Processes & Timelines

Land use decisions range from non-discretionary to highly discretionary, thus public noticing requirements are different for each type of development. Type I applications do not have any discretion, are not noticed by the public, and are not appealable. Type II decisions involve the exercise of limited interpretation and discretion in evaluating approval criteria, and are appealable to the City Commission. Type III and IV decisions are made by the Planning Commission and/or City Commission and involve the greatest amount of discretion and evaluation of subjective approval standards. More information can be found in Chapter 17.50 of the municipal code.

  • Land Use Compatibility Statement
  • Lot Line Adjustment/Abandonment
  • Lawful Nonconforming Use
  • Residential Single-Family and Middle Housing Construction
  • Zoning Confirmation Letter
  • Natural Resource Exemptions
  • Natural Resource Verifications

Please see the Oregon City Municipal Code for more information.

The following process describes the general timeline for processing applications. Links describing the processes involved with Type II, Type III, and Type IV applications are provided below.

  1. Pre-Application Conference (3 Weeks to Research): The applicant applies for a Pre-application conference to thoroughly research the development proposal before it is officially submitted. The public may request a copy of the information submitted and notes from the meeting. This process is required for all land use applications except Type I. 
  2. Submittal of a Land Use Application: The applicant applies for a land use application within 6 months of the pre-application conference. The application is reviewed within 30 days to assure that all necessary information is submitted. If complete, the 120-day "Land Use Clock" is started. If not, the application is on hold until all required information is submitted.
  3. Application Review (Within 120 Days from Complete Application)

    After the application is deemed complete, a notice of the proposal is mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the subject site, the neighborhood association, and affected agencies to allow for public comment. A sign is additionally placed on the property, information is posted on the City website, and depending on the level of review a notice is sent to a local paper.

    Staff compiles comments from the public as well as from other agencies and inside city departments. At this time the staff report is written detailing how the applicant did or did not meet the criteria set forth in the pertinent city code.

    A staff report is released describing in detail how the applicant met or did not meet the applicable criteria. If the land use process is a Type II (administrative decision) the staff report is the final decision unless appealed by people with standing to appeal. If the land use process is a Type III or IV, public hearings are held with the Planning Commission and/or City Commission. In this case, the staff report is a recommendation and the final decision rests with the final hearing body.
  4. A notice of the final decision is mailed to all parties of record and those who submitted comments and provided a mailing address.
  5. Appeal

An appeal hearing is held if the application is appealed.