Planning Department items:
Comprehensive Plan Update: Now that we have established a factual base for economic development and housing through the EOA and HCA, we have drafted goals and policies for Block 3 of the Comprehensive Plan. These goals and policies are related to Housing, Economic Development, Governance, and Growth Management. On January 23rd, the draft goals and policies were sent via email to the Planning Commission and City Council for an initial review prior to being reviewed by the Community Advisory Committee. After they are reviewed by the Community Advisory Committee, staff will bring the Block 3 goals and policies before the Planning Commission and City Council at a work session in April. In addition, staff and 3J Consulting have started working on the draft of the comprehensive plan document and anticipate having that ready for the City Council to review in May or June
Junker Street Replat (24-002 MP): Brothers Development, LLC submitted an application and received approval requesting a Type II minor re-plat to re-plat five (5) lots into one (1) lot. This replat request reflects Block 5 “Junker’s Second and Third Additions to Sandy” Plat no. 236 and 262. The re-plat will assist in future development of the property. No development will occur until the sewer moratorium is lifted.
Mt. Hood Athletic Club entry remodel (23-048 DR): There was no significant action on this project in January. Staff is currently waiting on a final design submission from the applicant before design review can commence.
Clear and Objective Audit: City staff has set a public hearing date with Sandy’s City Council for February 20th for Council’s review and decision on the Clear and Objective Code Audit project. The purpose of the Sandy Clear and Objective Code Audit is to ensure that the City of Sandy’s Development Code (SDC) complies with and implements certain Oregon state laws and legislation, primarily Oregon State statute ORS 197.307. This statute requires that local governments provide an approval pathway for housing developments that includes only clear and objective standards, conditions, and procedures.
Most of the proposed amendments are “policy neutral”, meaning they are intended to result in outcomes that are consistent with outcomes resulting from the current Development Code). There are some significant changes to the content of Chapter 17, all of which are intended to clearly describe the City’s Code requirements and the processes used in making land use decisions. Clear and objective standards for making decisions are also included in the revised Code. Some sections of Code have been rearranged to improve the organization and structure so that it is easier to read.
Development Services Code enforcement items:
Code Enforcement closed 50 cases in January. The Business License Audit resulted in 5 citations issued to businesses who operated without a business license in 2023 and have failed to apply for one in 2024 by the deadline – one of those businesses also received a citation for exceeding temporary signage limits. In addition, one citation was issued for an ongoing junk accumulation nuisance at a property near the west end of the downtown couplet.