Council adopts natural‑hazards program, adds managed development overlay to zoning

The McMinnville City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 5178, a package that implements a natural‑hazards program to comply with Oregon’s Goal 7 and new statewide guidance. The ordinance amends the comprehensive plan, the zoning code, and the city’s map to add a Managed Development Overlay with two subdistricts: a Managed Development Area (requiring site‑specific mitigation studies for some projects) and a Limited Development Area (where higher‑risk, large‑assembly development is restricted).

Staff said the work was prompted by updated statewide hazard data and local risk studies showing substantial earthquake, landslide and flood exposure in parts of the city. The new approach creates a two‑tiered zone: properties in the Managed Development Area may proceed with development after hazard‑specific technical analysis and mitigation; properties in the Limited Development Area face stricter limits to avoid placing large numbers of people in areas of high cumulative risk.

The council and planning commission revised the proposal during hearings to address property owner concerns: the nomenclature was changed from “hazard” to “managed development” to reduce perceived stigma; mapping and a scoring methodology were refined so approximately 400 properties moved from the more restrictive subdistrict to the managed‑development tier; and a 200‑foot impact area and an appeals process for property owners with new data were added. Staff also explained that existing conforming uses are not being made non‑conforming and that property owners retain limited rights for additions (up to 50% of habitable floor area).

The ordinance also includes amendments required to coordinate with floodplain management and federal endangered species mitigation obligations — for example, certain developments in mapped floodplain areas will require habitat assessments.

Councilors stressed the work was data‑driven and noted substantial outreach: the city provided Measure 56 notices to affected property owners, held public information sessions, and invited agencies such as the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the state land‑use division to public hearings. The ordinance passed on first and second reading the same night and was adopted unanimously.

Next steps: The city will implement the new mapping and evaluation processes for new permit applications and maintain an appeals process for property owners who wish to supply additional site‑specific information to change a listing.

Sources: Planning staff presentation by Heather Richards; planning commission decision document and public hearing record.