This month's newsletter provides information about a number of projects that will help implement our community vision: urban reserves planning, clear and objective standards for housing, and the neighborhood planning guidelines. We've also included information about an upcoming community event we think you'll be interested in - Jane's Walks. As always, don't hesitate to let us know if you have questions.

With the successful adoption of Eugene’s urban growth boundary (UGB), it is time to start planning even further into the future. Our current UGB was designed to provide enough room for the housing, jobs, schools and parks needed for the next 20 years. The goal of urban reserves planning is to identify where Eugene may grow up to 30 years beyond our 2032 UGB.

Urban reserves will identify priority land so we are ready if and when Eugene needs to expand. This way, if Eugene grows faster than expected we are prepared with a plan to grow in the best places and in the ways that best align with our community values.

We can’t prepare for growth and change without collaboration with our county partners, surrounding rural residents, and a myriad of utility and service providers. As such, this project will include a robust public involvement plan.

The project is just kicking off so now is a great time to get involved. To learn more about urban reserves planning sign up to be on our mailing list. A project website will be coming soon. You can also attend, or watch online, a project update at the May 8th Planning Commission meeting (details below).

Please contact project manager Rebecca Gershow for more information.

As part of Envision Eugene, our community recognized the need to update the rules that apply to land use applications for housing.  Now that our Urban Growth Boundary has been acknowledged by the State, a project to update some of the housing standards that implement our community vision is getting underway. 

The State requires “clear and objective” approval criteria for any land use application for housing. Land use applications include land divisions, planned unit developments, site reviews, and conditional use permit applications. They do not include housing proposals that are allowed by right, which go straight to permitting.

We need a predictable and efficient path to approval for new housing as Eugene grows and our housing needs increase. Our goal is to balance that mandate while preserving livability, public health, safety, and natural resources.

The project will engage a diverse group of stakeholders and will provide opportunities for public input. The Planning Commission will receive an update on the project at their May 8th meeting. See below for a link to the agenda and meeting details.

A project website will be coming soon and regular project updates will be included in this newsletter. Stay tuned!

Please contact project manager Jenessa Dragovich for more information.

The Neighborhood Planning Guidelines are intended to serve as a resource to residents interested in addressing local concerns and aspirations through a planning process. Developed in collaboration between the Planning Division and the Office of Human Rights and Neighborhood Involvement, the guidelines outline the policy framework for neighborhood planning in Eugene, the different approaches available to address place-based concerns, and the actions neighborhood groups can take to identify and build their capacity for a neighborhood planning process.

Staff are seeking input on the first draft of this document. Visit the project website to view the draft guidelines and take the feedback survey.

May 4 ^th -6 ^th , explore Eugene by joining a citizen-led Jane’s Walk! These free, locally organized walking tours bring people together to explore and talk about their neighborhoods and our city. Participants will have the opportunity to celebrate what makes these places great, learn something new about Eugene, and talk about ways to protect and enhance our unique community. You can learn more about the walks taking place over the weekend here . 

May 8th 2018, 5:30 PM

Urban Reserves &

Clear and Objective Housing Standards

May 21st 2018, 11:30 AM

System Development Charges,

Growth Monitoring Program, Comprehensive Plan and Map

You can decide which email lists to be a part of by clicking update profile below. This will allow you to unsubscribe from this email list while remaining on other City of Eugene Planning and Development email lists. If you would like to unsubscribe from all City of Eugene Planning and Development emails, please click unsubscribe. Thanks!