Learn About the Geologic Hazards Overlay

The Public Works Department oversees review of the properties located in the Geologic Hazard Overlay District. To determine if your property or project might be in the Geologic Hazard Overlay District, you can consult the Geologic Hazards Map.

The purpose of the Geologic Hazards Chapter of the Oregon City Municipal Code (OCMC 17.44) is:

• To ensure that activities in geologic hazard areas are designed based on detailed knowledge of site conditions in order to reduce the risk of private and public losses
• To establish standards and requirements for the use of lands within geologic hazard areas
• To provide safeguards to prevent undue hazards to property, the environment, and public health, welfare, and safety in connection with use of lands within geologic hazard areas
• To mitigate risk associated with geologic hazard areas, not to act as a guarantee that the hazard risk will be eliminated, nor as a guarantee that there is a higher hazard risk at any location. Unless otherwise provided, the geologic hazards regulations are in addition to generally applicable standards provided elsewhere in the Oregon City Municipal Code

In many cases with development projects in the Geologic Hazards Overlay, permit review will usually require a Type II Land Use Process (PDF) that begins with a Pre-Application Conference.

The Geologic Hazards Code was last updated in 2020.  More information on this update is available at 2020 Geologic Hazard Code Updates page.

For More Information

If you have questions about how to submit a land use application for a project that involves work in the Geologic Hazard Overlay, you can contact the Planning Division via email or by calling 502-722-3789.

For questions about code requirements and review processes for projects in the Geologic Hazard Overlay, you can contact Public Works via email or by calling 971-204-4601.