Lake Oswego Planning Commission Work Session: Code Audit, Housing Amendments, and State Mandates - July 13, 2026

The Lake Oswego Planning Commission held a work session on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes from June 8 and June 22, 2026, community announcements, and two major work sessions: a code audit project update and the annual code amendments package. The commission also discussed state-mandated housing changes, requested a volunteer for a technical advisory committee, and announced an August recess.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved meeting minutes from June 8, 2026, as written (motion by Commissioner Guinea, second by Vice Chair Bruce; all ayes).
• Unanimously approved meeting minutes from June 22, 2026, as written (motion by Commissioner Call, second by Commissioner Sly; all ayes).

Community Announcements

• The Evergreen Neighborhood Association will host a National Night Out Block Party on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Evergreen Park (Third and Evergreen). Family-friendly fun, games, and potluck.
• The Bryant and Blue Heron neighborhoods will host a joint National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lakeridge Middle School. Free family barbecue with food provided by Pine Shed Ribs and Barbecue.

Discussion Items

6.1 Code Audit and Amendments for Housing and Business (PP 25-0002) – Work Session Three

• Evan Fredsted, city staff, presented an update on the code audit project, which was identified in the economic development and housing production strategy. The project aims to identify unnecessary code barriers and simplify permitting to support housing construction and business development while maintaining community standards. A companion rezoning for housing project is also underway.
• Since the last work session (August 2025), the city received $306,000 in grant funding, hired 3J Consulting as the consultant, and completed staff interviews. The next steps include stakeholder interviews with housing and business communities, neighborhood groups, and a public involvement strategy (open houses, surveys, online outreach) to be completed by September 2026.
• A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be formed, including one representative from the Planning Commission, Development Review Commission, City Council, DLCD, Metro, Chamber of Commerce, and community development representatives. The first TAC meeting is scheduled for September 2026, with meetings every other month until September 2027.
• The commission discussed metrics for success (e.g., reduced review times, code simplification). Staff noted the project will comply with state mandates and is expected to conclude with final code amendments by the end of 2027.
• The commission was asked to volunteer a liaison to the TAC via email; no commissioner volunteered during the meeting. Commissioner Abishon was already appointed as liaison to the Library Site Reuse Task Force.

6.2 Semi-Annual Code Amendments (LU 26-0019) – Work Session One

• Ellen Davis, senior planner, presented the 2026 annual code amendments, which include both maintenance items and policy amendments. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for September 14, 2026, with city council adoption in November to meet a January 1, 2027, state deadline.
• Maintenance amendments (items 1–14) include removing a COVID-era outdoor seating provision (never used), resolving conflicts between city and building codes for townhouse eave depths, clarifying accessory structure entrance requirements, and updating definitions (e.g., boat garage, top of bank, retaining walls). No questions or objections were raised.
• Policy Amendment 1: Remove neighborhood meeting requirements for middle housing land divisions (which only divide ownership, not development). Staff noted that state law prohibits public comment on such applications and limits appeals to the applicant. The commission expressed no opposition.
• Policy Amendment 2: Allow conversion of existing non-conforming carports to garages through a minor variance process instead of a major variance (which requires a public hearing). The change would apply to enclosures with up to a 20% expansion of the existing footprint. Commissioners supported this proposal to reduce development review commission workload.
• Policy Amendment 3: Comply with House Bill 2138, which requires allowing detached duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes (plexes) by January 1, 2027. The state has not yet adopted siting and design rules (expected by January 1, 2028). Staff recommended a minimal interim approach: allow detached plexes while retaining current standards for attached plexes, with all other zoning standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) applied equally. The commission discussed the differences among townhouses, cottage clusters, and detached plexes. Eric, staff, will provide a more detailed update on HB 2138 compliance at the second July meeting (date not specified).
• The commission provided preliminary feedback and will receive a draft public hearing package at the September 14 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• The Planning Commission will next meet on July 27, 2026 (second July meeting, agenda to include an update on House Bill 2138 compliance). Meetings on August 10 and August 24, 2026, are expected to be cancelled (August recess).
• September 14, 2026: Public hearing on the annual code amendments (LU 26-0019).
• September 28, 2026: Next work session on the code audit project (PP 25-0002).
• A volunteer from the commission for the code audit Technical Advisory Committee is still needed; interested commissioners should email Evan Fredsted.
• Commissioner Avishan was confirmed as the planning commission liaison to the Library Site Reuse Task Force.
• No formal votes were taken on policy items; these will be decided at the public hearing.