With urban growth boundary adoption behind us, the Eugene Planning Division is shifting focus to other projects that implement the community's vision and so is this newsletter. This month we provide an update on the regulation of secondary dwellings, information about proposed incentives for compact development, and a call for applicants interested in serving on the Eugene Planning Commission and Historic Review Board. As always, don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.

During the 2017 legislative session state lawmakers adopted Senate Bill 1051. The bill requires Cities to allow for accessory dwelling units (secondary dwellings in Eugene) in single family neighborhoods subject to 'reasonable local regulations related to siting and design.'

Eugene City Council approved a phased approach to address this new state law. The first phase will see an expansion of the areas in which secondary dwellings are allowed . The existing standards for height, setbacks, building size, etc., are proposed to remain in place at this time. These standards will be evaluated as part of a second phase.

 

Following adoption of the phase 1 changes, an inclusive community process will support the review and potential update of our existing standards for secondary dwellings. Neighborhood livability and housing affordability will be important considerations in evaluating our existing standards.

 

A  Planning Commission Public Hearing  on the proposed Phase 1 changes is scheduled for  March 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Harris Hall  (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene). Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide verbal or written testimony.

Are you interested in serving your community on one of the City of Eugene Boards or Commissions? Both the Eugene Planning Commission and the Historic Review Board have openings. For more details about either of these bodies, visit their respective websites. To apply, click here. Applications are due March 31st.

City of Eugene Public Works staff are updating to the way we calculate transportation system development charges (SDCs). Often referred to as impact fees, transportation SDCs are the fees that pay for the increased demand on our transportation system associated with new development projects.

As part of this update, the Planning Division has worked with Public Works staff to propose incentives for development projects that meet our community's vision around compact development and efficient transportation. Under the proposal, development downtown, along key corridors, and within proximity of our frequent transit network would receive reductions to the calculated transportation SDCs. Secondary dwelling units would also receive an incentive, as would developments with a signed transportation demand management agreement.

City Council will hold a work session on the proposal at noon on February 28th and any changes to the SDC methodology will be considered at a public hearing. Meeting materials describing the proposal are available here and members of the public are encouraged to attend the council meeting in person or watch online.

City Council Work Session

February 28th, 12:00 PM

Harris Hall, 125 E 8th Ave, Eugene

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