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City Council Considers Major Zoning Amendments for Housing Crisis

December 05, 2024 | St. Helens, Columbia County, Oregon


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City Council Considers Major Zoning Amendments for Housing Crisis
The city council held a public hearing on December 4, 2024, to discuss important zoning amendments. The meeting began at 6:15 PM, led by city planner Jacob Prechten. He introduced the topic, which focuses on amendments to the St. Helens development code. These changes respond to the city's 2019 housing needs analysis and aim to address housing shortages.

The proposed amendments include provisions for college clusters, which allow multiple detached homes on a single property. They also align with recent state legislation, including House Bill 4864 from 2022, which changes how cities can regulate manufactured homes and prefabricated structures. Additionally, House Bill 3395 from 2023 adds single room occupancies to the list of needed housing in Oregon, requiring local governments to permit them.

The council emphasized the importance of following procedural formalities during the legislative land use hearing. Members were asked to declare any conflicts of interest, and the audience was invited to voice any objections regarding the council's ability to make fair decisions.

The hearing will follow a structured order, including staff reports, presentations from the applicant, and opportunities for public testimony. The council will base its decisions on the St. Helens Municipal Code and relevant land use regulations. This meeting marks a significant step in addressing the city's housing needs and adapting to new state requirements.

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