Troutdale staff to begin code amendments on middle housing and enter recent state housing bills into code; urban forestry plan, Home Forward and park opening on
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Summary
City staff briefed the committee on upcoming planning work: code amendments to incorporate recent state housing bills (as referenced in the meeting), a kickoff on middle‑housing standards, an ongoing urban forestry master plan, Home Forward completion slated for January and a park ribbon cutting Oct. 29.
City planning staff told the advisory committee on Oct. 1 that the planning commission will begin a multi‑step process to update Troutdale's development code to reflect recent state housing legislation and local priorities.
Staff said they will "enter" state actions referenced in the meeting into the local code and that the process will require a series of planning‑commission work sessions and draft amendments before public hearings. Dakota summarized the scope: "We need to enter not only house bill 4 58, but also house bill 21 38, senate bill 4 58," and said the amendments will require considerable staff and commission time.
The committee heard that a kickoff for middle‑housing work — changes tied to recent state middle‑housing mandates that establish standards for cottage clusters, 0‑lot lines and similar infill housing types — is scheduled with planning commission. Staff estimated the middle‑housing project could take up to a year and may require substantial drafting effort.
Separately, the city is continuing an urban forestry master plan expected to take roughly another year, and staff confirmed the Home Forward housing project remains on schedule for completion in January. Dakota said the new park adjacent to the Fortitude Trail is expected to open in the next couple of weeks, and a ribbon cutting for the Sharon Nesbitt site is scheduled for Oct. 29.
Why it matters: the code amendments will change local development standards that affect housing type, ownership options and infill density. Staff said compliance with state law requires the city to adopt specific standards.
Committee members were briefed on grant activity, contract work and the timing of public engagement; staff will present draft amendments to the advisory committee after planning commission has prepared initial drafts.
Ending: Staff asked the committee to expect multiple future work sessions and draft ordinances and to provide input as drafts are prepared.