Tualatin council unanimously adopts walkable‑design ordinance to meet state C‑FACT rules

The Tualatin City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1454‑25 on Nov. 24, approving amendments to the Tualatin Comprehensive Plan and Tualatin Development Code (PTA 25‑0002) to implement Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (C‑FACT) walkable design standards required by state rule.

Erin Engman, the city’s senior planner, told the council the amendments implement Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 660, division 12 (subsection 330) to promote pedestrian‑oriented site design and connectivity in new residential and commercial development. "This project addresses rule 330 and promotes pedestrian‑oriented site design, connectivity, and compact development," Engman said.

Key code changes adopted include: reducing the local street maximum block link standard from 530 feet to 400 feet (with a perimeter standard of 1,600 feet); new design standards for public alleys and private streets to allow alley driveway access and preserve streetscape; clarified walkway standards for single‑family and middle housing and driveway‑width limits for middle housing; reduced front setbacks for multifamily development so ground‑floor entrances can face the street; requirements for pedestrian connections between sidewalks, building entrances, parking and adjacent properties; and standards to manage drive‑through uses, including a required walk‑up service window or a direct lobby connection when lobbies are closed, and prohibitions on drive‑throughs in pedestrian‑oriented zones.

Engman said the code changes are narrowly scoped to apply mainly to new development and local street classifications; existing planning applications will be governed by the code in effect at the time they were submitted. She also noted staff worked with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), consultant MIG, and held three council work sessions prior to the hearing.

The ordinance was read by title for first and second readings and then adopted. The roll call recorded aye votes from Councilor Sacco, Council Hillier, Councilor Reyes, Councilor Gonzales, Councilor Brooks and Council President Pratt; the ordinance passed unanimously.

Safe Tualatin Road submitted public comments concerned about driveway approach permit changes; staff said the type‑1 review expansions in the ordinance are narrowly limited to residential driveways taking access from local streets and do not broadly relax review for commercial/industrial driveways.

The council closed the hearing and adopted the ordinance; no public testimony was offered at the hearing.