West Linn Planning Commission Meeting – September 2, 2026

The West Linn Planning Commission met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:01 p.m. in a hybrid format (in-person and via Webex) to conduct a regular meeting. The primary item was the adoption of a Final Decision and Order for a mixed-use development application (DR‑25‑04/LLA‑25‑02). The commission had previously made a tentative decision to deny the application on August 26, 2026. After deliberation and a brief recess, the commission voted unanimously to adopt the denial with specific findings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Collins, a West Linn resident and member of the Robin Wood Neighborhood Association Community Development Committee, spoke about the upcoming legislative review of the city's "Highway 43 Vision" project. She stated that the Robin Wood and Bolton neighborhood associations had repeatedly requested a physical open house before any code language related to the proposal goes before the planning commission. She expressed support for an in-person public opportunity to review and comment on proposed code and comprehensive plan changes. She also noted that Planning Commissioner Deetz had written a formal letter to planning staff making a similar request.

Discussion Items

• The main agenda item was the adoption of the Final Decision and Order for DR‑25‑04/LLA‑25‑02, a Class II Design Review and property line adjustment for a mixed-use development at 2410/2422/2444 Tannler Drive and 1800 Blankenship Road. The hearing and record had been closed on August 10, 2026, and the commission had deliberated to a tentative denial on August 26, 2026.
• Commissioner Shulte Hillen presented two versions of the motion: one denial based solely on Section 48 of the West Linn Community Development Code (a novel rationale not previously discussed), and another denial based on multiple sections – Chapters 21, 48, and 55. Chair expressed personal discomfort with the Section 48-only basis, noting insufficient time to fully analyze it.
• Commissioner Wolvotney preferred the version with all findings (Chapters 21, 48, and 55) and raised two concerns: 1) the inclusion of language about mandatory procedures under House Bill 4037 (effective July 1, 2026) in the first page of the decision, arguing that the “goalpost rule” allowed the applicant to extend the 120‑day timeline and thus HB 4037 could apply. The city attorney confirmed the applicant requested an extension and could have HB 4037 apply. Commissioner Wolvotney withdrew his request to remove that language but noted his objection for the record. 2) A minor editorial fix on page three to add a punctuation mark after Commissioner Dietz’s name.
• Commissioner Dietz questioned whether the supplemental staff findings (Exhibit A) should remain attached, as they supported approval criteria that contradicted the denial findings. Staff attorney explained that even when denying, findings must be made on every applicable approval criterion to show which criteria are met and which are not. Commissioner Wolvotney noted this was not typical practice in past denial decisions. Commissioner Kachariski expressed discomfort with the motion being presented fully formed without prior discussion among commissioners.
• Commissioner Salté questioned the thoroughness of the staff findings, noting many sections only had “Applicant response” without a city response, particularly for Chapter 74. The city attorney replied that staff adopted applicant responses as evidence they found persuasive.
• After a brief recess (from 6:37 to 6:47 p.m.), Commissioner Salté made a motion to adopt the Final Decision and Order with denial findings based on West Linn Community Development Code Chapters 21, 48, and 55, with the removal of Exhibit A (the staff supplemental findings) in its entirety, and incorporating the editorial correction suggested by Commissioner Wolvotney.

The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5‑0).

Key Outcomes

• Vote (5‑0): The Planning Commission adopted the Final Decision and Order denying application DR‑25‑04/LLA‑25‑02. The denial is based on failure to meet approval criteria under Chapters 21, 48, and 55 of the West Linn Community Development Code.
• The adopted order directs the removal of Exhibit A (the staff supplemental findings from August 10, 2026) from the decision document.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.