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Council adopts new Craft Industrial zoning district to encourage makers and live‑work spaces
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 2025‑2930 to create an M5 Craft Industrial district that adjusts lot sizes, adds live‑work units and places retail‑frontage and production limits on small manufacturers; council waived the second reading and approved the ordinance by roll call.
The Newberg City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2025‑2930, creating a new Craft Industrial (M5) zoning district on the west end of downtown to encourage small‑scale manufacturing with retail frontage and limited residential live‑work units.
Planning staff described the M5 district as a way to preserve a “gritty,” maker‑friendly area while supporting tourism and locally produced goods. Key changes include lowering the minimum lot size in the area to 5,000 square feet (matching downtown C‑3), allowing live‑work units with street‑facing nonresidential frontage requirements, eliminating single‑family allowances in the district, and placing a 10,000‑square‑foot cap on indoor production areas before a conditional‑use permit is required. The draft also restricts outdoor marijuana production and tightens screening standards for outdoor storage.
Staff said the changes aim to allow smaller tenants, enable multi‑tenant buildings, and keep active retail frontages on Main Street. Public comment included support from the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, which said the district would help attract and retain small businesses and foster economic resilience.
Councilor Carmen moved to waive the second reading; that motion passed. The ordinance was then adopted by roll‑call vote as Ordinance 2025‑2930. Recorded votes were: Councilor McBride — yes; Councilor Wheatley — yes; Councilor Yarnell Holloman — yes; Mayor Rosacker — yes; Councilor Torgerson — yes; Councilor Carmen — yes. The ordinance amendments change the Comprehensive Plan map and Newberg Municipal Code Title 15 to create the new M5 district. Staff recommended, and the council approved, waiving the second reading and adopting the ordinance at this meeting.
