Planning

WHAT IS A TEMPORARY SIGN APPROVAL?
A Temporary Sign Approval allows businesses to install short-term, temporary signage on private property, in conjunction with special events, with appropriate regulations so that such signage will be compatible with surrounding businesses.

Most permanent, altered, or temporary signs require approval from the City. Sign regulations can be found in the Community Development Code Chapter 52.  Sign installation may also require a structural building permit. 

The West Linn Planning Department's long range planning goals include ensuring quality service to the public in response to the continuing growth and concerns of the community in planning issues. 

Annexation is the process to bring unincorporated property under the jurisdiction of the City of West Linn.  To be eligible for annexation, the unincorporated property must be adjacent to existing city limits and within the metro-area urban growth boundary.  By annexing, the property will become part of the City’s tax base and be eligible to receive urban services such as water and sanitary sewer.

The City of West Linn’s Goal 5 project originated from a Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) Periodic Review requirement to inventory and protect West Linn’s Wetlands and Riparian Corridors. Owing to the importance that City residents place on preserving natural resources, the City Council extended the scope of our Goal 5 work to include the inventory and protection of additional resources such as Wildlife Habitats, Open Spaces, Natural Areas and Historic Resources.

Home occupations provide convenient business opportunities, while maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood. City zoning regulations allow a small-scale business to be operated out a of a home. These businesses are regulated under Chapter 37 of the Community Development Code. 

To operate a home business, you must meet the following standards:

Development Review applications are for projects, including but not limited to design reviews, conditional uses, lot line adjustments, minor partitions, and variances. Pre-Application conference, Home Occupation, Sidewalk Use, Addressing, Sign, and Flood Plain applications require different forms.

All development applications must be submitted through the Submit a Land Use Application web form.

Comprehensive planning is a strategic process that defines community goals and aspirations for growth and development into the future. It encompasses policies related to transportation, utilities, land usage, environmental considerations, recreational facilities, and housing. These policies reflect the long-term vision and values of the community and also ensure coordination with other local jurisdictions and agencies.

The Planning Department reviews public and private development proposals to evaluate compliance with the West Linn Community Development Code. Development review is a formal process. Project applicants must demonstrate that all applicable Code requirements are met or will be met with conditions of approval before receiving project approval. The following outlines the typical sequence of steps in the application processing timeline: