Processes and Timelines

Noticing requirements are different for each type of development. Type I applications do not have any discretion and thus are not noticed to the public. Type II applications involve the exercise of limited interpretation and discretion in evaluating approval criteria, similar to the limited land use decision-making process under state law. Type III applications involve the greatest amount of discretion and evaluation of subjective approval standards, yet are not required to be heard by the city commission, except upon appeal.
Type I (OCMC 17.50.030.A):
Compatibility Review
Nonconforming Use Review
Water Resources Exemption
Type II (OCMC 17.50.030.B):
Extension
Detailed Development Review
Geotechnical Hazards
Historic Review
Minor Partition
Minor Site Plan & Design Review
Minor Variance
Nonconforming Use Review
Site Plan and Design Review
Subdivision
Water Resource Review
Type III / IV (OCMC 17.50.030.C):
Annexation
Appeal
Interpretation / Similar Use
Concept Development Plan
Conditional Use
Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Text or Map)
Detailed Development Review
Historic Review
Oregon City Municipal Code Amendment
Variance
Zone Change
The following process describes the general timeline for processing applications. Links describing type II and III applications are provided below.
1. Pre-Application Conference (2 Weeks to Research)
The applicant applies for a Pre-application conference to thoroughly research the development proposal before it is officially submitted. The public may request a copy of the information submitted and notes from the meeting. This process is required for all land use applications except Type I.
2. Submittal of a Land Use Application (15-30 Days to Complete)
The applicant applies for a land use application within 6 months of the pre-application conference. The application is reviewed to assure that all necessary information is submitted. If complete, the 120-day “Land Use Clock” is started. If not, the application is on hold until all required information is submitted.
3. Application Review (Within 120 Days from Complete Application)
After the application is deemed complete, notice of the proposal is mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the subject site, the neighborhood association and affected agencies to allow for public comment. A sign is additionally placed on the property, information is posted on the City website and depending on the level of review a notice is sent to a local paper.
Staff compiles comments from the public as well as from other agencies and inside city departments. At this time the staff report is written detailing how the applicant did or did not meet the criteria set forth in the pertinent city code.
Staff Report is released describing in detail how the applicant met, or did not meet the applicable criteria. If the land use process is a Type II (administrative decision) the staff report is the final decision unless appealed by people with standing to appeal. If the land use process is a Type III or IV, public hearing(s) are held with the Planning Commission and/or City Commission. In this case the staff report is a recommendation and the final decision rests with the final hearing body.
A notice of the decision is mailed to all parties of record and those who submitted comments and provided a mailing address.
4. Appeal
An appeal hearing is held if the application is appealed.