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.

Planning Department items: 

Comprehensive Plan Update:  City staff received preliminary feedback from Planning Commission Chair Wegener and City Councilor Walker on the Comprehensive Plan Block 3 policies and goals.  City staff worked with 3J to revise the policies and goals based on that feedback and are now working with the CAC to review.  Block 3 of the Comprehensive Plan which includes Housing, Economic Development, and Governance will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council at a joint work session on April 1.

Middle House Land Division for Ten Eyck Rim Subdivision:  The Ten Eyck Rim Subdivision was recorded as Plat No. 4704 in May 2023.  The plat was approved for nine (9) duplex lots. All nine (9) duplex lots gain access from either Pleasant Street or Hood Street, five from Pleasant Street and four from Hood Street.

The applicant is proposing to use the middle housing land division procedures as set forth in ORS 92.031 to divide the nine duplex lots. Under the Middle House Land Division criteria in the City’s Municipal Code, each duplex lot in the subdivision will be divided into two lots, creating eighteen (18) individual lots.

38888 Pioneer Blvd – building renovation:  The new owners are interested in establishing a new commercial daycare facility and upgrading the exterior elevations to adhere to the “Sandy Style” concept. The existing building is approximately 4,384 square feet. The proposed remodeled building will be smaller, at 3,984 square feet, due to the redesign of the front entrance way along Pioneer Blvd. The partial building removal is to accommodate modern ADA requirements and bring part of the new front façade out of the Pioneer Blvd. public right-of-way. The project will require street improvements along the west side of Strauss Avenue that will correspond with proposed new location of the Barlow Trail Vet Clinic and the improvements associated with street improvements on the east side of Straus s Avenue.  

Economic Opportunities Analysis and Housing Capacity Analysis:  The Planning Commission reviewed the final draft of the EOA and HCA on February 26. They recommended approval with only a few very small edits. The City Council will hold a public hearing on April 1 to review both the EOA and HCA. The City is legislatively required to adopt the HCA by the end of 2024.

All County Surveyors – Façade Improvement project (proposed):  The new owner of All County Surveyors and Planners submitted an application to bring his building closer in compliance with the “Sandy Style” design guidelines. After design review approval, the applicant intends to submit this project for a City of Sandy Façade Improvement grant.

The existing structure is a two-story, 2,500 square foot office building that was built in 1996. The entire exterior of the building has vinyl siding as its veneer. The existing parking lot will remain the same except for new striping designating an ADA space and a crosswalk leading to a new push button for automated door entry.

The primary focus of this project is upgrading the façade, but the applicant is also proposing a covered patio area along the south or rear elevation. There is a new door proposed on the west elevation that will have a concrete walkway leading from it to the rear patio. The two public entry doors will have new canopies covering the entries. This project will add numerous Sandy-Style features to the building including adding stone wrap to the base, painting the exterior surface with Sandy-Style colors and increased facade articulation on the north and east elevations.

Development Services Code enforcement items: 

Code Enforcement closed a total of 31 cases in February:

• 3 citations were issued to businesses who operated without a business license in 2023 and have failed to apply for one in 2024.
• 1 citation was issued for a temporary sign code violation.
• 67 Businesses operating without 2024 business licenses have been notified.
• Code Enforcement has 3 open junk accumulation cases and closed 6 of these cases in February, including the self-abatement of appliances, junk vehicles, vegetation debris, construction supplies, and rubbish from residential properties.

Sandy Marketplace – major improvements:  Sandy Marketplace is the first active property that staff decided to focus on after filling the Development Services Code Enforcement Specialist position due to the number of mentions it has generated from citizens, elected officials and staff.  In addition to the deteriorating condition of the asphalt parking surface throughout the complex, multiple other code violation issues needed correction.  Development Services Code Enforcement and Economic Development have been using a coordinated, multi-pronged approach to address the repairs needed with the property owner (Albanese Cormier, a Texas-based commercial property holding company) since the beginning of 2024.

As of the beginning of March 2024, staff has been able to achieve code compliance from the property owner with regard to the following items:

• All of the Spanish-style roof tiles for the main building in the complex that were broken or missing have been replaced.
• All of the potholes and many of the failing asphalt sections have been filled/replaced.
• The broken seating area at one of the planter boxes created as a Façade project back in 2019 has been repaired.
• The broken garbage enclosure has been replaced with a brand new code compliant structure painted with Sandy-Style colors.
• All of the broken curbs surrounding landscaping islands throughout the parking lot (about half of the islands had broken curbs) have been removed and replaced.
• Scooter’s: The entire concrete entry path to the front door and parking lot ADA ramp were both removed and repoured.  These sections were deteriorating rapidly and were nearly impassable by ADA standards.
• Pho Viet space:  The windows for this space have been covered in paper so the interior of this vacated space is no longer visible from outside the building.
• All of the wall signs on the buildings advertising tenants that no longer reside in the complex have been removed.
• In addition to the repairs noted above, representatives from Albanese Cormier recently informed staff that they will be painting the entire complex in Sandy-style colors within the next few months.  This was not a City requirement – the company decided to do this on their own and may follow up with additional façade improvements later in 2024.

To achieve total code compliance, the following items still need to be completed and are currently being monitored by staff:

• Monument sign: There are sign panels advertising two tenants (K’s Clothing Boutique, Cricket Wireless) that no longer reside in the complex that must be removed, and the lighting for the west-facing Dollar Tree sign panel has failed.
• Landscaping:  There are multiple landscaping plants in the islands around the complex that are completely dead and need to be removed and replaced.
• Siding: There is a siding panel on the front façade of the Dollar Tree store that fell off of the building during the winter storm that needs to be replaced.

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 23^rd, 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 20^th 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.

Building Department items: 

2023 was a year worth remembering and celebrating for the Sandy Building Division! 

The BEST NEWS FIRST: Our vacant Building Permit Technician position was filled by Jann Reed, who lives locally and has worked for more than a decade at Mt Hood Community College.  Jann has exceptional customer service skills, a cheerful attitude and amazing patience in dealing with all the confusion and challenges as our Development Department adapts to Oregon’s new E-Permitting requirements.  Our customers have had nothing but praise for Jann’s assistance, and our Administrative Assistant, Rebecca Casey, is delighted to have such a positive team member to help keep the permitting flowing smoothly. 

Another Best was the hiring of Senior Planner Patrick Depa and Code Enforcement Specialist Chris Relyea.  These two gentlemen have taken a large load off of our Director and have quickly adapted to complete our Department’s team.  I am delighted at how much better Sandy’s Planning Division and Building Division have become.  It is very apparent to this senior member that our team has grown into a friendlier group of professionals that are committed to making the City of Sandy the best place to live and work in Oregon!

Another Positive development in the City of Sandy was the successful completion of the Shaylee Meadows Subdivision, with Lennar Homes completing 100 homes within the subdivision this fall.  Every homeowner that I have spoken to has expressed positive remarks and high satisfaction with the City’s newest neighborhood along the southern boundary of the City of Sandy.   

On the north side of Sandy, we have three smaller subdivisions that are also creating attractive new homes.  In descending order, Jewelberry Meadows, Jewelberry Ridge and Mairin’s Viewpoint have added 16 new homes this year.  Raze Custom Homes is nearing the final stages of 2 more homes.   Rob Venema of Rosemont Development is also nearing final completion of 2 custom homes facing Bluff Road, and Russ Bartel, Jeff Saul, Phillip Saul, and Ed Waggoner are currently working on quality homes in the Jewelberry Meadows Subdivision.

Alas, there are many more building projects ahead for Sandy!  The Building Division recently issued permits to Holt Homes for the Timber Grove development, located north of Hwy 26 near the east end of Vista Loop.  The Building Official is currently conducting plan reviews for multiple apartment buildings on the south side of Hwy 211….and there are still more apartments, condos, and building projects ahead for 2024!

So, we ended 2023 by saying, “More of the BEST is still ahead!”

Respectfully submitted by
Terrence Gift, Building Official

Planning Department items: 

Mt. Hood Athletic Club water reclamation system:  The owners of Mt. Hood Athletic Club submitted plans and received approval for certain façade improvements to bring their building closer in compliance with the “Sandy Style” design. Upon approval, their intent is to submit this project to the City of Sandy’s Façade Grant program.

The existing two-story, 45,000 square foot building, was built in 2006. The current façade consists of an existing wood trellis which starts at the main entrance and wraps around to the west. The existing trellis has a brown stain with adhered masonry veneer around the base of the trellis posts. There are three tenant entrances east of the main entrance and two of them are covered in fabric awnings. An illuminated sign hangs above the tenant entrance furthest to the east.

The proposed design for the new façade includes partial demolition of the trellis, a new curved canopy above the primary entrance to the building, new wood-framed & metal panel awnings, and a new masonry veneer base that extends 30 inches from the ground elevation.  In addition, new sconces will be installed at the main entrance and new floodlights under the canopy for better overall visibility for late night patrons. The curved canopy will follow the curve at the top of the existing main entrance, and the structure of the canopy will be like the glulam’s and tongue-and-groove used inside the main entrance’s lobby.

Development Services Code enforcement items: 

Code Enforcement closed 53 cases in December.  61% of these cases were the result of a Business License audit in which businesses that have never applied for a business license were notified of the requirement and given a deadline to comply.