12.62.100 Purpose.

A.  The geographically specific Orenco Plan District development regulations and design standards reflect the City’s goals and objectives for the Orenco SCPA, as described in Comprehensive Plan Section 24. These regulations were developed from 2 sources:

1.   The report of the Orenco Station Community Planning Advisory Team; and

2.   Public participation by the community including the Orenco Neighborhood Organization.

B.  The purpose of the specific design standards in Subchapter 12.62 applicable to the historic Orenco Townsite Conservation zone is to conserve the historical and cultural significance of the original community area by:

1.   Preserving and restoring the plat layout of the original 1908 community and its 1911 addition;

2.   Respecting the historic character of the original townsite streetscapes as designed by the Oregon Nursery Company, by adopting unique street standards, including the following:

a.   Narrow paved streets with gravel shoulders;

b.   Preservation of the existing mature street trees and replanting missing trees;

c.   Use of street side grass drainage swales for stormwater removal;

d.   Provision of pedestrian access through surfaced alleys and property line sidewalks in selected locations;

e.   Use of ornamental streetlights to provide public safety with lower lighting levels befitting the historic neighborhood.

3.   Requiring that new residential structures be of compatible character and architectural style as those built between 1900 and 1930, including but not limited to: architectural style and features, materials, paint and finishes as listed in Subsection 12.62.400.B;

4.   Requiring that alterations to existing residential structures be consistent with the architectural style, materials and colors of the existing structures;

5.   Requiring that new commercial and institutional structures be of compatible character and architectural style as those built between 1900 and 1930, including, but not limited to: architectural style and features, materials, paint and finishes as listed in Subsection 12.62.400.C; and

6.   Requiring that alterations to existing commercial and institutional structures be consistent with the architectural style, materials and colors of the existing structures.

C.  The purpose of the regulations and standards applicable to the Orenco Station sub-area is to create a compact, transit-supportive mixed-use neighborhood with reduced automobile reliance by:

1.   Requiring a mix of housing types, with the goal of achieving at least 1,834 dwelling units within the SCR-V zoned area;

2.   Using the light rail streetscape design standards in Section 12.50.530 to reduce street right-of-way and travel lane widths, and to provide alleys, sidewalks and pedestrian amenities appropriate to higher density neighborhoods;

3.   Allowing mixed-uses within the SCR-V zone, offering services and employment opportunities for neighborhood residents;

4.   Providing for parks and open spaces for recreation outdoor activity within walking distance of residential areas; and

5.   Creating interconnected pedestrian routes to provide safe and convenient means to walk among neighborhood destinations and to activity centers outside the area.

D.  Except as provided in this section, all properties within the Orenco Plan District will be developed in accordance with the standards of the applicable zone. (Ord. 6401 § 1, 2022; Ord. 6323 § 1, 2019; Ord. 6322 § 1, 2019; Ord. 6250 § 1, 2017)