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Council adopts code amendments clarifying density calculations, exemptions and lot-shape rules
Summary
The West Linn City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1763, amending multiple Community Development Code chapters to clarify how minimum and maximum densities are calculated, define developable area terms, narrow certain exemptions and require rectilinear lot shapes when practicable. Staff and legal counsel said the changes are clarifying rather than policy-making; no public testimony was received.
The West Linn City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1763 on Oct. 14, 2025, enacting technical revisions to the Community Development Code intended to make density calculations and lot-shape standards clear and objective.
“For the record, Darren Weiss, principal planner with the city, and I’ve got a very brief presentation,” Darren Weiss said during the staff presentation, summarizing three focused changes: a single, consistent method for calculating minimum and maximum density (including new developable gross/net definitions), clarified exemptions for partitions and planned unit developments, and language requiring rectilinear lot lines unless impracticable.
The legal framework for council action was presented before testimony. The city attorney told the council the decision must be grounded in statewide planning goals, applicable statutes and the city’s comprehensive plan. Council members asked no substantive follow-up questions, and staff confirmed there were no written or oral public comments on the proposal.
Councilor (speaker 8) moved to approve the ordinance for first reading and set a second reading; after no additional discussion the council later moved to adopt the second reading and the ordinance was adopted by unanimous roll call.
City staff emphasized the amendments are intended to clarify code language rather than change development policy. Weiss said the changes respond to differing interpretations raised by property owners and developers and aim to remove ambiguity from how minimum density is calculated and when small partitions may be treated as having a negligible effect.
What happens next: the ordinance updates will be incorporated into the city code and staff will use the clarified measurement procedures in future land-divisions and development reviews. No appeals or further public hearings were announced at the meeting.
