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Molalla council adopts ordinance updating parkland dedication and public use area rules
Summary
After a staff report that incorporated state agency (DLCD) feedback and multiple statutory updates, the council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025‑04 to revise parkland dedication, fee calculations and minimum parkland standards, including statutory exemptions for middle housing.
The Molalla City Council held a public hearing and adopted Ordinance 2025‑04 on Wednesday to update the city code governing public use areas and parkland dedication.
Associate Planner Jamie Viveras told the council the ordinance replaces two subsections in MMC 17.3.6.0.030 and aligns local language with state planning requirements and recent DLCD feedback. Among the changes, Viveras said the code now clarifies that development densities are calculated per net acre, counts each duplex as one dwelling unit consistent with ORS 197.420, and exempts middle housing land divisions under ORS 92.031.
Viveras said staff removed discretionary language that DLCD found unclear and added objective standards for sidewalks and access where parkland abuts a public right of way. "DLCD has provided initial feedback and staff has incorporated several changes throughout the draft ordinance," Viveras said.
Council held the required public hearing; no members of the public spoke during testimony. Council conducted the first reading, then moved and seconded the motion to hold the second reading and adopt the ordinance. The roll call vote for adoption was unanimous, 6–0.
What changes: the ordinance tightens code language to match state statutes and the city's transportation and parks plans, prescribes how to calculate parkland acreage and fees (with the fee to be set by later resolution), and provides clearer dedication and development standards to avoid legal challenges.
Next steps: staff will prepare the resolution that defines the fee calculation and will return with implementation guidance as needed.
