Just secured Site Development approval for improvements to a neighborhood commercial center in Tigard, Oregon. Owners will add six new parking spaces, an enclosed recycling area, several trees, a bicycle rack, and improvements to the storm water facility.
Author Archives: edmurphy
Zoning Map Amendment
Prepared an amendment to the Zoning Map from industrial to office that allowed OPUS NW Development Company to construct 172,000 square feet of Class A office buildings in Tigard, Oregon. Prepared narrative for the Zone Change; directed preparation of application maps and other exhibits; coordinated with architect, civil engineer; and traffic engineer on site design and traffic studies; managed neighborhood meeting process; and testified at a public hearing.
Comprehensive Plan Update
Part of a team retained to help the City of Oregon City update its Comprehensive Plan. Provided research, wrote technical reports, and prepared the “Commerce and Industry” and “Urbanization” elements of the Comprehensive Plan, including draft policies and strategies. The work led to an expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary around Oregon City, bringing in 453 acres of additional land for employment growth.
Local Improvement Districts
Local Improvement Districts for Street and Utility Improvements – Tigard, Oregon
Initiated a Local Improvement District (LID) on behalf of a major office developer for approximately 2500 lineal feet of street and utility improvements. Represented developer in meetings with the staff, presented testimony to the City Council at public hearings, reviewed and analyzed engineering reports. Initiated a second LID in the same general area of the City, which was approved by the City, but the improvements have not yet been constructed.
Zone Change and Site Development Review for Adaptive Re-Use of Building
Prepared applications for a zone change from Light Industrial to Industrial Park, along with applications for Site Plan Review, and variances on parking, percent of landscaping, and buffering/screening. Included preparing for and attending pre-application meetings with the City staff, organizing and facilitating neighborhood meetings, subcontracting for traffic engineering and site design services, preparing the applications, and presenting them to the Planning Commission at a public hearing. Resulted in adaptive re-use of an old industrial building into a recreational facility.
Concept Plan
Prepared a Concept Plan for a 60-acre area in Forest Grove, which addressed the provisions listed in “Title 11” of Metro’s Urban Growth Management Functional Plan, as well as other Metro requirements applicable specifically to this area. The concept plan addressed the basic land use types and density, the transportation and utility facilities needed to serve urban-level development, the protection of natural resource areas, and the provision of needed school facilities. It formed the basis for amendments to the Forest Grove Comprehensive Plan and the subsequent re-zoning of the property. Also oversaw preparation of a wetlands delineation, survey, utilities analysis, transportation analysis and preliminary subdivision plan for 172 lots.
Newly Incorporated Cities in Washington State
Provided “start-up” planning services for the newly incorporated cities of Newcastle, Lakewood and University Place, all in Washington State. Prepared Comprehensive Plans; Unified Development Codes (Zoning, Subdivision and Environmental regulations); street standards; and development review procedures, standards and fees related to planning, engineering and building services.
Development Code Amendments
Completed an analysis of issues relating to “community service” uses in industrially zoned areas for the City of Gresham, Oregon, with recommendations for amendments to the Community Development Plan that would prohibit community service uses not appropriate in industrial areas. Researched community services applications for prior 10 years, researched other city’s regulations and publications on the topic, wrote a technical report on findings, conclusions and alternative approaches, and drafted specific Development Code amendment language.
Revised Street Standards
Prepared new street design standards, including procedures for reviewing modifications, for Clark County, Washington. Worked with city engineering and planning staff, fire department staff, and representatives of the development community. Presented testimony to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
Annexation of residential Planned Unit Development
Prepared annexation, zone change and planned unit development application for a proposed planned unit development (PUD) on 131-acre site in Corvallis, Oregon. Advised on development plan. Facilitated four large neighborhood meetings, made presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council, and provided voter information materials.