Homeowners in unincorporated Clackamas County could see up to four housing units built on lots currently zoned for low-density residential use under a proposed zoning overhaul headed to public hearing.

The changes would apply across Urban Low Density Districts and the VR 5/7 and VR 4/5 zones, including unincorporated areas near Stafford and Lake Oswego. Units could be in any mix of attached or detached configurations.

Ordinance ZDO-294, posted Sept. 21 on the county's planning page, also would let developers build single-room occupancies, or SROs, at three times the density allowed for regular dwelling units in zones that permit multifamily housing.

Both provisions stem from state mandates that must take effect by Jan. 1, 2027, according to a Board of County Commissioners policy session worksheet dated Sept. 15. The board directed staff to move forward with ZDO-294 at an Aug. 4 policy session. The estimated cost is about $30,000 in staff time from the general fund.

What else is in the package

ZDO-294 touches 21 sections of the Zoning and Development Ordinance (ZDO) and one chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Beyond middle housing and SROs, the ordinance would:

  • Create new procedures for notifying tribes with ancestral connections to Clackamas County lands when a land use application proposes ground disturbance.
  • Establish a process for designating significant cultural landscape features under Statewide Planning Goal 5.
  • Add Section 850 to implement Senate Bill 1561, which requires the county to approve restoration or replacement of a dwelling damaged or destroyed by a natural or involuntary event if the owner applies within three years. Replacement homes cannot exceed 125% of the original floor area.
  • Expand allowances for farm stores and agri-tourism on exclusive farm use land, implementing House Bill 4153.
  • Reduce side and rear setbacks for small accessory structures in parts of the FU-10 zone that carry Oregon City's low-density residential plan designation, dropping the minimum from 10 feet to 3 feet for buildings under 200 square feet and under 17 feet tall.

The middle housing land division process would also change. An existing single-family home or duplex could remain on one of the new lots created through a middle housing land division.

How to weigh in

Martha Fritzie, principal planner for the Clackamas County Planning Department, is the point of contact for ZDO-294. Written testimony sent to Fritzie by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, will be included in the Planning Commission's information packet.

The Planning Commission will hold a virtual hearing at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, via Zoom. Testimony received after the Oct. 14 deadline but before 10 a.m. Oct. 26 will be emailed to commissioners before the hearing.

The Board of County Commissioners hearing is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the BCC Hearing Room on the fourth floor of 2051 Kaen Road in Oregon City. That hearing will be available both in person and on Zoom. Written comments are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 2 to make the board's packet, or by 4 p.m. Nov. 9 to be emailed before the hearing.

Testimony can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, OR 97045. The full staff report goes online Oct. 19.