1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – MARCH 2014

a) File No. 14-008 DR – Design Review to construct warehouse building by US Metals on Industrial Way.  The Planning Commission will hear this application on April 23.

b) File No. 14-009 DR – Design Review to change equipment at the cell tower located in Deer Pointe Subdivision.  This application was approved.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY 

a) Total value for the month was $1,076,531.
b) 5 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,016,776.
c) 0 permits for additions to single-family dwellings.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 4 commercial permits with a value of $38,855.
f)  5 other permits with a value of $20,900.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  Residential construction remained steady during March.  Stonecreek development continues to lead as the busiest residential contractor,  with 10 new homes under construction and completing 4 others in March.  At the Snowberry subdivision, Vista Homes has a total of  7 homes being framed, 2 homes soon to be completed and 1 more that is ready for final occupancy.   Hayden Homes has completed their Sales Home-Office at the west end of Sandy Bluff sub-division, has 6 new homes in various phases of construction, and also has 2 more plans waiting to issue.  Jim Raze currently has 5 homes underway in Salmon Creek Estates and one more ready to issue.  Taleisin Homes has 2 in progress.  DA Gray had begun construction of a new home in Salmon Creek Estates.  And Nails Construction is nearing completion of another new home on Ortiz Street, at the east end of Sandy.

Commercial plan reviews and permits issued in March included the Tamale Factory, 6 antennas on a cell tower, Sandy Express Wash, a demolition permit for the High School old shop building in preparation of converting the building into their data security center, and Bunsenbrewer applied for a permit to install new sinks and drains.

Wong King Chinese Restaurant has recently changed business owners and business name.   The new name is GOLDEN KEY Chinese and American Restaurant.    Economic Development Director, David Snider, and the Building Official discovered at an initial building safety inspection that the new owners had recently remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms.  Several significant health and fire violations were identified, including the kitchen Type-1 hood being out of service and lack of adequate restrooms.   Follow up inspections by the Fire Marshal, Don Patty and the Building Official revealed that the fire suppression system was dangerously out dated and had not been inspected in more than 15 years, if at all.  The new owners are working hard to bring the equipment certification up to date.

Closing with a positive note, Police Chief, Kim Yamashita was the guest at the Bldg. Dept. Staff meeting in March.  Discussion topics included business licenses, safety inspections, and code enforcement.   It was agreed by all that the need for better communication should be one of our top priorities.   Public Service handouts for the public have proven to be very helpful, especially when they are available at our City Website.  For example, the new Business Guide and Safety Checklist have already proven useful for those seeking Commercial Certificates of Occupancy.   The list of City adopted building codes and other design criteria has also been very helpful.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – We are currently soliciting bids from qualified contractors to complete three facade projects to the Wheatland Building, Sah Building, and Clackamas County Bank.  The bid closing date is April 15, 2014 and I anticipate bringing a recommendation to the Urban Renewal Board to review on April 21.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – FEBRUARY 2014

a) File No. 14-002 DR – Design Review to construct tennis court dugouts at Sandy High School

b) File No. 14-003 DR – Design Review to construct batting cage at Sandy High School

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – Home construction activity has continued at a fairly rapid pace to begin the new year.

a) Total value for the month was $958,040.
b) 4 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $901,165.
c) 2 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $9,050.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 4 commercial permits with a value of $40,625.
f)  1 other permit with a value of $7,200.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  Residential construction and remodel projects continue to pick up pace and number.  Stonecreek development has been busy with 12 new homes under construction and received occupancy approval for 2 others in February.  TJ Veenker has 10 homes in progress, including 4 new townhouses and 3 homes soon to be completed and ready for final occupancy.   Hayden Homes has 6 new homes in various phases of construction, and 4 more plans waiting to issue.  Jim Raze currently has 5 homes underway and one more ready to issue.  Taleisin Homes has 4 in progress.  DA Gray has begun construction of a new home in Salmon Creek Estates.  And Nails Construction has started a new home at the east end of Sandy, on Ortiz Street.

Commercial Plan review was completed for Starbucks proposed renovation of the Jack In the Box restaurant.   Permits were issued and construction has begun at the building formally occupied by Sandy Glass, and also for Suburban Ford’s Façade.   Lastly, Cedar Park Gardens Apartments has substantially completed their exterior repairs and improvements.

Sandy’s Permit Specialist, Noryne Robinson, and Terrence Gift, Building Official, have been meeting weekly to revise and create Public Service handouts for our City Website.  They have completed a new Business Safety Checklist and are finishing up another checklist for Commercial Certificate of Occupancy.

19103 Cork Ave. Snowberry Subdivision

3) URBAN RENEWAL – We are preparing projects for the 2014 construction season and hope to send out requests for bids in April.  The following three projects are in the works: Wheatland Building, Sah Building, and Clackamas County Bank.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – JANUARY 2014

a) File No. 14-002 DR – Design Review to construct tennis court dugouts at Sandy High School

b) File No. 14-003 DR – Design Review to construct batting cage at Sandy High School

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – Home construction activity has continued at a fairly rapid pace to begin the new year.

a) Total value for the month was $1,803,395.
b) 9 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,769,325.
c) 1 permit for an addition to a single-family dwelling with a value of $15,000.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 3 commercial permits with a value of $9,850.
f)  4 other permits with a value of $9,220.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL –  January construction and remodel projects have picked up in pace and number due in part to the economy improving and the below normal rain fall.   This winter’s temperatures have also been above average.   Hayden Homes has 6 new homes in various phases of construction, and 4 more plans in review.  Stonecreek development currently has been 10 new homes under construction and received occupancy approval for 2 others in January.  During January, Bill Huffendick, and Nails Construction also received final occupancy on the homes they were building.  Nails Construction and Taleisin Homes each started new house, which brings the number for Taleisin to 5 in progress.  Jim Raze currently has 5 homes underway and one more ready to issue.

Commercial Plan review was completed for Starbucks proposed renovation of the Jack In The Box restaurant.   Permits were issued and construction has begun at the building formally occupied by Sandy Glass, and also for Suburban Ford’s Façade.   Lastly, Cedar Park Gardens Apartments has substantially completed their exterior repairs and improvements.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – All facade enhancement projects for this year have been finished and we are now working on planning for next year’s projects.  The following three projects are in the works: Wheatland Building, Sah Building, and Clackamas County Bank.

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.

2013 Summary

• 37 land use applications were submitted and reviewed or are currently under review (36 in 2012, 41 in 2011, 35 in 2010 and 32 in 2009).
• The most notable projects in 2013 included: Design Review approval for Mt. Hood Athletic Club outside pool remodel, NW Waterworks facade enhancement, AEC parking lot expansion, facade changes to Suburban Ford, and Highway 211/Dubarko Road upgrades.  Six tentative plats that had expired were reinstated.
• Code amendments were made to residential design standards, private drive standards, and we created a Type II CUP process.  A zone change was also completed for the city owned property next to the Public Works yard.  .
• 74 single family building permits were issued (32 permits in 2012, 32 permits in 2011, 45 in 2010 and 46 in 2009) with a value of $15,789,488.
• 27 single family addition permits were issued (31 permits in 2012, 22 permits in 2011, 13 in 2010 and 18 in 2009) with a value of $398,272.
• 65 commercial permits were issued (91 permits in 2012, 65 permits in 2011, 44 in 2010 and 32 permits in 2009) with a value of $4,125,173.
• Total value of all permits equaled was $21,193,274 (2012 value = $17,609,886, 2011 value = $53,977,601, 2010 value = $41,305,292 and 2009 value = $14,091,921).

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – December surprised the contractors with an early shock of winter freezing weather.   Fortunately, reports of frozen water pipes were minimal.  Concrete pours for footings and foundations were delayed and erosion control measures concerns were replaced by problems with frost heave.  Only one foundation had to be remedied due to the heavy frost and ice cover.  Thankfully the mild weather that followed has allowed the builders to keep up a better-than-expected pace so far this winter.  New construction and remodel projects have slowed only somewhat.   Hayden Homes has started construction of 6 new homes in the Sandy Bluff development, and Stonecreek development currently has 9 new homes under construction.  Taleisin Homes has 4 buildings in progress, and Jim Raze has 4 homes underway, with Bill Huffendick and Jonah Nails each having one home nearing completion.   And lastly, the Bunsenbrewer Brew/pub was given occupancy and is operational.

URBAN RENEWAL – All facade enhancement projects for this year have been finished and we are now working on planning for next years projects.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – NOVEMBER 2013

a) File No. 13-031 DCA. – The Council approved code amendments creating a Type CUP process and other Development Code changes.  

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – So far in 2013 we have received 66 residential building permits.  This number exceeds the number in each year for the period 2009 – 2012.  The next threshold will be to beat the 77 permits issued in 2008.

a) Total value for the month was $1,690,319.
b) 8 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,640,429.
c) 1 permit for an addition to a single-family dwelling with a value of $9,000.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 3 commercial permits with a value of $15,987.
f)  2 other permits with a value of $24,903.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – November continued to see more single-family plan submittals and new permits issued.  The number of permits issued and the number of inspections performed were slightly lower than last month, but were still greater than the same period last year.  A total of 8 single-family permits were issued.

On November 20^th, I attended a mandatory Building Official meeting in Salem and hosted by State Building Codes Division. The single most significant piece of information from the meeting is that Oregon Legislature has passed House Bill 2978, which will take effect January 1, 2014.   

“A portion of HB 2978 standardizes current state and local government policy for assessing investigative fees for work started without the required permit across all program areas. The bill caps investigative fees at the actual or average cost of investigation to ensure compliance with the state building code.  These requirements preempt any existing code language, rule or local ordinance requirements regarding “double permit” fees. Municipalities may need to update their forms, computer plans and operating plan to reflect the changes.  Additionally, the bill specifies that permits for emergency repairs obtained within five business days after commencement of the repair are not subject to investigative fees.”

John Bennett and I also attended the half-day Training on Grease Interceptors- which are commonly referred as grease traps.   Training was in Wilsonville and hosted by Oregon Building Officials Association.    This training was an effort to provide a better understanding of the requirements mandated by the State of Oregon (effective 12/20/2012) that grease interceptors be provided for ALL FOOD Establishments – this includes coffee stands, and any business that prepares, processes, or packages food or beverages for consumption on or off the premises.  

Lastly, the State of Oregon has opted to not adopt the current national residential code, but will update Oregon’s 2011 Residential Specialty Code, and has requested submittals for code amendments and  new code changes to be effective April 1, 2014.  The City of Sandy has submitted two changes to remove the conflict of the definition of HOT WATER and the anti-scalding requirement for showers and tubs.   The current code requires hot water defined as 120 degree or greater be supplied at all laundry connections, sinks, tubs and showers, but prohibits water temperature over 120 degrees at tubs and showers to prevent scalding.  This created a ONE DEGREE range that has been impossible for building contractors to achieve.   The City of Sandy has proposed the definition for HOT WATER be defined as water of 110 degrees or greater, which is the same definition as used by the International Residential Code.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – All facade enhancement projects for this year have been finished and we are now working on planning for next years projects.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – OCTOBER 2013

a) File No. 13-031 DCA. – The Commission held a public hearing on October 28 to review recommended code revisions creating a Type CUP process and other Development Code changes.   These amendments have been forwarded to the City Council.   

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – So far in 2013 we have received 58 residential building permits.  This number exceeds the number in each year for the period 2009 – 2012.  The next threshold would be to beat the 77 permits issued in 2008.

a) Total value for the month was $2,629,880.
b) 10 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,935,852.
c) 4 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $14,000.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 15 commercial permits with a value of $679,439.
f)  2 other permits with a value of $589.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – The City of Sandy Building Official, Terre Gift, Posted Fire Damaged home located at 16215 Bluff Road was posted “UNSAFE. – Do not occupy” and is secured from unauthorized entry.   The owners were notified and stated they are working with the insurance company with hopes to restore the home.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, the Building Official attended an all-day ATC 20 Post Earthquake Rapid Assessment Training on Tues, 10.22.13.  The training brought attention to the need for municipalities to assess their staff and facilities preparedness in the case of a catastrophic seismic event, projected to happen within the next 100 years.  Terre also attended the half-day ATC 45 Rapid Assessment Training for Post Wind and Flood Events on Thursday, 10.24.13.    Training was in Oregon City and hosted by Clackamas County.   

On Friday, 10.25.13, the Building Official met with Sandy City Council member, Carl Exner and was joined by City Manager, Seth Atkinson for a hour-long tour of the City.   Together they looked at 6 buildings in Sandy that are in various stages of deterioration or disrepair, and discussed some of the associated problems and history of building.   This followed the recent posting of the fire-damaged house located on Bluff Road.

The number of permits issued and the number of inspections performed rose significantly in October.  Ten single family permits were issued, which was a 150% increase over each of the previous two months and 188% of the average Single Family Residential (SFR) permits issued over the past year   The number of commercial permits issued in October was also the greater than any month in the past year.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – The contractor, Full Throttle Construction, has finished facade improvements on the Wong’s King Restaurant, Prudential Real Estate, the Heritage Square projects.  Staff is working with the City Architect to develop projects for next year.

On November 8, I was asked to to be part of a panel to discuss Sandy Style and our facade enhancement efforts at an “Economic Vitality Summit” in the city of La Pine.  The summit was attended by at least 100 persons with an interest in the economy of the “Newberry Country” area (Sunriver and La Pine).  I received many positive comments regarding the presentation and what we have accomplished in Sandy.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – SEPTEMBER 2013

a) File No. 13-031 DCA. – The Commission is currently working on creating a Type CUP process and other Development Code changes and will hold a public hearing at its October 28 meeting.   

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – So far in 2013 we have received 48 residential building permits.  This number exceeds the number in each year for the period 2009 – 2012. Please see the table below.

a) Total value for the month was $989,320.
b) 4 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $865,010.
c) 3 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $90,810.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 2 commercial permits with a value of $30,000.
f)  1 other permit with a value of $3,500.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – September ushered in the fall rains earlier than many had hoped.   Erosion control measures are back on the list of many other things to monitor.  With 5 active subdivisions, and several other projects involving erosion control measures, we are currently notifying builders to daily maintain the required ground cover, silt fences and screens at catch basins.

New construction and remodel projects are keeping steady in number.  Several of the commercial projects are nearing completion, including Johnson RV Paint Booth, and the Sandy High School Green houses and grounds building.  Other commercial projects seem to be moving slowly.  Two exceptions are the Bunsen Brewery going in next to Platt Electric and Jeff Newberry’s remodel of the building located at 39750 Pioneer (old Sandy Feed Store).

Now that Fall is here, and there’s a hint of frost in the mornings, the need for freeze protection of water lines will soon be on some minds.  Furnaces and wood stoves are being fired up.  Wood fireplaces and gas fireplaces will be glowing in the evenings.  The building department also encourages everyone to also check their smoke detector batteries and test the smoke detectors to insure they are working properly.  

3) URBAN RENEWAL – The contractor, Full Throttle Construction, has essentially finished facade improvements on the Wong’s King Restaurant and Prudential Real Estate projects.  The contractor has started work on improvements to the Heritage Building and should be finished in the next two weeks.

I was asked to to be part of a panel titled “Revitalize Main Street With Urban Renewal” at the annual Oregon Main Street Conference in Astoria.  I was joined on the panel by representatives from Albany, Astoria, and Canby.  I received many positive comments from those attending the session and others who have traveled through Sandy and have seen the work we have done in the downtown.  At the request of a representative from the La Pine business community who attended my presentation, I was asked to be part of panel at an “economic vitality summit” to be held in La Pine in early November.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – AUGUST 2013

a) Applications approved:  File No. 13-020 SUB/VAR, Tickle Creek Terrace (15 Lot Subdivision, Planning Commission approved).

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – So far in 2013 we have received 44 residential building permits.  This exceeds the number for the entire year in 2011 and 2012 (32 in each these years) and is nearly the same as in 2009 (46) and 2010 (45).

a) Total value for the month is $1,202,217.
b) 4 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,027,964.
c) 6 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $125,228.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 2 commercial permits with a value of $45,000.
f)  3 other permits with a value of $4,025.

FROM TERRE GIFT, BUILDING OFFICIAL – This summer has been full of new construction activity.  Currently we have 25 new, single-family homes being constructed (including 2 groups of townhouses).  Ground work has begun for 9 more homes.   Plans are in the works for several more homes.   Additionally, this summer has seen significant amounts of time expended in pre-application discussions for several new commercial projects and ventures.

Remodel projects number more than 27, including both commercial and residential.   A few of the commercial projects include new security doors at two schools, a change of the fire suppression system in the computer and electrical rooms at the new high school, a new paint booth and building at Johnson RV, façade changes at 3 commercial businesses, rebuilding the stairs and addition porch and rear deck area at Thai Home Restaurant.   Residential projects vary from window additions, new natural gas stove installations, bedroom and bathroom additions, to complete remodels of a multi-family homes.  

Code enforcement this summer has seen a rise in calls regarding illegal sheds, decks, additions, and other construction related activities.   The rise in number of accessory buildings has pushed the boundaries and given challenge to our city code’s definitions for accessory sheds and zoning requirements.  It has given us another reminder of how important it is to educate our citizens on the need to “Ask before you build.”    Perhaps it is time for a city lead campaign to raise the awareness of why permits are required, and how permits can protect the owners and public.

Recently the City Manager, Planning Director and I met to discuss ways to improve our Building Department processes and information.  The goal is to make the building process as customer friendly and understandable as possible.  We have begun redesigning our current handouts for ADA restrooms, building retaining walls, and when permits and engineering is required.   

Now that school has started, summer is un-officially over, and the smell of fall is in the air.   The building department is seeing the pace of construction activity pick up due in part to the weather forecast of mild winter and the threat of rising interest rates.  In summary, the Building Department is active and evolving.   

3) URBAN RENEWAL – The contractor, Full Throttle Construction has been busy working on the Wong’s King Restaurant and Prudential Real Estate facade improvements.  I hope you agree these buildings are looking much better with the improvements.  The contractor will begin working on improvements to the Heritage Building later this month.  I have been asked to be part of a panel titled “Revitalize Main Street With Urban Renewal” at the annual Oregon Main Street Conference in Astoria.  I will be joined on the panel by representatives from Albany, Astoria, and Canby.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – JULY 2013

a) Applications under review:  File No. 13-020 SUB/VAR, Tickle Creek Terrace (15 Lot Subdivision, August Planning Commission review).

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – So far in 2013 we have received 40 residential building permits which exceeds the number for the entire year in 2011 and 2012 (32 in each these years).

a) Total value for the month is $2,406,108.
b) 5 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,336,933.
c) 2 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $34,116.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 10 commercial permits with a value of $1,027,964.
f)  2 other permits with a value of $7,095.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – One bid was received to complete facade improvements to the Heritage Square building: The bidder, Full Throttle Construction was approved by the City Council on August 5.  The contractor is expected to begin the project in the next couple weeks.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – JUNE 2013

a) The City Council reviewed and approved File No. 13-013 ZC, City of Sandy and Greg Ernst Zone Change.  Staff reviewed and approved a deck addition to the VFW building (File No. 13-027 DR).
b) Applications under review:  File No. 13-020 SUB/VAR, Tickle Creek Terrace (15 Lot Subdivision, July Planning Commission review), File No. 13-022 DR, Suburban Ford Remodel, File No. 13-025 DR, Champion Collision additional paving project (staff review)

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – So far in 2013 we have received 35 residential building permits which exceeds the number for the entire year in both 2011 and 2012 (32 in each these years).

a) Total value for the month is $3,419,252.
b) 7 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $1,522,985.
c) 5 permits additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $61,850.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 10 commercial permits with a value of $1,831,617.
f)  2 other permits with a value of $2,800.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – Three bids were received to complete facade improvements to two buildings: Prudential Real Estate and Wong’s King.  The low bidder, Full Throttle Construction was approved by the City Council on July 1.  The contractor is expected to begin the project the week of July 15.