Scappoose staff outline 43-acre UGB expansion and 314-acre urban reserves in 50-year plan

Planning staff reported that an informational meeting for the city’s 50-year land-use plan was well attended and that the analysis shows a proposed 43-acre urban growth boundary (UGB) expansion for housing and a 314-acre urban reserves area to meet 50-year needs for housing, employment and other land uses.

Lori (planning staff) told the commission the city sent more than 200 invitations to property owners who may be affected and that the meeting included stakeholders and a presentation by Echo Northwest. "Once we did our land use efficiency measures, we're looking at a 43 acre UGB expansion just for housing. Um, and then a 314 acre urban reserves which would serve up to the 50-year land need for housing, employment, and then other land needs," Lori said.

Staff said the project is nearing the end of a three-year process and that a work session with planning commission and city council is scheduled for Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. If council gives clear direction, staff expects adoption hearings locally possibly beginning in December; after local adoption the plan will proceed to Columbia County for parallel review and recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. County planner Deborah Jacob has participated in the stakeholder process and attended the landowner meeting to answer county permitting questions, staff said.

Lori emphasized that being identified in a UGB does not change a property owner’s tax rate and does not force annexation; annexation is voluntary and required only if a property owner seeks city services such as sewer or water.

Next steps: staff will bring meeting feedback to the Aug. 18 work session and continue to refine the analysis prior to hearings.