Scappoose planning commission recommends annexation and minor partition for two SE Elm Street parcels

The Scappoose Planning Commission on an audio‑recorded vote recommended that the City Council approve a consolidated application to annex two parcels at 34094 and 34102 SE Elm Street, change their zoning from Columbia County R‑10 to city low‑density residential R‑1, and approve a minor partition to split Tax Lot 3000 into two lots.

Planning staff (NJ) told the commission the site consists of two tax lots totaling 2.05 acres (Tax Lot 3000 = 0.75 acres; Tax Lot 3100 = 1.3 acres) and noted that neither parcel is connected to municipal utilities. Applicant representative Chase Berg said the annexation is driven by a failing septic system on the southern lot and that annexation is required where public sewer is available. "Primarily, the annexation, as NJ had described, is due to a failing septic system on the southern lot," Berg said, adding the partition helps offset annexation costs and could create an additional housing opportunity.

Staff described required public improvements under the recommended conditions, including a 10‑foot right‑of‑way dedication along Tax Lot 3000, installation of a 6‑foot sidewalk with curb and gutter, planting of street trees, paving to a full 36‑foot travel width, installation of sewer and water laterals to serve the parcels, and one street light on the frontage. Staff also said Tax Lot 3100 may retain its existing well. The preliminary partition plat would produce lots of about 24,503 square feet and 6,500 square feet, and the application does not create new streets, allowing it to be processed as a minor partition.

Agency referrals were included in the staff packet. Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District and Columbia River PUD were given opportunity to comment; Columbia County Public Works required that any parcels created obtain county access permits for driveways because SE Elm Street currently sits under county jurisdiction in that section. Staff said referral comments have been incorporated into the recommended conditions of approval.

Commissioners asked technical questions about setbacks, street tree spacing and proximity to sewer mains. Staff responded that plan symbology shows canopy radii but that trunk locations would be at least 10 feet from the sewer line on the plan (staff noted 5 feet is typically a safe trunk‑to‑utility standard). After brief discussion, a motion to recommend approval to the City Council was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The Planning Commission's action is a recommendation to the City Council; staff told commissioners the council will consider ordinance readings at two upcoming January meetings (a first reading and a later vote) where the annexation and zone change will be decided. The application packet and staff report include the specific recommended conditions and code findings to be adopted by the council if it approves the ordinance.