Neighborhood Planning

UPDATE - May 16, 2024

Technical assistance by the City for the creation of neighborhood plans or overlays remains on hold because staff resources are fully allocated to implementing state-mandated programs, including addressing the recent changes with the Governor’s housing bill (SB 1537), as well as Council goals and priorities, as follows:

  • Adopt a Housing Production Strategy (required per HB 2003; work in progress and must be adopted by 12-31-2024)
  • Implement the Housing Production Strategy (HB 2003; on-going work will begin after adoption of HPS)
  • Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) Program (Governor’s Executive Order 20-04; work in progress and must be adopted by 12-31-2024)
  • Adopt code amendments and apply to DLCD for an exemption to mandatory adjustments to local siting and design standards required by the state (SB 1537 requirements go into effect 01-01-2025; staff is currently working on identifying code amendments needed to qualify for an exemption to the state requirements)
  • Begin implementation of the Urban and Community Forestry Plan (UCFP) and start process to amend the City’s Tree Code (2024 Council Goal; work on UCFP in progress; implementation of UCFP and work on Tree Code amendments to begin Summer 2024)
  • Comprehensive Review of the Community Development Code (Council Goal postponed to 2025 pending adoption of the Housing Production Strategy; multi-year effort to begin in 2025 and will begin with a code audit followed later by code amendments)

Many of these have state mandated timelines and require approval by the oversight state agencies. Given the substantial workload associated with addressing these programs and mandates, the Planning Department is currently unable to allocate additional resources towards the creation of neighborhood plans. We need to prioritize compliance within our own code before we are able to address individual neighborhood plans. This decision is not a reflection of our commitment to neighborhood planning or engagement. Rather, it is necessary to preserve the Planning Department’s ability to effectively address the most pressing priorities and needs of our community and assure we remain in compliance with state law.

As staff continues work on the above projects, input and collaboration with neighborhood associations and residents will be essential. We will continue to engage with neighborhood associations and residents in meaningful ways to assure community values are reflected in these important initiatives.

More information about neighborhood planning options can be found on the Neighborhood Planning Materials webpage.

Adopted Neighborhood Plans

A neighborhood plan is an official element of the City of Lake Oswego Comprehensive Plan. A neighborhood plan includes goals and policies that define and shape the unique characteristics of a neighborhood. It also includes specific improvement projects that enhance a neighborhood. To date, neighborhood plans have been adopted for the following neighborhoods: First Addition, Old Town, Glenmorrie, Lake Grove, Waluga, Lake Forest, Evergreen, Palisades and Uplands.

The Neighborhood Plan elements of the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Development Codes are intended to mutually support one another. The neighborhood plans do not contain specific standards for development. Instead, they provide the policy basis for specific standards and procedures of the Community Development Code that are used to review new development and modifications to existing development. However, the Plans are applicable to legislative decisions such as Comprehensive Plan and Zone Map amendments.

Adopted neighborhood plans are listed below.  For a complete copy of any neighborhood plan listed below, please contact the Planning Department at (503) 635-0290.

Neighborhood Programs and Services

Neighborhood Association Resource Guide
This guide provides recognized neighborhood associations with information to help run a successful association. The guide describes the role of a neighborhood association, City requirements for maintaining recognition, resources and benefits of recognition, and helpful tips for your organization. A must read for any new board member or neighborhood pursuing official recognition by the City.

Neighborhood Drop Box
Allied Waste Services of Lake Oswego will provide up to 15 donated drop boxes per year to be used for neighborhood cleanups or other special events with a neighborhood/community benefit. Please use the Neighborhood Drop Box Application form to apply for a free drop box through the City, and do not contact Allied Waste directly for these requests.

Neighborhood Coalition of Lake Oswego (NCLO) (Insurance)
The Neighborhood Coalition of Lake Oswego is a not for profit entity that provides insurance at no cost to neighborhood associations for meetings and events. Insurance is available to all neighborhood associations within the City of Lake Oswego. An application must be completed for participation in the program. One application may be used for all meetings in a one year period, events require an application for each event.

Neighborhood Enhancement Grants
The Neighborhood Enhancement Program supports partnerships between the City of Lake Oswego and its neighborhoods by providing opportunities for neighborhood organizations to propose projects that will provide a public benefit to the neighborhood and community. Through an application process, qualifying neighborhoods and organizations are awarded funds for specific projects that otherwise may not be done by the City.

Pre-application Conference Training for Neighborhood Representatives
In October 2004, the City began inviting residents to attend pre-application conferences for projects occurring in their neighborhood. Attendees are limited to two people per meeting and are required to attend a City training on pre-application conferences.