Fall 2019 Building Department Report:

Sandy builders have been blessed with favorable weather, yet they have had enough rain to keep the ground pliable for excavation.  The rain also helped keep the typical late summer dust to a minimum and allowed more residential projects to get started than anticipated.  As of the end of November, Sandy’s Building Department had 83 Active Residential Dwelling Permits.  The total construction value of all residential and commercial permits this year so far has exceeded $28M.

The most significant change to happen to the Sandy Building Department is our converting to the E-permitting software controlled by the State of Oregon.  The whole transition started nearly a year ago but went live October 28^th, 2019.   This change to E-Permitting has increased processing time for permit applications approximately 4 to 5 times as long.  The software change combined with recent SDC increases and has created a backlog of permit applications.   There are over 25 house plans that are currently waiting to be processed and reviewed.   

CURRENT COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

Going into December, Sandy has two highly visible projects that are both within days of being completed:  The first one is the new TRACTOR SUPPLY STORE located at the west end of town.   The shiny new supply store has been operating under a Temporary Occupancy Permit since the start of October.  They completed the storage shed after Thanksgiving weekend but are still waiting for pole lights and a few other exterior items before they can obtain final completion.  MCDONALD’S is the other noticeable project that has seen a lot of attention.   The building received a total make-over and is noticeably better than the original.  (Note the new wall sign in the Play Area: “I’m Lovin’ It”.)

          Other active and visible commercial projects include: the extensive SAFEWAY remodel is nearing completion – which was primarily interior but included relocating the recycling machines to the SE corner of the exterior; and the new LE HAPPY restaurant on Proctor scheduled to open in January 2020.  (It is located in the house formerly occupied by Chariteas). 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Building Department,
Terrence Gift, Building Official

Planning items:

Safeway Recycling Room (19-040 DR): This exterior addition to the building of a recycling center was approved and final order issued on November 14.

Trillium Machine (19-017): Development Services has recently received new information from the applicant and will analyze for completeness soon.

Forest Service Site remodel (19-035 DR/ADJ US): This parking lot remodel/expansion at the USFS Building has now been deemed complete, but staff has yet to begin analysis.

Mt. Hood Senior Living (19-027 CUP): Applicant has proposed a conditional use to allow a senior living facility on this Scenic Street site.  Final order was approved and issued on November 25.

Tickle Creek Village (19-038 DR/TREE/FSH):  Proposed condos at the NE corner of Ruben and Dubarko – this application has now been deemed complete, but staff analysis has yet to begin.

Bull Run Electric Building (19-036 DR): Received additional materials from applicant; going through secondary completeness check at this time.

Design Review:

• Sandy Vault Storage (19-046 DR/MOD): Modifications to previously approved storage unit project is currently undergoing a completeness check.
• Cashatt Duplex (19-028 DR/CUP): The Planning Commission denied the conditional use permit for the Cashatt duplex at the Planning Commission meeting on November 19. Mr. Cashatt has appealed the Planning Commission decision. The appeal will be heard by City Council on December 16th.
• Bailey Meadows Subdivision (19-023 SUB/VAR):  The Planning Commission is meeting on December 17th to hold a public hearing regarding the 100-lot Bailey Meadows subdivision.  This hearing will allow the public to testify with regard to the proposal. The applicant is now proposing a UGB extension to accommodate a street connection from the south end of the proposed subdivision to Highway 211.
• Jewelberry Meadows (19-018 SUB): On November 15th staff approved a 20-lot subdivision to the east of Jewelberry Avenue. The applicant will need to complete construction plans and other details from the approval prior to constructing the subdivision.
• Space Age Fueling Station (19-012 DR):  On December 3, 2019 the Planning Commission heard the appeal from the applicant of Space Age gas station. The decision removed numerous conditions that staff had imposed based on code requirements. Staff is now working on a final order. 
• Sandy Health Clinic (19-032 ZC): A hearing for the re-zoning of the old Oregon Wild Harvest property from C-2 to C-1 in preparation for this new Clackamas County Health clinic is on the agenda for the November 16^th City Council meeting.

Kelly’s Kudos:

CONTENT FOR THIS SECTION IS PENDING

Internal projects: 

• City Hall: Drywall work has been completed.  Day one of painting is completed, and Day 2 of painting will take place on 12/13 and should be completed on that date.  We are awaiting quotes to tint the picture windows on the south side of the building now as well as on replacement of our ancient security/smoke alarm system.  After the tinting has been installed, we will be essentially complete with the upstairs of the building and will start focusing our efforts on taking another run at replacing the plumbing in the building, probably in February 2020.
• Mystery pole @ 362^nd and Hwy 26:  Finally removed by PGE on December 12

Economic Development items:

Econ Devl – Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

Old Chariteas (future Le Happy) site:  Façade grant project to repair the front railing and paint the trim on the building has been completed.  TI grant #1 (hood and installation) is complete but waiting for electrical work before being finaled.  TI grant #2 (bar & bathroom) is currently in-process.

• Paola’s Pizza Barn:  In the spirit of getting things moving forward, we have committed to completing and paying for the necessary design work for this building as a “business-friendly” measure.  We recently reached out to Axis Design Group of Gresham, and they have agreed to perform the needed design work for us.  Initial meeting on 11/18.
• Sandy Marketplace:  I have convinced the ownership group of this complex to take advantage of our Façade grant program by pitching them a small, cheap upgrade project with high visibility.  We are going to work with a Portland stonework specialist to rehab the three square planters in the plaza spaces over there – he will power wash, add blocks to make the sides a uniform height, and replace the top with

Econ Devl – Internal Projects:

Downtown maintenance:

• Restoration of SCC fence base:  Restoration work is now completed on the brick work at the base of the cyclone fence surrounding the pool parking lot.  We are currently executing a change order so the red coating applied to this brickwork extends to the wall visible from the parking lot side.  Current fence to be removed and replaced with uniform black, powder coated 5-foot fencing by Sandy Fence.  Man gate and rolling gate will also be replaced. 

• Derelict buildings – Smith Building:  We have a preliminary report issued to us by Peter Meijer Architect detailing the building surface repairs and potential costs – staff will evaluate and discuss preliminary findings with city manager before proceeding with any action on this item pending Council instruction.  PMA is still working on finalizing this report, which should be completed sometime in January.
• Sandy Marketplace:  Discussions with complex manager have led to Albanese Cormier making the following minor improvements:
  • All of the burned-out lights in their monument sign for the complex have been replaced.
  • The HVAC truck that had been sitting in their parking lot for years (note the accumulation of moss in the picture below) has been removed – they had a contract with the owner of that business to allow him to park that vehicle in their parking lot near Hwy 26 for a monthly fee.  I informed them that this was a violation of the Sandy Municipal Code and that the truck would have to be removed.  They were unaware of this, but understood our reasoning and complied immediately.

Econ Devl – Conferences/training:

• City of Sandy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December 6, 6-8 PM): Fantastic event, phenomenal turnout considering the rain.  Special thanks to Mayor Pulliam for performing his official tree lighting duties flawlessly, to Sandy Public Works Crew for dragging the tree down to Centennial Plaza, to Sandy Transit for another year of trolley rides, a secondary Santa (see pic below) and for helping to tear down afterwards on the fly, Sandy resident Jim Allison for playing Santa again for us this year, our local Girls Scout and Boy Scout troops for generally helping out, and to Alec Chase and the SHS Choir for singing Christmas carols for us in the rain.  Also, if you happen to come across them this holiday season,please thank the following organizations for providing treats again this year: AntFarm Café, Busy Bee Catering in Welches, Mountain Moka and the Tollgate Inn Bakery.