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Wilsonville council leans toward removing upward height waivers for Town Center
Summary
After task‑force and planning‑commission input, councilors signaled support for eliminating the waiver that would allow increases in Town Center building height and reached consensus to remove an affordable‑housing "bonus floor" note; staff will return options in August (PC) and September (council).
City staff and councilors spent much of the June 15 work session debating whether to retain a waiver that can allow additional stories in parts of Wilsonville's Town Center.
Amanda Gile Henman, city attorney, summarized updated options developed by a task force and planning commission that would either preserve a limited waiver (options two, five or six) or eliminate the ability to increase buildings above the tabled allowances altogether. She described a "bonus floor" (note 4) in the code that could add an extra floor when developments provide a fixed percentage of affordable housing.
Council discussion focused on predictability, community outreach and tradeoffs between design character and financial feasibility. "I support eliminating the waiver to increase the height," Councilor Chevlin said; Council President Barry agreed the change would clarify the Town Center vision. Planning Director Miranda Bachel answered a council question by saying rooftop amenities without a ceiling "would not be included as one of the stories."
Task force and planning commission input: The task force's dot exercise produced a tilt toward option five (allowing asymmetric treatment east/west of Main Street), but the planning commission was split and recommended considering elimination of the upward waiver as well. Concerns voiced by councilors included preserving a "small‑town" feel, avoiding a proliferation of one‑story developments, and ensuring the package remains financially viable for developers.
Council direction and schedule: Council indicated consensus to remove note 4 (the affordable‑housing bonus floor) and expressed broad support for eliminating the upward waiver to increase height, subject to staff and planning commission review. Staff said planning commission review is planned for August and that council consideration would follow in September, with any implementing ordinance to be drafted for council review.
Ending: Council did not adopt final code language at the meeting; members directed staff to return with specific draft ordinance language and implementation details so the community and council can weigh commitments before any formal adoption.
