SOUTH WATERFRONT
PORTLAND OREGON

PDC and Parks were to create an implementation strategy that addressed governance, maintenance, and capital costs, whereas Planning was directed to amend the Portland Zoning Code to allow for smother implementation of the GDP than code allows in its current state. Planning was asked by the Council and other stakeholders not to begin this process until the other elements of the implementation strategy were nearly complete.

Project Basics

The South Waterfront Greenway Code Update focuses primarily on code amendments that will make the implementation of the GDP easier to review when applicants choose the GDP as their preferred option to address required Willamette Greenway improvements in the South Waterfront District. (Applicants also have the option of meeting the base-line development standards presented in Section 33.510.253 or creating a plan consistent with the approval criteria of Chapter 33.851 of the Zoning Code.) The project will also propose new design guidelines applicable to the review of the GDP.

At the same time, the project may propose a few minor amendments to elements of the South Waterfront subdistrict that should be considered. These include a lifting of a prohibition on hotel uses in the district above a certain size and the removal of the required residential development area.

Legislative Process

The plan will be reviewed and approved by the Portland Design and Planning Commission in advance of final adoption by the Portland City Council. As the plan is developed, a series of briefings will be conducted with the Planning and Design Commissions (mostly with the Design Commission) and periodic public briefings will be conducted with the South Waterfront Greenway Partnership Group (a stakeholder group involved in the implementation of the GDP) as well as the North Macadam Urban Renewal Advisory Committee. Updates on the progress of the plan and draft versions of the plan will be periodically posted on this website.

It is anticipated that the Design and Planning Commissions will be asked to hold formal hearings adopting the plan in September of 2008 with City Council review following in October or November of the same year.

If you wish to be added to a mailing list for this plan effort please send or email your mailing address to us at the addresses below. Also, please contact either of the staff below if you have questions about this plan.

Project Schedule

April 3, 2008: Design Commission Briefing
June 5, 2008: Design Commission Briefing/Work Session
August 2008: Planning Commission Briefing, Design Commission Briefing
September 2008: Planning Commission Hearing, Design Commission Hearing

Contact Information

Project & Code Development Manager:
Troy Doss, Senior Planner
troy.doss@ci.portland.or.us
503 823-5857

Design Guideline Project Manager:
Lora Lillard, City Planner
llillard@ci.portland.or.us
503 823-7721