Oregon City planning commission continues rezoning review after residents raise traffic, infrastructure and preservation concerns

Oregon City Planning Commission on Oct. 27 heard a staff proposal to examine rezoning three low-density residential areas for higher-density housing and unanimously voted to continue the matter to Nov. 10, 2008, after an extended public-comment period.

Staff presented maps for three study areas — near Central Point Road, the Warner Parrot/Kanema Road intersection and a stretch of Leland Road — and described criteria used to identify parcels for possible rezoning: existing sewer and water infrastructure, contiguous parcel size, proximity to commercial services and areas where appraised land value exceeds building value. Planner Pete Walter told the commission staff is supportive of one city-initiated request (Exhibit C, a rezoning request involving 19245 Pease Road) and noted several owner-initiated requests that may be processed through the standard rezoning procedure.

The proposal drew sustained public comment focused on traffic and infrastructure. John Moore, a Myers Road resident, asked whether system development charges the city already has collected could be used to improve Myers Road before rezoning or redevelopment. ‘‘Is there money that the SDCs have already collected that is available to help improve Myers Road before anything happens as far as rezoning and more density becomes available?’’ Moore asked. Staff responded that SDCs are collected as a proportional share of off‑site impacts and are pooled and prioritized through the city’s capital improvement plan; they are generally not directed to immediate, parcel‑level projects unless the city prioritizes them.

Several longtime residents described congested conditions on Myers, Leland and Pease roads and recounted safety incidents. Kathy Swanson, who said she works in the county assessor’s office and has lived on Myers Road since 1961, told commissioners that a cul‑de‑sac is incorrectly shown on county mapping and asked staff to correct the platting and right‑of‑way records before moving rezoning forward. Pete Walter advised there is a process to replat or dededicate a right of way but it requires all affected property owners to participate.

Other commenters voiced objections to higher densities for neighborhood character and service‑capacity reasons. Judith Dice urged the commission to prohibit certain conditional uses she tied to urbanization and said denser housing would increase service demands; Robert Hopla and Mike Carr said traffic and setback impacts make them wary of upzoning. Cheryl Hall asked whether listing on the National Register would override zoning; staff said being on the register does not force redevelopment and that historic properties are typically considered in separate historic‑review procedures if owners seek to subdivide or alter a site.

Staff also responded to technical questions. Planner Walter and other staff explained that minimum lot sizes differ by zone (R6 is a minimum 6,000 square feet), that rezoning does not automatically change property taxes absent redevelopment, and that new homes connecting to the city are generally required to hook into city sewer when redeveloped. Staff summarized Metro obligations and said the city is developing a Nature in the Neighborhoods (Metro Title 13) overlay to protect streamside habitat and identify areas where habitat protections or incentives will apply.

Following discussion, Commissioner Lejuez moved to continue planning file L0801 to the Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 10, 2008; Commissioner Dunne seconded. Commissioners Stein, Dunne, Chair Powell and Commissioner Lajoie voted aye and the motion carried. Staff said the item will return for further study, additional public notice and at least one more Planning Commission hearing; the city commission will also review the matter before any legislative rezoning occurs.

Votes at a glance: Motion to continue planning file L0801 to Nov. 10, 2008 — motion by Commissioner Lejuez, second by Commissioner Dunne; vote 4–0 to continue.