Pre-Application Conferences

Pre-application conferences give applicants an opportunity to meet with City staff before filing an application. Staff will review submission requirements, approval criteria, site development considerations, and the overall process. These meetings are not public hearings and are not intended for public comment on specific proposals. However, community members may attend and, if time permits, ask general questions about the West Linn Development Code or application requirements. If the applicant later submits a formal application, the public will have the opportunity to review the materials and provide comments during the public comment period.

Pre-application conferences are advisory. Information provided is based on the limited materials available at the time of the meeting and is meant to give a general overview of applicable requirements. Additional issues or requirements may arise as the application develops. Failure to discuss a particular issue does not waive any standards or requirements. Applicants are responsible for demonstrating that all approval criteria are met.

Conferences are scheduled by staff on the first and third Thursdays of each month between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., depending on staff availability. Requests must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. at least 15 days before the desired meeting date. If staff capacity is limited, the meeting will be scheduled for the next available date. Applicants may choose either an in‑person or virtual format.

The fee for simpler proposals is $500. More complex proposals requiring engineering review are $1,500. After your request is submitted, staff will determine the fee and contact you to collect a credit card payment by phone. Checks may be mailed or dropped off at City Hall during counter hours.

Written permission from the property owner is required to schedule the conference.

To book a pre-application appointment, applicants must submit the following pre-application materials through the Submit a Land Use Application webpage:

• A completed Pre-Application Conference Request form with property owner signature(s)
• A written description of the proposal, including any changes to the site, structures, landscaping, parking, and land use
• A preliminary site plan showing:
  • Project address
  • Total site area (acres or square feet)
  • Known locations of existing utilities, easements, and the 100-year floodplain
  • Sensitive areas, including known wetlands or riparian areas
  • Configuration and dimensions of existing and proposed lots or tracts, including park, open space, or drainage areas
  • Location and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings and structures
  • Internal circulation, and locations of existing and proposed roads or roadway easements
  • Locations of existing and proposed driveways and off-street parking
  • Locations and widths of existing and proposed pedestrian walkways
  • Locations and widths of existing and proposed easements (access, drainage, etc.)
  • Locations of existing trees and proposed landscaping
• Payment of the applicable fee (City staff will contact you for credit card payment, or you may pay by check)

For questions, contact the Planning Department at 503‑656-3535.