Troutdale staff previews Halsey design audit, plans October work session

City planning staff told the Troutdale Planning Commission on Sept. 10 that a grant-funded review of the Halsey Corridor's design standards is underway and that staff will return for a work session in early October. The effort, funded by an outside grant and undertaken with consultant MiG, focuses on design elements for the Halsey Corridor west of 257 and aims to extend downtown's existing storefront and streetscape character westward.
Staff summarized a summer public-engagement table at First Friday where residents prioritized eight amenity types (for example, pedestrian plazas and taller storefront windows) and provided preferences on heights and step-back requirements. MiG is drafting code language; staff expects a one-page summary for the commission and plans to bring a draft code amendment package to the commission in October.
The stated goal is to produce design standards similar to those in downtown Appendix A (town-center overlay) for properties along Halsey west of 257, providing consistent storefront fenestration and public-realm features and encouraging a continuous downtown character. The project excludes Edgefield at this stage and seeks to craft standards that avoid 'skyscrapers' while encouraging pedestrian-friendly design.
Staff said the consultant is preparing draft code language, and the commission will review preliminary language in a work session before staff compiles a formal staff report and recommendation for City Council. Outreach included a city webpage, a notice in the local newspaper (The Champion), and presentations at CAC and First Friday events.
No formal code changes were adopted at the meeting; the session served as a project update and scheduling item.