West Linn Planning Commission Meeting – 2025-08-06

The West Linn Planning Commission met on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. All six commissioners were present. The main agenda item was a legislative public hearing on CDC-25-01, proposed amendments to the Community Development Code regarding minimum/maximum density calculations, minimum density exemptions, and the shape of newly created lots. The Commission unanimously recommended City Council approval.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of July 16, 2025 meeting notes: The Commission approved the previous meeting notes unanimously with no edits.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was offered for items not on the agenda.
• During the legislative public hearing, no members of the public testified.

Discussion Items

• Staff introduction: New Community Development Director Steve Coper introduced himself to the Commission, noting about 18 years of planning experience and 20+ years in the Portland area.
• Preliminary legal matters: The City Attorney explained that the decision must be based on statewide rules, administrative rules under ORS 197, applicable federal/state rules, and the City's comprehensive plan and code. Failure to raise an issue during the hearing precludes an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). No conflicts of interest were declared.
• Staff presentation on CDC-25-01: Planning staff presenter Darren Wiss reviewed the proposed ordinance (Ordinance 1763) amending code chapters 2, 5, 24, 55, 85, and 99.
  • Topic 1 – Minimum/maximum density calculations: The code lacks a single clear-and-objective method. The proposal adds definitions for developable gross/net area, creates a calculation section in Chapter 5, and clarifies the 70% minimum density standard required by the Metro Urban Growth Management Functional Plan. Middle housing, planned unit developments, and certain partitions have exemptions.
  • Topic 2 – Partition minimum density exemption: The current code's partition exemption has been interpreted inconsistently. Using a 5-acre R7 example, staff explained the maximum could be 24 lots and the 70% minimum 17 lots, but applicants had interpreted the exemption as allowing only 3 lots. The amendment clarifies that the exemption applies only after completing the minimum density calculation and may allow a qualifying partition to create as few as two parcels.
  • Topic 3 – Shape of newly created lots: The amendment adds a definition of rectilinear lines and measurement rules to avoid unusable, irregular lot shapes, support future street extensions, and create consistent neighborhood frontages.
• Commissioner questions: One commissioner asked whether selling only a portion of a large lot would be blocked by minimum density rules. Staff responded that phased development or 'shadow plating' under Chapter 85 allows carving off a lot without preventing the remaining property from meeting minimum density.
• Staff announcements: Upcoming items include a second waterfront vision plan work session on August 20, adoption of Metro Town Center boundaries by the end of 2025, FEMA code amendment requirements, and three conditional use permit applications under review.

Key Outcomes

• Motion approved unanimously (6-0): The Planning Commission moved to recommend that City Council approve CDC-25-01 by adopting Ordinance 1763 as presented. The motion was seconded and passed.
• Next steps: The hearing record will be transmitted to City Council. Council has a work session scheduled for September 15, 2025, and a public hearing on October 13, 2025.
• Other upcoming dates: The August 20 Planning Commission meeting will include a waterfront vision plan work session and an initial town center boundaries discussion.