and Home Demolition Tax Study session discussing refinement of this policy, scheduled for September 17

PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCES

In September, staff held three pre-application conferences as follows:

1. A request for a lot line adjustment and minor partition on Lords Lane and Bryant Road.
2. A request for Development Review and Conditional Use Permits for site improvements and expansion of an existing non-conforming cemetery on Stafford Road.
3. A request for construction of a detached ADU on Washington Court.

 

 

ANNEXATIONS 

AN 18-0020 – Ordinance 2805 Southwood Park Annexation

On September 17, residents of the Southwood Park neighborhood voted to remain in unincorporated Clackamas County rather than annex to Lake Oswego. The election was held in response to a request from the Southwood Park Water District and area residents.

PLANNING REVIEW OF BUILDING PERMITS, SIGN PERMITS AND BUSINESS LICENSES

In the month of September, Planning staff reviewed 33 building permits, one sign permit and 14 business licenses.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Fifteen Code Enforcement cases were resolved in September without Municipal Court action.

PERMIT CENTER ACTIVITY

Customer Contacts: During September, staff served 777 walk-in customers and responded to 1,342 phone calls, or approximately 106 customer contacts per day. Of the walk-in customers, 51% were for Planning, 25% for Building, 18% for Engineering and 6% for other services. Of the phone-in customers 22% were for Planning, 32% for Building, 12% for Engineering and 34% for other services.

Building Permit Activity: During September, Building staff issued one demolition permit on C Avenue. Staff also received three New Single Family Residential (NSFR) applications. In addition, three NSFR permits were issued as follows:

1. North Shore Road
2. Pine Street
3. Bonaire Avenue

The above median timeline for review is from application completeness to “ready to issue”. As of November 2018, the Planning Department has provided NSFR plan review services for both Planning and Engineering reviews. Ready to issue includes time that applicants need to address corrections required for code compliance or factors beyond the City’s control.

In addition to NSFR permits, Residential Structural Permits include remodels, additions, decks, etc., of which there were 21 issued in September by Building staff, with the median days being 24. Commercial Structural Permits include Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Family and Institutional, of which there were 11, with the median days being 79.