Building Division Report – Spring 2023:
In spite of the economic uncertainties and the unpredictable weather, our first four months of 2023 has seen steady building activity in Sandy. Permits for residential construction and commercial building projects continue to keep Sandy’s Building Division busy.
But the best news for the Building Division is our Permit Technician vacancy has been filled. Jann Reed started work April 4th. Jann previously worked for Mt Hood Community College for more than a decade. In less than a month’s time, Jann is doing a great job at keeping all permits processing smoothly, plus answering the calls, emails and over-the-counter inquiries. Rebecca Markham is doing a great job helping Jann learn our E-Permitting system, and the many other tasks involved with the Permit Tech position.
The number of residential and commercial projects has slowed down a bit from last year’s pace. However, the number of new residential dwellings and businesses continues to grow at a steady pace. Business licensing is now conducted online, which has helped streamline the process and lessen the backlog of staff work. Unfortunately, the number of reported commercial projects and residential projects being done without their required permits has grown. Sandy’s Development Department could benefit greatly by having a dedicated Code Compliance person.
In the Shaylee Meadows Subdivision, Lennar Homes has completed approximately 90% of their 100 homes. The last remaining lots have been excavated, inspected, and approved to pour the concrete foundations. The two original, model homes for the development are being converted back and made ready for residential occupancy. Needless to say, but ALL the contractors are thankful for the dryer weather, so that the Sandy soils can harden up.
In the 9 lot, Jewelberry Ridge Subdivision, Raze Custom Homes has 5 new dwellings that are currently framed and in various stages of progress. Jim Raze also has 3 more permits approved for construction. In the same subdivision, Rob Venema of Rosemont Development is nearing final completion of the first new home to be built in that small subdivision.
In the 20 lot Jewelberry Meadows Subdivision there are 2 homes that are completed, and 3 homes nearing completion. Jeff Saul, Russ Bartels and John Fouch are building homes in the subdivision. The builders in both the subdivisions are great to work with because they strive to provide a quality home.
Commercial projects include the following: US Metal Work’s Building B and Building C; the Bull Run Electric Building, middle suite completion; Michael Maiden’s façade improvements of 5 buildings and remodel of the foundry building; and lastly, the restaurant formerly known as The Red Shed is being remodeled to become the SandBar – Restaurant and Bar.
Respectfully submitted by
Terrence Gift, Building Official
Planning Department items: (There were no updates to Planning projects for April 2023 (with the exception of the 362nd & Bell Street project) due to staff shortages – project updates will resume in the next department report. Thank you for your understanding.)
State Street Homes (2022-31 DR/VAR/TREE): The application for this mixed-use building with three floors of multi-family housing (42 units) and one floor of self-service storage was continued at the February 27th Planning Commission meeting to give the applicant time to submit additional information and for additional public review. Additional materials were submitted to the City on March 21 and have been uploaded to the project page on the City website. Staff is working on a revised staff report for the continued public hearing scheduled for April 24, 2023.
City of Sandy Water System Master Plan adoption (2022-052 CPA): The master plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission on February 27; PC forwarded a recommendation of approval and adoption of the master plan with a 6:0 vote at the Feb 27 PC hearing. The City Council will consider an ordinance to adopt the plan on April 3rd.
Ron Johnston subdivision (2022-053 SUB): Staff received additional materials at the end of March and deemed this application complete on April 4, 2023. This application to create a manufactured dwelling park subdivision per ORS 92.830-92.845 will not add any additional dwelling units and is not subject to the moratorium.
Barlow Trail Vet Clinic (22-041 DR/ADJ): This application to build a new clinic on the lot between Pioneer Blvd. and Junker Street, next to the Sandy Action Center, is being reviewed by staff. Staff is currently waiting on some final submittal items from the applicant in order to complete this Type II review.
Cascade Creek Apartments (22-039 DR/MP/TREE): This application for a 78 unit (formerly 80 units) mixed-use multi-family development with 10 office spaces north of Bornstedt Park was deemed incomplete back in September. Staff received additional materials in early March and deemed this application complete on March 20, 2023. A meeting is being scheduled for the Planning Commission most likely on May 22 or June 26.
362nd Ave and Bell Street Extension (22-003 FSH/MP): Grading of both roads is now 99% complete (connection area to Hwy 26 is last section to be completed). Konell is installing the curbs, sidewalks and center medians for Bell Street, and this work is roughly 90% complete. The crew is almost complete with connecting stormwater infrastructure in the area to the main that is already installed. Northstar will begin drilling the shafts for the traffic signal poles at the intersection in early May. Paving work on Bell Street starting at Royal Lane and ending at SHS will begin in mid-May as well, weather permitting.
Clear and Objective Code Audit: City staff and the City attorney continue to work with the consultants on this code audit. We are hopeful that new code provisions will be brought forth this summer.
Transportation System Plan (TSP): City staff is working closely with DKS Associates and ODOT to complete the final analysis for the TSP. We are scheduled to have a work session on April 17, a Planning Commission hearing on May 22, and a City Council hearing on June 20.
Comprehensive Plan update: This project is ongoing, and a complete project update was performed at a joint Planning Commission/City Council work session on April 3, 2023.
Department update: The Development Services Department remains very busy. We have lost three employees since the beginning of February 2023. On April 4, 2023, a new department member, Jann Reed, joined the team as our new permit technician. Through the budget process we will evaluate new hires, including the potential addition of a code enforcement officer and possibly a new planner sometime in 2023.