Comprehensive Plan Update: Now that we have established a factual base for economic development and housing through the EOA and HCA, we have drafted goals and policies for Block 3 of the Comprehensive Plan. These goals and policies are related to Housing, Economic Development, Governance, and Growth Management. On January 23rd, the draft goals and policies were sent via email to the Planning Commission and City Council for an initial review prior to being reviewed by the Community Advisory Committee. After they are reviewed by the Community Advisory Committee, staff will bring the Block 3 goals and policies before the Planning Commission and City Council at a work session in April. In addition, staff and 3J Consulting have started working on the draft of the comprehensive plan document and anticipate having that ready for the City Council to review in May or June
Junker Street Replat (24-002 MP): Brothers Development, LLC submitted an application and received approval requesting a Type II minor re-plat to re-plat five (5) lots into one (1) lot. This replat request reflects Block 5 “Junker’s Second and Third Additions to Sandy” Plat no. 236 and 262. The re-plat will assist in future development of the property. No development will occur until the sewer moratorium is lifted.
Mt. Hood Athletic Club entry remodel (23-048 DR): There was no significant action on this project in January. Staff is currently waiting on a final design submission from the applicant before design review can commence.
Clear and Objective Audit: City staff has set a public hearing date with Sandy’s City Council for February 20th for Council’s review and decision on the Clear and Objective Code Audit project. The purpose of the Sandy Clear and Objective Code Audit is to ensure that the City of Sandy’s Development Code (SDC) complies with and implements certain Oregon state laws and legislation, primarily Oregon State statute ORS 197.307. This statute requires that local governments provide an approval pathway for housing developments that includes only clear and objective standards, conditions, and procedures.
Most of the proposed amendments are “policy neutral”, meaning they are intended to result in outcomes that are consistent with outcomes resulting from the current Development Code). There are some significant changes to the content of Chapter 17, all of which are intended to clearly describe the City’s Code requirements and the processes used in making land use decisions. Clear and objective standards for making decisions are also included in the revised Code. Some sections of Code have been rearranged to improve the organization and structure so that it is easier to read.
Development Services Code enforcement items:
Code Enforcement closed 50 cases in January. The Business License Audit resulted in 5 citations issued to businesses who operated without a business license in 2023 and have failed to apply for one in 2024 by the deadline – one of those businesses also received a citation for exceeding temporary signage limits. In addition, one citation was issued for an ongoing junk accumulation nuisance at a property near the west end of the downtown couplet.
2023 was a year worth remembering and celebrating for the Sandy Building Division!
The BEST NEWS FIRST: Our vacant Building Permit Technician position was filled by Jann Reed, who lives locally and has worked for more than a decade at Mt Hood Community College. Jann has exceptional customer service skills, a cheerful attitude and amazing patience in dealing with all the confusion and challenges as our Development Department adapts to Oregon’s new E-Permitting requirements. Our customers have had nothing but praise for Jann’s assistance, and our Administrative Assistant, Rebecca Casey, is delighted to have such a positive team member to help keep the permitting flowing smoothly.
Another Best was the hiring of Senior Planner Patrick Depa and Code Enforcement Specialist Chris Relyea. These two gentlemen have taken a large load off of our Director and have quickly adapted to complete our Department’s team. I am delighted at how much better Sandy’s Planning Division and Building Division have become. It is very apparent to this senior member that our team has grown into a friendlier group of professionals that are committed to making the City of Sandy the best place to live and work in Oregon!
Another Positive development in the City of Sandy was the successful completion of the Shaylee Meadows Subdivision, with Lennar Homes completing 100 homes within the subdivision this fall. Every homeowner that I have spoken to has expressed positive remarks and high satisfaction with the City’s newest neighborhood along the southern boundary of the City of Sandy.
On the north side of Sandy, we have three smaller subdivisions that are also creating attractive new homes. In descending order, Jewelberry Meadows, Jewelberry Ridge and Mairin’s Viewpoint have added 16 new homes this year. Raze Custom Homes is nearing the final stages of 2 more homes. Rob Venema of Rosemont Development is also nearing final completion of 2 custom homes facing Bluff Road, and Russ Bartel, Jeff Saul, Phillip Saul, and Ed Waggoner are currently working on quality homes in the Jewelberry Meadows Subdivision.
Alas, there are many more building projects ahead for Sandy! The Building Division recently issued permits to Holt Homes for the Timber Grove development, located north of Hwy 26 near the east end of Vista Loop. The Building Official is currently conducting plan reviews for multiple apartment buildings on the south side of Hwy 211….and there are still more apartments, condos, and building projects ahead for 2024!
So, we ended 2023 by saying, “More of the BEST is still ahead!”
Respectfully submitted by Terrence Gift, Building Official
Planning Department items:
Mt. Hood Athletic Club water reclamation system: The owners of Mt. Hood Athletic Club submitted plans and received approval for certain façade improvements to bring their building closer in compliance with the “Sandy Style” design. Upon approval, their intent is to submit this project to the City of Sandy’s Façade Grant program.
The existing two-story, 45,000 square foot building, was built in 2006. The current façade consists of an existing wood trellis which starts at the main entrance and wraps around to the west. The existing trellis has a brown stain with adhered masonry veneer around the base of the trellis posts. There are three tenant entrances east of the main entrance and two of them are covered in fabric awnings. An illuminated sign hangs above the tenant entrance furthest to the east.
The proposed design for the new façade includes partial demolition of the trellis, a new curved canopy above the primary entrance to the building, new wood-framed & metal panel awnings, and a new masonry veneer base that extends 30 inches from the ground elevation. In addition, new sconces will be installed at the main entrance and new floodlights under the canopy for better overall visibility for late night patrons. The curved canopy will follow the curve at the top of the existing main entrance, and the structure of the canopy will be like the glulam’s and tongue-and-groove used inside the main entrance’s lobby.
Development Services Code enforcement items:
Code Enforcement closed 53 cases in December. 61% of these cases were the result of a Business License audit in which businesses that have never applied for a business license were notified of the requirement and given a deadline to comply.
Shelters at Sandy Bluff Park: The City of Sandy Parks and Recreation Department received land use approval to construct two open wood shelters with metal roofs in Sandy Bluff Park. The shelters are 144 square feet and 448 square feet in size, are open with no walls, and are just under twelve (12) feet in height. Both shelters are near the existing walking/running path in the park (Exhibit B).
Both structures are comprised of laminated treated wood posts, black metal brackets with a metal roof. The shelter’s engineering specifications display that the proposed roofs are metal with downspouts into the existing storm system.
Mt. Hood Athletic Club water reclamation system: Mt. Hood Athletic Club received approval to construct a 108 square foot (12’ x 9’) shed with a metal roof in the northeast corner of their site. The shed is for housing equipment for a rainwater recovery and reclamation system. The recovered rainwater is collected from the roof of the building, stored, sent back into the building, and used to flush toilets in the restrooms. Most of the system was installed at the time of initial building construction more than a decade ago with the intention of someday being activated.
The proposed covered shelter uses approved Sandy Style materials, wood and metal, thus providing the visual interest. The proposed shed will be comprised of board and batten siding with colors matching the Athletic Club building and a pinecone trim. The shed is roughly eight (8) feet in height but will not be visible from a public right-of-way.
Mass Timber code modernization and update: Through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition (OMTC) $41.4 million to develop and expand Oregon’s emerging Mass Timber industry, with an emphasis on utilizing mass timber products in prefabricated/modular home construction. The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is utilizing funding through this grant to help cities update and modernize local development codes to encourage the use of mass timber modular housing.
Consistent with the federal grant award, DLCD staff prioritized assistance to wildfire affected and rural communities and chose the City of Sandy. The DLCD and project consultants will assist in identifying local regulatory barriers to developing mass timber and modular housing. The next steps for project team will be to complete the following tasks for each selected community.
1. Provide Adoption-Ready Code Amendments
2. Engage Community Members Equitably
3. Provide Additional Capacity to assist in local planning commission and city council work sessions and adoption hearings.
Hoodview Heights subdivision: The builders in the Hood View Heights Subdivision applied for variances to two of their homes to be built with their front façade facing the interior street Metolius Avenue rather than to a transit street, which in their case is Hwy 26. The Sandy Municipal Code (SMC) requires homes to face a transit street rather than a local street when applicable. Because of the speed of Hwy 26, the slope of road right of way and the lack of access, the City granted the variances with conditions of approval.
Due to the ambient noise generated by average daily traffic along Hwy 26 reaching approximately 20,000 vehicles a day, the Planning Division is requiring concrete sound abatement fencing or wall structures six feet high along all property lines abutting Hwy 26. For all future variance requests of a similar nature in this subdivision, the applicant shall maintain a uniform appearance using the same fencing material and the same style of material as used to fulfill this condition. The style of concrete panel fencing agreed upon is from Verti-Crete, which is shown in the picture below:
Development Services Code enforcement items:
A-Frame Signs: As part of a weekly sign audit, the code enforcement specialist initiated an audit of A-frame signs including those left up outside of operating hours, those placed without permission of property owners, and businesses with multiple unpermitted signs.
Business Licenses: In an effort to enforce the requirement for businesses to operate with a valid business license, an audit was performed to identify and notify those businesses who operate within Sandy which have never had a business license. 55 Businesses were identified in the first phase of this audit with 12 new licenses obtained to date. A second phase begins December 1st to ensure renewals for 2024.
Comprehensive Plan Update: The City Council and Planning Commission held a joint work session on October 16 to discuss the Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA) and economic development goals associated with the comprehensive plan. City staff then coordinated with both the Council and Commission to obtain additional feedback through email. In addition to the EOA, we are anticipating holding a joint work session on the Housing Needs Analysis (HNA) on December 4. Once we establish a factual base for economic development and housing through the EOA and HNA, we will be moving forward with creation of goals and policies for Block 3 of the Comprehensive Plan which is related to Housing, Economic Development, Governance, and Growth Management.
Sandy Fred Meyer: Fred Meyer Stores, Inc. has submitted plans for an interior remodel. The renovations will most likely start in March, and planned work is set to last a minimum of 120 days. The store will stay open during the renovation, and renovations are planned to take place entirely inside the building. However, to economize space inside, the applicant has requested to create two temporary storage areas outside their building in their parking lot.
The project went through a Type I Site Design Review to review how the parking area was going to be affected. All trailer and storage container locations will have fencing and have indicated to not impede any clear vision along parking area routes. The applicant has provided a vehicle circulation map which indicates the existing fuel truck maneuvering routes shall remain unimpeded along with the coordinated access to the on-site vehicle electric charging stations.
Urban Renewal grant programs: We are shifting some work responsibilities around at City Hall and decided to move urban renewal grant projects back to the Development Services Department. The grant programs will be overseen by the Director. If you get inquiries please forward them to koneill@ci.sandy.or.us.
37220 Dubarko Roadhouse Addition (23-031 DR/FSH): Staff issued a decision on October 31 to allow the house addition but is requiring the removal of the shed and synthetic turf from City property, and an evaluation from an engineer on the retaining wall. The property owner will also be required to plant street trees and make a few other small property modifications. More information can be found, here: https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/planning/project/37220-dubarko-addition
Tupper Park improvements: The City of Sandy’s Parks and Recreation Department removed seven (7) Birch Trees and two (2) Fir Trees inside Tupper Park on September 6, 2023, as they were dead or in severe decline and presented a hazard to the public. Removal of a hazard tree requires replanting at a minimum 2 to 1 ratio. Thus, the Parks and Recreation Department will replace the nine (9) hazard trees with eighteen (18) mitigation trees. Parks and Recreation Department is evaluating where they would like to plant the trees but, has stated that they would like to incorporate the replacement trees, specifically Black Tupelo, along the frontages of Strawbridge Pkwy and Tupper Road.
Tickle Creek Restoration Project: The intent of the Tickle Creek Restoration Project is to improve riparian health and protect water quality along a section of the Tickle Creek Stream Corridor between 362nd Ave to a location near Hwy 211 in Sandy. This section of Tickle Creek is about two miles upstream from Sandy’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The 1.8-mile Tickle Creek Trail travels along parts of this corridor and was built in 2010 (see exhibit map of management area).
The project has three goals: reduce non-native plants in the riparian corridor; increase native plants, particularly shade providing conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs; and mitigate erosion and soil compaction from off-trail disturbance. Mitigation of off-trail activity will consist of strategic placement of plants and woody debris to prevent or deter access to impacted areas and to facilitate natural soil recovery. Work is expected to occur between October 2023 and October 2026.
Development Services Code enforcement items:
As of October 1st, 341 code enforcement cases were active. Of those, 109 were confirmed as Civil Infraction cases for the Community Service Officer and 199 were confirmed as City Infraction cases for the Municipal Code Enforcement Specialist. The remaining 33 cases were duplicates or not within the scope of code enforcement.
During the month of October, 159 City Infraction cases were resolved. Of the 159 resolved cases:
61% were Noxious Vegetation and Junk Accumulation (Title 8.16)
25% were Street Trees (Title 12)
6% were Sign Code (Title 15)
5% were Sidewalk Maintenance (Title 15)
2% were Dark Sky Ordinance (Title 15)
1% were Business License (Title 5)
(86% of resolved cases achieved compliance after a single notification of non-compliance.14% achieved compliance after a second notification with warning of citation.)
DLCD Housing Assistance Grant: The City of Sandy was awarded a $50,000 housing assistance grant from DLCD. This grant will be used to fulfill our House Bill 2003 obligation to complete a housing production strategy by the end of 2025. The City will be matching with approximately $20,000 as included in the budget. Executive Assistant Rebecca Casey was instrumental in the City being awarded this grant.
Mass Timber Code-Up Grant: The City of Sandy was awarded a mass timber code-up grant from DLCD. This grant will provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions for updating planning and development codes to allow and encourage the development of mass timber modular housing in communities that could be impacted by wildfire. There are no matching grant money obligations from the City.
Sandy Community Campus Park (23-020 DR/CUP/VAR/FSH/TREE):On September 25, 2023, the Planning Commission approved the Sandy Community Campus Park land use application, including a conditional use permit and four special variances. The final order was issued on October 2. Development Services Department staff is looking forward to working with the Parks and Recreation Department and their contractor on moving forward with the development of the park. More information can be found, here: https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/planning/project/sandy-community-campus-park
37220 Dubarko Roadhouse Addition (23-031 DR/FSH): The property owners desire to construct a two-story addition within 80 feet of the top of bank of Tickle Creek. According to the applicant, the entire subject property is located within the Flood Slope Hazard (FSH) Overlay and the majority of the property is located within the 80-foot restricted development area to the top of bank of Tickle Creek. City staff will also be evaluating the encroachments (shed, retaining wall, and synthetic turf) that was installed on City property to the west of 37220 Dubarko Road in a location that is planned for the Tickle Creek Trail. More information can be found, here: https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/planning/project/37220-dubarko-addition
Timber Grove Job Site Trailer – Holt Homes (23-035 TEMP): A temporary sales/contractor’s trailer was approved by staff on September 22nd for 12 months for the Timber Grove subdivision, located between Hwy 26 and SE Vista Loop Drive. The trailer will serve to help the developer coordinate the sales of lots and the construction of new single family homes in the northwest section of town.
39600 Evans Street Duplex (23-037 DR): In February 2023, a single-family dwelling at this address sustained structural damage due to a fire and has since been demolished. In June of 2023, the property owners started the process of rebuilding and with a zoning designation of R-3 (High Density Residential), they decided to increase the density. Staff will be completing a conditional approval in the first half of October for two separate duplexes totaling four dwelling units, two to be built now and two to be built at a later date when the moratorium is lifted.
Code enforcement items:
Development Services’ new Code Enforcement Specialist has hit the ground running and is currently assisting our Community Service Officer with the backlog of code enforcement items around the City. Going forward, Mr. Relyea will be responsible for addressing the following code enforcement issues in Sandy:
Weeds & junk accumulation
Mud & debris on city streets
Residential property issues
Street and hazard trees
Land use violations
Commercial business/property issues
Dangerous & derelict buildings
Street, sidewalk and public property issues
Signs & sign code
For now, both positions are working diligently on eliminating the backlog while addressing new items that staff has not had the capacity to address until now due to understaffing. In addition, Mr. Relyea has been focusing on a couple of specific areas including the Sandy Marketplace, and visible items (street trees, junk accumulation, weeds and noxious vegetation) in residential areas. Going forward, this section of the department report will include monthly statistics showing how many code issues have been addressed and completed by type, as well as an occasional brief narrative to describe commercial issues and larger enforcement actions taken.
New Development Services Employees: The Development Services Department has hired two new employees that are both scheduled to start work for the City in September. These two employees will share an office in City Hall that was previously shared by the Senior Planner and Associate Planner.
Chris Relyea is the new Code Enforcement Specialist and starts on September 11. He will be the first employee in this new role that was supported by the City Council with the 2023/2025 biennium budget. This position will relieve our existing code enforcement position in the Police Department of some of his duties that are Development Services related and also will enable the City to become more proactive in code enforcement actions. Mr. Relyea is a Sandy resident and has opted for a career change into the world of local government employment. He has many years of experience in streamlining processes, leading projects, and creative problem solving.
Patrick Depa is the City of Sandy’s new Senior Planner and starts on September 18. This position has been vacant since early March when Emily Meharg left for the City of Portland. The responsibilities of this position are primarily related to land use review, long range planning, and urban renewal projects. This position will also work with Code Enforcement, Economic Development and Public Works to achieve their goals. Mr. Depa has many years of experience in local planning and was most recently working as an associate planner for Benton County. In his role with Benton County he was responsible for overseeing planning in Adair Village, Monroe, and Philomath.
The Development Services Department is excited to welcome both Chris and Patrick! If you are in City Hall, please stop by and introduce yourself.
362nd Ave and Bell Street Extension (22-003 FSH/MP): All street lights on both Bell Street and 362nd Avenue have been installed. The paving of 362nd Avenue is now complete with the exception of stitching the new surface into the existing surface at Highway 26. The last remaining piece of major equipment to be installed is the signal controller for the traffic lights – the controller was installed earlier and found to be faulty and in need of replacement – the contractor is currently waiting on the replacement unit to arrive.
With the median swales, pedestrian infrastructure, street trees and street lights now installed for the entirety of the project, this project is now functionally complete except for the work detailed above. Target for completing the installation of signal controller and all other remaining work is now projected to be mid to late September.
Sandy Community Campus Park (File No. 23-020 DR/CUP/VAR/FSH/TREE): Staff received the initial application on June 22 and additional materials throughout July. The application was deemed complete on July 24, 2023. The application is tentatively scheduled before the Planning Commission on September 25, 2023.
Clear and Objective Code Audit: In late June, the City Council and Planning Commission held a joint work session to discuss the updates to the Clear and Objective Audit. At the work session there was also discussion on several key policy decisions. The Clear and Objective Audit code modifications will be brought back at a future work session, most likely on October 2, 2023. The next work session was originally scheduled for early September but has been rescheduled so that a few legislative code modifications can be added to the project.
Sandy Family Restaurant/Ria’s – emergency food cart (23-023 DR): After the kitchen fire that occurred at Sandy Family Restaurant, City staff worked quickly with the business owner and Fire District to approve the siting of a food cart for use as a temporary kitchen while repairs are made to the fire damaged kitchen inside the building.
Comprehensive Plan: See updates on specific events relating to the Comprehensive Plan that took place in July in the Economic Development department report. There were no planning updates to this process in July. Department update: Staffing Update: Interviews for the senior planner position were held on July 27, 2023. An offer has been accepted for the position with a start date in mid-September. There will be more information to follow on the senior planner. Staff posted the new code enforcement specialist position on the City website on July 17, 2023. The code enforcement specialist job posting closes on August 6.
Attached is an updated spreadsheet showing all approved residential development, including multifamily dwelling units, through June 30, 2023. We issued 7 single family homes and 4 duplexes between April and June. During this time, Ten Eyck Rim to the north of the Police Station, was platted. Also, during this time, State Street Homes and Cascade Creek Apartments were approved by the Planning Commission. All lots in Jewelberry Ridge and Marin’s Viewpoint have been issued and those two subdivisions have been removed from the spreadsheet.
Two houses are currently ready for issuance and staff is in the process of reviewing two single family homes in Jewelberry Meadows. Staff is actively working with the developers of The Pad Townhouses (actually apartments) to the south of Joe’s Donuts and expect permits for that apartment complex to be issued in 2023.
You will receive the next update in October 2023.
Planning Department items:
Cascade Creek Apartments (22-039 DR/MP/TREE): This application for a 78 unit (formerly 80 units) mixed-use multi-family development with 10 office spaces to the north of Bornstedt Park and south of Highway 211 went before the Planning Commission on June 26th. The Planning Commission approved the Cascade Creek Mixed-Use Development with a vote of 5:0. The development will include 78 multifamily dwelling units in six buildings and office space on the ground floor of two of the buildings. The development will also include an expansion to Village Blvd. and an extension of Cascadia Village Drive.
362nd Ave and Bell Street Extension (22-003 FSH/MP): Grading of both roads is now complete, and the surface has been installed from Sandy High School to the end of Bell Street. With the median swales, pedestrian infrastructure and street trees now installed for the entirety of the project, the Bell Street segment is essentially finished except for the streetlights – these are on site but not yet installed. Target for completing the paving of the entirety of 362nd is the second week of July. This project should be open to the public by the time the next department report is available.
Clear and Objective Code Audit: On June 20, 2023, the City Council and Planning Commission held a joint work session to discuss the updates to the Clear and Objective Audit. At the work session there was also discussion on several key policy decisions. The Clear and Objective Audit code modifications will be brought back at a future work session on September 5, 2023.
Transportation System Plan (TSP): On June 20, 2023, the City Council voted to adopt the new Transportation System Plan as Ordinance No. 2023-24.
Comprehensive Plan – public outreach: We are asking the community to take our Comprehensive Plan survey which will be live through the summer! The feedback from this new survey will support the development of goals and policies in the Envision Sandy 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Look for our staff and consultants in the City Hall parking lot at the Sandy Mountain Festival on Saturday, July 8th!
Comprehensive Plan – Block 2: City staff and 3J Consulting continue to work diligently on the second block of the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, which include natural hazards, parks and recreation, and natural resources. The City Council was given an opportunity to provide feedback in mid-June. The CAC and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to review and provide feedback at a meeting on July 13. We will then hold a work session on August 7 to discuss all of the input and work on finalizing the goals and policies for the second block.
Department update: Staffing Update: The job posting for the senior planner position has closed. Interviews for this position will be held in July. Staff is working on finishing the job description for the new code enforcement specialist position and will post the job opening for this position in July as well. Development Services Department staff and Police Department staff are coordinating the division of code enforcement responsibilities and will create a webpage for the public in the near future.
State Street Homes (2022-31 DR/VAR/TREE): The application for this mixed-use building with three floors of multi-family housing (42 units) and one floor of self-service storage was approved by the Planning Commission. The developer may now move forward with building permits and grading.
Ron Johnston subdivision (2022-053 SUB): Staff issued a decision of approval in May and no appeal was filed. This application to create a manufactured dwelling park subdivision per ORS 92.830-92.845 will not add any additional dwelling units and is not subject to the moratorium.
Cascade Creek Apartments (22-039 DR/MP/TREE): This application for a 78 unit (formerly 80 units) mixed-use multi-family development with 10 office spaces north of Bornstedt Park is scheduled for the regular Planning Commission meeting on June 26th.
362nd Ave and Bell Street Extension (22-003 FSH/MP): Grading of both roads is now 99% complete (connection area to Hwy 26 is last section to be completed). Konell has installed the curbs, sidewalks and center medians for Bell Street – this work is now complete. The crew is also complete with connecting stormwater infrastructure in the area to the main that was installed last winter. The shafts for the traffic signal poles at the intersection with US26 are complete and ready for signal pole installation. Paving work on Bell Street starting at Royal Lane and ending at SHS is now complete – paving from Royal Lane to the 362nd/Bell intersection will be completed in June. Target for completing the paving of the entirety of 362nd is the first week of July.
Clear and Objective Code Audit: A work session is scheduled for June 20 at 6:00 PM to discuss the audit and seek input from the City Council and the Planning Commission.
Transportation System Plan (TSP): A public hearing is scheduled for June 20 in anticipation of the ordinance that will adopt the 2023 Transportation System Plan (TSP).
Comprehensive Plan – public outreach: We are asking the community to take our Comprehensive Plan survey which will be live through the summer! The feedback from this new survey will support the development of goals and policies in the Envision Sandy 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Throughout the rest of 2023, we will continue refining and developing the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies. You’ll see staff and our consultants at the Longest Day Parkway, the Sandy Mountain Festival, and at least one Farmer’s Market.
Comprehensive Plan – Block 2: City staff and our consultants are working diligently on the second block of the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, which include natural hazards, parks and recreation, and natural resources. The City Council will have an initial opportunity to provide feedback of the draft policies and goals by email in mid-June. After the City Council reviews, then the CAC and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to review and provide feedback. It is anticipated that we will then hold a work session in August to discuss all of the input and work on finalizing the goals and policies for the second block.
Department update: With the adoption of the 23-25 budget, the Development Services Department will be recruiting to fill two positions. Recruitment of the Senior Planner position will begin in June of 2023, and we hope to have a new urban planner with the City by the end of the summer. Recruitment of the newly created Code Enforcement Specialist position will begin mid-summer and we hope to have this newly created position filled by early fall. This is exciting for our small department and will greatly benefit the community.
In spite of the economic uncertainties and the unpredictable weather, our first four months of 2023 has seen steady building activity in Sandy. Permits for residential construction and commercial building projects continue to keep Sandy’s Building Division busy.
But the best news for the Building Division is our Permit Technician vacancy has been filled. Jann Reed started work April 4th. Jann previously worked for Mt Hood Community College for more than a decade. In less than a month’s time, Jann is doing a great job at keeping all permits processing smoothly, plus answering the calls, emails and over-the-counter inquiries. Rebecca Markham is doing a great job helping Jann learn our E-Permitting system, and the many other tasks involved with the Permit Tech position.
The number of residential and commercial projects has slowed down a bit from last year’s pace. However, the number of new residential dwellings and businesses continues to grow at a steady pace. Business licensing is now conducted online, which has helped streamline the process and lessen the backlog of staff work. Unfortunately, the number of reported commercial projects and residential projects being done without their required permits has grown. Sandy’s Development Department could benefit greatly by having a dedicated Code Compliance person.
In the Shaylee Meadows Subdivision, Lennar Homes has completed approximately 90% of their 100 homes. The last remaining lots have been excavated, inspected, and approved to pour the concrete foundations. The two original, model homes for the development are being converted back and made ready for residential occupancy. Needless to say, but ALL the contractors are thankful for the dryer weather, so that the Sandy soils can harden up.
In the 9 lot, Jewelberry Ridge Subdivision, Raze Custom Homes has 5 new dwellings that are currently framed and in various stages of progress. Jim Raze also has 3 more permits approved for construction. In the same subdivision, Rob Venema of Rosemont Development is nearing final completion of the first new home to be built in that small subdivision.
In the 20 lot Jewelberry Meadows Subdivision there are 2 homes that are completed, and 3 homes nearing completion. Jeff Saul, Russ Bartels and John Fouch are building homes in the subdivision. The builders in both the subdivisions are great to work with because they strive to provide a quality home.
Commercial projects include the following: US Metal Work’s Building B and Building C; the Bull Run Electric Building, middle suite completion; Michael Maiden’s façade improvements of 5 buildings and remodel of the foundry building; and lastly, the restaurant formerly known as The Red Shed is being remodeled to become the SandBar – Restaurant and Bar.
Respectfully submitted by
Terrence Gift, Building Official
Planning Department items: (There were no updates to Planning projects for April 2023 (with the exception of the 362nd & Bell Street project) due to staff shortages – project updates will resume in the next department report. Thank you for your understanding.)
State Street Homes (2022-31 DR/VAR/TREE): The application for this mixed-use building with three floors of multi-family housing (42 units) and one floor of self-service storage was continued at the February 27th Planning Commission meeting to give the applicant time to submit additional information and for additional public review. Additional materials were submitted to the City on March 21 and have been uploaded to the project page on the City website. Staff is working on a revised staff report for the continued public hearing scheduled for April 24, 2023.
City of Sandy Water System Master Plan adoption (2022-052 CPA): The master plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission on February 27; PC forwarded a recommendation of approval and adoption of the master plan with a 6:0 vote at the Feb 27 PC hearing. The City Council will consider an ordinance to adopt the plan on April 3rd.
Ron Johnston subdivision (2022-053 SUB): Staff received additional materials at the end of March and deemed this application complete on April 4, 2023. This application to create a manufactured dwelling park subdivision per ORS 92.830-92.845 will not add any additional dwelling units and is not subject to the moratorium.
Barlow Trail Vet Clinic (22-041 DR/ADJ): This application to build a new clinic on the lot between Pioneer Blvd. and Junker Street, next to the Sandy Action Center, is being reviewed by staff. Staff is currently waiting on some final submittal items from the applicant in order to complete this Type II review.
Cascade Creek Apartments (22-039 DR/MP/TREE): This application for a 78 unit (formerly 80 units) mixed-use multi-family development with 10 office spaces north of Bornstedt Park was deemed incomplete back in September. Staff received additional materials in early March and deemed this application complete on March 20, 2023. A meeting is being scheduled for the Planning Commission most likely on May 22 or June 26.
362nd Ave and Bell Street Extension (22-003 FSH/MP): Grading of both roads is now 99% complete (connection area to Hwy 26 is last section to be completed). Konell is installing the curbs, sidewalks and center medians for Bell Street, and this work is roughly 90% complete. The crew is almost complete with connecting stormwater infrastructure in the area to the main that is already installed. Northstar will begin drilling the shafts for the traffic signal poles at the intersection in early May. Paving work on Bell Street starting at Royal Lane and ending at SHS will begin in mid-May as well, weather permitting.
Clear and Objective Code Audit: City staff and the City attorney continue to work with the consultants on this code audit. We are hopeful that new code provisions will be brought forth this summer.
Transportation System Plan (TSP): City staff is working closely with DKS Associates and ODOT to complete the final analysis for the TSP. We are scheduled to have a work session on April 17, a Planning Commission hearing on May 22, and a City Council hearing on June 20.
Comprehensive Plan update: This project is ongoing, and a complete project update was performed at a joint Planning Commission/City Council work session on April 3, 2023.
Department update: The Development Services Department remains very busy. We have lost three employees since the beginning of February 2023. On April 4, 2023, a new department member, Jann Reed, joined the team as our new permit technician. Through the budget process we will evaluate new hires, including the potential addition of a code enforcement officer and possibly a new planner sometime in 2023.
