Category Archives: Planning & Building

Planning & Building

PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS FOR JULY, 2019

CITY COUNCIL (CC) ACTIONS ON PLANNING ITEMS

On July 2, 2019, the CC:

  • Considered Ordinance 2822, amending LOC Chapter 47 (Sign Code) to temporarily modify temporary sign restrictions for businesses directly affected by construction during the Boones Ferry Road Project. The CC deferred their decision, pending changes to increase the allowable size of A-frame signs allowed during construction.
  • Adopted Resolution 18-44 approving for the September 17, 2019 election an explanatory statement for the Southwood Park vote on annexation (AN 18-0020).
  • Approved the 2019-2020 Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) grants as recommended by the NEP Award Committee.

On July 16, 2019, the CC:

  1. Enacted Ordinance 2822 as amended, amending LOC Chapter 47 (Sign Code) to temporarily modify temporary sign restrictions for businesses directly affected by construction during the Boones Ferry Road Project.
  2. Enacted Ordinance 2815, amending Chapter 50 (Community Development Code) to allow Short-Term Rentals, and adopted findings (LU 18-0034)
  3. Approved AN 19-0002 Ordinance 2823 annexing one parcel containing two tax lots consisting of 0.51 acres at 5751 Washington Court.

PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) ACTIONS

On June 8, 2019, the PC held a work session to review an initial list of Annual Community Development Code Amendments (LU 19-0033) and provided input to staff on policy issues for further study. The Commission elected Skip Baker as Chair and Rob Heape as Vice Chair.

On June 22, 2019:

  • The City Attorney updated the PC on House Bill 2001 (Missing Middle Housing) and HB 2003 (Housing Needs and Housing Production Strategies). It is anticipated that the City Council will review these bills at a later date and provide direction to Staff and the Planning Commission on how the City is to respond to them and any further policy changes to facilitate affordable housing (PP 19-0008). No action was taken.
  • Planning staff updated the PC on amendments to the Solar Access standards in LOC 50.06.007 review completed during the 2018 Annual Community Development Code Amendments (LU 18-0035) to consider whether further amendments to the solar access standards are needed. No action was taken but the PC asked that solar access be considered when the City updates the Sustainabilty and Climate Action Plans.
  • The City Engineer provided an update on the traffic analysis recently completed in response to a request from the Waluga Neighborhood Association and relating to the Community Development Code Traffic Management Requirements for Specific Locations (LOC 50.02.002.2.d). No action was taken, though as requested amendment of LOC 50.02.002.2.d has been removed from the list 2019 Annual CDC Amendments pending City Council direction.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMISSION (DRC) ACTIONS

On July 1, 2019, the DRC meeting was canceled.

On July 15, 2019, the DRC public hearings on:

  • AP 19-01 [499-19-01631] a request by Lynn Bertelsen for a Type II tree removal application to remove one 54” DBH Douglas fir tree. The site is located at 534 D Avenue (21E10AD02500). The hearing was continued.
  • AP 19-02 [499-19-01931], a request by Karen Inaba for a Type II tree removal application to remove 2 trees. The site is located at 535 Atwater Road (21E03CB00900). The DRC tentatively denied the application as recommended by staff. 

HISTORIC RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD (HRAB)

At their meeting on July 10, 2019, the Historic Resources Advisory Board continued their work on the revisions to the preservation code.

PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCES AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW APPLICATIONS

In July, staff held five pre-application conferences as follows:

  1. A request for a minor partition on a lot with a historic landmark on Cherry Lane.
  2. A request for Development Review for replacement of pathway and bridges within the Willamette Greenway Management Overlay at Roehr Park.
  3. A request for Annexation, lot line adjustment and a minor partition or subdivision on Washington Court.
  4. A request for a 12-lot subdivision on Waluga Drive near Parkhill Street
  5. A request for Development Review to expand an existing church parking lot and to delineate a Resource Protection (RP) District on Country Club Road.

BUILDING PERMITS, SIGN PERMITS, AND BUSINESS LICENSES

In the month of July, Planning staff reviewed 20 building permits, 1 sign permit, and 20 business licenses.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

In July, there were 17 code enforcement cases completed outside Municipal Court, and 1 case completed through court. There were 32 active cases.

PERMIT CENTER ACTIVITY

During July, Permit Center staff served 998 walk-in customers and responded to 1,683 phone calls, or approximately 122 customer contacts per day. Of the walk-in customers, 47% were for Planning, 29% for Building, 18% for Engineering and 6% for other services.  Of the phone-in customers 24% were for Planning, 32% for Building, 14% for Engineering and 30% for other services.

Building Permit Activity: During July, Building staff received five New Single Family Residential (NSFR) applications and six NSFR permits were issued as follows:

  1. Glenmorrie
  2. 6 TH
  3. Goodall
  4. Pilkington
  5. Lakeview

The above median timeline for review is from application completeness to “ready to issue”. The Planning Department provides 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 29 issued in July by Building staff, with the median days being 25. Commercial Structural Permits include Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Family and Institutional, of which there were 22, with the median days being 41, including permits for the new City Hall.

Planning & Building

PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS FOR JUNE, 2019

CITY COUNCIL (CC) ACTIONS ON PLANNING ITEMS

On June 4, 2019, the CC:

  • Conducted a public hearing and tentatively approved LU 18-0034/Ordinance 2815, An Ordinance of the Lake Oswego City Council amending Chapter 50 (Community Development Code) of the Lake Oswego Code to allow short-term rental lodging in zones where transient lodging (hotels) is not currently allowed; deleting “Bed & Breakfast” from Parking Table 50.06.002-3. The Council is scheduled to adopt findings and enact Ordinance 2815 on July 16.
  • Conducted a public hearing and tentatively approved Ordinance 2805, An Ordinance of the Lake Oswego City Council Authorizing Annexation of the Southwood Park Neighborhood, Provided that a Majority of the Votes Cast in the Neighborhood are in Favor of the Annexation.

On June 18, 2019, the CC:

  • Enacted Ordinance 2805 [Southwood Park Annexation Election], An Ordinance Annexing to the City of Lake Oswego 301 Parcels and all of the Right of Way Within the Territory Contained in Maps 21E06BB & 21E06BC Consisting of Approximately 77 Acres Located at the Northwest Corner of the City, Declaring City of Lake Oswego Zoning and Resource Protection (RP) District Pursuant to LOC 50.01.004.5(a-c); and Removing the Territory from Certain Districts (AN 18-0020).
  • Adopted Resolution 19-39, A Resolution of the Lake Oswego City Council Submitting to the Voters of the Southwood Park Neighborhood, at September 17, 2019 Election, a Measure Authorizing Annexation of that Neighborhood to the City of Lake Oswego.
  • Granted Distinguished Service Awards to former Development Review Commission members Brent Ahrend and Paden Prichard.

Continue reading PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS FOR JUNE, 2019 →

Departments, Planning & Building

PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS FOR MAY, 2019

CITY COUNCIL (CC) ACTIONS ON PLANNING ITEMS

On May 7, 2019, the CC approved AN18-0019, Ordinance 2812, annexing seven parcels and the adjacent Meadow Avenue Public Right-of-Way; and on June 3, 2019, the proposed annexation was appealed to LUBA by WKL Investments (5200 Meadows Road)

On May 21, as requested by City Council during goalsetting, Planning staff presented an update on Tree Permitting Activity during 2014-2018.

PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) ACTIONS

On May 9, 2019, the PC (also sitting as the Commission for Citizen Involvement) held a mini-retreat to welcome new staff, receive updates current goals, and to discuss Commission operations.

On May 13, the PC adopted Findings, Conclusion and Order for LU 18-0034 Short-Term Rentals.

On May 20, the PC received an update on the Climate Action and Sustainability Plan.

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

On May 6, 2019, the DRC:

  • Approved the Findings, Conclusions & Order denying LU 18-0063, a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a Transportation Depot (School District bus barn/maintenance facility), Development Permit for exterior building alterations and a parking lot expansion, and a minor variance to wall height.
  • Approved the Findings, Conclusions & Order approving LU 19-0002, a request for a Development Review Permit for an exterior remodel of existing condos in the Old Town Design District.
  • Held a public hearing and tentatively approved LU 19-0009, a request for Major Alterations to a Historic Landmark and Major Variance to Construct a New Accessory Structure on the site with a Historic Landmark.

On May 20, 2019, the DRC:

  • Approved the Findings, Conclusions & Order approving LU 19-0009.
  • Held a public hearing and tentatively approved LU 19-0011, a request for a modification to an approved Development Permit (DR 15-95) to construct a loading area canopy and covered detached greenhouse and outdoor sales area for a farm and garden store. Adoption of the Findings, Conclusion & Order was scheduled for June 3, 2019.

HISTORIC RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD (HRAB)

At their meeting on May 8, 2019, the Historic Resources Advisory Board held their Preservation Month awards ceremony. Preservation Merit awards were presented to Mark Browne of the Oswego Heritage Council for his archival work on Lake Oswego’s history with Lake Oswego Public Library, Christie School and the Oswego Heritage Council. Another merit award, a bronze plaque was presented to Pat Kessi of PKH development for his work in preserving the tile mosaics that were originally a part of the Oswego Shopping Center, previously owned by Gene Wiser. The tile mosaics are located at the entrance to the underground parking garage off of 1St Street and the bronze plaque was installed next to the mosaics.

HRAB Meeting: At their meeting on May 8, 2019 the Historic Resources Advisory Board discussed:

    • Revisions to the Preservation Code
    • The future demolition of 1551 SW Childs Road; Art Stevens House and property
    • 4101 South Shore (Bates House) State Advisory Commission Decision on the request to remove this property from the National Register

PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCES

In May, staff held four pre-application conferences as follows:

  1. A request for an addition to an existing dwelling to add an accessory dwelling unit on Shakespeare Street.
  2. A request for a Minor variance to enclose a carport on G Avenue.
  3. A request for a parking study for an existing retail complex on Centerpointe Drive.
  4. A request for a 3-parcel minor partition with two flag lots on Lake Grove Avenue.

BUILDING PERMITS, SIGN PERMITS AND BUSINESS LICENSES

In the month of May, Planning staff reviewed 16 building permits, 7 sign permits and 12 business licenses.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

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

PERMIT CENTER ACTIVITY

Customer Contacts: During May, Permit Center staff served 942 walk-in customers and responded to 1,692 phone calls, or approximately 115 customer contacts per day. Of the walk-in customers, 46% were for Planning, 30% for Building, 17% for Engineering and 7% for other services.

Building Permit Activity: During May, Building staff issued three demolition permits on Waluga Drive, Hemlock Street and 6th Street.  Building staff also received six New Single Family Residential (NSFR) applications.  In addition, four NSFR permits were issued on 5th Street.

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 25 issued in May by Building staff, with the median days being 12. Commercial Structural Permits include Commercial, Industrial, Multi-Family and Institutional, of which there were five, with the median days being 14.

 

Planning & Building

AN 18-0020: Southwood Park Area (Voter Annexation)

On June 4, 2019, the Lake Oswego City Council conducted a public hearing and tentatively approved Ordinance 2805, An Ordinance of the Lake Oswego City Council Authorizing Annexation of the Southwood Park Neighborhood, Provided that a Majority of the Voters Cast in the Neighborhood are in Favor of the Annexation. The Council is scheduled to enact Ordinance 2805 on June 18, 2019. This will provide an opportunity for registered voters in the Southwood Park Neighborhood to vote on the question of annexation in a special election conducted by Clackamas County on September 17, 2019.

For more information please visit the City Project Page for AN 18-0020.

 

Planning & Building

URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY AT FARMERS MARKET

This City’s Planning and Parks & Recreation Departments teamed up to celebrate urban forestry at the Farmers’ Market on opening day, Saturday, May 18, 2019, with a variety of booths and the Arbor Day Art Contest awards presentation! Over 200 tree round necklaces were crafted at Kids Corner and more than 300 prizes were given away at the nature explorer prize wheel for kids and teens including hummingbird feeders, gnomes, magnifying bug viewers, Trees are Good coloring books, Plant Trees water bottles and more. Bartlett Tree Experts gave away 200 tree seedlings and hosted a tree pruning demonstration. There was great interest in the restoration map of the parks’ natural areas and in the City’s invasive trees species identification guide and Heritage Tree program. Visitors also signed up to volunteer at future Stewardship work parties, entered a raffle to win a gnome and gardening gloves and hunted for three gnomes hidden at the Farmers’ Market to claim a prize. Mayor Studebaker joined the City’s contract arborist, Morgan Holen, to award prizes to the Arbor Day Art Contest winners during a formal presentation while the band took a break.

Visit the Urban & Community Forestry webpage to find out more about Urban & Community Forestry.

Planning & Building

Arbor Day Art Contest Winners

 

During the month of April, the City hosted an Arbor Day Art Contest for Lake Oswego students to celebrate Douglas-fir, Oregon’s State Tree and an iconic symbol of our community. From needles and cones to individual trees and groves, as tiny seedlings and majestic giants, providing food and cover for animals, and so much more—participants could draw, color, paint or create a collage representing this splendid species. In all, 112 entries were received and displayed at the Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course. Entries were judged based on creativity and overall design based on the theme. Winners were selected in three divisions: K-2nd grade, 3rd-5th grade and 6th-8th grade. Each winner received their art in a frame, a tree seedling and a prize pack full of fun items to explore the urban forest. The three first place winners also receive admission tickets to the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. Six of the nine winners were able to attend the celebration, which included a presentation by the City’s Contract Arborist, Morgan Holen and prizes handed out by Mayor Kent Studebaker.

This year’s contest winners are:

K-2nd Grade Division

  1. Liam Dela Cruz, Kindergarten, Hallinan Elementary – Liam painted a grove of Douglas-firs on a sunny day and titled his piece, “Look Up to the Trees”.
  2. Jimin Byun, 2nd grade, Forest Hills Elementary – Jimin used water colors and mixed-media to create a work of art featuring deer, a squirrel, fox and blue bird around a giant Douglas-fir.
  3. Ella Reigle, 1st grade, Oak Creek Elementary – Ella’s Douglas-fir dominates the landscape in her prize-winning piece.

3rd-5th Grade Division

  1. Eva Howe, 5th grade, Hallinan Elementary – Eva’s entry featured the City’s Historic Peg – one of the City’s 38 Heritage Trees and a State Heritage Tree. Early settlers in the “old town” area of Lake Oswego used this giant Douglas-fir as their lantern post by hanging a lantern on a peg driven into the side of the tree to conduct town meetings.
  2. Isabella Woods, 5th grade, River Grove Elementary – Isabella’s prize-winning entry included the shadow of a Douglas-fir and wildlife.
  3. Ta Ohr, 5th grade, Hallinan Elementary – Ta drew a Douglas-fir with fine detail including trunk taper, old branch stubs, branches, twigs and needles.

6th-8th Grade Division

  1. Sophie Feng, 7th grade, Lake Oswego Junior High – Sophie’s work of art is an oil painting of Douglas-firs surrounding the play area at George Rogers Park with children playing on a beautiful day.
  2. Abby Anderson, 6th grade, Lakeridge High – Abby not only included Oregon’s State Tree, but also our State Mammal and a remarkable rendition of the iron furnace.
  3. Morgan Brown, 8th grade, Lake Oswego Junior High – Morgan’s entry featured a unique perspective looking up into the tree crown.

Click here to see the prize-winning entries!

Planning & Building

PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS FOR APRIL, 2019

CITY COUNCIL (CC) ACTIONS ON PLANNING ITEMS

On April 16, the CC conducted a study session on a Home Demolition Tax. The Council consensus was to move forward in considering a proposed ordinance adopting a Home Demolition Tax this year.

PLANNING COMMISSION (PC) ACTIONS

On April 22, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on amendments to the Community Development Code to allow Short-Term Rental Lodging (LU 18-0034). After receiving public testimony, the Commission closed the hearing and deliberated providing direction to staff for revising the code amendments and drafting written findings, conclusions and order for consideration at its next meeting May 13. Continue reading PLANNING & BUILDING SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS FOR APRIL, 2019 →

Planning & Building

Hiroshima Peace Tree Planted for Arbor Week

Video of the event:  Hiroshima Peace Tree

 

Hiroshima Peace Tree

In celebration of Arbor Week and National Poetry Month, an extraordinary tree seedling was planted at Foothills Park. The tree was grown from a seed that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 and was brought to Lake Oswego by the One Sunny Day Initiatives Program through the Green Legacy Hiroshima Project. In addition, the City celebrated and received the 30-Year Tree City USA Award.  A commemorative plaque was awarded to the City. Learn more by visiting glh.unitar.org (link is external) and www.osdinitiatives.com (link is external).

Planning & Building

Urban & Community Forestry Arbor Week Event

Foothills Park Extraordinary
Tree Planting

Saturday, April 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Road

Bring your friends and neighbors to visit an extraordinary tree seedling to be planted at Foothills Park and celebrate Arbor Week and National Poetry Month. The tree was grown from a seed that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 and was brought to Lake Oswego by the One Sunny Day Initiatives Program through the Green Legacy Hiroshima Project. We will unveil a commemorative plaque, hear from guest speakers including representatives from the Veterans Memorial Project and Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford, present the City’s 30 Year Tree City USA Award and enjoy refreshments. Learn more by visiting glh.unitar.org (link is external) and www.osdinitiatives.com (link is external).

Planning & Building

Urban and Community Forestry

Celebrating 30-years of Tree City USA

Lake Oswego is celebrating its benchmark 30th year as a Tree City USA (TCUSA), a certification provided by the National Arbor Day Foundation to recognize cities for demonstrating a strong commitment to managing and caring for trees.

Over the last 30 years, Lake Oswego has met the four TCUSA standards by maintaining a tree board (the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board), a tree ordinance, a minimum $2 per capita expenditure for tree planting and maintenance, and an annual celebration and proclamation of Arbor Day.

The City is celebrating this distinct honor with a variety of Arbor Week and community forestry events throughout the year. The Urban and Community Forestry Program promotes education, dialogue, and voluntary stewardship to protect the health and viability of the urban forest.  Details are also included in the April Urban & Community Forestry Newsletter.

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