Oregon City approves temporary modular classrooms for John McLoughlin Elementary, amid egress concerns

The Oregon City Planning Commission approved variances Tuesday to allow temporary modular classroom buildings, a modular library and a restroom at John McLoughlin Elementary while the school completes renovations.

Planner Jude Tedus said the Oregon City School District proposed placing four classroom modules, one modular library and a restroom on existing impervious parking near South End Road so students can remain on campus during construction. The district requested three variances: a reduced front setback (7 to 10 feet versus the R10 20-foot requirement because the structures are temporary), permission for some units to use T111 exterior siding, and a determination that the buildings qualify under the city's temporary-structure provisions for government-owned facilities.

The applicant, represented by Mercedes Sarah (3J Consulting) and David Hobbs (school district capital bond director), said the modulars are placed on existing paved area to avoid tree impacts and minimize grading and utility work. The district said it expects to keep the buildings on site from June 2026 to no later than Aug. 31, 2028, and will remove them as soon as practicable after construction concludes.

Several commissioners raised safety concerns about each modular classroom having a single entry door. Commissioner Lasal said she would not approve the application without a second entry/exit for the modules. The district and staff responded that building permits and the city's building-code review (including occupant-load and egress requirements, sprinklers where required, and fire/life-safety standards) will apply before occupancy. Jude Tedus noted staff can add a condition or require clarifying documentation at permit review to show the modules meet egress requirements; the commission's approved conditions require that the applicant obtain all required building and public-works permits and remove the temporary structures no later than Aug. 31, 2028.

A motion to approve the land-use applications and the three variances carried on a roll-call vote after discussion; Commissioners Henderson, Gamont, Laws and Dole voted yes and Commissioner Lasal voted no. The approval is subject to the conditions in the staff report, including tree-protection and erosion-control measures and the building-permit review process for fire and life-safety compliance. The district said it plans a ground-breaking and public open-house events as the project progresses.