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.

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.