ISSUE
One quality that makes West Linn such a special place is its unique setting within its natural landscape. The City of West Linn and residents together share a commitment to protect the natural beauty and environment of our area. For many years, the City has led efforts to protect streams, wetlands, and wildlife.
The State of Oregon and Metro, under Titles 3 and 13, have adopted regulations intended to preserve the functions that streams and wetlands provide. In 2007, West Linn came into compliance with these regulations with the adoption of Chapter 32 of the West Linn Community Development Code. Since then, some community members have expressed concern with the regulations. Consequently, the City is initiating a process to evaluate the regulations to make sure that they protect the resources without unduly burdening property owners.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the project is to review the current Chapter 32 to determine if changes are needed to:
• Respond to community member’s concerns and issues;
• Provide effective resource and habitat protection;
• Comply with statutory requirements;
• Reflect evolving science and best management practices recommended by agencies such as Metro and the Department of State Lands;
• Reflect the lessons learned from a review of recent cases and trends ;
• Simplify the process;
• Avoid unnecessary restrictions; or
• Tailor standards to specific properties.
The City of West Linn’s Planning Commission has appointed three members to form the WRA Committee. Their task is to work with the community to formulate code amendments for the public, Planning Commission and City Council to consider and refine. If City Council supports the final product it is expected to be adopted in late 2011 or early 2012.
Generally, the WRA committee will be meeting at 6:45 PM on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at City Hall. You will find the agenda with all background material under the meeting date. All meetings are open to the public. Opportunities to help shape these draft regulations will be identified in the near future on this site. Please see top of page right for meeting date with agenda and background information.
IS MY PROPERTY AFFECTED?
Use this link to navigate the City’s mapping system which shows wetlands and riparian areas. Another method is to assume that any property within 100-150 feet of a stream, creek or wetland is likely to be in a WRA. To determine exactly how much of your property is potentially affected or how the current code may impact the use of your property, you are encouraged to contact Associate Planner Peter Spir at West Linn City Hall. He is available at pspir@westlinnoregon.gov. A site visit by staff may be required to make the determination.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
If you would like to be notified via email of any updates made to this page, please follow this link to “Planning What’s New” and sign up for the RSS feed.
HOW CAN I OFFER FEEDBACK?
Please use the online questionnaire on this topic.
