Milwaukie planners propose limited commercial uses and objective design standards for industrial zones

City planners Matthew Ellis (associate planner) and Will First (assistant planner) presented proposed updates to Milwaukie27s manufacturing (M) and business industrial (BI) zoning districts at the Planning Commission work session.

The planners said the project aims to modernize language that dates to the mid-1980s, consolidate multiple industrial definitions into one consistent code definition, and move discretionary standards into clear, objective tables so applicants and staff can more easily interpret allowable uses and development requirements. "As part of this project, we're not proposing to change the purpose statement of these zones," Will First told commissioners, while stressing the goal of clearer formatting and fewer discretionary barriers.

Why it matters: Milwaukie has limited industrial land and low vacancy in those districts, staff said, so the proposed changes try to balance protecting employment-oriented parcels while allowing small, complementary amenities and business types that support district users.

What planners proposed

- Manufacturing zone (M): Add "creative space" (small industrial-adjacent studios) and wholesale trade as permitted uses; replace multiple, slightly different industrial definitions with one consistent code definition to reduce confusion.

- Limited eating and retail: Allow limited eating establishments and retail-oriented sales in the M zone with a maximum size of 4,000 square feet to serve local workers without converting large industrial parcels to commercial uses.

- Business Industrial zone (BI): Add a limited-use allowance for…