2020 Geologic Hazard Code Updates

Geohazard Map 2020New Geologic Hazard Municipal Code Update

Revisions to the Geologic Hazard Code were presented to the City Commission, Natural Resources Committee, and the Development Stakeholder Committee. The proposed revisions were submitted to the Planning Department with a Legislative Application processed through the Planning Commission and City Commission for adoption.

A virtual online Community Forum occurred on September 23, 2020. A video of the Forum can be found at the bottom of this webpage.

The community forum consisted of a panel of speakers to speak about geologic hazards in general, as well as the recommended code revisions. The meeting also contained a question and answer session.

Additional public comments were presented at Planning Commission meetings in September and October 2020. The geologic hazard code was part of a larger set of code amendments proposed by the Public Works Department.

Geologic Hazard Community Forum Information

Panel members and speaking topics:

  • Dr. Scott Burns, PhD - Portland State University, Department of Geology
    • Slopes and when to be concerned; history of Oregon City
  • George Freitag, CEG, LEG, LHG - GRI, Principal
    • Rainfall relationship to geologic hazards
  • Tim Pfeiffer, PE, GE - Foundation Engineering, Senior Geotechnical Engineer
    • Geologic and Geotechnical Basis for the City of Oregon City Geologic Hazards Code
  • Tricia Sears, Natural Hazards Planner - Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD)
    • Geologic hazards planning in Oregon
  • Josh Wheeler, PE - City of Oregon City, Assistant City Engineer
    • Proposed code updates to Oregon City Municipal Code (OCMC) 17.44

The community forum started with short presentations by each panel member, and an audience Question and Answer session followed. The community forum was recorded and has been added to the City's YouTube page for future viewing.

The purpose of the community forum is to educate the public on the municipal code with respect to geotechnical issues, educate the public on various facets of geotechnical science, and to listen to concerns from the public so that the City may implement the best revised code possible as it looks to update existing codes.