Planning and Zoning

Planning and Zoning

ZDO 102: Purpose and Scope

102.01 Purpose

This Ordinance is enacted to implement the goals and policies of the Clackamas County, Oregon, Comprehensive Plan (hereinafter referred to as the Comprehensive Plan) and to provide methods of administration and enforcement of the provisions herein described, as authorized by Chapter 215 of the Oregon Revised Statutes.

102.02 Conformance Required

Except as herein specified, no land, structure, or premise shall be used or transferred, and no structure or part thereof shall be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the zoning district(s) in which it is located. 

102.03 Violations and Enforcement

The County may enforce violations of this Ordinance as provided for in Chapter 2.07 of the Clackamas County Code.

102.04 Interpretation

The provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to be minimum requirements.  Where this Ordinance imposes a greater restriction than is imposed by other provisions of law, rules, regulations, resolutions, easements, covenants, or other agreements between parties, the provisions of this Ordinance shall control.

102.05 Saving Clause

Should any section, clause or provision of this Ordinance be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof other than the part so declared to be invalid; each section, clause, and provision hereof being declared severable.

102.06 Conflicts

  1. All other zoning ordinances or regulations, by whatever authority resolved or ordained, are herewith superseded and all such previous zoning ordinances or regulations are replaced. 
  2. If standards in this Ordinance conflict with one another to the extent that it is not possible for a use or development to comply with both, or all, of the conflicting standards, the conflicts shall be resolved by giving precedence as follows, in descending order of importance:
    1. Standards required in an overlay zoning district by Section 700, Special Districts;
    2. Standards required by the section of this Ordinance that regulates the underlying zoning district; and
    3. Standards required by Section 1000, Development Standards.
  3. If a standard required by Section 800 conflicts with a standard required by the section of this Ordinance that regulates the underlying zoning district or with a standard required by Section 1000, the standard in Section 800 shall apply.

[Amended by Ord. ZDO-235, 5/14/12; Amended by Ord. ZDO-266, 5/23/18; Amended by Ord. ZDO-268, 10/2/18]

Return to the Zoning and Development Ordinance main page. Contact zoninginfo@clackamas.us for additional information."

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ZDO 602: Business Park (BP), Light Industrial (LI), And General Industrial (GI) Districts

602.01 Purpose

Section 602 is adopted to implement the policies of the Comprehensive Plan for Business Park, Light Industrial, and General Industrial areas.

602.02 Applicability

Section 602 applies to land in the Business Park (BP), Light Industrial (LI), and General Industrial (GI) Districts. 

602.03 Uses Permitted

Uses permitted in each zoning district are listed in Table 602-1, Permitted Uses in the BP, LI, and GI Districts. In addition, uses similar to one or more of the listed uses for the applicable zoning district may be authorized pursuant to Section 106, Authorizations of Similar Uses. 

  1. As used in Table 602-1:
    1. "P" means the use is a primary use.
    2. "A" means the use is an accessory use.
    3. "C" means the use is a conditional use, approval of which is subject to Section 1203, Conditional Uses.
    4. "X" means the use is prohibited.
    5. Numbers in superscript correspond to the notes that follow Table 602-1.
  2. Permitted uses are subject to the applicable provisions of Subsection 602.04, Dimensional Standards, Subsection 602.05, Development Standards, Section 1000, Development Standards, and Section 1100, Development Review Process.

602.04 Dimensional Standards

  1. General:  Dimensional standards applicable in the BP, LI, and GI Districts are listed in Table 602-2, Dimensional Standards in the BP, LI, and GI Districts. As used in Table 602-2, numbers in superscript correspond to the notes that follow Table 602-2.
  2. Modifications:  Modifications to the standards of Table 602-2 are established by Sections 800, Special Use Requirements; 1012, Lot Size and Density; 1107, Property Line Adjustments; and 1205, Variances.

602.05 Development Standards

The following development standards apply in the BP, LI, and GI Districts.

  1. Outdoor Operations in the BP District:  In the operation of a primary use in the BP District:
    1. All display areas shall be located within a building. No outdoor display areas shall be allowed. 
    2. No outdoor storage of materials or products shall be allowed. 
    3. No outdoor processes shall be employed in the operation of the business.
    4. Receptacles for solid waste and recyclable materials shall be maintained within an enclosed structure.  
  2. Outdoor Operations in the LI District:  In the operation of a primary use in the LI District:
    1. All display of products shall be located within an enclosed building. No outdoor display areas shall be allowed. Notwithstanding these limitations, outdoor display of finished products may be permitted as a conditional use, as established by Table 602-1 and provided that, at a minimum, outdoor display areas and items on display shall:
      1. Not block visibility to or from any road or driveway, or block visibility of signs located on adjacent lots;
      2. Be located a minimum of 15 feet from the front lot line(s);
      3. Be maintained to project an organized and neat appearance at all times; and
      4. Only include finished products manufactured on, or sold on a wholesale basis from, the subject property.
    2. Limited outdoor storage areas shall be allowed, subject to the following criteria:
      1. Except as permitted as a conditional use, as established by Table 602-1, outdoor storage may occupy an area no greater than the area of the ground floor of the building(s) on the same premises.
      2. Outdoor storage areas shall be located behind the building, to the rear of the site, and not adjacent to front lot lines.
      3. Outdoor storage areas shall be screened with a sight-obscuring fence a minimum of six feet in height. Fencing shall be located behind the landscaping strips required by Subsections 1009.03(B) and 1009.06.
      4. Equipment, vehicles, materials, and other items located within outdoor storage areas shall be maintained in an orderly fashion and, except for large industrial or commercial vehicles and equipment, shall be no higher than the height of the fence.
      5. Outdoor storage areas shall not be used to store waste or recyclable materials.
    3. No outdoor processes shall be employed in the operation of the business.
    4. Receptacles for solid waste and recyclable materials shall be maintained within an enclosed structure.  
  3. Outdoor Operations in the GI District:  In the operation of a primary use in the GI District:
    1. Outdoor display of finished products is permitted, provided that outdoor display areas and items on display shall:
      1. Not block visibility to or from any road or driveway, or block visibility of signs located on adjacent lots;
      2. Be located a minimum of 10 feet from the front lot line(s);
      3. Be maintained to project an organized and neat appearance at all times; and
      4. Only include finished products manufactured on, or sold on a wholesale basis from, the subject property.
    2. Outdoor storage and processing are permitted, subject to the following standards:
      1. Outdoor storage and processing areas shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from the front lot line(s), a minimum of 15 feet from side or rear lot lines that abut a commercial zoning district, and a minimum of 35 feet from side or rear lot lines that abut a residential or natural resource zoning district.
      2. Outdoor storage areas shall be screened with a sight-obscuring fence a minimum of six feet in height and a maximum of 10 feet in height. Fencing shall be located behind the landscaping strips required by Subsections 1009.03(B) and 1009.06. Outdoor processing areas shall be buffered pursuant to Subsections 1009.04(D) through (F).
      3. Equipment, stockpiles of materials, and other items located within outdoor storage and processing areas shall be maintained in an orderly fashion.
      4. Waste materials (by-products that are not further processed or recycled on-premise) shall not accumulate in outdoor storage and processing areas for more than two weeks, except that waste materials from water treatment facilities or surface water retention facilities may accumulate for such longer period as necessitated by Best Management Practices for the facility.
      5. It shall be demonstrated through engineering and design or monitoring that outdoor storage of waste materials will not negatively impact ground or surface waters.

Table 602-1:  Permitted Uses in the BP, LI, and GI Districts

UseBPLIGI
Accessory Uses, Customarily Permitted, such as amateur (Ham) radio antennas and towers, arbors, bicycle racks, citizen band transmitters and antennas, cogeneration facilities, courtyards, decks, decorative ponds, driveways, electric vehicle charging stations, fountains, gazebos, HVAC units, meeting facilities, parking areas, patios, pergolas, plazas, property maintenance and property management offices, rainwater collection systems, satellite dishes, solar energy systems, stormwater management facilities, television antennas and receivers, transit amenities, trellises, utility service equipment, and utility service linesAAA
Accessory Uses permitted in the R-5 through R-30 Districts, except accessory dwelling units, listed in Table 315-1, Permitted Uses in the Urban Residential Zoning Districts, provided that such uses are accessory to a single-family dwelling that is a nonconforming useAAA
Arenas, Exhibition Halls, and StadiumsC1C1C1
Bus SheltersAAA
Composting Facilities, subject to Section 834XCC
Construction and Maintenance Contractors, including contractors engaged in construction and maintenance of buildings and their component parts (e.g., roofing, siding, windows), fencing, decking, building systems (e.g., plumbing, electrical, mechanical), landscaping, and infrastructure (e.g., roads, utilities).  Also included are excavation contractors, building movers, pest control services, and janitorial services.PPP
Dwellings, if developed as affordable housing, as defined in ORS 197A.445(1), and subject to Section 846, Affordable HousingPPX
Employee Amenities, such as cafeterias, clinics, child care facilities, fitness facilities, lounges, and recreational facilitiesAAA
Farmers' Markets, subject to Section 840PPP
Government Uses, unless such a use is listed elsewhere in this table as a primary or accessory useC2C2C2
Heavy Truck and Heavy Equipment Uses, including sales, rental, storage, repair, and servicing of heavy trucks such as dump trucks, moving trucks, and truck tractors; large construction equipment such as backhoes and bulldozers; large farm equipment such as tractors and combines; and large cargo trailers such as semitrailers. Sales, rental, storage, repair, and servicing of passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, and boats are excluded.XPP
HeliportsCCC
Industrial Trade Schools, including training facilities whose primary purpose is to provide training to meet industrial needs. These facilities also may be referred to as technical schools, vocational schools, and career schools. Industrial trade schools provide training in such occupational skills as welding, operation and repair of industrial machinery, and truck driving.PPP
Information Services, including establishments engaged in producing and distributing information; providing the means to transmit or distribute these products, as well as data or communications; and processing data. Examples include publishing industries such as book, periodical, and software publishing; computer systems design; internet web search services; internet service providers; radio, television, motion picture, and recording studios; computer data storage services; optical scanning and imaging services; and financial transaction processing such as credit card transaction and payroll processing services. These businesses primarily serve other industries or deliver their products to the end user through means other than on-site pickup by the customer. Few general public customer visits per day are generated.PPP
Large-Scale Laundry, Dry-Cleaning, and Carpet-Cleaning Plants
These businesses primarily serve other industries or deliver their services to the end user through means other than on-site customer visits. Few general public customer visits per day are generated.
PPP
Level One Mobile Vending Units, subject to Section 837AAA
Manufacturing, including establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products, including the assembly of component parts. Examples of manufacturing include alternative energy development, biosciences, food and beverage processing, software and electronics production, and fabrication of products made from materials such as metal, glass, rubber, plastic, resin, wood, and paper.PPP
Marijuana ProcessingP3P3P3
Marijuana ProductionP3P3P3
Marijuana RetailingXXX
Marijuana WholesalingP3P3P3
Miscellaneous Industrial Uses, including wrecking and salvage of building materials, equipment, and vehicles; tire retreading and recapping; and petroleum, coal, or other fuel storage, refining, reclaiming, distribution, and wholesale trade. These businesses primarily serve other industries or deliver their products and services to the end user through means other than on-site customer visits. Few general public customer visits per day are generated.XXP
Offices, including administrative and corporate offices and call centers. These businesses primarily serve other industries or deliver their products and services to the end user through means other than on-site customer visits. Few general public customer visits per day are generated.PPP
Outdoor Display of Products, subject to Subsection 602.05(B)(1) or (C)(1), provided that such display is associated with a permitted useXCA
Outdoor Entertainment Facilities, including amusement parks, circuses, carnivals, drive-in theatres, and racetracks for automobiles, dogs, horses, and motorcyclesXXC
Outdoor Storage Areas Larger than Allowed by Subsection 602.05(B)(2)(a), provided that such storage is associated with a permitted useXCA
Parking, Storage, Repair, and Servicing of Fleet VehiclesAAA
Parking StructuresAAA
Pedestrian AmenitiesPPP
Radio and Television Transmission and Receiving Towers and Earth Stations, provided that the base of such towers shall not be closer to the property line than a distance equal to the height of the towerCCC
Recreational Sports Facilities for such sports as basketball, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, racquetball, skating, soccer, swimming, and tennis. These facilities may be used for any of the following:  instruction, practice, and competitions. Only indoor facilities are permitted. Health and fitness clubs are excluded from this category but are included in the "retail and professional services that cater to daily customers/retail commercial uses" category.P1P1P1
Recyclable Drop-Off Sites, subject to Section 819A4A4A4
Recycling Centers and Transfer Stations, subject to Section 819XCP
Repair and Servicing Uses, including large-scale repair and servicing of equipment, machinery, and other products. Examples include authorized service centers, welding shops and machine shops. Products are received from and returned to customers primarily by shipping or pickup/delivery by employees of the business. Few general public customer visits per day are generated.PPP
Research Facilities and Laboratories, including product research and development, product design and testing, medical research, and medical laboratories. Medical laboratories in this category primarily serve other industries or deliver their services to the end user through means other than on-site customer visits. Few general public customer visits per day are generated.PPP
Retail and Professional Services that Cater to Daily Customers/Retail Commercial Uses, including the sale of goods and services to the general public. Examples of retail and professional services that cater to daily customers include rental and storage of passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, and boats; health and fitness clubs; daycare facilities; and financial, insurance, real estate, legal, medical, and dental offices. Auto repairing, overhauling, painting, washing, body and fender work, and reconditioning are excluded. Examples of retail commercial uses include sales of passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, and boats; stores; and restaurants. Sales of motor vehicle fuels are excluded.P5,6,7P5,6,7A8
Retail Services, including auto repairing, overhauling, painting, washing, body and fender work, and reconditioningXXC
RoadsPPP
Signs, subject to Section 1010A9A9A9
Surface Mining, subject to Section 818XCC10
Temporary Buildings for Uses Incidental to Construction Work, provided that such buildings shall be removed upon completion or abandonment of the construction workAAA
Temporary Storage within an Enclosed Structure of Source-Separated Recyclable/Reusable Materials Generated and/or Used Onsite Prior to Onsite Reuse or Removal by the Generator or Licensed or Franchised Collector to a User or BrokerAAA
Towing Establishments and Storage of Towed VehiclesXPP
Transportation Uses, including the transportation of cargo using motor vehicles or rail spurs, loading docks, and parking of cargo transport vehicles. Examples include freight terminals, parcel delivery services, moving companies, and parking facilities for long-haul trucks. These uses often are associated with warehousing facilities. Also included are parking, storage, repair, and servicing of fleet vehicles used for the transport of people. Examples include ambulance services and mass transit and school bus fleet facilities. Also included are commercial motor vehicle fueling services, such as cardlock fueling stations; however, motor vehicle fueling stations that cater to the general public are excluded.XPP
Utility Facilities, including:
Stormwater Management FacilitiesP,C11P,C11P,C11
Utility CabinetsP,C12P,C12P,C12
Utility Facilities, except Utility Lines, in Road Rights-of-WayPPP
Utility Facilities Not Otherwise Listed in Table 602-1CCC
Utility LinesP,C13P,C13P,C13
Warehouse Event Retail SalesA14A14A14
Warehousing and Distribution, including establishments primarily engaged in operating warehousing and distribution facilities for general merchandise, refrigerated goods, and other products and materials that have been manufactured and generally are being stored in anticipation of delivery to the final customer. A range of logistical services may be provided, including labeling, packaging, price marking and ticketing, and transportation arrangement. Mini-storage/self-storage facilities are excluded.APP
Wholesale Trade, including establishments engaged in selling and distributing goods and services to retailers; to industrial, commercial, or professional business users; or to other wholesalers, generally without transformation. Wholesalers sell goods and services to other businesses, not the general public.PPP
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, subject to Section 835PPP

Notes to Table 602-1:

1In Regionally Significant Industrial Areas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, Urban Growth Concept, places of assembly shall not exceed 20,000 square feet.

2In Regionally Significant Industrial Areas (RSIAs) identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, parks—intended to serve people other than those working or residing in the RSIA—and schools are prohibited.

3Notwithstanding Subsection 602.05, marijuana production, marijuana processing, and marijuana wholesaling shall be located entirely within one or more completely enclosed buildings. A maximum of 20,000 square feet of building floor space may be used for all activities associated with marijuana production, marijuana processing, and marijuana wholesaling on a lot of record.

4Recyclable drop-off sites are permitted only if accessory to an institutional use.

5Notwithstanding other provisions of Section 602 that may permit outdoor display, storage, or processing, these uses shall be conducted entirely within a building, except the following are permitted: outdoor seating areas associated with a restaurant, outdoor play areas associated with a daycare facility, and similar outdoor amenities. Drive-thru window service facilities are prohibited.

6In Regionally Significant Industrial Areas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, building floor area associated with each use shall not exceed 3,000 square feet, and the total building floor area of all such uses in the same development project shall not exceed 20,000 square feet. Notwithstanding these limitations, the lawful use of any structure or land as of September 9, 2013, may continue and expand to add up to 20 percent more building floor area. Outside Regionally Significant Industrial Areas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, the same standards shall apply, except that the single-use limit is 5,000 square feet of building floor area. However, the building floor area limitations do not apply to the following uses in the BP District:  destination restaurants that comply with Subsection 1016.05(B)(4) and provide lunch service; and hotels and associated convention facilities, gift shops, and restaurants.

7Lots of record created on or after September 9, 2013, shall be subject to Note 7 to Table 602-1 in lieu of Note 6 to Table 602-1. In Regionally Significant Industrial Areas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, building floor area associated with each use shall not exceed 3,000 square feet. Outside Regionally Significant Industrial Areas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, building floor area associated with each use shall not exceed 5,000 square feet. Notwithstanding these limitations, the lawful use of any structure or land as of September 9, 2013, may continue and expand to add up to 20 percent more building floor area. In all cases, the total building floor area of all such uses on the same lot of record shall not exceed 20,000 square feet or 25 percent of the building floor area on the lot of record, whichever is less. However, the building floor area limitations do not apply to the following uses in the BP District:  destination restaurants that comply with Subsection 1016.05(B)(4) and provide lunch service; and hotels and associated convention facilities, gift shops, and restaurants.

8This use is limited to indoor areas for retail display and retail sales of products manufactured by the same business occupying the premises, as well as related products. In Regionally Significant Industrial Areas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, building floor area for such retail display and retail sales shall not exceed 3,000 square feet per business, and the total building floor area of all such retail display and retail sales areas in the same development project shall not exceed 20,000 square feet. Notwithstanding these limitations, the lawful use of any structure or land as of September 9, 2013, may continue and expand to add up to 20 percent more building floor area. Outside Regionally Significant Industrial Areas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map IV-8, the same standards shall apply, except that the single-business limit is 5,000 square feet of building floor area. 

9Temporary signs regulated under Subsection 1010.13(A) are a primary use.

10Aggregate batch plant operations are a primary use in the GI District.

11Stormwater management facilities are a primary use if:

  1. They are underground, except for an outlet structure if applicable;
  2. They are vegetated, except for an outlet structure if applicable; or
  3. They are approved in conjunction with a development approved through another land use permit (e.g., a subdivision or design review).

12Utility cabinets are a primary use if they comply with Section 830, Utility Cabinets, or if they are inside a road right-of-way.

13Utility lines are a conditional use only if they are gas transmission lines or electric transmission lines.

14Warehouse event retail sales are permitted if the products being sold at the event sale are manufactured, warehoused, or distributed as a primary use on the subject property; no more than one event sale occurs each calendar month; a single event sale lasts a maximum of three consecutive days, which shall be Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday; and the event sales occur indoors.

Table 602-2: Dimensional Standards in the BP, LI, and GI Districts

StandardBPLIGI
Minimum Lot Size13 acres1 acre21 acre2
Maximum Front SetbackSee Subsections 1005.02(E) and (H).
Minimum Front Setback20 feet320 feet320 feet3
Minimum Rear Setback03,403,403,4,5
Minimum Side Setback03,603,603,4,6

Notes to Table 602-2:

xxxThe minimum lot size standards apply as established by Sections 1012 and 1107, except1 that no minimum lot size standard applies to a lot that is developed with a dwelling that is a nonconforming use. Notwithstanding the minimum lot size standard, a lot of record may be developed, except minimum lot size standards of Section 800 apply.

2The minimum lot size may be reduced to 20,000 square feet, subject to design review approval pursuant to Section 1102, Design Review, of the overall development plan for the entire lot of record, including access, circulation, parking, landscaping, and proposed building locations.

3The minimum setback requirements of Table 315-2, Dimensional Standards in the Urban Low Density Residential Districts, apply to dwellings that are nonconforming uses, as well as to structures that are accessory to such dwellings.

4Except as established by Notes 3 and 5, if the rear lot line abuts a commercial zoning district, the minimum setback is 15 feet, and if the rear lot line abuts a natural resource or residential zoning district, the minimum setback is 35 feet.

5The minimum setback for a silo, tower, or other specialized storage or processing structure (unless such structure is enclosed in a building) is 35 feet for structures 35 feet or less in height. An additional five feet of setback is required for each additional 10-foot height increment, or portion thereof, for structures over 35 feet in height. These greater setback standards do not apply if the lot line abuts an LI or GI District.

6Except as established by Notes 3 and 5, if the side lot line abuts a commercial zoning district, the minimum setback is 15 feet, and if the side lot line abuts a natural resource or residential zoning district, the minimum setback is 35 feet.

[Amended by Ord. ZDO-224, 5/31/2011; Amended by Ord. ZDO-231, 1/31/2012; Amended by Ord. ZDO-235, 5/14/2012; Amended by Ord. ZDO-243, 9/9/2013; Amended by Ord. ZDO-249, 10/13/2014; Amended by Ord. ZDO-250, 10/13/2014; Amended by Ord. ZDO-253, 6/1/2015; Amended by Ord. ZDO-254, 1/4/2016; Amended by Ord. ZDO-267, 8/28/2017; Amended by Ord. ZDO-266, 5/23/2018; Amended by Ord. ZDO-268, 10/2/2018; Amended by automatic repeal of Ord. ZDO-267, 8/28/2019; Amended by Ord. ZDO-280, 10/23/2021; Amended by Ord. ZDO-283, 9/5/2023; Amended by Ord. ZDO-285, 9/3/2024; Amended by Ord. ZDO-288, 9/9/2024]

Return to the Zoning and Development Ordinance main page. Contact zoninginfo@clackamas.us for additional information.

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ZDO 512: Village Office District (VO)

512.01 Purpose

Section 512 is adopted to implement the policies of the Comprehensive Plan for Village Office areas.

512.02 Applicability

Section 512 applies to land in the Village Office (VO) District.

512.03 Uses Permitted

Uses permitted in the VO District are listed in Table 512-1, Permitted Uses in the VO District. In addition, uses similar to one or more of the listed uses may be authorized pursuant to Section 106, Authorizations of Similar Uses.

  1. As used in Table 512-1:
    1. "P" means the use is a primary use.
    2. "A" means the use is an accessory use.
    3. "L" means the use is a limited use.
    4. "C" means the use is a conditional use, approval of which is subject to Section 1203, Conditional Uses.
    5. "X" means the use is prohibited.
    6. Numbers in superscript correspond to the notes that follow Table 512-1.
  2. Permitted uses are subject to the applicable provisions of Subsection 512.04, Dimensional Standards, Subsection 512.05, Development Standard, Section 1000, Development Standards, and Section 1100, Development Review Process.

512.04 Dimensional Standards

The following dimensional standards apply in the VO District.  Modifications to the dimensional standards are established by Sections 800, Special Use Requirements; 903, Setback Exceptions; 904, Height Exceptions; 1107, Property Line Adjustments; and 1205, Variances.

  1. Maximum Front Setback:  The maximum front setback shall be 50 feet from the centerline of 142nd Avenue, 75 feet from the centerline of Sunnyside Road, and 10 feet from lot lines abutting any other road.  The maximum front setback may be exceeded to the minimum extent necessary to accommodate proposed pedestrian amenities.
  2. Minimum Front Setback:  The minimum front setback shall be 40 feet from the centerline of 142nd Avenue, 65 feet from the centerline of Sunnyside Road, and five feet from lot lines abutting any other road. Awnings or other overhangs may extend a maximum of four feet into the minimum front yard depth.
  3. Rear Setback:  The maximum and minimum front setback standards for lot lines abutting 142nd Avenue and Sunnyside Road shall apply even if a lot line abutting 142nd Avenue or Sunnyside Road is designated as a rear lot line pursuant to the definition of rear lot line in Section 202, Definitions.
  4. Maximum Building Height:  Maximum building height shall be 45 feet.

512.05 Development Standard

Primary and accessory uses, including storage of materials, products, or waste, shall be wholly contained within an approved structure.

Table 512-1: Permitted Uses in the VO District

UseVO
Accessory Uses, Customarily Permitted, such as bicycle racks, cogeneration facilities, meeting facilities, property maintenance and property management offices, rainwater collection systems, satellite dishes, solar energy systems, stormwater management facilities, storage of building maintenance and landscape maintenance equipment, transit amenities, utility service equipment, and utility service linesA
Assembly Facilities, including auditoriums, community centers, convention facilities, exhibition halls, fraternal organization lodges, places of worship, senior centers, and theaters for the performing artsC1,2
Bus SheltersA
Child Care FacilitiesL3,4,C5
Civic and Cultural Facilities, including art galleries and museumsC1
Composting FacilitiesX
Daycare Services, AdultL3,6,C5
Dwellings, if developed as affordable housing, as defined in ORS 197A.445(1), subject to Section 846, Affordable HousingP
Educational InstitutesC7
Electric Vehicle Charging StationsA
Employee Amenities, including cafeterias, clinics, daycare facilities, fitness facilities, lounges, and recreational facilitiesA8
Farmers' Markets, subject to Section 840P
Financial Institutions, including banks, brokerages, credit unions, loan companies, and savings and loan associationsP
Fitness Facilities, including athletic clubs, exercise studios, gymnasiums, and health clubsC
LibrariesC1
Manufacturing, including the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products; and the assembly of component parts. Primary processing of raw materials is prohibited.P9
Marijuana ProcessingP9,10
Marijuana ProductionX
Marijuana RetailingX
Marijuana WholesalingX
Mobile Vending Units, Level One, subject to Section 837A
Offices, including administrative, business, corporate, governmental, and professional offices. Examples include offices for the following:  architectural services, business management services, call centers, employment agencies, engineering services, governmental services, insurance services, legal services, manufacturer's representatives, office management services, property management services, real estate agencies, and travel agencies.P
Offices and Outpatient Clinics—both of which may include associated pharmacies and laboratories—for healthcare services, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, counseling, dental, massage therapy, medical, naturopathic, optometric, physical therapy, psychiatric, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.P
Pedestrian AmenitiesP
Radio and Television Studios, excluding transmission towersC7
Recreational Sports Facilities for such sports as basketball, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, racquetball, skating, soccer, swimming, and tennis.  These facilities may be used for any of the following:  general recreation, instruction, practice, and competitions.C
Recyclable Drop-off Sites, subject to Section 819A
Research Facilities and Laboratories, including medical laboratories, medical research, product design and testing, and product research and developmentP11
RoadsP
Services, Business, including computer rental workstations; leasing, maintenance, repair, and sale of communications and office equipment; mailing; notary public; photocopying; and printingP
Services, Commercial—Food and Beverage, including catering and eating and drinking establishmentsL3
Services, Information, including blueprinting, bookbinding, photo processing, photo reproduction, printing, and publishingP
Signs, subject to Section 1010A12
Studios of the following types:  art, dance, and musicC7
Temporary Buildings for Uses Incidental to Construction Work, provided that such buildings shall be removed upon completion or abandonment of the construction workA
Temporary Storage within an Enclosed Structure of Source-Separated Recyclable/Reusable Materials Generated and/or Used On-Site Prior to On-Site Reuse or Removal by the Generator or Licensed or Franchised Collector to a User or BrokerA
Trade Schools.  Trade schools provide training in occupational skills. These facilities also may be referred to as technical schools, vocational schools, and career schools.C7
Utility Facilities, including:
Stormwater Management FacilitiesP,C13
Utility CabinetsP,C14
Utility Facilities, except Utility Lines, in Road Rights-of-WayP
Utility LinesP,C15
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, subject to Section 835See Table 835-1

Notes to Table 512-1:

1 use is permitted only if there is no opportunity to locate it either in the VCS District or on land zoned VCS prior to annexation to the City of Happy Valley.

2An assembly facility shall have a maximum capacity of 500 people.

3The maximum building floor area of the use, and any other limited uses, shall be 20 percent of the building floor area of primary uses in the same development.

4The use shall be integrated within office buildings and shall neither exceed 1,500 square feet nor serve more than 13 children.

5The use shall be located in the southern half of the VO District and shall be oriented toward the adjacent residential neighborhood.

6The use shall be integrated within office buildings and shall neither exceed 1,500 square feet nor serve more than 13 adults.

7This use is permitted only if there is no opportunity to locate it on land zoned Village Commercial District prior to annexation to the City of Happy Valley.

8Employee amenities shall be located in the same structure as the use to which they are accessory.

9This use is allowed only if it has physical and operational requirements that are similar to those of other primary uses allowed in the VO District.

10The processing, compounding, or conversion of marijuana into cannabinoid concentrates or cannabinoid extracts is prohibited.

11No operation shall be conducted, or equipment used, that would create any of the following: hazards, noxious conditions, or offensive conditions.

12Temporary signs regulated under Subsection 1010.13(A) are a primary use.

13Stormwater management facilities are a primary use if:

  1. They are underground, except for an outlet structure if applicable;
  2. They are vegetated, except for an outlet structure if applicable; or
  3. They are approved in conjunction with a development approved through another land use permit (e.g., a subdivision or design review).

14Utility cabinets are a primary use if they comply with Section 830, Utility Cabinets, or if they are inside a road right-of-way.

15Utility lines are a conditional use only if they are gas transmission lines or electric transmission lines.

[Added by Ord. ZDO-250, 10/13/2014; Amended by Ord. ZDO-253, 6/1/2015; Amended by Ord. ZDO-254, 1/4/2016; Amended by Ord. ZDO-266, 5/23/2018; Amended by Ord. ZDO-268, 10/2/2018; Amended by Ord. ZDO-280, 10/23/2021; Amended by Ord. ZDO-285, 9/3/2024; Amended by Ord. ZDO-288, 9/9/2024]

Return to the Zoning and Development Ordinance main page. Contact zoninginfo@clackamas.us for additional information."

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Hearings Officer: Z0032-26 - April 30, 2026

The Oregon City School District seeks approval of a Conditional use permit application at Candy Lane Elementary School to permit a building addition and associated site improvements. The proposal includes the construction of a new cafeteria building of approximately 4,520 square feet as an addition to an existing gymnasium. Other proposed improvements include the reconfiguration and expansion of an existing parking lot, construction of a driveway to Portland Avenue, construction of a retaining wall along Portland Avenue, relocation and improvement of a playground, construction of trash enclosure, and the construction of storm water facilities.

ZDO 315

315 Urban Low Density Residential (R-2.5, R-5, R-7, R-8.5, R-10, R-15, R-20, and R-30), Village Standard Lot Residential (VR-5/7), Village Small Lot Residential (VR-4/5), Village Townhouse (VTH), Planned Medium Density Residential (PMD), Medium Density Residential (MR-1), Medium High Density Residential (MR-2), High Density Residential (HDR), Village Apartment (VA), Special High Density Residential (SHD), and Regional Center High Density Residential (RCHDR) Districts

315.01 Purpose

Section 315 is adopted to implement the policies of the Comprehensive Plan for Low Density Residential, Village Standard Lot Residential, Village Small Lot Residential, Village Townhouse, Medium Density Residential, Medium High Density Residential, High Density Residential, Special High Density Residential, Village Apartment, and Regional Center High Density Residential areas.

315.02 Applicability

Section 315 applies to land in the Urban Low Density Residential (R-2.5, R-5, R-7, R-8.5, R-10, R-15, R-20, and R-30), Village Standard Lot Residential (VR-5/7), Village Small Lot Residential (VR-4/5), Village Townhouse (VTH), Planned Medium Density Residential (PMD), Medium Density Residential (MR-1), Medium High Density Residential (MR-2), High Density Residential (HDR), Village Apartment (VA), Special High Density Residential (SHD), and Regional Center High Density Residential (RCHDR) Districts, hereinafter collectively referred to as the urban residential zoning districts.

315.03 Uses permitted

  1. Uses permitted in each urban residential zoning district are listed in Table 315-1, Permitted Uses in the Urban Residential Zoning Districts. Uses not listed are prohibited, except:
    1. In the PMD District, uses similar to one or more of the listed uses for the PMD District may be authorized pursuant to Section 106, Authorizations of Similar Uses; and
    2. In the HDR, SHD, and RCHDR Districts, uses similar to one or more of the listed limited uses for the applicable zoning district may be authorized pursuant to Section 106.
  2. As used in Table 315-1:
    1. "P" means the use is a primary use.
    2. "A" means the use is an accessory use.
    3. "L" means the use is a limited use and shall be developed concurrently with or after a primary use is developed on the same site.
    4. "C" means the use is a conditional use, approval of which is subject to Section 1203, Conditional Uses.
    5. "CPUD" means the use is allowed as a conditional use in a planned unit development.
    6. "X" means the use is prohibited.
    7. Numbers in superscript correspond to the notes that follow Table 315-1.
  3. Permitted uses are subject to the applicable provisions of Subsection 315.04, Dimensional and Building Design Standards; Section 1000, Development Standards; and Section 1100, Development Review Process.

315.04 Dimensional and Building Design Standards

A. General:  Dimensional and building design standards applicable in the urban residential zoning districts are listed in Tables 315-2, Dimensional and Building Design Standards in the Urban Low Density Residential Zoning Districts; 315-3, Dimensional and Building Design Standards in the VR-4/5, VR-5/7, and VTH Districts; and 315-4, Dimensional Standards in the PMD, MR-1, MR-2, HDR, VA, SHD, and RCHDR Districts. As used in Tables 315-2 through 315-4, numbers in superscript correspond to the notes that follow each table.

Modifications:  Modifications to the standards in Tables 315-2 through 315-4 are established by Sections 800, Special Use Requirements; 904, Height Exceptions; 1012, Lot Size and Density; 1107, Property Line Adjustments; and 1205, Variances. Except in the HDR, SHD, and RCHDR Districts, modifications to the standards in these tables also are established by Section 903, Setback Exceptions.

Table 315-1:  Permitted Uses in the Urban Residential Zoning Districts

UseR-5 – R-30VR-4/5 & VR-5/7R-2.5VTHPMDMR-1MR-2HDRVASHDRCHDR
Accessory Buildings and Uses, Customarily Permitted, such as amateur (Ham) radio antennas and towers, arbors, bicycle racks, carports, citizen band transmitters and antennas, cogeneration facilities, courtyards, decks, decorative ponds, driveways, electric vehicle charging stations, family child care homes, fountains, garages, garden sheds, gazebos, greenhouses, HVAC units, meeting facilities, outdoor kitchens, parking areas, patios, pergolas, pet enclosures, plazas, property maintenance and property management offices, recreational facilities (such as bicycle trails, children's play structures, dance studios, exercise studios, playgrounds, putting greens, recreation and activity rooms, saunas, spas, sport courts, swimming pools, and walking trails), rainwater collection systems, satellite dishes, self-service laundry facilities, shops, solar energy systems, storage buildings/rooms, stormwater management facilities, television antennas and receivers, transit amenities, trellises, utility service equipment, and utility service linesAAAAAAAAAAA
Bed and Breakfast Inns, subject to Section 832CXCXXPPPXL1,C2L3
Bed and Breakfast Residences, subject to Section 832CXCPXPPPPXX
Bus SheltersAAAAPAAAAAA
Cemeteries, subject to Section 808CXCXXXXXXXX
Child Care FacilitiesCCCCCCCL4,CCL1,C2L3
Civic and Cultural Facilities, including art galleries, museums, and visitor centersXXXXXXXL4,C5XL1,C2L3
Community HallsCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUD
Composting FacilitiesXXXXXXXXXXX
Daycare Services, AdultCCCCCCCL4,CCL1,C2L3
            
Dwellings6, including:
Accessory Dwelling Units, subject to Section 839AAAAXXXXXXX
Congregate Housing FacilitiesXXXPPPPPPPP
Cottage ClustersP7,8P7,8XXPXXXXXX
Detached Single-Family DwellingsP7P7XXXXXXXXX
DuplexesP7P7XPPPPPPXX
Manufactured Dwelling Parks, subject to Section 825P9,CP10CXCPXXXXX
Manufactured HomesP7P7XXXXXXXXX
Multifamily DwellingsXXXXPPPPPPP
Prefabricated StructuresP7P7XXXXXXXXX
QuadplexesP7,8P7,8XPPPPPPPP
Recreational Vehicles as Second Dwellings, subject to Section 847PPXXXXXXXXX
Single Room OccupanciesP7, 11P7, 11XXPPPPPPP
TownhousesP7,8P7,8PPXP12P12XXXX
TriplexesP7,8P7,8XPPPPPPXX
Entertainment Facilities, including arcades, billiard halls, bowling alleys, miniature golf courses, and movie theatersXXXXXXXXXC2X
Farmers' Markets, subject to Section 840AAAAAAAAAAA
Fences and Retaining WallsPPPPPPPPPPP
Financial Institutions, including banks, brokerages, credit unions, loan companies, and savings and loan associationsXXXXXXXL4,C5XL1,C2L3
Fitness Facilities, including athletic clubs, exercise studios, gymnasiums, and health clubsXXXXXXXL4,CXL1,13,CL3,C
Fraternal Organization LodgesC14XC14XC14C14C14C14XC14C14
Government Uses, unless such a use is specifically listed as a primary, accessory, limited, conditional, or prohibited use in the applicable zoning districtC14XC14XC14C14C14C14XC14C14
Guest Houses, subject to Section 833AXAXXXXXXXX
Home Occupations, including bed and breakfast homestays, subject to Section 82215AAAAAAAAAAA
Horticulture, Nurseries, Hydroponics, and Similar Uses that Exceed an Accessory UseCXXXXXXXXXX
Hosting of Weddings, Family Reunions, Class Reunions, Company Picnics, and Similar EventsCXCXXCCCXCX
Hotels and Associated Convention FacilitiesXXXXXXXXXC16L3,C
Kitchens, AccessoryA17A17A17A17XA17A17XXXX
LibrariesCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDCPUDL4,C5, CPUDCPUDL1,C2, CPUDL3, CPUD
Livestock, subject to Section 821AAAXXXXXXXX
Marijuana ProcessingXXXXXXXXXXX
Marijuana ProductionXXXXXXXXXXX
Marijuana RetailingXXXXXXXXXXX
Marijuana WholesalingXXXXXXXXXXX
Multi-Use Developments, subject to Section 844CXXXXCXCXCX
Nursing HomesCCCPPPPPPPP
Offices, including accounting services, administrative, business, corporate, and professional offices, but not including offices for governmental uses. Examples include offices for the following:  architectural services, business management services, call centers, employment agencies, engineering services, income tax services, insurance services, legal services, manufacturer's representatives, office management services, property management services, real estate agencies, and travel agencies.XXXXXXXL4,C5XL1,C2L3
Offices and Outpatient Clinics—both of which may include associated pharmacies and laboratories—for healthcare services, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, counseling, dental, massage therapy, medical, naturopathic, optometric, physical therapy, psychiatric, occupational therapy, and speech therapyXXXXXXXL4,C5XL1,C2L3
Parking StructuresXXXXXAAAXAA
Pedestrian AmenitiesPPPPPPPPPPP
Places of Worship, subject to Section 804PPPPPPPPPPP
Produce Stands, subject to Section 815AAAXXXXXXXX
Radio and Television Studios, excluding transmission towersXXXXXXXXXL1,C2X
Radio and Television Transmission and Receiving Towers and Earth Stations18C14XC14XXC14C14C14XC14C14
Recreational Vehicle Camping Facilities, subject to Section 813XXXXXC14C14C14XXX
Recreational Uses, Government-Owned, including parks, amphitheaters; arboreta; arbors, decorative ponds, fountains, gazebos, pergolas, and trellises; ball fields; bicycle and walking trails; bicycle parks and skate parks; boat moorages and ramps; community buildings and grounds; community and ornamental gardens; courtyards and plazas; equine facilities; fitness and recreational facilities, such as exercise equipment, gymnasiums, and swimming pools; miniature golf, putting greens, and sports courts; picnic areas and structures; play equipment and playgrounds; nature preserves and wildlife sanctuaries;  tables and seating; and similar recreational uses19P20P20P20P21P21P21P21P21P21P21P21
Recreational Uses, Government-Owned Golf Courses19P20XP20XC14P21P21C14XC14C14
Recreational Uses, including boat moorages, country clubs, equine facilities, gymnastics facilities, golf courses, parks, and swimming pools19C14XC14XC14C14C14C14XC14C14
Recyclable Drop-Off Sites, subject to Section 819A22A22A22A22A22A22A22A22A22A22A22
Retailing—whether by sale, lease, or rent—of any of the following new or used products:  apparel, appliances, art, art supplies, beverages, bicycle supplies, bicycles, books, cameras, computers, computer supplies, cookware, cosmetics, dry goods, electrical supplies, electronic equipment, firewood, flowers, food, furniture, garden supplies, gun supplies, guns, hardware, hides, interior decorating materials, jewelry, leather, linens, medications, music (whether recorded or printed), musical instruments, nutritional supplements, office supplies, optical goods, paper goods, periodicals, pet supplies, pets, plumbing supplies, photographic supplies, signs, small power equipment, sporting goods, stationery, tableware, tobacco, toiletries, tools, toys, vehicle supplies, and videosCPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23L4,C5, CPUD23CPUD23L1,C2, CPUD23L3, CPUD23
RoadsPPPPPPPPPPP
Schools, subject to Section 805CCCCPUDCPUDCCL4,24,C5,24,CPUDCPUDL1,24,C2,24, CPUDL3,24, CPUD
Services, Business, including computer rental workstations; leasing, maintenance, repair, and sale of communications and office equipment; mailing; notary public; photocopying; and printingXXXXXXXL4,C5XL2,C3L1
Services, Commercial—Construction and Maintenance, including contractors engaged in construction and maintenance of electrical and plumbing systemsXXXXXXXXXC2X
Services, Commercial—Food and Beverage, including catering and eating and drinking establishmentsCPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23L4,C5, CPUD23CPUD23L1,C2, CPUD23L3, CPUD23
Services, Commercial—Maintenance and Repair of any of the following: appliances, bicycles, electronic equipment, guns, housewares, musical instruments, optical goods, signs, small power equipment,  sporting goods, and toolsXXXXXXXL4,C5XL1,C2L3
Services, Commercial—Maintenance and Repair of any of the following:  all-terrain vehicles, automobiles, light trucks, motorcycles, and snowmobilesXXXXXXXXXC2X
Services, Commercial—Miscellaneous, including food lockers, interior decorating, locksmith, upholstering, and veterinaryXXXXXXXL4,C5XL1,C2L3
Services, Commercial—Personal and Convenience, including barbershops, beauty salons, dry cleaners, laundries, photo processing, seamstresses, shoe repair, tailors, and tanning salons.  Also permitted are incidental retail sales of products related to the service provided.CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23L4,C5, CPUD23CPUD23L1,C2, CPUD23L3, CPUD23
Services, Commercial—Studios of the following types:  art, craft, dance, music, and photographyCPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23CPUD23L4,C5, CPUD23CPUD23L1,C2, CPUD23L3, CPUD23
Short-Term Rental in a dwelling unit or guest house permitted by this tableP25P25PPPPPPPPP
Signs, subject to Section 1010A26A26A26A26A26A26A26A26A26A26A26
Temporary Buildings for Uses Incidental to Construction Work.  Such buildings shall be removed upon completion or abandonment of the construction work.AAAAAAAAAAA
Temporary Storage within an Enclosed Structure of Source-Separated Recyclable/Reusable Materials Generated and/or Used On-site Prior to On-site Reuse or Removal by the Generator or Licensed or Franchised Collector to a User or BrokerAAAAAAAAAAA
Transit Park-and-RidesXXXXXXXXXXA
Utility Facilities, including:
Stormwater Management FacilitiesP,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27P,C27
Utility CabinetsP,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28P,C28
Utility Facilities, except Utility Lines, in Road Rights-of-WayPPPPPPPPPPP
Utility Facilities Not Otherwise Listed in Table 315-1C13,29C13,29C13,29XC13,29C13,29C13,29C13,29XC13,29C13,29
Utility LinesP,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30P,C30
Wireless Telecommunication Facilities, subject to Section 835See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1See Table 835-1
  1. The limited use is permitted subject to the following criteria:
    1. The use shall be allowed only in a development meeting the minimum residential density for the entire site area.
    2. The building floor area occupied by all limited uses shall not exceed 15 percent of the building floor area occupied by primary uses.
    3. No outdoor storage of materials associated with the use shall be allowed.
    4. The use shall not be of a type or intensity which produces odor, smoke, fumes, noise, glare, heat, or vibration which are detectable outside of the premises and are incompatible with primary uses.
  2. The use shall be developed in conjunction with a primary use on the same site, which is developed at the maximum allowed density for the site area.
  3. The limited use is permitted subject to the following criteria:
    1. The use shall be allowed only in a development meeting the minimum residential density for the entire site area.
    2. No outdoor storage of materials or display of merchandise associated with the use shall be allowed.
  4. The limited use is permitted subject to the following criteria:
    1. The use shall be part of a development within a Design Plan area.
    2. The use shall be allowed only in a development meeting the minimum residential density for the entire site area.
    3. The building floor area occupied by all limited uses shall not exceed 10 percent of the building floor area occupied by primary uses. No single limited commercial use shall occupy more than 1,500 square feet of building floor area.
    4. Allowing the use will not adversely impact the livability, value, and appropriate development of the site and abutting properties considering the location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the use.
    5. No outdoor storage of materials associated with the use shall be allowed.
    6. The use shall not be of a type or intensity which produces odor, smoke, fumes, noise, glare, heat, or vibration which are detectable outside of the premises and are incompatible with primary uses.
  5. The use shall be developed in conjunction with a primary use on the same site, which is developed at the maximum allowed density for the site area. The building floor area occupied by all limited uses, and by all conditional uses that are subject to Note 6, shall not exceed 10 percent of the building floor area occupied by primary uses.
  6. Dwellings not otherwise permitted in the applicable zoning district may nonetheless be permitted if they are developed as affordable housing, as defined in ORS 197A.445(1), and subject to Section 846, Affordable Housing.
  7. Except as allowed by Section 839, Accessory Dwelling Units, or Section 1204, Temporary Permits, each lot of record may be developed with only one of the following: cottage cluster development, detached single-family dwelling, duplex, manufactured home, prefabricated structure, quadplex, single room occupancy, townhouse, or triplex.
  8. The development of a triplex, quadplex, townhouse, or cottage cluster is subject to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters.
  9. A manufactured dwelling park that also qualifies as a cottage cluster development pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters, is a primary use. All other manufactured dwelling parks are conditional uses.
  10. A manufactured dwelling park that also qualifies as a cottage cluster development pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters, is a primary use. All other manufactured dwelling parks are prohibited.
  11. A single room occupancy shall contain a maximum of six units.
  12. For a townhouse, the minimum lot size is 3,630 square feet in the MR-1 District and 2,420 square feet in the MR-2 District unless, as part of an application filed pursuant to Section 1105, Subdivisions, Partitions, Replats, Condominium Plats, and Vacations of Recorded Plats, new lots or parcels are proposed for townhouses. In that case, there is no minimum lot size provided that the density of the entire development complies with the maximum density standards of Subsection 1012.05.
  13. Only indoor facilities are permitted.
  14. Uses similar to this use may be authorized pursuant to Section 106, Authorizations of Similar Uses.
  15. A use may be permitted as a home occupation, subject to Section 822, Home Occupations, even if such use is also identified in another use listing in Table 315-1.
  16. Hotels in the SHD District are limited to a maximum of 80 units per gross acre.
  17. An accessory kitchen is permitted only in a townhouse, a detached single-family dwelling, a manufactured home, or a prefabricated structure, to the extent that these dwelling types are permitted in the applicable zoning district. Only one accessory kitchen is permitted in each townhouse, detached single-family dwelling, manufactured home, or prefabricated structure.
  18. The base of such towers shall not be closer to the property line than a distance equal to the height of the tower.
  19. This use may include concessions, restrooms, maintenance facilities, and similar support uses.
  20. Any principal building, swimming pool, or use shall be located a minimum of 45 feet from any other lot in a residential zoning district.
  21. Any principal building or swimming pool shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any other lot in a residential zoning district.
  22. Recyclable drop-off sites are permitted only if accessory to an institutional use.
  23. The use is subject to the following standards and criteria:
    1. The use shall be located in a planned unit development (PUD) with a minimum of 100 dwelling units. No building permit for the use shall be issued until a minimum of 100 dwelling units are constructed within the PUD.
    2. The area occupied by all uses subject to Note 22 and located in a single PUD, including their parking, loading, and maneuvering areas, shall not exceed a ratio of one-half acre per 100 dwelling units in the PUD.
    3. The use shall be an integral part of the general plan of development for the PUD and provide facilities related to the needs of residents of the PUD.
    4. The use shall be located, designed, and operated to efficiently serve frequent trade and service needs of residents of the PUD and not persons residing elsewhere.
    5. The use shall not, by reason of its location, construction, manner or hours of operation, signs, lighting, parking arrangements, or other characteristics, have adverse effects on residential uses within or adjoining the PUD.
  24. Only commercial schools are permitted, and such schools are not subject to Section 805, Schools.
  25. This use is prohibited in a recreational vehicle established pursuant to Section 847, Recreational Vehicles as Second Dwellings, and in the primary dwelling on the same lot of record as the recreational vehicle.
  26. Temporary signs regulated under Subsection 1010.13(A) are a primary use.
  27. Stormwater management facilities are a primary use if:
    1. They are underground, except for an outlet structure if applicable;
    2. They are vegetated, except for an outlet structure if applicable; or
    3. They are approved in conjunction with a development approved through another land use permit (e.g., a subdivision or design review).
  28. Utility cabinets are a primary use if they comply with Section 830, Utility Cabinets, or if they are inside a road right-of-way.
  29. Except for hydroelectric facilities and telephone exchanges, utility facilities shall not include shops, garages, or general administrative offices.
  30. Utility lines are a conditional use only if they are gas transmission lines or electric transmission lines.

Table 315-2:  Dimensional and Building Design Standards in the Urban Low Density Residential Zoning Districts

StandardR-2.5R-5R-7R-8.5R-10R-15R-20R-30
District Land Area (DLA) for Calculating Density Pursuant to Section 1012/Minimum Lot Size1,22,500/2,000 square feet5,000/4,000square feet37,000/5,600 square feet48,500/6,800 square feet410,000/8,000 square feet415,000/12,000 square feet420,000/16,000 square feet430,000/24,000 square feet4
Maximum Lot Coverage

50 percent5,6

Maximum Building Height

Accessory buildings larger than 500 square feet and accessory to a primary dwelling, except accessory dwelling units:  20 feet or the height of the primary dwelling, whichever is greater

All other buildings, including accessory dwelling units:  35 feet

Minimum Front Setback

15 feet, except 20 feet to garage and carport motor vehicle entries7

Minimum Rear Setback

20 feet7,8,9,10,11

Minimum Side Setback

5 feet7,8,9,10,11

Maximum Building Floor Space for an Accessory Building Larger than 500 Square Feet and Accessory to a Primary DwellingEqual to the ground floor area of the primary dwelling and the ground floor area of any non-residential space that shares a common wall with the primary dwelling (e.g., an attached garage). This provision does not apply to accessory dwelling units.
Building Design Standards for Detached Single-Family Dwellings, Duplexes, Manufactured Homes, Prefabricated Structures, and Single Room Occupancies12A minimum of three of the following features are required:  a covered porch at least two feet deep; an entry area recessed at least two feet from the exterior wall to the door; a bay or bow window (not flush with the siding); an offset on the building face of at least 16 inches from one exterior wall surface to the other; a dormer; a gable; roof eaves with a minimum projection of 12 inches from the intersection of the roof and the exterior walls; a roofline offset of at least 16 inches from the top surface of one roof to the top surface of the other; an attached garage; orientation of the long axis and front door to a street; a cupola; a tile, shake, or composition roof; and horizontal lap siding.  The required features must be on the same facade as a front door unless the feature is unrelated to a facade (e.g., roofing material).
Building Design Standards for Buildings Accessory to a Dwelling

Freight shipping containers shall be located behind the building line of the dwelling, and the exterior shall be painted similar in color to that of the dwelling.

Metal buildings greater than 500 square feet in area shall include roof overhangs, gutters, and downspouts, and the exterior shall be painted similar in color to that of the dwelling.

  1. The minimum lot size standards apply as established by Sections 1012 and 1107. Notwithstanding the minimum lot size standard, a lot of record may be developed subject to other applicable standards of this Ordinance, except minimum lot size standards of Section 800 apply.
  2. In a planned unit development, there is no minimum lot size. However, the DLA standard applies pursuant to Section 1012, Lot Size and Density.
  3. For townhouses developed pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters, there is no minimum lot size and the DLA shall be one-third of the DLA.
  4. For townhouses developed pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters, there is no minimum lot size and the DLA shall be one-quarter of the DLA in the applicable zoning district.
  5. Maximum lot coverage in a planned unit development is 65 percent.
  6. For development on a middle housing lot, the lot coverage is calculated on the entire parent lot that was divided through a middle housing land division.
  7. For a swimming pool that is accessory to a dwelling, the minimum front setback is 10 feet, and the minimum side and rear setbacks are three feet.
  8. In a planned unit development, there are no minimum rear and side setbacks except from rear and side lot lines on the perimeter of the final plat. In a zero-lot-line development, approved pursuant to Subsection 1105.03(B), there are no minimum rear and side setbacks for detached single-family dwellings, manufactured homes, prefabricated structures, single room occupancies, and structures accessory to such dwellings, except from rear and side lot lines on the perimeter of the final plat. Where either of these standards applies, it supersedes any other rear or side setback standard in Table 315-2.
  9. Except for townhouses, setbacks for structures on a middle housing lot shall continue to be measured from the lot lines of the parent lot that was divided through the middle housing land division..
  10. The following exceptions apply to a lot of record that is 6,000 square feet or less in area and was created prior to the application of an Urban Low Density Residential District to the subject lot of record:
    1. The minimum rear setback for a detached single-family dwelling, duplex, manufactured home, prefabricated structure, or single room occupancy is 10 feet.
    2. The minimum side setback for a detached single-family dwelling, duplex, manufactured home, prefabricated structure, or single room occupancy is a total of five feet (e.g., five feet from one side lot line and zero from the other, three feet from one side lot line and two feet from the other) except that if the subject lot of record has more than two side lot lines, the minimum side setback from each of the additional side lot lines is five feet.
  11. If an accessory building is located behind the building line of the main building, the applicable minimum rear and side setback standards for that accessory building are based on the accessory building area and accessory building height, as follows:
Building AreaBuilding Height ≤ 8 feetBuilding Height > 8 feet and ≤ 10 feetBuilding Height > 10 feet and ≤ 15 feetBuilding Height > 15 feet
≤ 100 square feetNone3 feet side and rear5 feet side and rear5 feet side, 10 feet rear
> 100 square feet and ≤ 200 square feet3 feet side and rear3 feet side and rear5 feet side and rear5 feet side, 10 feet rear
> 200 square feet and ≤ to 500 square feet5 feet side and rear5 feet side and rear5 feet side and rear5 feet side, 10 feet rear
> 500 square feet5 feet side; 10 feet rear5 feet side; 10 feet rear5 feet side, 10 feet rear5 feet side, 10 feet rear
  1. These building design standards do not apply to temporary dwellings approved pursuant to Section 1204, Temporary Permits, or to manufactured homes or prefabricated structures in manufactured dwelling parks.

Table 315-3: Dimensional and Building Design Standards in the VR-5/7, VR-4/5, and VTH Districts

General Standards

StandardVR-5/7VR-4/5VTH
District Land Area for Calculating Density Pursuant to Section 1012/Minimum Lot Size15,000/4,000 square feet24,000/2,000 square feet2 
Maximum Lot Size17,000 square feet4,55,000 square feet4,6 
Maximum Lot Coverage50 percent850 percent8 
Maximum Height for Fences and Sight-Obscuring Plantings6 feet at or behind the building line of the dwelling closest to front lot line(s) or, in the case of non-residential development, of the main building or 4 feet forward of the building line of the dwelling closest to front lot line(s) or, in the case of non-residential development, of the main building.6 feet at or behind the building line of the dwelling closest to front lot line(s) or, in the case of non-residential development, of the main building or 4 feet forward of the building line of the dwelling closest to front lot line(s) or, in the case of non-residential development, of the main building.6 feet at or behind the building line of the dwelling closest to front lot line(s) or, in the case of non-residential development, of the main building or 4 feet forward of the building line of the dwelling closest to front lot line(s) or, in the case of non-residential development, of the main building.
Maximum Driveway Width16 feet at the front lot line, unless the subject property is developed with a garage that has at least three side-by-side (as opposed to tandem) garage bays, in which case the maximum driveway width shall be 24 feet at the front lot line916 feet at the front lot line, unless the subject property is developed with a garage that has at least three side-by-side (as opposed to tandem) garage bays, in which case the maximum driveway width shall be 24 feet at the front lot line9 
Minimum Percentage of Lots in a Subdivision that Shall have Alley Motor Vehicle Access Only50 percent of lots with frontage on an alley50 percent of lots with frontage on an alley 
Garage/Carport Design for Primary DwellingsA minimum of 50 percent of the primary dwellings in a development shall have a recessed garage/carport or no garage/carport. The remaining 50 percent may have a non-recessed garage/carport.9,10,11All garages and carports shall be recessed.10 

Standards for Primary Dwellings

StandardVR-5/7VR-4/5VTH
Maximum Building Height35 feet935 feet935 feet9
Minimum Front Setback10 feet for a dwelling with a recessed garage/carport or no garage/carport; 19½ feet to the garage door/carport motor vehicle entry for a dwelling with a non-recessed garage/carport9,10,11,12,13,1410 feet 12,13,1410 feet15,16,17
Maximum Front Setback18 feet for a dwelling with a recessed garage/carport or no garage/carport; 20½ feet to the garage door/carport motor vehicle entry for a dwelling with a non-recessed garage/carport9,10,11,12,13,18, 19,2018 feet12,13,18,19,2018 feet15
Minimum Rear Setback15 feet9,12,13,21 15 feet21
Minimum Side Setback0 on one side; 5 feet on all other sides9,12,210 on one side; 5 feet on all other sides9,12,215 feet21,22
Building Design Standards9,23
  • Front facades shall be designed with balconies and/or bays. Facades facing a street shall not consist of a blank wall.
  • Window trim shall not be flush with exterior wall treatment. Windows shall be provided with an architectural surround at the jamb, head, and sill. 
  • Hipped, gambrel, or gabled roofs are required. Flat roofs are prohibited. 
  • If the lot on which the dwelling is located has street frontage on a local or connector street, or a private street that meets local or connector street design standards, then the primary entry to the dwelling shall be accessed directly from and be visible from one of those streets. 
  • A minimum of 50 percent of the dwellings in a subdivision shall have a porch or patio. The porch or patio shall be covered, placed immediately adjacent to the primary entry to the dwelling, have a minimum unobstructed depth of six feet, and have a minimum unobstructed width of 10 feet.
  • Front facades shall be designed with balconies and/or bays. Facades facing a street shall not consist of a blank wall.
  • Window trim shall not be flush with exterior wall treatment. Windows shall be provided with an architectural surround at the jamb, head, and sill. 
  • Hipped, gambrel, or gabled roofs are required. Flat roofs are prohibited. 
  • If the lot on which the dwelling is located has street frontage on a local or connector street, or a private street that meets local or connector street design standards, then the primary entry to the dwelling shall be accessed directly from and be visible from one of those streets. 
  • A minimum of 50 percent of the dwellings in a subdivision shall have a porch or patio. The porch or patio shall be covered, placed immediately adjacent to the primary entry to the dwelling, have a minimum unobstructed depth of six feet, and have a minimum unobstructed width of 10 feet.
1005.03(F) and 1005.11(A)

Standards for Buildings Accessory to a Dwelling

StandardVR-5/7VR-4/5VTH
Maximum Number of Accessory Buildings per Lot of RecordTwoTwoTwo
Minimum Separation Distance Between an Accessory Building and any other Building on the Same Lot of Record3 feet3 feet3 feet
Maximum Building Height25 feet or the building height of the primary dwelling, whichever is less2425 feet or the building height of the primary dwelling, whichever is less2425 feet or the building height of the primary dwelling, whichever is less24
Maximum Building AreaOnly one accessory building may exceed 100 square feet, and it shall have a maximum ground floor area of 600 square feet, or the square footage of the ground floor of the primary dwelling, whichever is less.Only one accessory building may exceed 100 square feet, and it shall have a maximum ground floor area of 600 square feet, or the square footage of the ground floor of the primary dwelling, whichever is less.Only one accessory building may exceed 100 square feet, and it shall have a maximum ground floor area of 600 square feet, or the square footage of the ground floor of the primary dwelling, whichever is less.
Minimum Front SetbackGreater than or equal to the front setback of the facade of the primary dwelling (not including porches, patios, bays, garages, and architectural features)9,25Greater than or equal to the front setback of the facade of the primary dwelling (not including porches, patios, bays, garages, and architectural features)9,25Greater than or equal to the front setback of the facade of the primary dwelling (not including porches, patios, bays, garages, and architectural features)9,25
Exterior Building MaterialsBuildings greater than 100 square feet in area shall be constructed with similar exterior building materials to those of the primary dwelling.9Buildings greater than 100 square feet in area shall be constructed with similar exterior building materials to those of the primary dwelling.9Buildings greater than 100 square feet in area shall be constructed with similar exterior building materials to those of the primary dwelling.9

Minimum Rear and Side Setback Standards for Buildings Accessory to a Primary Dwelling in the VR-5/7, VR-4/5, and VTH Districts10,20

Building AreaBuilding Height ≤ 8 feetBuilding Height > 8 feet and ≤ 20 feetBuilding Height > 20 feet
≤ 100 square feetNoneNo minimum on one side, 3 feet on all other sides; 3 feet rear if rear lot line does not abut an alley, 6 feet rear if rear lot line does abut an alley26No minimum on one side, 3 feet on all other sides; 3 feet rear if rear lot line does not abut an alley, 6 feet rear if rear lot line does abut an alley26
> 100 square feetNo minimum on one side, 3 feet on all other sides; 3 feet rear if rear lot line does not abut an alley, 6 feet rear if rear lot line does abut an alley26No minimum on one side, 3 feet on all other sides; 3 feet rear if rear lot line does not abut an alley, 6 feet rear if rear lot line does abut an alley26No minimum on one side, 5 feet on all other sides; 5 feet rear if rear lot line does not abut an alley, 6 feet rear if rear lot line does abut an alley26,27

1 The minimum and maximum lot size standards apply as established by Sections 1012 and 1107. Notwithstanding the minimum and maximum lot size standards, a lot of record may be developed subject to other applicable standards of this Ordinance, except minimum lot size standards of Section 800 apply.

2 For townhouses developed pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters, there is no minimum lot size and the DLA shall be one-third of the DLA.

3 The minimum and maximum lot size standards apply only to lots or parcels for townhouses.

4 The maximum lot size standard applies only to lots or parcels for detached single-family dwellings, manufactured homes, prefabricated structures, single room occupancies, or middle housing, except the maximum lot size standard does not apply to a middle housing land division.

5 Alternatively, the average size of all lots in a subdivision, partition, or replat shall not exceed 6,500 square feet.

6 Alternatively, the average size of all lots in a subdivision, partition, or replat shall not exceed 5,000 square feet.

7 Alternatively, the average size of all lots in a subdivision, partition, or replat shall not exceed 2,500 square feet.

8 For development on a middle housing lot, the lot coverage is calculated on the entire parent lot that was divided through a middle housing land division.

9 Except for middle housing developed pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters, development on lots in the plat of Sieben Creek Estates (plat no. 3039) is not required to comply with this standard.

10 A recessed garage or carport is a garage or carport with a front setback to the garage door or carport motor vehicle entry that is a minimum of five feet greater (i.e., farther from the front lot line) than the front setback to the facade of the primary dwelling living area (not including porches, patios, bays, and architectural features). 

11 A non-recessed garage or carport shall have a front setback to the garage door or carport motor vehicle entry that is a maximum of five feet less (i.e., closer to the front lot line) than the front setback to the facade of the primary dwelling living area (not including porches, patios, bays, and architectural features).

12 The minimum and maximum setback standards do not apply in a Resource Protection Area shown on Comprehensive Plan Map X-SV-1, Sunnyside Village Plan Land Use Plan Map. The maximum setback standards do not apply to cottage clusters developed pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters.

13 On a middle housing lot, there are no minimum setbacks, except from lot lines on the perimeter of the final plat or lot lines abutting a road or access drive.

14 A porch or patio, whether covered or not, may extend a maximum of four feet into the minimum front yard depth.

15 Frontage on an accessway shall be considered a front lot line.

16 On a corner lot, the minimum setback from one front lot line is eight feet, provided that the lot line abuts a road with a functional classification of local or connector.

17 Awnings, porches, bays, and overhangs may extend a maximum of four feet into the minimum front setback.

18 If a public utility easement precludes compliance with the maximum front setback standard, the maximum shall be as close to the front lot line as possible.

19 Dwellings located on lots with less than 35 feet of street frontage shall be exempt from the maximum front setback standard.

20 If a lot has more than one front lot line, compliance with the maximum front setback standard is required from only two intersecting front lot lines.

21 In a planned unit development, there are no minimum rear and side setbacks except from rear and side lot lines on the perimeter of the final plat. Where this standard applies, it supersedes any other rear or side setback standard in Table 315-3.

22 Frontage on a pedestrian connection shall be considered a side lot line.

23 For triplexes, quadplexes, and townhouses developed pursuant to Section 845, Triplexes, Quadplexes, Townhouses, and Cottage Clusters, design standards in Section 845 shall apply in addition to standards in Table 315-3.

24 The maximum building height standard applies only to accessory buildings larger than 100 square feet.

25 A garage may be required to be recessed, as defined by Note 11, in order to comply with the standard for garage/carport design for primary dwellings.

26 Frontage on a pedestrian connection shall be considered a side lot line, and the minimum setback is five feet.

27 If the rear lot line abuts an alley, a second-story accessory dwelling unit may cantilever a maximum of four feet into the minimum rear setback.

Table 315-4:  Dimensional Standards in the PMD, MR-1, MR-2, HDR, VA, SHD, and RCHDR Districts

StandardPMDMR-1MR-2HDRVASHDRCHDR
District Land Area for Calculating Density Pursuant to Section 10123,630 square feet3,630 square feet2,420 square feet1,742 square feet1,500 square feet726 square feetNot Applicable
Minimum DensitySee Section 1012See Section 1012See Section 1012See Section 1012See Section 1012See Section 1012See Section 1012
Minimum Lot SizeNoneNone1None2NoneNoneNoneNone
Minimum Front Setback15 feet, except 20 feet to garage and carport motor vehicle entries15 feet, except 20 feet to garage and carport motor vehicle entries3,415 feet, except 20 feet to garage and carport motor vehicle entries415 feet510 feet6,715 feet5 feet8
Maximum Front SetbackSee Subsections 1005.02(E) and (H).See Subsections 1005.02(E) and (H).See Subsections 1005.02(E) and (H).See Subsections 1005.02(E) and (H).18 feet6See Subsections 1005.02(E) and (H).20 feet8,9
Minimum Rear Setback30 feet1020 feet5,10,11,1220 feet5,10See Subsection 1005.02(L)5None6,7See Subsection 1005.02(L)See Subsection 1005.02(L)13
Minimum Side Setback30 feet10One story: five feet; two stories: seven feet; three stories: 15 feet. For each story higher than three, an additional five feet of yard depth shall be required.5,10,11,12,14,15One story: five feet; two stories: seven feet; three stories: 15 feet. For each story higher than three, an additional five feet of yard depth shall be required.5,10,14,15See Subsection 1005.02(L)5NoneSee Subsection 1005.02(L)See Subsection 1005.02(L)16
Maximum Building HeightNoneNoneNoneNone45 feetNoneNone
Minimum Building Separation10 feetNoneNoneSee Subsection 1005.02(L)20 feet between multifamily dwellingsSee Subsection 1005.02(L)See Subsection 1005.02(L)

1 The minimum lot size for a lot developed with a detached single-family dwelling classified as a nonconforming use is 3,630 square feet.

2 The minimum lot size for a lot developed with a detached single-family dwelling classified as a nonconforming use is 2,420 square feet.

3 For a swimming pool that is accessory to a dwelling, the minimum front setback is 10 feet.

4 On a corner lot developed with a townhouse, the minimum front setback from one front lot line is 10 feet, except that the minimum shall be 20 feet to garage and carport motor vehicle entries.

5 The minimum setback standards of Table 315-2, Dimensional and Building Design Standards in the Urban Low Density Residential Districts, apply to detached single-family dwellings that are nonconforming uses, as well as to structures that are accessory to such dwellings.

6 If the front or rear lot line abuts Sunnyside Road, the minimum setback shall be 65 feet from the centerline of Sunnyside Road, and the maximum setback shall be 75 feet from the centerline of Sunnyside Road. 

7 Awnings, porches, and bays may extend a maximum of six feet into the minimum setback.

8 For dwellings and structures accessory to dwellings, the minimum front setback shall be 15 feet, and there shall be no maximum setback. However, Note 8 does not apply to mixed-use buildings that include dwellings or to structures accessory to such mixed-use buildings.

9 The maximum setback may be exceeded to accommodate plazas identified on Comprehensive Plan Map X-CRC-3, Clackamas Regional Center Area Design Plan Urban Design Elements.

10 In a planned unit development, there are no minimum rear and side setbacks except from rear and side lot lines on the perimeter of the final plat. Where this standard applies, it supersedes any other rear or side setback standard in Table 315-4.

11 For a swimming pool that is accessory to a dwelling, the minimum side and rear setbacks are five feet, unless the side or rear lot line abuts an Urban Low Density Residential, VR-4/5, or VR-5/7 District, in which case the minimum setback shall be 15 feet from the abutting lot line.

12 The minimum rear and side setback standards for an accessory building are based on the building area and height, as follows:

Building AreaBuilding Height ≤ 8 feetBuilding Height > 8 feet and ≤ 10 feetBuilding Height > 10 feet
≤ 100 square feetNone, if the accessory building is located behind the building line of the main building; otherwise, 3 feet side and rear3 feet side and rearSame as primary building minimum setbacks
> 100 square feet and ≤ 200 square feet3 feet side and rear3 feet side and rearSame as primary building minimum setbacks
> 200 square feetSame as primary building minimum setbacksSame as primary building minimum setbacksSame as primary building minimum setbacks

13 If the rear lot line abuts a residential zoning district other than HDR, SHD, or RCHDR, the minimum rear setback is 20 feet.

14 If the side lot line abuts an Urban Low Density Residential, VR-5/7, or VR-4/5 District, the minimum side setback for a two-story building is 10 feet.

15 The minimum side setback for a townhouse is five feet from any side lot line where two townhouses do not share a common wall.

16 If the side lot line abuts a residential zoning district other than HDR, SHD, or RCHDR, the minimum side setback is 15 feet.

[Added by Ord. ZDO-249, 10/13/2014; Amended by Ord. ZDO-250, 10/13/2014; Amended by Ord. ZDO-252, 6/1/2015; Amended by Ord. ZDO-253, 6/1/2015; Amended by Ord. ZDO-254, 1/4/2016; Amended by Ord. ZDO-266, 5/23/2018; Amended by Ord. ZDO-268, 10/2/2018; Amended by Ord. ZDO-280, 10/23/2021; Amended by Ord. ZDO-282, 7/1/2022; Amended by Ord. ZDO-273, on remand, 5/30/2023; Amended by Ord. ZDO-287, 8/3/2023; Amended by Ord. ZDO-283, 9/5/2023; Amended by Ord. ZDO-285, 9/3/2024; Amended by Ord. ZDO-288, 9/9/2024]

Return to the Zoning and Development Ordinance main page. Contact zoninginfo@clackamas.us for additional information."

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ZDO 201: General Provisions

201.01 Purpose

The terms in Section 202, General Definitions, are hereby defined for the purpose of clarifying the provisions of this Ordinance.

201.02 Interpretations

When not inconsistent with the context, all words used in the present tense include the future. The singular number includes the plural and the plural, the singular. The word "structure" includes building. The word "use" includes designed or intended to be used. The word "person" may mean "persons", "association", "firm", "co-partnership", or "corporation". The word "shall" is always mandatory.

  1. The sign area does not exceed 30 square feet;
     
    1. The sign does not exceed five feet in height; and
       
    2. Architectural features may be added to the sign structure provided the sign area and height are not increased by more than one-third of the above requirements.
       
  2. Road Signs: If interior circulation roads are named, directional signs to various uses within the development may be included on the road signs.

[Amended by Ord. ZDO-283, 9/5/23]

Return to the Zoning and Development Ordinance main page. Contact zoninginfo@clackamas.us for additional information."

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ZDO 106: Authorizations of Similar Uses

106.01 Purpose and Applicability

Section 106 is adopted to provide standards, criteria, and procedures under which anauthorization of a similar use may be approved.

  1. The sections of this Ordinance that regulate individual zoning districts identify theuses permitted in those districts. In some cases, those sections also provide thatan authorization of a similar use may be approved to allow a use that is notidentified as permitted. In the absence of such a provision, Section 106 does not apply.
  2. An authorization of a similar use is not a site-specific application, but rather it is ause-specific application. The decision on an application for authorization of asimilar use is applicable to all land in the zoning district for which the request wasmade and is applicable only to the use described in the application.
  3. If an application for an authorization of a similar use is approved, the proposeduse shall be subject to the same approval criteria, review process, dimensionalstandards, and development standards as the use to which it is found to be most similar pursuant to Subsection 106.02(A), (B), (C), or (D).

106.02 Approval Criteria

An authorization of a similar use requires review as an interpretation pursuant toSection 1308, Interpretation, and shall be subject to the following standards andcriteria:

  1. In the following zoning districts, the proposed use must be similar to one or moreof the listed permitted uses in that same zoning district: BP, C-2, C-3, CC, CI, GI,LI, NC, OA, OC, PMD, PMU, RC, RCC, RCO, RI, RTC, RTL, SCMU, and VCSDistricts.
  2. In the following zoning districts, the proposed use must be similar to one or moreof the listed permitted limited uses in that same zoning district: HDR, MRR,RCHDR, and SHD Districts.
  3. In zoning districts regulated by Table 315-1, Permitted Uses in the UrbanResidential Zoning Districts, 316-1, Permitted Uses in the Rural Residential andFuture Urban Residential Zoning Districts, or 317-1, Permitted Uses in the MRRand HR Districts, the proposed use must be similar to one or more uses that are:
    1. Listed permitted conditional uses in that same zoning district; and
    2. Identified by the applicable table as eligible to be the basis of an authorizationof similar use.
  4. In the Historic Landmark, Historic District, and Historic Corridor overlay zoningdistrict, the proposed use must be similar to one or more of the listed permittedconditional uses in that overlay zoning district.
  5. A use may not be authorized as a similar use if it is specifically listed asprohibited in the applicable zoning district.
  6. A use may not be authorized as a similar use if it is a special use regulated by Section 800, Special Use Requirements.

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ZDO 103: Zoning Districts

103.01 Zoning District Designation

For the purposes of this Ordinance, the unincorporated territory of Clackamas County, Oregon (hereinafter referred to as the County) is hereby divided into the zoning districts listed in the Table of Contents under Sections 300 through 700.

103.02 Zoning District Boundaries

  1. Zoning district boundaries are hereby established as shown on the zoning maps of the unincorporated territory of Clackamas County, Oregon, which maps are hereby made a part of this Ordinance.  Said zoning maps, properly attested, shall be and remain on file in the office of the County Department of Transportation and Development, governing body of the County, or County Clerk.
  2. Except where reference is made on said zoning maps to a street line, political boundary, or other designated line by dimensions shown on said maps, the zoning district boundaries are intended to follow property lines, lot lines, or center lines of streets, alleys, streams, or railroads, or the extension of such lines as they existed when the zoning district boundary was established.
  3. The exact location of zoning district boundaries shall be interpreted by the Planning Director.
  4. Whenever any street, alley, or other public way is vacated by official action as provided by law, the zoning districts adjoining the side of such public way shall be automatically extended, depending on the side or sides to which such lands revert, to include the right-of-way thus vacated, which shall thenceforth be subject to all regulations of the extended district or districts.

[Amended by Ord. ZDO-235, 5/14/12; Amended by Ord. ZDO-250, 10/13/14]

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ZDO 1003: Hazards to Safety

1003.01 Purpose

  1. To protect lives and property from natural or man-induced geologic or hydrologic hazards and disasters.
  2. To protect property from damage due to soil hazards.
  3. To protect lives and property from forest and brush fires.
  4. To avoid financial loss resulting from development in hazard areas.

1003.02 Standards and Criteria for Mass Movement Hazard Area Development

  1. No development or grading shall be allowed in areas of land movement, slump or earth flow, or mud or debris flow, unless approved in a Type II application pursuant to Section 1307, Procedures. Unless the criteria for such development as listed in Subsection 1003.02(B) are satisfied in the review of another approved Type II application pursuant to Section 1307, a mass movement hazard area development permit is required for development in areas of land movement, slump or earth flow, or mud or debris flow.
  2. Approval Criteria:
    1. An engineering geologic study shall be required for development proposed on slopes of twenty (20) percent or greater.
    2. An engineering geologic study shall be required, regardless of the slope of the site proposed for development, unless there is stabilization of the identified hazardous condition based on established and proven engineering techniques which ensure protection of public and private property. Appropriate conditions of approval of development approved under this subsection may be attached by the County.
    3. The engineering geologic study required by Subsections 1003.02(B)(1) and (2) shall establish that the site is stable for the proposed use and development. The study shall include the following:
      1. Index map;
      2. Project description, to include: Location; topography; drainage; vegetation; discussion of previous work; and discussion of field exploration methods;
      3. Site geology, to include: Site geologic map; description of bedrock and surficial materials including artificial fill; location of any faults, folds, etc.; and structural data including bedding, jointing, and shear zones; and
      4. Discussion and analysis of any slope stability problems.
      5. Discussion of any offsite geologic conditions that may pose a potential hazard to the site or that may be affected by onsite development.
      6. Suitability of site for purposed development from geologic standpoint.
      7. Specific recommendations for cut slope stability, seepage and drainage control, or other design criteria to mitigate geologic hazards.
      8. If deemed necessary by the engineering geologist to establish whether an area to be affected by the proposed development is stable, additional studies and supportive data shall include: cross sections showing subsurface structure; graphic logs of subsurface explorations; results of laboratory test; and references.
      9. Signature and certification number of an engineer or engineering geologist registered in the State of Oregon.
      10. Additional information analyses as necessary to evaluate the site.
  3. Vegetative cover shall be maintained or established for stability and erosion control purposes.
  4. Diversion of storm water into these areas shall be prohibited.
  5. The principal source of information for determining mass movement hazards is the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Bulletin 99 and accompanying maps. Approved site-specific engineering geologic studies shall be used to identify the extent and severity of the hazardous conditions on the site, and to update the mass movement hazards data base.

1003.03  Standards for Flood Hazard Areas

  1. Development proposed in flood hazard areas, in addition to provisions of Section 703, shall be limited to the extent that:
    1. Clearing, stripping of vegetation and coverage of the site by roads and structures shall be no more than necessary to maintain water quality and meet the provisions of Section 1011.
    2. Site buildings to minimize alteration of terrain and other natural features.

1003.04 Standards for Soil Hazard Areas

  1. Appropriate siting and design safeguards shall insure structural stability and proper drainage of foundation and crawl space areas for development on land with any of the following soil conditions: Wet/high water table; high shrink-swell capability; compressible/organic; and shallow depth-to-bedrock.
  2. The principal source of information for determining soil hazards is the State DOGAMI Bulletin 99 and accompanying maps. Approved site specific soil studies shall be used to identify the extent and severity of the hazardous conditions on the site, and to update the soil hazards data base accordingly.

1003.05 Standards for Fire Hazard Areas

  1. Development in areas with the potential for forest or brush fires shall be designed:
    1. To provide adequate water storage and pressure for purposes of maintaining minimum flows for fire protection.
    2. To provide, in cooperation with local fire districts, fire hydrants appropriate to the intensity and type of development.
    3. So that dwellings are not sited in areas subject to extreme fire hazard, such as areas of heavy fuel concentration, draws, etc.
    4. To provide for other methods of fire protection and prevention appropriate to the location and type of development, utilizing techniques recommended by the Oregon State Forestry Department.

[Amended by Ord. ZDO-280, 10/23/21]

Return to the Zoning and Development Ordinance main page. Contact zoninginfo@clackamas.us for additional information."

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ZDO 1205: Variances

1205.01 Purpose and Applicability

Section 1205 is adopted to provide standards, criteria, and procedures under which a variance to a dimensional standard of this Ordinance may be approved.  However, a variance is prohibited to the following dimensional standards:

  1. The minimum lot size standards in the RA-2, RR, FU-10, EFU, TBR, and AG/F Districts;
  2. The two-acre minimum lot size standard in the RRFF-5 District and the two-acre minimum lot size standard for planned unit developments in the FF-10 District;
  3. The 20-acre minimum lot size standard inside the Portland Metropolitan Urban Growth Boundary in the RA-1, RA-2, RRFF-5, FF-10, RC, and RI Districts. 
  4. The fuel-free break standards of Subsection 406.08;
  5. The maximum building floor space standards in the HC, HD, HL, HR, MRR, RTC, RC, and RI Districts;
  6. Dimensional standards established in Sections 703 through 710, 712, and 713.

1205.02 Approval Criteria

A variance to a dimensional standard of this Ordinance requires review as a Type II application pursuant to Section 1307, Procedures, and shall be subject to the following standards and criteria: 

  1. If the proposed variance is to any of the following standards, it shall not reduce the minimum by more than 10 percent; however, the 10-percent limit does not apply to the partition of a lot of record that is divided by a public road:
    1. Minimum lot size;
    2. Minimum average lot size; and
    3. District land area.
  2. Compliance with the applicable dimensional standard of this Ordinance would create a hardship due to one or more of the following conditions:
    1. The physical characteristics of the land, improvements, or uses are not typical of the area.  When the requested variance is needed to correct an existing violation of this Ordinance, that violation shall not be considered as a condition "not typical of the area".
    2. The subject property cannot be developed to an extent comparable with other similar properties in the area if the standard is satisfied.  
    3. The subject property is an Urban Low Density Residential, RA-1, RRFF-5, FF-10, or HR District, the requested variance is to the minimum lot size standard, and more than 50 percent of the lots of record that are within one-half mile of the subject property and located in the same zoning district as the subject property are smaller than the minimum lot size standard.
    4. Compliance with the standard would eliminate a significant natural feature of the subject property. 
    5. Compliance with the standard would reduce or impair the use of solar potential on the subject property or adjacent properties.
  3. Strict adherence to the dimensional standard is unnecessary because the proposed variance from the standard will reasonably satisfy all the following objectives:
    1. Will not adversely affect the function or appearance of the development and use on the subject property;
    2. Will not impose limitations on other properties and uses in the area, including uses that would be allowed on vacant or underdeveloped properties; and
    3. Will result in the minimum variance needed to alleviate the hardship.
  4. The proposed variance is consistent with the applicable goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Approval Period and Time Extension

  1. Approval of a variance is valid for four years from the date of the final decision.  If the County's final decision is appealed, the approval period shall commence on the date of the final appellate decision.  During this four-year period, the approval shall be implemented, or the approval will become void.
    1. For a variance directly related to an application for a partition or subdivision, implemented means that the final plat of the partition or subdivision shall be recorded with the County Clerk.
    2. For any other variance, implemented means all major development permits shall be obtained and maintained, or if no major development permits are required to complete the development contemplated by the approved variance, implemented means all other necessary County development permits (e.g., grading permit, building permit for an accessory structure) shall be obtained and maintained. A major development permit is:
      1. A building or manufactured dwelling placement permit for a new primary structure that was part of the variance approval; or
      2. A permit issued by the County for parking lot or road improvements that were part of the variance approval.
  2. If the approval of a variance is not implemented within the initial approval period established by Subsection 1205.03(A), a two-year time extension may be approved pursuant to Section 1310, Time Extension.

[Amended by Ord. ZDO-230, 9/26/11; Amended by Ord. ZDO-248; 10/13/14; Amended by Ord. ZDO-253, 6/1/15; Amended by Ord. ZDO-266, 5/23/18]

Return to the Zoning and Development Ordinance main page. Contact zoninginfo@clackamas.us for additional information."

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