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LEE PERLMAN
THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
The Hazelwood Neighborhood Association (HNA) board voted to support an appeal against a decision by City Council to allow a so-called “split lot” development.
A loophole in the zoning code allows developers in many areas to build in single-family zones at double the density allowed by code. The land in question was originally platted in 2500 square foot lots, and a code change in 1991 allowed development in the R5 single-family zone on any size “existing” lot. Developers have used the provision to build tall homes barely 15 feet wide, with prominent garages.
The Portland Planning Bureau drafted remedial legislation, and the Portland Planning Commission unanimously recommended it, but a majority of Council - commissioners Randy Leonard, Dan Saltzman and Erik Sten - refused to endorse it. The ad hoc Friends of Neighborhood Zoning are appealing the action to Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). The appeal is based on the grounds that under state law zoning regulations should conform to the intent of the comprehensive plan.
“The issue is process,” Hazelwood president Arlene Kimura said. Fred Sanchez of the Gateway Area Business Association and HNA board member cast the sole dissenting vote, saying that he hadn’t heard from the other side on the issue and didn’t have enough information.
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