Senate Bill 1537 (the variance bill): On January 24, the Planning Division submitted a 25-part questionnaire to the Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), requesting an exemption from the “Mandatory Adjustments” required in Section 38 of Senate Bill 1537. SB 1537 requires cities to grant adjustments to specified development standards for qualified housing development proposals. The intention of the senate bill is to help increase housing production, affordability, and choice. Section 39 of SB 1537 allows HAPO to grant exemptions for cities that can show they’ve already approved at least 90 percent of the adjustments/variances received over the last five years. In completing the questionnaire, the City of Sandy showed a 100 percent approval of all 35 requested “adjustments and variances” to housing projects over the last five years. HAPO will take up to 120 days to render a decision on if the City of Sandy’s request for an exemption is approved. There will be a public comment period of 45 days. In the meantime, the City of Sandy was required to contact all contractors and builders to let them know that the City is awaiting a decision on the SB 1537 exemption request, and was required to create a webpage.

Building Division Update:
Permits Issued = 49
C of O’s Issued = 4 for new single family homes, 1 new duplex, and Sandy Underground
ERUs Issued = 14 for single family homes and duplexes

Eagle Park Façade Improvements: The Planning Division recently engaged with the owners of Eagle Park, the industrial park located on the southeast corner of Hwy 26 and 362nd Drive to assess the time frame on the completion of façade improvements that are part of a ten-year-old development agreement. The property includes six (6) buildings (see the below site plan). The Eagle Park Façade Improvements are directly linked to the owner’s zone change request in 2014. The owners request for a zone change from Light Industrial (I-2) to Industrial Park (I-1) was approved with the condition they go through a design review that would require a comprehensive upgrade of all building façades on the industrial campus. 

The approved building modifications incorporate Sandy Style design elements into the facades of these highly visible buildings (visible on Highway 26, 362nd Drive, and Industrial Way). In addition, the building modifications would allow for more diverse commercial uses with the eventual zone amendment to Industrial Park (I-1). After multiple extensions to the original final order were granted, the City is actively reviewing the progress and overall project parameters so that we can assist in bringing compliance to the project so all the conditions and goals of the development agreement will be accomplished. At this time, the zoning designation for the property will remain I-2, Light Industrial, until all of the conditions contained in the original order are completed.

Sandy Plaza Apartments: The developers of the Sandy Plaza Apartments have reached out to the City to inform us that they are preparing to re-start the eighteen (18) unit apartment complex after construction was halted several years ago. The apartments will be located north of Meeker Street and directly abut the Sandy High School athletic field drop off area. The Planning Division has met with multiple departments that are involved with the project to get their input on the halted stage of development. After gathering their input and reviewing the file, final order, and fees, staff sent a synopsis to the developer for their review. The developer is reviewing all of the comments compiled by the City departments.

2025-2027 Planning Commission Goals Discussion: On January 13, 2025, the Planning Division presented the Planning Commission with four pages of actions and policies taken directly from the Envision Sandy 2050 Comprehensive Plan, seeking input from the Commission on what to target for the remainder of the current biennium and biennial budget 2025-2027. The list of goals, policies, and actions that the Planning Division and Commission compiled were then shared with the City Council at their retreat and goal setting session on February 1.

Code Enforcement Report:

• 10 citations were issued in January for a property on Dubarko Road for junk accumulation. The City abated the issue after no action was taken by the property owner. 
• A house on Bluff Road south of Highway 26 remains boarded up and declared unsafe by the Building Official. The property has been sold to new owners who plan to renovate the existing house.
• An abatement notice for a derelict motorhome has been posted at a property on Barker Court. The City will remove the derelict motorhome and lien the property after a 10-day abatement notice period.
• McDonald’s restaurant was ordered to install a bicycle rack in compliance with the final order for when the remodel occurred a few years ago. They have completed the installation of the bicycle rack.

Code Enforcement Year End Report for 2024:

Code Enforcement for Development Services closed 451 cases in 2024.

• 144 Citations were issued with a total penalty amount of $172,300.
  • ($110,000 for house on Goldenrain Street)
  • ($22,000 for house on Dubarko Road)
• Liens were placed on 7 properties with a total penalty of $151,646.
• 4 accounts were sent to collection with a total penalty of $3,300.

Building Division Update:
Permits Issued = 26
C of O’s Issued = 7 for new single family homes
ERUs Issued = 1.4 for two apartments at Tickle Creek Village

Disinfection Building and Pump Station Upgrade Pre-App: The City Public Works Department is proposing to upgrade their existing water reservoir and pump station facility located at 17160 Revenue Avenue. The upgrades consist of adding a new four hundred (400) square foot structure to house two new chlorine tanks that require adding new pumps as well as upgrading the existing pumps. The City will also be modifying the input to the existing water reservoir tank in addition to upgrading outdated equipment. The review of the pump station will follow the minor modification process to the existing conditional use permit that was approved in 2012. The Planning Division will be holding a pre-application meeting with Public Works and their consultant in mid-January.

Deer Pointe Park Review: The Planning Division conducted a pre-application meeting to compile information for further review of a new park that will be called Deer Pointe Park. Deer Pointe Park is currently described and categorized as an “Undeveloped Park” in Sandy’s 2022 Parks and Trails Master Plan. The existing Deer Pointe Park can be described as 1.41-acres of undeveloped park consisting of open space and a few areas of tree stands. The undeveloped park described in the 2022 Parks and Trails Master Plan refers to Map/Tax Lot 25E18CC 13400 only.

On June 23, 2023, Bull Run Terrace, a mixed-use development, fulfilled their final order and completed a 1.75-acre parkland dedication (Deed No. 2023-021503) to the City. The total park area then grew to approximately 3.16 acres. The Deer Pointe Park concept as submitted by the Parks and Recreation Department consists of developing the entire site.

The park will border the eastside of Meadow Avenue and northside of Fawn Street that travels east and west before it turns south in the Bull Run Terrace subdivision. The site will be a focal point for the current Deer Pointe neighborhood residents and future development just east of the park site. The concept provides standard neighborhood park amenities including an accessible looped path, playground, multi-use field, picnic shelters and tables, and a sports court.

Sandy Transit Operations Center Zone Change: The City of Sandy Transit Department is requesting to change the zoning designation of 16610 Champion Way from Industrial Park (I-1) to Light Industrial (I-2). The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 25, 2024, and recommended that City Council approve the zone change. City Council will hear the request on January 6, 2025, to make the final decision. After the zone change decision, the applicant plans to start the process of a design review for a new building that will contain two large maintenance bays, administrative offices, and conference rooms. The proposed building will be of similar design to the existing buildings and structures on the subject site.

38888 Pioneer Blvd. Design Review: The Planning Division received an application for a design review of the existing building located at 38888 Pioneer Blvd. The applicant is interested in establishing a new commercial daycare facility and upgrading the exterior elevations to adhere to the “Sandy Style” concept. The primary focus of this project is upgrading the façade, but the applicant is also proposing a significant amount of interior work, as well as an outdoor play area for a future daycare. See elevation modification below.

Building Division Update:
Permits Issued = 15
C of O’s Issued = 4 single family homes and 1 commercial (Chipotle)
ERUs Issued = 0

Code Enforcement Report:

• 8 citations were issued in October
  • 1 for junk accumulation on Barker Court
  • 7 for junk accumulation on Dubarko Road
• A property on Bluff Rd was deemed unsafe by the Building Official due to multiple code and safety violations. With the help of the Sandy Police Department, it was boarded up and posted as unsafe. A third party home inspector was contracted to perform an inspection and conditions are being established for re-occupation of the house. 
• With an increased focus on signage during the election season, there were no citations issued for sign code violations.

Sandy Marketplace Redesign: Staff has entered into a contract with Keystone Architecture to complete as-builts and design renderings for the Sandy Marketplace (location of Dollar Tree, Bi-Mart, Grocery Outlet, Embold Credit Union, Napa Auto Parts, etc.) as directed by the Urban Renewal Agency. Albanese Cormier and the Urban Renewal Agency are splitting the costs of the $10,000 in architectural work.

Chipotle Mexican Grill: The new Chipotle in Sandy is finished and has been granted a certificate of occupancy. There are still a few minor items to complete, but staff has allowed them to open for business.

Tollgate Inn Covered Structure: The Tollgate Inn covered structure has been finished. Staff is working on final payments to the contractor and a reimbursement to the Urban Renewal Agency from the property owner. The new structure is beautiful.

Building Division Update:
Permits Issued = 23
C of O’s Issued = 4 single family homes and 2 duplexes
ERUs Issued = 4.1

Cascade Creek Apartments (Village Blvd and SE Highway 211): The contractor has started to construct building foundations. This project is moving along quickly.

Code Enforcement Report:

• Code Enforcement for the Development Services Department closed 33 cases in October 
• 13 citations were issued in October
  • 2 for junk accumulation at a house on Bluff Road
  • 11 for junk accumulation at a house on Dubarko Road
• Specific Case Updates:
  • Dubarko Road house has disposed of the accumulated refuse and junk that was being stored on the driveway. A discarded appliance remains keeping the property in violation.
  • Accumulated junk has been removed from a house on Dubarko Road to the south of Highway 26. The property was posted as UNSAFE by the Building Official, AntFarm is removing junk from the yard, and the building has been secured with plywood over the doors and windows. 
  • Sidewalk and driveway approach concrete work is complete. The contractor was not able to secure permits from ODOT for the Tollgate Inn or Meinig Avenue driveway approaches. 
  • The fire damaged house with previous citations for code violations on Bluff Road has been demolished. The lot is clear of refuse and debris.

Timber Grove Subdivision (west side of Vista Loop Drive): The developer continues to construct new single-family homes within the thirty-seven (37) lot subdivision. All of the dwellings so far have consisted of two-story homes. The City has approved six (6) homes for occupancy.

Hood View Heights Phase II (east side of Vista Loop Drive): Multiple builders continue to construct new homes throughout the subdivision bought form the developer. The developer, who still owns twelve (12) lots that back up to Johnson RV, just submitted a “Middle Housing” partition plat that will allow him to split the twelve lots into twenty-four (24) buildable lots. The lots will be narrower, but the models have some interesting architectural features that will create a unique dwelling.

The Bornstedt Views Subdivision (Bornstedt Road and Maple Street): The Bornstedt Views will have forty-one (41) lots for single-family homes. The developer has removed hundreds of tree stumps and is now grading in new future streets. As mentioned below, the Bornstedt Views needs dirt to fill in multiple low areas on site and is receiving excess dirt from the Cascade Creek Apartment site.

Cascade Creek Apartments (Village Blvd and SE Highway 211): Developers have almost fully graded the proposed development site. Many of the roads have been cut in and the underground utilities are being staged for installation. The grading has produced many cubic tons of extra dirt which they are transferring to the Bornstedt View Subdivision.

Tickle Creek Village Condominiums (Ruben Lane and Dubarko Road): The developer recently picked up his building permit to pour the foundation on his fourth triplex. After having problems with their lenders, they ensure us they have the green light again and are back on track. They stated that they now have the funds to maintain the property and keep it presentable to the neighborhood as well as having funds to continue restoring the wetland buffer and pond area.

Street Tree Project (Jewelberry Avenue and Bell Street): The Oregon Trail School District entered into an agreement with the City Manager to complete the sidewalk system along the west side of Jewelberry Avenue just north of Bell Street. The City Manager agreed that if the school district installed the sidewalk the City would install a sufficient number of street trees along the west side of Jewelberry Avenue to match those along the east side of Jewelberry. Currently, both the eastside of Jewelberry Avenue and median in this area have street trees planted. The new tree locations will mirror the placement and spacing of the trees currently there but on the opposite side of the street. Trees will be planted during the week of October 7th.

Code Enforcement Report:

• Code Enforcement closed 29 cases in September with 40 active cases at the start of October
• The following three (3) citations were issued in September:
  • Two (2) for overgrown vegetation blocking the public right-of-way
  • One (1) for junk accumulation
• Specific Case Updates:
  • Improperly stored POD storage unit on Dubarko Road was removed. This property continues to have repeating junk accumulation violations and will continue to be cited.
  • Junk accumulation case on Bluff Road is currently being cited and reviewed as a possible chronic nuisance property.
  • Sidewalk and driveway approach concrete work has been completed on four of the seven sites designated by Code Enforcement. The remaining three sites have experienced delays due to ODOT requirements. They are scheduled for completion by October 7, 2024.
  • Garbage enclosures have been built at 39261 Proctor Blvd. and 17430 Meinig Avenue to stop bins being stored on sidewalks.

Building Division Update:
Permits Issued = 37
C of O’s Issued = 6 single family homes and 2 duplexes
ERUs Issued = 17.0

ERU Allocation Update: As of August 31, 2024, the City of Sandy has issued ERU allocation letters to 22 developers/contractors. The City has allocated all of the available ERUs except for 17.5 ERUs. City staff anticipates allocating two ERUs to the Tiller’s on Jacoby Road, and several more to duplexes through the duplex pool provision in the moratorium resolution. Unfortunately, this means that we will only have a few remaining for failed septic systems. Development Services is currently processing one last ERU allocation application with two (2) ERUs for the Tiller’s.

Comprehensive Plan Update: The City Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 26, 2024, and made a recommendation to the City Council to adopt “Envision Sandy 2050.” A public hearing will be held by the City Council on October 7, 2024, that will incorporate any final recommendations.

With the work beginning in 2021, it has been a long process to get to this point. The City accomplished a significant amount of outreach and engagement to bring it to this moment. The vision and goals are aspirational and it sets a tone for what Sandy will look and feel like in 2050.

Rayburn Accessory Structure Variances: The Planning Commission approved a variance request to add approximately 1,200 square feet to an existing accessory structure. The accessory structure is located at 40155 Hwy 26. The property is 3.6 acres in size, zoned residential, and has access directly from Highway 26.

Cruisin’ Car Show: The Planning Division approved a “Temporary Use Permit” application to hold a one-day Cruisin’ Car Show. The event will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 18090 Langensand Road. The show is proposed for Saturday September 14, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce Drive-in Movie Presentation: The Planning Division approved a “Temporary Use Permit” application to hold a one-day event that brings back the nostalgia and spirit of an old outdoor drive-in movie theater. The drive-in movie presentation is proposed for Saturday September 14, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight), at the Dick Hannah Ford Dealership located at 37000 Hwy 26. The event is part of the Sandy Area Oregon Chamber 75th Celebration. Food and drink will be available.

Chipotle: A Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to Sandy in the near future. Chipotle will be joining Papa Murphy’s Pizza and Subway in the strip mall on the southwest corner of Hwy 26 and 362nd Avenue adjacent to Fred Meyer. Renovations of the former AT&T retail store are in process right now.

Code Enforcement Report:

• Code Enforcement closed 35 cases in August with 43 active cases at the start of September
• 80 unpermitted and abandoned signs were collected in August 
• 27 citations were issued in August
  • 6 for a junk accumulation case on Barker Ct
  • 2 for a junk accumulation case on Bluff Rd
  • 14 for an improperly stored portable storage unit on Dubarko Rd
  • 4 for multiple code violations on Goldenrain St
  • 1 for a noxious vegetation case on Meeker St
• Specific Case
  • Goldenrain St property with multiple code violations has begun the non-judicial foreclosure process with the mortgage lender. 
  • Abandoned trailer on Bornstedt Rd was removed.
  • Improperly stored POD Storage unit on Dubarko Rd was removed.
  • Junk Accumulation Cases on Bluff Rd and on Barker Ct are in the process of being abated by the property owners.
  • Sidewalk and driveway approach concrete work has been completed on 4 of the 7 sites designated by Code Enforcement. The remaining 3 sites are scheduled to be completed by September 16.
  • Albanese Cormier has completed repainting the Sandy Marketplace buildings.

Building Division Update:
Permits Issued = 44
C of O’s Issued = 1 duplex
ERUs Issued = 8.0

Kelly’s Kudos: It was a pleasure working with David Snider for the last 13+ years, approximately five years as his direct supervisor. David was a positive force around the community who was vital with Sandy Main Street, completing Urban Renewal grant programs, assisting small businesses, and helping organize events. But what stands out the most is his ability to genuinely connect with people, especially business owners and nonprofit managers. He has a passion for assisting others and making sure they thrive. We will miss you David!

ERU Allocation Update: As of July 31, 2024, the City of Sandy has issued ERU allocation letters to 20 developers/contractors. The City has allocated all of the available ERUs except for 28.5 ERUs. City staff anticipates allocating one ERU to Next Adventure, two ERUs to the Tiller’s on Jacoby Road, ten ERUs for the Jewelberry Meadows subdivision, and several more to duplexes through the duplex pool provision in the moratorium resolution. Unfortunately, this means that we will only have a few remaining for failed septic systems. Developers/contractors have roughly one month remaining to apply for their allocation.

Comprehensive Plan Update: In spring 2022, the City of Sandy launched “Envision Sandy 2050,” a citywide engagement effort to update the Sandy Comprehensive Plan. The last time the Comprehensive Plan was completely rewritten was in 1997.
The Comprehensive Plan guides how Sandy will plan for and manage future growth and development through 2050. Over the course of nearly two years, City staff led outreach and engagement efforts to better understand the community’s vision and priorities related to Sandy’s future. The Envision Sandy 2050 process touched more than 1,000 community members through Community Conversations, community events, online surveys, and the Sandy Speaks webpage. Activities were designed to identify common themes around the aspirations and concerns of a community, which are a key piece to the development of a community-wide Vision Statement for the Comprehensive Plan.

After two years of data collection, holding multiple joint City Council and Planning Commission Work Sessions, and diligently editing the policies in the City’s six vision statements, the Comprehensive Plan ultimately coalesced into a final draft. The City has scheduled the first of two public hearings to take place on August 26, 2024, so the Planning Commission can meet and make recommendations to the City Council. The second public hearing will be held by the City Council on October 7, 2024. The Comprehensive Plan is a legislative document, so it requires a majority vote by the City Council and the adoption of an ordinance.

Rayburn Accessory Structure Variances: A second public hearing will occur at the Planning Commission meeting on August 26, 2024, to determine if a property owner meets the special variance criteria to be granted two proposed variances to expand a non-conforming residential accessory structure. The accessory structure is located on a 3.6 acre residentially zoned parcel that gains access to and from Highway 26.

Code Enforcement Report:

• Code Enforcement closed 43 cases in July with 50 active cases at the start of August
• 65 unpermitted and abandoned signs were collected in June (Garage sales and lost cats)
• 36 citations were issued in July (35 of which were daily citations for the 2 cases below and 1 was issued for an ongoing junk vehicle accumulation case on Barker Ct.)
• Code Enforcement is currently issuing daily citations to 2 separate properties for continued violations and failure to comply with the Sandy Municipal Code.
  • 36789 Goldenrain St – Multiple Building and Development Code Violations
  • 36430 Dubarko Rd – Temporary Storage Unit blocking sidewalk

Electronic Review Update: The Building Division has purchased and received an iPlan Table for reviewing plans electronically. Staff are attending online webinars learning the most efficient ways to review and markup plans electronically. We are also working closely with our IT department on the process of receiving plans electronically, preparing the files for review, and record retention. We have inquired about receiving construction plans from some of our local builders to begin the training process in the next couple of months.

Building Division Update:
Permits Issued = 36
C of O’s Issued = 1 duplex and 1 commercial tenant (Jamba Juice)
ERUs Issued = 8.2

Planning Department items: 

ERU Allocation Update:  As of July 1, 2024, the City Development Services Director has issued ERU allocation letters to nine developers/contractors for a total of 255.1 ERUs allocated.  Of those 255.1 ERUs that have been allocated, the Development Services Department has already issued nine (9) ERUs through building permits.  The City of Sandy has 196.1 ERUs remaining that could still be allocated through the ERU allocation process.  Developers/contractors have until September 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM to submit their application.  The application can be found here:  https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/development_services/page/21572/eru_allocation_application_june_3_2024.pdf

The ERU allocation program is intended to accommodate all of the developments currently in the City’s development pipeline, i.e. those developments for which land use applications were submitted prior to the enactment of the moratorium on October 3, 2022. The number of ERUs a development can receive is limited to the number of ERUs that can be calculated directly from the terms of the development approval, where applicable; or when that’s not the case, one ERU per buildable lot created through a land use process.

38756 Pioneer Blvd:  The City of Sandy has a new owner for the old farmhouse located at 38756 Pioneer Blvd.  The house, located in downtown Sandy between Scales and Bruns Avenue, was purchased with the intention of using it for a commercial business.  The house has had many interested buyers with their hearts set on buying the old house and renovating it for reuse.  However, it became clear after a while that the farmhouse was not maintained well over the years, and the only option available at this point was to tear it down and rebuild.  Rick Wright, a prestigious architect from Bend, is working on a design for his daughter who bought the building and property to use as an artist studio, workshop and gallery.  Mr. Wright’s work can be seen here: https://wrighthomedesign.com/portfolio

The Downtown and Village Commercial Design Standards allows for the developer/builder to choose between following materials and colors consistent with the Sandy Style or a Farmhouse Style on the south side of Pioneer Boulevard between Scales Avenue and Bruns Avenue.

Farmhouse style would be consistent with the current architecture within that block as follows:

a.       The preferred siding material for building remodels is wood lap siding, consistent with the farm-style structures in that area.

b.      Building forms and detailing should express a farmhouse vernacular; buildings should incorporate front-facing gables, covered porches, and divided or double hung sash windows.

c.       Paint color should not contrast with the white-washed buildings on this block. 

The rear of the house faces the City’s public parking lot and certain design elements will be required for the south elevation of the building.

Tickle Creek Village Condominiums (File No. (19-038 DR/FSH/VAR/TREE):  On June 24th, the City Planning Commission approved an appeal to allow the developer/contractors to place two construction trailers on the project site for the next year. 

Fireworks booths:  The City has approved three separate fireworks booths to operate through the 4th of July.  The locations of the approved booths are Safeway Plaza, the Fred Meyer’s site and the AntFarm site, and all are approved through July 6th.

Longest Day Parkway: Development Services was excited to host a “Day at the Races” booth for the Longest Day in the Parkway.  The evening started off warm with a nice breeze and soon there were many happy faces enjoying the evening with their families.  We saw a lot of families on bikes and even had a foot race that started at our booth and went around the block for a great finish at our tent.  The Development Services Code Enforcement Specialist was also on hand to answer questions from the community and we were able to share a QR code with all participants giving them access the new My Sandy app for services such as code complaints.  It was another great success to kick off the summer season in Sandy!

Eagle Park Industrial Park:  Eagle Park is a light industrial park located at the southeast corner of Hwy 26 and 362nd Avenue.  The City of Sandy recently approved a minor modification to their facade improvements for the Paleo Building just south of the north entranceway.  The owner received approval to switch out the pedestrian shelter that wrapped around the entire north elevation of the building for more prominent entrance ways into the building’s east elevation (see below).

Development Services Code enforcement items: 

• Code Enforcement closed 42 cases in June 
• 36 citations were issued in June
• 71 unpermitted and abandoned signs were collected in June
• Code Enforcement is currently issuing daily citations to 3 separate properties for continued violations and failure to comply with the Sandy Municipal Code. 
  • 36789 Goldenrain St – Multiple building and development code violations
  • 38580 Pioneer Blvd – Temporary sign code violations at Sandy Smoke Shop
  • 36430 Dubarko Rd – Temporary storage unit blocking sidewalk

Planning Department items: 

Comprehensive Plan Update:  Following the joint work session that occurred on May 20, 2024, City staff and 3J Consulting have been working on modifications to the comprehensive plan document. These modifications are based on feedback from Councilor Hokanson, Commissioner Lee, and additional input that was received from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). The final document is being prepared for a public hearing before the Planning Commission that is tentatively set to occur on August 26, 2024.  

Tickle Creek Village Condominiums (File No. (19-038 DR/FSH/VAR/TREE):  Thecondominium project called Timber Creek Village that was approved in January of 2020 has completed a substantial amount of infrastructure, and is now proceeding with construction. The development had paused construction for the last couple of years due to funding limitations, the applicant seeking various state and city permits, as well as financially accommodating their contribution to the City’s Road fund of $119,711, which was just recently paid. 

The proposed development is on the southern portion of the property located north of Dubarko Road and east of Ruben Lane. The development is approved for the construction of twenty-five (25) multi-family/condominium buildings to contain a total of sixty-seven (67) dwelling units. The project consists of seventeen (17) buildings that will contain three (3) condominium units each and eight (8) buildings that will contain two (2) condominium units each. The City’s Building Official is currently reviewing three (3) separate building plans that will be ready for construction very soon.

The project has a pathway from Dubarko Road to Sunset Street that travels along “No Name Creek” that leads into the pond to the north of the site. The developer has also restored and replanted a large amount of natural vegetation following an approved FSH Overlay Planting Restoration Plan. 

Land Use Approval Extension Ordinance:  On May 20, 2024, the City Council adopted the land use extension ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission. The land use extension ordinance includes a process to request a two-year extension. This ordinance is only applicable to properties with an existing land use approval for an application that was submitted prior to the adoption of the moratorium on October 3, 2022.   

Development Services Code enforcement items: 

• Code Enforcement closed 55 cases in May 
• 14 citations were issued in May
• 64 unpermitted and abandoned signs were collected in May
• Code Enforcement is working with the Sandy Police Department, the OLCC, the Clackamas County Public Health, the U.S. Veteran’s Administration and PennyMac Mortgage in an attempt to abate the ongoing violations at 1 property in the Sandy Bluff neighborhood. Currently, citations are being issued daily, and the unpaid fines resulting from the citations are becoming liens against the property.  This process will continue until the violations are abated and the property has come into compliance.

Planning Department items: 

Comprehensive Plan Update:  After two years of visioning sessions, public outreach, citizen involvement and incorporating the hard work of city staff, 3J Consulting of Beaverton has delivered a first draft of the 2050 Sandy Comprehensive Plan for review and comment.  Staff is currently assisting 3J with a final content review of the draft document before a final version of the plan is prepared for City Council review.  Further versions after amendments and our approval schedule have not yet been confirmed.

Sign code modifications:  The City of Sandy sign code regulations were last revised in 2011. Staff asked the Planning Commission to discuss the proposed code modifications and provide staff with suggested modifications for the City Council to consider.  Since Chapter 15.32 is outside Title 17 of the Sandy Municipal Code, the Planning Commission will not hold a legislative hearing on this code modification, but instead it will advance directly to the City Council.  On April 22, 2024, the Planning Commission held a work session to discuss the proposed modifications and provided staff with some input.

AntFarm – Farmer’s Market lot:  AntFarm has just set their summer Farmers Market schedule which is expected to grow significantly as summer goes on.  In anticipation, AntFarm has petitioned the City to close down Scales Avenue once again to add more booths and vendors while the market is open (2pm to 7pm) on Fridays.  Their request to temporarily close Scales Avenue on Friday afternoons from mid-May to mid-October will go before City Council at their regular meeting on May 6 for a decision.   They have also accommodated several different spring events at the Farmer’s Market lot in 2024 — the City approved two separate Saturday plant sales in April for different groups fundraising for their respective causes. 

The property owner has also started the process of removing the concrete barriers at the corners of the lot by removing the blocks at the SE corner of the lot.  Although this is a general code compliance request, staff has set this as a low priority item due to the difficulty involved in removing the blocks (requires heavy equipment) and has not given them a deadline.  The new vinyl tent that they purchased for the market (with a significant contribution from Sandy City Hall) is now assembled on site.  First market:  May 17th.

Moratorium update:  After months of negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the City of Sandy was allocated an additional 270 ERUs.  These 270 ERUs are in addition to the 300 ERUs that were originally granted under the Consent Decree in June 2023, providing a new total of 570 ERUs.  Since June 20, 2023, the City has distributed 45 ERUs to construction projects in Sandy, leaving a remainder of 525 ERUs available as of April 30, 2024.

It is important to note that these additional ERUs will be allocated almost entirely to development projects that have already received land use approval. While this enables development projects with existing land use approvals to proceed with construction, it does not provide for the submission of new land use applications with an additional sanitary sewer connection or an increase in sanitary sewer flows through an existing connection.

Based on this provision of 270 additional ERUs from EPA and DEQ, City staff drafted a new replacement sanitary sewer moratorium resolution for the City Council’s consideration. This new resolution includes several significant changes, including but not limited to: increased ERU numbers; allowance for zone change requests; terms and conditions for the limited transfer of ERUs; and an ERU allocation program for properties with an existing land use approval. The negotiations with EPA and DEQ also resulted in conditional provision of an extra 190 ERUs in the future, contingent upon the City completing additional sanitary sewer system improvements.

Land Use Approval Extension Ordinance: City staff believes it is just and equitable to allow for the extension of the expiration date of land use applications that were submitted prior to the adoption of the sanitary sewer moratorium in October of 2022. Allowing extension of such land use applications will stimulate responsible and needed development activity in the city of Sandy to the extent possible under the consent decree and moratoria, help address the state’s current housing crisis, enable property owners to recoup their investments, and reduce the amount of staff time necessary to review these projects again if land use approvals were to expire and new approvals would be required.

On April 22, 2024, the Planning Commission held a legislative public hearing to consider the extension ordinance.  The Planning Commission received public testimony and discussed a few modifications that could be considered to the ordinance.  Based on testimony it was the Planning Commission’s understanding that some of the developments with approval may need a two-year extension to satisfy their lenders and to construct the project.  In response to the testimony and Planning Commission’s desire to create an equitable and just process, staff provided a few options to allow developers to request a two-year extension.  The Planning Commission liked the options as presented by staff and requested that staff and the City Attorney add an additional section to the draft ordinance for a two-year extension option.

Development Services Code enforcement items: 

• Code Enforcement closed 31 cases in April. 
• 2 citations were issued to one property owner with violations to development code, building code, sign code, and business licensing code.
• 64 Businesses operating without a business license for 2024 were brought into compliance in March and April with 2 failing to comply. Citations are pending if compliance is not achieved by deadlines in May.
• Code Enforcement has 3 open Junk Accumulation cases and closed 4 cases in April including the self-abatement of appliances, junk vehicles, vegetation debris, construction supplies, and rubbish from residential and business properties.