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.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – MAY 2013

a) The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of File No. 13-013 ZC, City of Sandy and Greg Ernst Zone Change.
b) Staff reviewed and approved seven plats requesting reinstatement: Birdsong, Brittani Heights, Ten Eyck Rim, Tickle Creek Terrace, Timber Valley, Vista Loop North, and Vista Loop South.
c) Applications under review:  File No. 13-020 SUB/VAR, Tickle Creek Terrace (15 Lot Subdivision), File No. 13-022 DR, Suburban Ford Remodel, File No. 13-025 DR, Champion Collision additional paving project.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – MAY 2013

a) Total value for the month is $2,178,217.
b) 11 permits for single family dwellings with a value of $2,082,781.
c) 2 permits additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $14,803.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 4 commercial permits with a value of $34,983.
f)  5 other permits with a value of $34,650.

3) URBAN RENEWAL – Staff sent out a letter requesting bids from qualified contractors to complete facade improvements to two buildings: Prudential Real Estate and Wong’s King.  Bids are due June 24, 2013.

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – APRIL 2013

a) File No. 13-004 DR/FSH, ODOT improvements at Hwy. 211 and Dubarko (Planning Commission approved, April 22).
b) File No. 13-013 ZC, City of Sandy and Greg Ernst Zone Change (Planning Commission, May 27)

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – APRIL 2013

a) Total value for the month is $1,403,830.
b) 5 permits for a five single family dwellings with a value of $1,071,980.
c) 1 permit for an addition to single-family dwelling wit a value of $1,750.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 4 commercial permits with a value of $315,700.
f)  4 other permits with a value of $14,400.

3) OTHER – Staff signed the Snowberry Subdivision Final Plat (May 13).  The developer has indicated he is planning to get going on constructing homes soon.

4) URBAN RENEWAL – Staff is working with the City Architect to develop facade enhancement projects for construction.  At this time we are hoping to complete five projects this year. 

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – MARCH 2013

a) File No. 13-004 DR/FSH, ODOT improvements at Hwy. 211 and Dubarko (Planning Commission public hearing, April 22).
b) File No. 13-005 DCA, Development Code Amendments to address accessory structures, residential design standards, private drives, residential on-street parking, multi-family parking requirements, and miscellaneous modifications (Planning Commission public hearing, April 22).

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – MARCH 2013

a) Total value for the month is $460,759.
b) 2 permits for a single family dwellings with a value of $400,359.
c) 0 permits for additions to single-family dwellings.
d) 0 duplexes.
e) 9 commercial permits with a value of $51,870.
f) 4 other permits with a value of $8,530.

3) DOWNTOWN PARKING UPDATE – From Kelly O’Neill

The City of Sandy completed the Downtown Parking Management Study in January of 2012. Since the completion of the study we have held eight Downtown Parking Advisory Committee (DPAC) meetings to talk about improvements to downtown parking as recommend within the study. The following list details current status for a number of downtown parking projects.

Yellow Curb Removal (ACTIVE):

Summer 2012 thru current – Staff conducted several assessments of the yellow painted curbing within downtown, including a priority ranking for removal and defining the condition of the paint. The paint was tested on June 28, 2012 for lead, yielding positive readings for harmful levels of contaminants. Three requests for proposals for the removal of the lead based paint (due on August 3, 2012; September 18, 2012; and January 11, 2013) were completed with the lowest bid totaling $39,716.50. Since the bid amount is above and beyond available funds the public works crew will attempt to remove painted curb during the spring and summer of 2013.

 2-Hour Parking District Signs (ACTIVE):

January 2013 thru current – The 2-Hour Parking District will need 107 new signs, 74 posts, and 67 holes drilled in the concrete. The signs would be .080″ aluminum signs that are pre-drilled with radius corners. The sign posts would be 6 foot powder coated unistrut at two inches thick and buried eighteen inches in depth. The total cost to buy and ship all the signs, posts, ground anchors, and to drill the required holes is approximately $5,832. This cost is contingent on Public Works installing the signs in the pre-drilled holes at no cost.

Parking Violation Fee Change (ACTIVE):

February 2013 thru current – Police officers currently charge a minimum of $100 for parking violations. While egregious parking violations deserve at least the minimum base fine, staff believes that other violations need a reduced fine amount. Staff is bringing a proposal before City Council in May 2013 regarding a reduction in downtown parking fines.

 2-Hour Parking District Establishment (DONE):

August 6, 2012 – City Council passed Resolution 2012-14 establishing a two hour parking district on Pioneer Boulevard and Proctor Boulevard from Meinig Avenue to Scales Avenue, including spaces located on Shelley Avenue, (Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.), except where shorter time restrictions are permitted by the DPAC. The Heritage Square Parking Lot will be reorganized to provide six parking spaces designated for one hour time limits and 14 parking spaces designated for two hour time limits. The parking restrictions are to be effective and enforced when signage has been installed that clearly identifies time limited parking areas.

 Shorter Parking Time Approval (DONE):

August 2012 thru January 2013 – The DPAC considered requests for parking limitation signage within downtown Sandy. After some discussion, shorter time limitation spaces have been permitted at the following locations:

Andreanne Rode (Otto’s Ski Shop); Two Foxes Singing (Ant Farm); Julie Snell (Clackamas County Bank); Lois Coleman (Frontier Building); Dennis & JoAnn Dries (Paradise Quilts); Steve Reimer (Shell Gas Station); Robert & Karen Huston (Sandy Country Florist); Cyndi McKenna (Cool Printing & Copies)

Public Parking Lot Naming (DONE):

August 6, 2012 – City Council passed a proclamation that named the public parking lot east of Shelley Avenue, between Pioneer Boulevard and Proctor Boulevard as ‘Heritage Square Parking Lot’. The Council also officially recognized the parking lot west of Bruns Avenue as ‘Pioneer Parking Lot’. Both parking lots will be identified by signage that is being installed in conjunction with the downtown wayfinding signage program.

USPS Mailbox Move (DONE):

April 20, 2012 – The mailboxes were successfully moved from the old location between Strauss and Shelly on Pioneer Blvd. to the new location to the west of Scales. Additional concrete was added behind the mailboxes to accommodate ADA pedestrian access around the boxes.

 Parking Meters Research (DONE):

January 16, 2013 – City staff researched the financial options for paid parking as requested by Chief Yamashita. The DPAC reviewed the cost estimates, but agreed that the citizens and visitors of Sandy are not ready for paid parking in downtown, regardless of the program costs. The total upstart cost for three kiosk machines was $29,570 while the total upstart cost for 30 individual electronic parking meters started at $24,175.

Other Projects:

Removal of Oregon Trail School District Bus Signs in Front of Middle School (DONE) Parking District Public Outreach Campaign (DONE)

Re-configure Two Parking Spaces in Heritage Square (NEED FUNDING)                  Pioneer Parking Lot Incentive Program (ACTIVE)                                                     Employee Parking Options Brochure (NOT STARTED)

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – FEBRUARY 2013

a) File No. 12-031 SUB/MOD, Pioneer Meadow, 29 lot subdivision at Meeker St.  (approved)
b) File No. 13-001 DR, Mt. Hood Athletic Club design review for expanded outside deck. (approved).
c) File No. 13-004 DR/FSH, ODOT improvements at Hwy. 211 and Dubarko (hearing set for April 22).

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – FEBRUARY 2013

a) Total value for the month is $2,279,459.
b) 7 permits for a single family dwellings with a value of $1,449,975.
c) 2 permits for additions to single-family dwellings with a value of $46,435.
d) 3 duplexes with a value of $775,413.
e) 1 commercial permit with a value of $7,636.
f) 0 other permits.

3) MAIN STREET – From George Hoyt, Sandy Main Street Chair

The Promotion Committee is working out all the details of this years First Fridays. Due to reduced participation because of darkness and weather, First Fridays will be eliminated in late winter and late fall. This year FF will be held in April, May, June, August, September and October. Each of the FF will have a theme this year. This year to provide greater reach we will begin advertising in the Post before each FF. The cost will be born by the participants with a modest fee of $10 a month. A year long FF flyer will replace the monthly flyer of the past. FF’s

1) APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED/UNDER REVIEW – JANUARY 2013

a) File No. 12-031 SUB/MOD, Pioneer Meadow, 29 lot subdivision at Meeker St under    review.
b) File No. 13-001 DR, Mt. Hood Athletic Club design review for expanded outside deck area.

2) BUILDING DIVISION ACTIVITY – JANUARY 2013

a) Total value for the month is $721,709.
b) 3 permits for a single family dwellings with a value of $637,152.
c) 1 permit  for an addition to a single-family dwelling with a value of $280.
d) 4 commercial permits with a value of $84,277.
e) 0 other permits.

3) MAIN STREET – From George Hoyt, Sandy Main Street Chair

The Promotion Committee is working out all the details of this years First Fridays. Due to reduced participation because of darkness and weather, First Fridays will be eliminated in late winter and late fall. This year FF will be held in April, May, June, August, September and October. Each of the FF will have a theme this year. This year to provide greater reach we will begin advertising in the Post before each FF. The cost will be born by the participants with a modest fee of $10 a month. A year long FF flyer will replace the monthly flyer of the past. FF’s

Alan Fleischman will assume the role of Chairman of the Economic Development along with three new members.

Planning is underway for the Downtown Visioning Meeting April 6th. It will bring together property and  business owners, local leaders and city representatives. The objective of the meeting is to define a vision of what downtown should be in 15 years. More to come.