Welcome to the project page for the City of Lowell’s Development Code Update Project. The project is to amend the development code in order to implement the Downtown Master Plan. The goals of the project are to increase walkability, encourage housing diversity, encourage downtown development and improve connectivity to parks, schools and other community assets. We will post all relevant information about the project on this page to keep the public informed and engaged. Please visit the website periodically for the latest information. You can also receive updates by subscribing to our email list at https://www.ci.lowell.or.us/subscribe.
The documents listed below are same documents that the Planning Commission received in their packets for the January 4, 2023, Planning Commission public hearing. After receiving the staff report and public testimony, the Planning Commission passed a motion to continue the hearing until February 15, 2023.
Here's an explanation of each of the documents listed below under "Supporting Documents":
Adopted Downtown Master Plan
The main goal of the code update project is to implement and codify the recommendations of the Downtown Master Plan and accompanying Regulating Plan. The Downtown Master Plan was adopted by City Council in 2019.
Exhibit A: Findings for code adoption
The drafting findings provide the factual and statutory basis for processing and approving the amendments.
Exhibit B: Draft ordinance for text amendments to development code and comprehensive plan
If the amendments are approved, they must be formally adopted by ordinance. This ordinance will officially amend the text of the development code and the comprehensive plan.
Exhibit C: Draft ordinance for rezoning to implement new zoning map
If the amendments are approved, there are other maps and rezones that must also occur as a result of the amended development code. This ordinance will approve the rezones for properties within the boundaries of the Regulating Plan and adopt a new zoning map due to those changes.
Exhibit D: Marked up version of proposed code amendments
This is a version of the development code showing all proposed changes.
Exhibit E: Proposed amendments to comprehensive plan
This is a version of the comprehensive plan showing all proposed changes. The amendments to the comprehensive plan are minor and only intended to insert the new zoning districts and remove old ones.
Exhibit F: Proposed new zoning map
This is a draft of what the new zoning districts map will look like once adopted.
Exhibit G: Proposed new downtown regulating plan
This is a version of the revised Regulating Plan. This version is not substantially different from the version adopted and included in the Downtown Master Plan. Because of minor changes to the Regulating Plan, the newest version should be adopted and old version replaced.
January 4, 2023 Planning Commission power point presentation
This is a copy of the power point slides that staff presented to the public and planning commission on January 4 at the public hearing.
Supporting Documents
Adopted Downtown Master Plan. (43 MB)
Exhibit A: Findings for code adoption (336 KB)
Exhibit B: Draft ordinance for text amendments to development code and comprehensive plan (20 KB)
Exhibit C: Draft ordinance for rezoning to implement new zoning map (30 KB)
Exhibit D: Marked up version of proposed code amendments (2 MB)
Exhibit E: Proposed amendments to comprehensive plan (925 KB)
Exhibit F: Proposed new zoning map (926 KB)
Exhibit G: Proposed new downtown regulating plan (717 KB)
January 4, 2023 Planning Commission power point presentation (5 MB
Original source can be found here.
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