1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-030 AP – An appeal to the Planning Commission of a Director’s decision regarding approval of design review for Johnson RV.  This request will be reviewed by the commission on February 23rd.

b) File No. 15-001 DCA – The Planning Commission will review Ordinance 2015-02, to consider amendments to the Development Code regarding regulations related to medical marijuana dispensaries.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $1,799,842.
b) 9 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,766,687.  
c) 1 permit for an addition to single-family dwellings with a value of $4,500.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 4 commercial permits with a value of $28,655.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – January construction and remodel projects have again picked up in pace and number due in large part to the economy improving and the better-than-normal winter weather with above average temperatures.   Hayden Homes has 8 new homes in various phases of construction, and 4 more plans in review.  Also during January, Ed Wagoner pulled permits and began foundation work for 5 townhouses. Jerry Gravell Construction is nearing 50% completion of 4 new townhouses, and has plans for 4 more townhouses in the works.  Jim Raze Construction, Kevin Cachatt and Stonecreek Development each have homes in progress.  And Villa Vista Homes at Snowberry Subdivision have 7 homes under construction with 4 more in plan review.

Commercial activities were varied and diverse, from motor vehicle damage to a dentist office, to remodels of several businesses, and foundation work for a large addition to Hearth Classics in 37470 Rueben.  The most significant Fire/Life/Safety activity happened in January on the MLK holiday.  The second final occupancy inspection was conducted at the new Sandy High School by the Building Official and the Maintenance Director, Jim Seipel.   While the new high school was in excellent condition – which, incidentally, is operating for the 3rd year using a temporary permit, there were several fire code violations regarding fire extinguishers, blocked exits, and fire department connections which were identified.  A follow-up inspection is scheduled for the Spring Break, and hopefully will result in the City of Sandy being able to issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – Staff is currently working on developing projects for the 2015 construction season.

For my first report of the year I like to provide the City Council with an overview of Planning and Building related development activity for the past year.

2014 Summary

• 32 land use applications were submitted and reviewed or are currently under review (37 in 2013, 36 in 2012, 41 in 2011, 35 in 2010 and 32 in 2009).
• The most notable planning projects in 2014 included: Design Review approval for new batting cages, tennis dugouts, and a renovation of the maintenance building at the high school, a new building at U.S. Metals on Industrial Way, and a small expansion of the Fred Meyer fuel station.  A seven lot subdivision at the end of Penny Ave. was also approved.
• Code amendments were made to allow food carts and staff was busy working on an updated Urbanization Study.
• 83 single family building permits were issued (74 in 2013, 32 permits in 2012, 32 permits in 2011, 45 in 2010 and 46 in 2009) with a value of $17,364,001.
• 25 single family addition permits were issued (27 in 2013, 31 permits in 2012, 22 permits in 2011, 13 in 2010 and 18 in 2009) with a value of $323,607.
• 60 commercial permits were issued (65 in 2013, 91 permits in 2012, 65 permits in 2011, 44 in 2010 and 32 permits in 2009) with a value of $1,720,657.
• Total value of all permits was $19,530,452 (2013 value = 2012 value = $21,193,274, $17,609,886, 2011 value = $53,977,601, 2010 value = $41,305,292 and 2009 value = $14,091,921).

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – The year 2014 proved to be a busier year than expected. A total of 83 plans for single-family residences were reviewed and permitted in 2014 – which is the highest number since 2007.  Commercial activities were also strong in 2014, with 85 non-residential permits in total.

The two most active builders in 2014 were Vista Homes and Hayden Homes: Vista Homes with a total of 40 new single-family houses and townhouses in the Snowberry Subdivision, and Hayden Homes with in Sandy Bluff

Hayden has taken the lead as the busiest of the residential contractors,.   Stonecreek Development continued to hold strong most of the year in both Deer Pointe and Sandy Bluff Subdivisions, but reported that they are running out of building lots and expect to be completely built out by early next year.   Jim Raze Construction completed  8 homes in 2014 and will complete the last 2 lots in 2015.  Ed Wagoner completed 4 new townhomes at Nettie Connett and has submitted plans for 5 more.  Jerry Gravell completed 10 new townhomes and started 4 more, with plans for another 6 in 2015.  Cashatt Construction has complete one new home and is building another in the Tickle Creek Subdivision.

New commercial construction and tenant-Improvement projects included a new AT&T Store, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Store, Mike’s Tire Service, Tamale Factory, Golden Key Chinese Restaurant, Try-My-Thai Restaurant, Crawlers (opening across from Plaid Pantry), Star Bucks relocation, La Milpa Mexican Food purchasing and moving into the large industrial location, Classic Hearth moving also purchasing and moving to a new location in the Ruben Lane Industrial Park, Block Buster Video relocation, Cross-Fit expansion, All-Ways Towing occupancy of the large industrial building on 362, and the Sandy High School converting it’s maintenance building to their IT and printing departments.

Another significant success has been the Business Safety Inspections Program that the building department performs for new businesses and relocation of existing businesses to ensure the minimum fire/life/health/safety and accessibility provisions are current and meet Oregon minimum requirements, with vocal support from the Fire Marshal, Sandy Fire District and the City of Sandy Economic Development Department.

Other notable activities were the demolition of the derelict building located at the corner of Strauss Ave. and Pleasant Street, informally referred as the Muff House, and the fire damage to the “Boarding House” on Pioneer Blvd, which resulted in it being declared an unsafe building.  A third residential building on Bluff Road that had been declared unsafe due to a fire in 2012, is now in the process of plan review for major renovations.  Plans were received in December of 2014 and the owners are excited about starting renovation in 2015.

One final note worth mentioning is that the building department has began the process of updating permit forms in preparation for upcoming software changes.   Permit Specialist, Noryne Robinson, has been working hard to simplify and streamline the formwork.

URBAN RENEWAL – In 2014 only two additional facade enhancement projects were completed and we are looking for other buildings to renovate in the coming year.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-022 CPA – Staff is working on modifications to the Urbanization Report.   The draft report was reviewed by the Planning Commission on November 24 and the City Council will review the report on January 5.

b) File No. 14-023 CPA – The Planning Commission reviewed Ordinance 2014-13, amending the Comprehensive Plan text regarding provision of water and sewer service outside the Urban Growth Boundary. The City Council will review the amendment on December 15.

c. File No. 14-026 VAR – An application for a Type III Special Variance was submitted by Fred’s RV requesting permission to use the grassy lot to the east of the facility for a period of three years without making improvements.  The Planning Commission will review the application in December.

d. File No. 14-027 DR – A Type II design review application was submitted by Fred Meyer to expand the fueling station to include four new fueling positions.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $1,158,736.
b) 5 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,133,536.  The year to date total is     77 permits exceeding the number at this same date (66) in 2013 and the same as the         total permit count for 2008.  
c) 2 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $21,200.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 1 commercial permits with a value of $3,000.
f)  1 other permit with a value of $1000.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – No report submitted.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – Staff is currently working on developing projects for the 2015 construction season.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-022 CPA – Staff is working on modifications to the Urbanization Report.   We plan to bring the draft report before the Planning Commission on November 24 and the City Council on December 15.

b) File No. 14-023 CPA – Staff is working on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan text regarding provision of water and sewer service outside the Urban Growth Boundary. The Planning Commission will review this amendment on November 24 and the City Council on December 15.

c. File No. 14-025 DR – A Type I design review was completed for the All Ways Towing facility located at 16800 362nd Ave. to include site improvements and landscaping.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $1,951,748.
b) 9 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,805,403.  The year to date total is 72 permits exceeding the number to this same date (58) in 2013.  
c) 1 permit for an addition to a single-family dwellings with a value of $600.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 6 commercial permits with a value of $145,695.
f)  1 other permit with a value of $50.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – October surprised the contractors with better than average weather.   Thankfully the mild weather has allowed the builders to keep up a better-than-expected pace so far this fall.

New construction and remodel projects have slowed only somewhat.   Hayden Homes has started construction on another 6 new homes in the Sandy Bluff development, with a total of 11 new homes under construction. Jerry Gravel has 4 new Townhomes underway with another 2 ready for final occupancy inspection.  Ed Wagoner has 2 Townhouses completed and two nearing completion.   Stonecreek Development currently has 2 homes in progress: one is nearing completion and the other is new home under construction.  Jim Raze, Kevin Cashatt, and Ernie Jettie each have 1 home underway.  And lastly, there are 5 permitted residential model projects underway in Sandy.

Commercial projects in October include the completion of the new Starbucks location and successful move into the building formerly occupied by Jack-in-the-Box.  O’Reilly’s Auto Parts is in full action remodeling the space occupied by Blockbuster, with completion expected by the end of November.   Johnson RV is nearing completion of installing awnings structures and exterior improvements.  Jody Argue has started roof replacement on her building at 39570 Pioneer. And finally, the Sandy Tennis Club has started the second phase of their new facilities.

New Sandy High Tennis Facility

3) URBAN RENEWAL – Staff is currently working on developing projects for the 2015 construction season.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-020 DR (Hearth Classics) – The Planning Commission approved a design review application to construct a new industrial storage building at the Hearth Classics facility off of Ruben Lane.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $762,362.
b) 3 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $632,504.  The year to date total is 51 permits exceeding the number to this same date (44) in 2013.  
c) 8 permits for additions to a single-family dwellings with a value of $50,153.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 7 commercial permits with a value of $69,955.
f)  2 other permits with a value of $9,750.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  Residential plan reviews increased significantly in August, while the number of permits issued lessened.  And the number of plans submitted for review rose again.  Vista Homes and Hayden Homes continue to lead as the busiest residential contractors.   Stonecreek Development is still active in both Deer Pointe and Sandy Bluff Subdivisions as they build the last of their lots.  Ed Wagoner is nearing completion of his 4 new townhomes at Nettie Connett and Balken Ave.  Jerry Gravell has plans for another 4 new townhomes.  Taliesin Homes finaled their last home in Tickle Creek Subdivision.  Cashatt Construction has completed their first home at 36712 Ichabod and have been issued a permit for their second home in Tickle Creek.

Commercial activities remained very active in August.  AT&T had their grand opening under a temporary permit and then received building final a week later.  Starbucks is progressing quickly with their conversion of the former Jack-in-the-Box building and they expect to be have their grand opening in the middle of October.  Sandy High School has reopened for their third year since completion of their new school.  Unfortunately, the New Sandy High School has not received a Certificate of Occupancy due to a few remaining fire-code related inspections and tests that are required to be conducted.  On a positive note, they are nearing completion of their remodel of the maintenance building to house their new IT and printing departments.

Other commercial activities included La Milpa Mexican Foods Inc., is relocating their business operations into the large industrial building formerly occupied by Eclectic Institute, at 36350 Industrial Way.  And Sandy Stone and Brick has relocated to 37470 Ruben Lane.   And lastly, the Building Department is happy to announce that after weeks of seemingly slow progress, Crawlers has received their final Approval for Occupancy and is now officially open.

Caschatt Construction Home, Salmon Creek Estates

3) URBAN RENEWAL – The contractor Full Throttle Construction is substantially complete on work on the Sah Building and Wheatland Building.  Staff will be conducting a walk-through for the projects on September 12.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-020 DR (Hearth Classics) – The Planning Commission will review a design review application to construct a new industrial storage building at the Hearth Classics facility off of Ruben Lane.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $1,291,869.
b) 5 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,017,632.  The year to date total is 48 permits exceeding the number to this same date (40) in 2013.  
c) 2 permits for additions to a single-family dwellings with a value of $18,417.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 8 commercial permits with a value of $253,920.
f)  1 other permits with a value of $1,900.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  Residential plan reviews and the number of permits issued lessened in July, however the number of plans submitted for review rose dramatically.  Vista Homes in Snowberry Subdivision and Hayden Homes in Sandy Bluff have taken the lead as the busiest residential contractors.   Stonecreek Development continues to hold strong in both Deer Pointe and Sandy Bluff Subdivisions, but reported that they are running out of building lots and expect to be completely built out by the end of the year, or early next year.   Jim Raze Construction is also expecting to be completely built out by early to mid 2015.  Ed Wagoner is progressing quickly on 4 new townhomes at Nettie Connett and Balken Ave.  And Jerry Gravell has plans for another 4 new townhomes.  Taliesin Homes has only one more home remaining that has not yet finaled.  Cashatt Construction, a new builder in the Tickle Creek Subdivision, has purchased the remaining lots from Taliesin.

Commercial activities were strong in July.  AT&T is completing a new store next to Burger King, and Starbucks is renovating and plans to relocate into the former Jack-in-the-Box building.  Crawlers received a temporary final in time to open for Sandy Mountain Days.  Sandy High School is currently remodeling the maintenance building to house their new IT and printing departments.

One of the more visible is the new wood-shade cover for the tennis club facility buildings has been constructed and new plans have been submitted, reviewed and approved for the two masonry buildings to be constructed at each end of the wood structure.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – The contractor Full Throttle Construction has started work on the Sah Building and Wheatland Building

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-012 SUB/VAR (Sandy Bluff Annex 4) – The Planning Commission approved a request by Joe Spaziani to create a seven lot subdivision for property located directly north of American Street at the end of Penny Ave.  The commission also approved a requested variance to tree retention standards.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $1,947,416.
b) 6 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,331,406.  The year to date total is 43 permits exceeding the number to date (35) in 2013.  
c) 1 permit for an addition to a single-family dwellings with a value of $13,000.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 8 commercial permits with a value of $589,415.
f)  3 other permits with a value of $4,595.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  Residential plan reviews and the number of permits issued lessened in June, however the inspection activities have remained at a steady pace.  Vista Homes in Snowberry Subdivision has picked up the pace to take the lead as the busiest residential contractor, with new homes.  Stonecreek Development continues to hold strong in both Deer Pointe and Sandy Bluff Subdivisions.  And Hayden Homes in Sandy Bluff 6 follows next in number of new residential homes.  Jim Raze Construction, Jerry Gravell and Ed Wagoner have 4 new townhomes each at Nettie Connett and Balken Ave.  Raze Custom Homes currently has 4 homes underway in Salmon Creek Estates, and one more ready to final.   Taleisin Homes and DA Gray have one home remaining in progress.   And Cashatt Construction, a new builder in the Tickle Creek Subdivision, has one new home underway with a second in the review process.

Commercial plan reviews and permits issued rose in June to the highest level so far this year.   The new laundry mat project located west of McDonalds, where Sandy Vacuums was formally located has been slow in progressing.  Other commercial activities included meetings to discuss online permitting, a meeting with the owners of the former boarding house located at 38756 Pioneer which was declared dangerous due to the recent fire, and also meeting with the owner the Beer Den to discuss the expansion of operations and the necessary plumbing requirements.

Lastly, the building department conducted a safety inspection for Stonewall Financial — a new business located in suite “D” at 37396 Ruben Lane.    The safety inspection passed with conditions that the new occupants install a few missing, electrical outlet covers.   Sandy is a safer place to work and live.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – The contractor Full Throttle Construction intends to start work on the Sah Building shortly after the Mountain Festival.  The other project, Wheatland Building will begin shortly thereafter.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-008 DR/AP – The City Council approved reviewed an appeal by the applicant to use of galvalume roofing instead of painted metal roofing.  The council approved this request.

b) File No. 14-012 SUB/VAR – A request by Joe Spaziani to create a seven lot subdivision for property located directly north of American Street at the end of Penny Ave.  The applicant also requests a variance to tree retention standards.  The application will be heard by the Planning Commission on June 30.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $2,013,183.
b) 8 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,837,801.
c) 4 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $75,561.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 2 commercial permits with a value of $882121.
f)  2 other permits with a value of $10,700.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  The Building Department had a busy month in May.  The volume of inspections has increased, along with the number of site visits and the number of permits issued for Additions to Single Family Homes.

The most notable site visit for the month of May happened on the day a fire occurred at the Boarding House, located at 38756 Pioneer Blvd.  The cause of the structural fire appeared to have been electrical.  But the fire destroyed the corner room on the lower level.  Smoke and water also caused notable damage.  The electrical meter was pulled and the gas meter was ordered to be removed also.  A full building inspection by the Building Official and Fire Marshal revealed numerous life-safety violations, causing the building to be declared an UNSAFE BUILDING that same day.

During May five other commercial site visits were conducted in response to Business Licenses and occupancy requests.  The site visits revealed a sundry of life-life-safety and accessibility deficiencies.  In all cases the fire-life safety items were quickly addressed by the building occupants once they were made aware of the problems.   Time lines were agreed upon for some of the structural and accessibility deficiencies.  The City of Sandy is a safer place to work and live.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – We have signed the contract with Full Throttle Construction to complete the first round of projects for this year.  As it turns out Clackamas County Bank has decided not to participate in this year’s project.  The contractor will have 90 days to complete the projects.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW 

a) File No. 14-008 DR – Design Review to construct warehouse building by US Metals on Industrial Way.  The Planning Commission approved this application on April 23.  The commission’s decision has been appealed to the City Council scheduled to be heard on June 2, 2014.

b) File No. 14-011 DR – Design Review request by Oregon Trail School District to convert the maintenance building located on the west side of Bluff Road near the tennis courts to additional office space and food storage.  This application is under review.

c) File No. 14-012 SUB?VAR – A request by Joe Spaziani to create a seven lot subdivision for property located directly north of American Street at the end of Penny Ave.  The applicant also requests a variance to tree retention standards.  The application will be heard by the Planning Commission on June 30.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $2,404,930.
b) 11 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $2,315,390.
c) 0 permits for additions to single-family dwellings.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 7 commercial permits with a value of $82,400.
f)  2 other permits with a value of $7,140.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  In spite of the unpredictable weather experienced in April, the City of Sandy saw a significant increase in the number of Single-Family (SFR) permits issued, as well as an increase in the number of smaller residential and commercial projects.   Eleven (11) SFR permits were issued for a declared value of 2.3 million dollars.

Detached SFR projects: Stonecreek Development remains the most active builder with 3 homes finaled and 8 more in progress.   Villa Vista Homes at Snowberry subdivision finaled 2 homes in April and currently has 8 in progress.   Hayden Homes finaled 1 home and had 8 others under construction in Sandy Bluff.   Raze Construction is building 5 homes in Salmon Creek Estates. And Jonah Nails, DA Gray and Cashatt Construction are currently building one new SFR each.

The number of Townhouses being constructed has risen.  Jerry Gravell finaled 1 townhouse in April, had 4 more ready for final and also has 4 other townhouses foundation and framing stage.   Ed Wagoner started construction on 4 townhouses.  And TJ Veeker of Villa Vista Homes has 4 Town homes framed and 3 completed.

Of other interest in April was the final inspection and approval for the waterfall feature at the Mt Hood Athletic Club.   Several site visits were conducted to review work done without permits, which included a duplex conversion, a large residential addition, and a couple of commercial re-roof and remodel conversions without permits.  Certificates of Occupancy were issued to 3 new businesses: Golden Key Chinese Restaurant at 38770 Proctor, Trail Pals Horse Trailer Accessory Story Inc., located at 39400 Pioneer (in the lower level of the SAH Building), and the Tamale Factory at 38871 Proctor (next to Tovar’s Auto Shop). And lastly, an informational walk-thru was conducted of the Turra Lumber yard and buildings in April with Seth, David and Angelo Turra.  In all, April was a busy month, and summer has yet to begin!

3) URBAN RENEWAL – We received one bid to complete facade enhancements to the Wheatland Building, Sah Building, and Clackamas County Bank.  The Urban Renewal Board will review the bid at their May 19th meeting.