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Troutdale planners roll out Halsey Street corridor design concepts, seek more public input
Summary
Planning staff presented draft code changes proposing a Halsey Street overlay that would allow conditional building heights up to 45–55 feet in exchange for design amenities, and sought more community feedback ahead of a planned February Planning Commission introduction.
Planning staff presented draft code concepts on a proposed Halsey Street corridor overlay for properties west of 257th Avenue, describing incentives to raise building heights in exchange for design features intended to preserve a small‑town feel.
Staff said the overlay would apply mainly to MU‑1 and MU‑2 parcels along Halsey within Troutdale and aims to align new development with local character while encouraging pedestrian‑oriented features. "We're contemplating allowing a maximum height for commercial mixed‑use development to be 45 feet, and up to 55 feet if certain amenities are provided," staff said, describing a package that would require ground‑floor commercial and at least five of eight listed design elements.
The proposal includes mandatory step‑backs above the existing 35‑foot standard so taller buildings do not create a canyon effect at street level. Staff said variances would be limited and reserved for clearly demonstrated constraints such as steep topography.
On streetscape and multimodal safety, staff outlined bump‑outs, planters and protected bike/pedestrian alignments that would separate trees and landscaping from traffic. "The planters are intended to create a buffer between bikes and vehicles," staff said, noting some elements require county coordination and capital funding.
Staff summarized early community engagement: a First Friday tabling, a project webpage and an incoming mailer with a QR code; early responses were small but showed stronger support for a step‑back approach. "We received nine people in support and one in opposition" for a step‑back approach, staff said. Officials acknowledged the outreach to date is limited and urged more feedback before formal code initiation.
Committee members recommended more visual examples and clearer maps on outreach materials, stronger environmental landscaping standards (native plants and stormwater retention), and requirements that prioritize pedestrian plazas, outdoor seating and public art in the amenities package.
Staff said the goal is to bring a formal introduction to Planning Commission in February, followed by City Council review in March, and asked the committee to help boost public comment before then.
The planning presentation also noted the project builds on a prior multi‑city effort with Fairview and Wood Village but will be tailored specifically to Troutdale. Staff said existing properties would be grandfathered as long as their use continues; changes of use or demolition would trigger compliance with the new standards.
Next steps: staff will update the project webpage with visuals and a comment box, finalize a mailer to affected property owners and pursue additional outreach opportunities to increase public input before the February introduction.
