Welcome to the Washington County Land Use & Transportation Quarterly Update - a newsletter for all things LUT!

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A central path for the Council Creek Regional Trail alignment was selected by the Elected Officials Steering Committee.

This 6-mile east-west trail segment from Hillsboro to Forest Grove is part of a network of trails planned to eventually connect Washington County, the Portland Metro area and the Oregon Coast.

The central path alignment balances terrain, environmental and economic factors.

About 750 people responded to our Washington County Transit Study survey. 

Responses will help us improve transit for those who use transit now and in the future.

We appreciate the great participation. We were able to gather feedback from diverse demographic and geographic cross-sections of our community. 

Staff on the look out for emerald ash borer infestation

Psilocybin in Washington County

Our Community Planning team is beginning work on possible regulations addressing the time, place and manner for facilities to manufacture, test and sell/administer psilocybin.  

Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in more than 200 types of mushrooms. Psilocybin may help with depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

In 2020, Oregon voters approved the Ballot Measure 109 (now codified in statute ORS 475A), allowing regulated psilocybin manufacturing, processing, transportation, sales and supervised administration.  

The Washington County Board of Commissioners may consider potential regulations later this year.

Building, Development fees to increase starting July 1

Fees for building permits and land use applications will be increasing 50% starting July 1, 2023. The increase was approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners during its regular meeting on Feb. 21. 

Both Building Services and Development Review/Current Planning have been struggling with budget shortfalls in recent years. These workgroups are supported entirely by the fees paid for applications and related services. In short, these revenues are not keeping up with rising costs. 

The fee increases will provide critical funding to provide adequate staffing to help ensure target service levels are sustained. 

Safe Streets for All Grant awarded

Transportation News

Construction has been underway for a full year on Cornelius Pass Road, between Frances Street and TV Highway. We will soon finish installing a section of water supply pipeline for the Willamette Water Supply System (WWSS). Once complete, the pipeline will be tested. New lanes will be built over the finished waterline. 

Cornell Road

We are in the final phase of construction, installing ADA-compliant curb ramps on Cornell Road, between 102nd and 113th avenues. We are modifying the Reeves Street water quality facility. Final paving and striping will be done when the weather is warmer. The streetlights have been activated. The new traffic signal at 107th Avenue will be activated when electrical work is complete.  

Tualatin-Sherwood Road and Roy Rogers Road

Three road improvement projects are in progress on Tualatin-Sherwood Road/Roy Rogers Road between Teton Avenue and Chicken Creek. We are installing sections of water supply pipeline for the Willamette Water Supply System (WWSS) as part of these projects. Tualatin-Sherwood Road, between Oregon Street and Gerda Lane, will close for three days in mid-May. Lavender Avenue and Lynnly Way will be closed at Roy Rogers Road, for one week each, this summer. 

121st Avenue

We are continuing to install sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps and street lighting on the 121st Avenue Project, between Tippitt Place and Whistlers Loop. The city water main installation will be finished in April. Contractors are ahead of schedule. We expect to finish work this summer.

Upcoming Events

Washington County Department of

Land Use & Transportation

www.washingtoncountyor.gov/lut