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West Linn staff seek clearer density rules; Ordinance 1763 sent to Oct. 14 public hearing
Summary
City staff proposed amendments to the Community Development Code to centralize minimum/maximum density calculations, clarify exemptions for partitions and middle housing, and require rectilinear lots; the council indicated no objection to referring Ordinance 1763 to a public hearing Oct. 14.
City planning staff presented a 2025 Community Development Code cleanup package and the council agreed to send the proposed ordinance to a public hearing on Oct. 14. Principal Planner Darren Wise told the council the package consolidates how the city measures developable area and standardizes minimum and maximum density calculations across several chapters.
"The city of West Linn has a minimum density of 70% of the maximum density," Darren Wise explained, illustrating how the amendment would make the calculation objective and collocate the rules in Chapter 5 and related definitions in Chapter 2. Staff said the changes respond to differing interpretations by applicants and are intended to reduce ambiguity and legal risk.
The proposal covers three primary topics: a single measurement section and clarified definitions for developable gross/net area; a clearer rule on when partition exemptions apply (staff said small partitions resulting in three parcels or fewer could elect a two‑parcel exemption under a 66% rule); and a new rectilinear‑lot definition and measurement guidance to curb irregular lot 'fingers' and improve future street connectivity.
Planning staff noted the Planning Commission held two work sessions and a public hearing and recommended adoption of the cleanup as presented. Council members expressed general support and no objections to sending Ordinance 1763 to a public hearing on Oct. 14; staff said any final adoption would return to council after the hearing.
Next steps: staff will prepare the public‑hearing record and return Ordinance 1763 for council consideration following the Oct. 14 hearing.
