Zoning questions answered by Debbie
Here are responses to your questions:
1. The EX zone has evolved since it was initiated in the Zoning Code. Historically, it's been applied to areas like NW Portland, where industrial/employment uses existed, to allow for a mix of uses in these areas. The Zoning Code's description of the EX zone is written in a way that someone could possibly interpret the zone the way the neighbor is doing. This section of Zoning Code likely needs updating given the fact that the regulations for the EX zone allow a wide variety of employment, commercial and residential uses without specific limiting regulations on uses (unless specifically crafted in a plan district for an area). And so, the mixed use project proposed for 20th and Alberta is allowed to happen based on the uses proposed. (Have I confused you?)
2. Alberta St. does not have a historic designation, either individually or as part of a historic or conservation district. Alberta is located between two designated local districts -- the Piedmont and the Mississippi Conservation Districts -- but is not part of either. One property on Alberta St. is designated as a historic landmark. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This property is at 2703 NE Alberta, formerly known as the Alberta Substation.
3. You are correct with your observation, the difficulty is in the implementation. There is a need to revisit the City's alley policies and procedures to facilitate more alley use. Currently, a developer would be responsible for improving the entire alleyway to City standards in order to use it, which can be very costly. The developer may choose to take the less expensive route and not use the alleyway. According to Bill, most alleys do not meet City standards.
I am putting together a power point presentation from the tours and will be sure to mention the alley issue in reference to the example you showed us in Concordia. Also, the NECN LUT Committee (and the CNN LUT Committee?) could develop a list of priorities to request the City pursue, this could be one of those items.
I hope these responses are helpful.
Debbie
1. The EX zone has evolved since it was initiated in the Zoning Code. Historically, it's been applied to areas like NW Portland, where industrial/employment uses existed, to allow for a mix of uses in these areas. The Zoning Code's description of the EX zone is written in a way that someone could possibly interpret the zone the way the neighbor is doing. This section of Zoning Code likely needs updating given the fact that the regulations for the EX zone allow a wide variety of employment, commercial and residential uses without specific limiting regulations on uses (unless specifically crafted in a plan district for an area). And so, the mixed use project proposed for 20th and Alberta is allowed to happen based on the uses proposed. (Have I confused you?)
2. Alberta St. does not have a historic designation, either individually or as part of a historic or conservation district. Alberta is located between two designated local districts -- the Piedmont and the Mississippi Conservation Districts -- but is not part of either. One property on Alberta St. is designated as a historic landmark. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This property is at 2703 NE Alberta, formerly known as the Alberta Substation.
3. You are correct with your observation, the difficulty is in the implementation. There is a need to revisit the City's alley policies and procedures to facilitate more alley use. Currently, a developer would be responsible for improving the entire alleyway to City standards in order to use it, which can be very costly. The developer may choose to take the less expensive route and not use the alleyway. According to Bill, most alleys do not meet City standards.
I am putting together a power point presentation from the tours and will be sure to mention the alley issue in reference to the example you showed us in Concordia. Also, the NECN LUT Committee (and the CNN LUT Committee?) could develop a list of priorities to request the City pursue, this could be one of those items.
I hope these responses are helpful.
Debbie
posted by Vernon Neighbors at 5:58 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home