Community Planning Organizations Information

The State of Oregon established statewide planning goals in the 1970s. Goal 1 is community involvement — People should have the opportunity to be involved in the land use planning process. Clackamas County adopted a citizen participation policy in 1973, which established the Community Planning Organizations (CPOs). The CPO program is one of the ways Clackamas County satisfies the objectives of Goal 1. While CPOs still meet to discuss land use planning, many have expanded their purpose to include other matters of importance to their communities.

CPOs provide valuable insight on issues directly affecting the growth and livability of unincorporated areas throughout the county. Planning staff and planning commissioners consider CPO recommendations before making a decision on a land use application.

Fifteen days is the minimum. Any comments taken after that 15 days are also considered if they are received before a decision is issued by staff. All CPOs are encouraged to contact the planner in charge of a particular land use application if more time is needed.

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage all applicants to attend CPO meetings. Contact the chairperson of the CPO in your area to find out when your application will be discussed.

It is strongly encouraged that land use applicants attend CPO meetings when their application is discussed. The CPO usually has questions that the application may not answer. Being present and explaining the application in greater detail helps the CPO make educated, informed decisions.

CPOs discuss applications at publicized meetings or, due to time constraints, by appointed subcommittees. It is recommended that you call the contact person for the CPO to find out how applications are handled.

The CPO will discuss an application at a meeting whether or not the applicant can attend. CPOs are advisory, so their recommendation is based on the information they receive.

It is OK if the applicant does not agree with the CPO decision. He or she can always address the CPO's comments with the staff planner who is assigned to the project or present it publicly if the application requires a hearing.

Not usually. CPOs are only notified if the remodel is part of a land use decision, such as developments in floodplains or near principal rivers. Generally, most remodeling projects only involve permits such as building, electrical, plumbing or septic permits, which are not considered land use decisions.

View all CPOs in Clackamas County. (Some may not be active at this time.)

Anyone who lives, owns property or has a business in unincorporated Clackamas County can be a member of a CPO. Individuals who live inside city limits can be involved in their city's citizen involvement program.

Call the Community Affairs Specialist at 503-655- 8552. Additionally, land use notices sent by the planning division will identify the CPO for that area.