Site Plan & Design Review

Site Plan and Design Review are the processes of reviewing exterior alterations for commercial, industrial, mixed-use, institutional, and multi-family development for compliance with our community-adopted standards in the Oregon City Municipal Code.

Differences Between a Major & Minor Site Plan & Design Review

The type of review depends on the scale of the proposal. Minor Site Plan and Design Reviews are for smaller projects that require only a minimal amount of review, typical of minor modifications and/or changes to existing uses or buildings. New buildings or large additions are processed as a Major Site Plan and Design Review.

Differences Between a Type I & Type II Minor Site Plan & Design Review

Type I applications involve no discretion, and are generally smaller in scale. Information about this process may be found on the Site Plan & Design Review: Type I Applications page.

Find Out More About Your Property

The City's website has a variety of resources available including Property Reports and Online Mapping System. You may also call the Planning Division at 503-722-3789.

How to Draw a Site Plan for Your Residential Project

Visit the Draw a Site Plan for My Residential Building Project page to learn more about the elements of a proper site plan. Other resources to help you are available there, as well.

Oregon City Municipal Code Criteria

In addition to the zoning designation and any special requests, such as Variances, the following chapters of the Oregon City Municipal Code (OCMC) are applicable to Site Plan and Design Review:

  • OCMC 12.08 - Public and Street Trees
  • OCMC 13.12 - Stormwater Management
  • OCMC 15.48 - Grading, Filling, and Excavating
  • OCMC 16.12 - Minimum Improvements and Design Standards for Development
  • OCMC 17.50 - Administrative Processes
  • OCMC 17.41- Tree Protection Standards
  • OCMC 17.52 - Off-Street Parking and Loading
  • OCMC 17.62 - Site Plan and Design Review

Please note: Additional fees are required from other departments, agencies, and consultants.

Review Process

Site Plan and Design Review applications are typically processed as a Type I (Over counter) or Type II Land Use application. Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed for completeness purposes within 30 days. Upon a complete application submittal, the applicant is entitled to a decision from the city for a decision of approval, approval with conditions, or denial within 120 days of deeming the application complete, by state law. Type II decisions are rendered by the Community Development Director, with an appeal on record with the City Commission, and then onto LUBA.

Other Information

In addition to the forms below, you may also be interested in: