From: Ellen Rogalin, Clackamas County Department of Transportation & Development, 503-742-4274
08-19-10

Media and Interested Parties
Public invited to comment on revised draft tree ordinance for urban, unincorporated Clackamas County

Clackamas County is seeking public comment on a revised, focused draft tree ordinance produced in response to direction from the Board of County Commissioners at a June 28 public hearing.  The revised draft ordinance includes a five-year development moratorium in response to excessive tree removal to deter clear-cutting in advance of development.

The proposed ordinance and Comprehensive Plan changes are available on the county website by clicking here. They can also be reviewed at the Land Use and Zoning Office on the second floor of the Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, or by calling 503-742-4500.

The deadline for public comments on the revised draft is 9 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8. Comments may be sent by email or through standard mail to Land Use and Zoning, Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City, OR  97045.  All feedback received by the deadline will be shared with the Board of County Commissioners.

The Commissioners are scheduled to continue the hearing, for deliberation and decision only (no public testimony) at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8, in the Clackamas County Public Services Building, 2051 Kaen Rd., Oregon City. 
Clackamas County has been considering options for a tree ordinance for nearly two years.  The review included the work of a citizen task force, and public hearings. 

The June 28 public hearing before the Board of Commissioners, which had been continued from June 8, began with testimony from people who had signed up to speak, but had not had the chance to speak, on June 8.  After hearing the testimony and deliberating, the Board asked staff to return with a “narrowly drawn and very specific ordinance” that included the following provisions: 
• That the ordinance applies only to urban unincorporated areas of the county
• Limits on excessive tree removal in anticipation of development, and a five-year development moratorium
• Development will not be denied because there are trees; and the county recognizes that some or all trees may ultimately be removed on a development site, but only after approval of the development application.

For more information, contact Jennifer Hughes, 503.742.4518 or jenniferhug@co.clackamas.or.us.