April 2019 – Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) Update
A monthly snapshot of land use planning work going on in your neighborhoods. To dig deeper, go to the project website and contact project staff with any questions.
Useful resources
- Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC)
- View tentative upcoming PSC agendas and meeting schedule at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/312882
- PSC meetings are usually held at the 1900 SW 4th Building, 2nd floor. Meetings are streamed live on youtube.com/c/portlandbps and tape delayed on Channel 30.
- City Council
- View upcoming City Council agenda items at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/article/378315
- City Council meetings are usually held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Avenue and are broadcast live at: www.portlandoregon.gov/article/230361<http://www.portlandoregon.gov/article/230361
- Map App
- You can look at interactive maps, submit testimony during testimony periods, and read submitted testimony through the BPS Map App at https://www.portlandmaps.com/bps/mapapp/
- Portland Maps – Explorer
- You can look at existing zoning, building permit, transportation and natural resource information and more on the interactive Portlandmaps.com Explorer map at https://www.portlandmaps.com/bps/explorer/#/map/
Parkrose-Argay Development Study
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/77843
What:Exploring opportunities to create a complete and connected neighborhood on the 30-acre site at NE 122nd Avenue and NE Shaver Street
Status:Staff are working with stakeholders and a project working group to develop a concept for the site. Consultants and staff are using public input from the Vision Workshop to create several preliminary concepts.
Next opportunity to engage: A public workshop to explore concept plan alternatives on April 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 NE Shaver Street. Check the web site for details: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/726128.
Contact: Barry Manning, 503-823-7965, Barry.Manning@portlandoregon.gov
82nd Avenue Study: Understanding Barriers to Development
http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/index.cfm?&c=72125
What: Exploring ways to stimulate new development in this major north/south corridor, along with potential transportation improvements
Status: On March 12, the PSC unanimously voted (9 – 0) to forward the proposals to City Council. The PSC’s Draft Final Report of the 82nd Avenue Study (BPS), Recommended Draft of the map changes (BPS), and the 82nd Avenue Plan (PBOT) will be published in late April or early May.
Next opportunity to engage: City Council public hearings on the PSC recommendations, expected late May.
Contact: Marty Stockton, 503-823-2041, Marty.Stockton@portlandoregon.gov
Better Housing by Design (BHD)
www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/betterhousing
What: Updating rules to improve the design and livability of new development and expand housing options in Portland’s multi-dwelling zones
Status: The PSC is considering public testimony received in 2018 on draft proposals as they discuss and deliberate their recommendations. Final recommendations are expected in late April. The Revised Proposed Draft, incorporating PSC-requested changes, is available online: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/79029.
Next opportunity to engage: City Council hearings expected in Summer-Fall 2019
Contact: Bill Cunningham, 503-823-4203, betterhousing@portlandoregon.gov
Residential Infill Project (RIP)
www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/infill
What: Updating the rules that shape Portland’s residential neighborhoods so more people can live in them, while limiting the construction of very large new houses.
Status: On March 12, the PSC made several minor amendments to the Revised Proposed Draft and voted (5 – 4) to forward the proposals to City Council. The PSC’s Recommended Draft and an updated Map App will be published this summer.
Next opportunity to engage: City Council public hearings expected in the Fall 2019.
Contact: Julia Gisler, 503-823-7624, Julia.Gisler@portlandoregon.gov
Opportunities for Affordable Housing in Faith Communities
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/78009
What: Identifying and supporting organizations interested in using their property to develop affordable housing, supported by a Community Planning grant from Metro.
Status: Three community organizations were selected to receive consulting services to develop concepts for potential affordable housing development on their properties. The grant project may result in map changes and Zoning Code revisions to streamline City processes for nonprofit property owners wishing to use their land for affordable housing.
Contact: Nan Stark, 503-823-3986, Nan.Stark@portlandoregon.gov
River Plan / South Reach
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/42548
What: Developing an updated vision and implementing maps, code and action items for the future of the southern part of Willamette River as well as Natural Resources and Scenic Resources protection plans
Status: Some 90 community members attended a December open house to learn about and provide comment on what planners had heard during discussion groups and where the planning work is headed over the winter. See a recap: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/707565?
Next opportunity to engage: Public comments sought on the River Plan/South Reach Discussion Draft in late Spring 2019.
Contact: Jeff Caudill, 503-823-4572, Jeff.Caudill@portlandoregon.gov
Willamette River Greenway Inventory
Proposed Draft: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/713228
What: Revising maps, data and other information in the Willamette River Greenway Inventory
Status: On March 26, the PSC voted unanimously to recommend the draft inventory with minor amendments to City Council for a public hearing and final action.
Next opportunity to engage: The City Council will consider the PSC Recommended Draft of the Willamette River Greenway Inventory at a public meeting to be held the same day as the hearing for the River Plan/South Reach in early 2020.
Contact: Debbie Bischoff, 503-823-6946, Debbie.Bischoff@portlandoregon.gov
Environmental Overlay Zone Map Correction Project
www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/e-zone
What: Correcting the location of environmental overlay zones to better align with rivers, streams, wetlands, floodplains, forests, steep slopes and wildlife habitat
Status: Draft ezones for Southwest Hills are available for public review on the Ezone Map App (www.portlandmaps.com/bps/ezones/#/map/. Staff moving into SW Portland now. Columbia Slough and Columbia River draft ezones will be released in early summer.
Next opportunity to engage: Staff will present at SW neighborhood meetings in April and May. See project calendar for times and locations. PSC to hold public hearings in 2020. (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/77304).
Contact: ezone@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-4225
Historic Resources Code Project
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/58976
What: Updating the zoning code to change how the City identifies, designates and protects historic resources
Status: A Discussion Draft was released in January. Proposed changes establish new inventory and designation procedures, increase demolition protections and increase opportunities for adaptive reuse.
Next opportunity to engage: Comments on Discussion Draft due April 12. Revised Proposed Draft expected to be released summer 2019.
Contact: Brandon Spencer-Hartle, 503-823-4641, Brandon.Spencer@portlandoregon.gov
Design Overlay Zone Amendments Project (DOZA)
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/doza
What: Updating and improving both the process and tools used for design review
Status: The Discussion Draft is out, and the comment period has been extended to April 19. Staff will consider public feedback on the Discussion Draft as they develop the Proposed Draft, to be published in Summer 2019.
Next opportunity to engage: Project staff are meeting with community groups re: the Discussion Draft through April. A joint public hearing on the Proposed Draft will be held in late Summer 2019 with both the PSC and Design Commission.
Contact: Kathryn Hartinger, 503-823-9714, Kathryn.Hartinger@portlandoregon.gov
West Portland Town Center Plan
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/78949
What: Building on the 2018 SW Corridor Equitable Housing Strategy and past planning efforts, a West Portland Town Center Plan (WPTCP) is underway. This work will create a vision and identify actions to transition “the Crossroads” area into a healthy, inclusive and complete community. Work will cover housing and displacement, improved health and prosperity for low-income residents, transportation and stormwater improvements, economic development, zoning changes and urban design.
Status: All are welcome to kick-off community event, Saturday April 27 at Markham Elementary. First project Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting is on Monday May 6.
Next opportunity to engage: All are welcome to attend CAG meetings and there will be opportunity for public comment.
Contact: Joan Frederiksen, 503-823-3111, Joan.Frederiksen@portlandoregon.gov
Naito-Gibbs Refinement Plan
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/78530
What: Refining land use, circulation and urban design along SW Naito and around the Ross Island Bridgehead in South Portland. Work to begin in May.
Status: A Community Advisory Group (CAG) recruitment will open in late April/May, and CAG meetings will start in June/July.
Contact: Joan Frederiksen, 503-823-3111, Joan.Frederiksen@portlandoregon.gov
Neighborhood Contact Code Update Project
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/74046
What: Improving how developers inform the public about new development
Status: The Recommended Draft was released at the end of January, and City Council heard public testimony on March 6. Council introduced amendments and heard oral testimony on the amendments on April 11. The record for written testimony on the amendments is open until 9:30 a.m. on April 24, when Council will vote on the amendments.
Next opportunity to engage: Testimony on the amendments can be submitted to cctestimony@portlandoregon.gov.
Contact: Sara Wright, 503-823-7728, Sara.Wright@portlandoregon.gov
Bicycle Parking Project
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/70439
What: Updating the rules for bicycle parking in new development
Status: On February 26, the PSC voted to recommend the revised proposal to City Council. Staff are preparing the Recommended Draft, which will be released to City Council in Summer 2019.
Next opportunity to engage: After the Recommended Draft is released, there will be a City Council hearing in Summer 2019.
Contact: Sarah Figliozzi, 503-823-0805, bicyclecodeupdate@portlandoregon.gov
Portland Off-Road Cycling Master Plan (ORCMP)
http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/70151
What: Developing a connected, citywide system of trails and bicycle parks to guide the City’s investments in off-road cycling facilities over the next 15 to 20 years
Status: The Parks Board has commented on the draft plan; BPS will make revisions before the plan goes to City Council for adoption in 2019.
Next opportunity to engage: City Council to hold a public hearing in 2019.
Contact: Tom Armstrong, 503-823-3527, Tom.Armstrong@portlandoregon.gov