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DCA2025-00001 Planning Commission Staff ReportFEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 1 OF 14 Agenda Item: #5 Hearing Date: May 5, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF TIGARD, OREGON SECTION I. APPLICATION SUMMARY CASE NAME: FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS CASE NO.: Development Code Amendment (DCA) DCA2025-00001 PROPOSAL: The City is proposing development code and municipal code amendments to the Special Flood Hazard Area regulations. The amendments to the development code are necessary to incorporate regulatory changes required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as they relate to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These regulatory changes are required in order for the City of Tigard to continue participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The proposed amendments include: - Updates to Municipal Code Chapter 9.10 that add new definitions and “no net loss” standards; - Updates to Chapter 18.510, Sensitive Lands, to require a “no net loss” analysis with a sensitive lands review for development within areas of special flood hazard ; and - General reorganization and clean -up of Chapter 18.510, Sensitive Lands. The proposed text amendments for the Planning Commission’s review are included in Attachment 1, and summarized below in this report . APPLICANT: City of Tigard 13125 SW Hall Blvd. Tigard, OR 97223 ZONES: Citywide LOCATION: Citywide APPLICABLE REVIEW CRITERIA: Statewide Planning Goals 1 (Citizen Involvement), 2 (Land Use Planning), 7 (Areas subject to Natural Hazards); METRO’s Urban Growth Management Functional Plan Titles 3, and 8; Comprehensive Plan Goals 1.1.2, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 2 OF 14 2.1.3, 2.1.11, 2.1.20, 7.1.4, 7.1.5, 7.1.7, 7.1.8, 7.1.9, 7.1.11, 7.1.14, 10.1.2, 10.2.5, 10.2.7 and 11.1.1; and TCDC Chapters 18.790. SECTION II. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Planning Commission find in favor of the proposed development code and municipal code text amendments (Attachment 1); with any alterations as determined through the public hearing process and make a final recommendation to the Tigard City Council. SECTION III. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PROJECT SUMMARY NFIP Background The purpose of the proposed amendments is to incorporate regulatory changes required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as they relate to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These regulatory changes are required in order for the City of Tigard to continue participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). A brief summary of the National Flood Insurance Program and the proposed changes is provided below. The NFIP is a federal program that was established in 1968 through the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act and administered by FEMA. The program allows owners of properties within the Special Flood Hazard Area to obtain federally-backed insurance for their properties in jurisdictions that have adopted land use regulations for development in the floodplain. In addition to providing insurance, the NFIP provides maps for the n ation’s floodplains, known as Flood Insurance Rate Map s (FIRM) which results from a Flood Insurance Study. The FIRM is an official map that delineates both the ASFH and other flood zones within a community. The F IRM is used in determining which properties are subject to a jurisdiction’s floodplain regulations and whether a property owner is required to obtain flood insurance as well as providing information on the insurance rate. Floodplain boundaries can undergo changes over time due to the effects of erosion, development impacts, vegetation removal , and other factors. To account for floodplain boundary changes, FEMA periodically adjusts the ASFH maps used by local jurisdictions. The City of Tigard does not conduct floodplain inventories and relies on FEMA for the determination of the ASFH boundary. Prior to amending the FIRM or developing new or revised floodplain requirements as part of the NFIP updates, FEMA coordinates with local jurisdictions to determine changes in local flood conditions. Updates to the local FIRM and a corresponding Flood Insurance Study (FIS) Report for all of Washington County were most recently completed by FEMA in 2017. Additionally, FEMA periodically amends the regulatory requirement s of the NFIP. FEMA and ESA Background In 2009, a lawsuit was brought again the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by environmental advocacy agencies. The lawsuit stated that FEMA was in violation of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by not consulting with the National Marine Fisheries Service FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 3 OF 14 (NMFS) on impacts of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Oregon on 15 salmon and steelhead species listed as threatened or endangered un the ESA in Oregon. FEMA agreed to initiate formal consultation with NMFS on the implementation of the NFIP in Oregon based on litigation. In 2011, FEMA submitted a Programmatic Biological Assessment (PBA) to NMFS to assess the effects, if any, that the implementation of the NFIP in Oregon had on 16 species identified, as well as eulachon and Southern Residence killer whales and their habitats. FEMA’s PBA determined that the implementation of the NFIP was “Not Likely to Adversely Affect” these ESA-listed species or their habitats. After many years of discussion and agency coordination, in April 2016, the NMFS issued a Biological Opinion t hat determined the implementation of the NFIP in Oregon was likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species and result in adverse impacts to the habitat of these species. Due to these finding, the NMFA must also provide a Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPA) to the proposed action. RPA is a recommended set of program changes that will ensure the NFIP is implemented in a manner that will not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the adverse modification of the critical habitats of such species. In 2021, FEMA began preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the implementation of the plan for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – Endangered Species Act (ESA) Integration in Oregon. In 2023, a subsequent lawsuit was brought again FEMA for the continue d operation of the NFIP in Oregon that is in violation of the ESA and jeopardizing the continues existence of the 17 ESA-listed species. As a result of this lawsuit, FEMA established Pre - Implementation Compliance Measures (PICM) for NFIP -participating communities in Oregon. These measures will assist communities in preparing for the Final NFIP -ESA Implementation Plan by helping them develop short - and long-term solutions to ensure their ongoing participation in the NFIP. On July 15, 2024, the City of Tigard received a letter from FEMA stating that all NFIP participating communities must select one of the PICM options and notify FEMA of that option by December 1, 2024. However, staff then learned from FEMA that communities must not only choose an option but also start implementing their chosen option by December 1, 2024. The three PICM options were: 1. Adopt a model ordinance that considers impacts to species and their habitat and requires mitigation to a “no net loss” standard; 2. Require a habitat assessment and mitigation plan for development on a permit -by-permit basis; or 3. Prohibit all development in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). On Staff November 27, 2024, City of Tigard submitted a letter to FEMA stating that the City has selected the PICM pathway #1 and will promptly begin working toward adoption of the model ordinance into the City’s Municipal Code and Community Development Code . Due to local process requirements for code amendments, the City was not able to commence permit -by-permit habitat assessment on December 1, 2024 because this option would also require a code amendment. The proposed amendments based on the model code are outlined below. FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 4 OF 14 Proposed Amendments Amend the Tigard Municipal Code Title 9 (Chapter 9.10 Area of Special Flood Hazard) and Tigard Community Development Code Sensitive Lands Chapter (TDC 18.510) as proposed: o Text Amendments to Chapter 9.10 (Special Flood Hazard Area) to establish additional definitions; o Text Amendments to Chapter 9.10 (Special Flood Hazard Area) to establish “no net loss” standards; o Text Amendments to Chapter 9.10 (Special Flood Hazard Area) throughout that reference the “no net loss” standards; o Text Amendments to Chapter 18.510 (Sensitive Lands) to reorganize the chapter for consistency and include the following : ▪ Move the list of sensitive lands from Purpose to Applicability section ▪ Combine General Provisions into a single section ▪ Create a new Review Process section ▪ Move review thresholds from Applicability to new Review Type Determination section o Text Amendments to Chapter 18.510 (Sensitive Lands) to add arequirement for “no net loss” assessment for development within the special flood hazard area. SECTION V. SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE REVIEW CRITERIA This section contains all of the applicable city, state, and Metro policies, provisions, and criteria that apply to the proposed amendment s. City of Tigard Community Development Code: Chapter 18.790: Text and Map Amendments City of Tigard Comprehensive Plan: Chapter 1: Citizen Involvement Chapter 2: Land Use Planning Chapter 7: Hazards Goal 10: Housing Chapter 11: Public Facilities Metro Functional Plan: Title 3: Water Quality and Flood Management Title 8: Compliance Procedures Statewide Planning Goals: Goal 1: Citizen Involvement Goal 2: Land Use Planning FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 5 OF 14 Goal 7: Areas subject to Natural Hazards Goal 10: Housing Goal 11: Public Facilities and Services SECTION IV. APPLICABLE CRITERIA AND FINDINGS 18.790.020 Legislative Amendments A. Legislative amendments shall be processed through a Legislative procedure, as provided in Section 18.710.120. FINDING: The proposed amendments are legislative in nature. Therefore, the amendment s will be reviewed under the Legislative procedure. This procedure requires public hearings by both the Planning Commission and City Council. Public hearings are scheduled for May 5, 2025 and June 10, 2025. This standard is satisfied. B. Approval considerations. A recommendation or a decision for a legislative amendment application may be based on consideration of the applicable legal requirements. They may, but do not necessarily include: Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, one or more Statewide Planning Goals, Metro’s Urban Growth Management Functional Plan and any other regional plans. FINDING: Findings and conclusions are provided in this s taff report for the applicable legal requirements on which the recommendation by the Commission and the decision by the Council must be based. This standard is satisfied. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings above, staff concludes that the proposed code text amendments are consistent with the requirements for legislative amendments . TIGARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN State planning regulations require cities to adopt and amend Comprehensive Plans and land use regulations in compliance with the state land use goals and consistent with State Goals and Policies. Because the development code amendments have a limited scope and the text amendments address only some of the topics in the Tigard Comprehensive Plan, only applicable comprehensive plan goals and associated policies are addressed below. Comprehensive Plan Goal 1: Citizen Involvement Goal 1.1: Provide citizens, affected agencies, and other jurisdictions the opportunity to participate in all phases of the planning process . Policy 1.1.2: The City shall define and publicize an appropriate role for citizens in each phase of the land use planning process. FINDING: This policy has been met by complying with the Tigard Community Development Code FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 6 OF 14 notice requirements set forth in Section 18.710.120. Measure 56 notices were sent by US Postal Service on March 27, 2025 to affected property owners, government agencies and the latest version of the City’s interested parties list. Project information and documents were published to the City website prior to the public hearing. A minimum of two public hearings will be held (one before the Planning Commission and the second before the City Council) at which an opportunity for public input is provided. This policy is satisfied. Comprehensive Plan Goal 2: Land Use Planning Goal 2.1: Maintain an up-to-date Comprehensive Plan, implementing regulations and action plans as the legislative foundation of Tigard’s land use planning program . Policy 2.1.1: The City’s land use program shall establish clear policy direction, comply with state and regional requirements, and serve its citizens’ own interests. FINDING: As demonstrated in this staff report, the proposed amendments to the Tigard Community Development Code continue to establish clear policy direction, comply with state and regional requirements, serve the City’s citizens’ own interests, and are consistent with the Tigard Comprehensive Plan. This policy is satisfied. Policy 2.1.2: The City’s land use regulations, related plans, and implementing actions shall be consistent with and implement its Comprehensive Plan. FINDING: As demonstrated in this staff report, the proposed land use regulations (amendments to the Tigard Community Development Code), related plans, and implementing actions continue to be consistent with and implement the Tigard Comprehensive Plan. This policy is satisfied. Policy 2.1.3: The City shall coordinate the adoption, amendment, and implementation of its land use program with other potentially affected jurisdictions and agencies. FINDING: Copies of the proposed text amendments were sent to other affected jurisdictions and agencies, who were invited to comment on the proposal . Responses are discussed in Section V of this report. Comments submitted by affected agencies have been incorporated into this report and the proposed amendments. This policy is satisfied. Policy 2.1.11: The City shall adopt regulations and standards to protect public safety and welfare from hazardous conditions related to land use activities. FINDING: The proposed amendment s include the adoption of regulatory changes required by FEMA, which will maintain the City’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and protect public safety and welfare for properties located within the ASFH. This policy is satisfied. Policy 2.1.20: The City shall periodically review and, if necessary, update its Comprehensive Plan and regulatory maps and implementing measures to ensure they are current and responsive to community needs, provide reliable information, and conform to applicable state law, administrative rules, and regional requirements . FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 7 OF 14 FINDING: In July 2024, the City was notified by FEMA stating that all NFIP participating communities must select one of the PICM options and notify FEMA of that option by December 1, 2024. The City has elected to adopt the model code, which is required to meet the minimum standards for participation in the NFIP. The proposed amendments include the adoption of regulatory changes required by FEMA, which will maintain the City’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and protect the public welfare for properties located within the ASFH. The proposed amendments ensure that the City’s implementing measures are current and responsive to community needs, provide reliable information, and conform to applicable state law, administrative rules, and regional requirements . This policy is satisfied. Comprehensive Plan Goal 7: Hazards Goal 7.1: Protect people and property from flood, landslide, earthquake, wildfire, and severe weather hazards. Policy 7.1.4: The City shall design and construct public facilities to withstand hazardous events with a priority on hazard protection of public services and facilities that are needed to provide emergency response services. FINDING: The proposed amendments include the adoption of updated regulations related to “no net loss” of the floodplain functions (storage, water quality, and vegetation). The existing regulations and proposed amendments to maintain no net loss of the floodplain functions ensures development can withstand hazardous events. These amendments include a new section in Title 9 that includes “no net loss” standards of the floodplain functions. Additionally, adoption of these amendment s will ensure the City’s continued participation in the NFIP. This policy is satisfied. Policy 7.1.5: The City shall apply and enforce the most current building code standards to protect the built environment from natural disasters and other hazards . FINDING: The City of Tigard administers and enforces the State of Oregon Specialty Codes, which contain certain provisions that apply to the design and construction of buildings and structures located in ASFH. The proposed amendments will be administered and enforced in conjunction with the Oregon Specialty Codes. The proposed amendments include the adoption of updated regulations for development within the ASFH. These amendments, together with the Oregon Specialty Codes, will ensure that the City will apply and enforce the most current building code standards to protect the built environment from natural disasters and flood hazards . This policy is satisfied. Policy 7.1.7: The City shall comply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood regulations, which include standards for base flood levels, flood proofing, and minimum finished floor elevations . FINDING: The proposed amendments implement the latest FEMA-required regulatory updates related to “no net loss” standards of the floodplain functions. This policy is satisfied. Policy 7.1.8: The City shall prohibit any land form alterations or developments in the 100 - year floodplain which would result in any rise in elevation of the 100 -year floodplain. FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 8 OF 14 FINDING: The City’s current development code prohibits landform alterations or developments in the 100-year floodplain that would result in any rise in elevation of the 100 -year floodplain. Changes to this requirement are not proposed. Under the proposed amendments a ll new development will continue to meet this requirement. This policy is satisfied. Policy 7.1.9: The City shall not allow land form alterations of development w ithin the 100- year floodplain outside the zero-foot rise floodway unless: A. The streamflow capacity of the zero-foot rise and floodway is maintained; and B. Engineered drawings and/or documentation shows there will be no detrimental upstream or downstream effects in the floodplain area. FINDING: The City’s current development code prohibits landform alterations or developments in the 100-year floodplain that would result in any rise in elevation of the 100 -year floodplain. Changes to this requirement are not proposed . Under the proposed amendments a ll new development will continue to meet this requirement and will need to provide the required documentation and engineered drawings. This policy is satisfied . Policy 7.1.11: The City shall comply with Metro Title 3 Functional Plan requirements for balanced fill and removal in the floodplain . FINDING: The proposed amendments will ensure that the City’s regulations will continue to comply with Metro Title 3 Functional Plan requirements for balanced fill and removal in the floodplain. This is a basic requirement of the FEMA regulations, which is also a component of Metro Title 3 regulations. This policy is satisfied . Policy 7.1.12: 12. The City shall encourage pervious, and minimize impervious, surfaces to reduce storm water runoff. FINDING: The proposed amendments in Title 9 include “no net loss standards” of floodplain functions, specifically water quality. The proposed amendments include mitigation for new impervious surfaces, use of low impact development or green infrastructure, and other method s as documented and designed by a qualified professional . This policy is satisfied. Policy 7.1.14: The City shall work to reduce the risk of loss of life and damage to property from severe weather events. FINDING: The proposed amendments include d in Title 9 and Chapter 18.510 reduce the risk of loss of life and damage to property from severe weather events, particularly flooding events. These standards are applied in conjunction with the state building code to reduce the risk of damage to property. This policy is satisfied . Comprehensive Plan Goal 10: Housing Goal 10.1: Provide opportunities for a variety of housing types at a range of price levels to meet the diverse housing needs of current and future City residents. Policy 10.1.2: The City’s land use program shall be consistent with applicable state and federal laws. FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 9 OF 14 FINDING: The proposed amendments implement the latest FEMA required regulatory updates to maintain participation in the NFIP. The proposed amendments allow residential development when located outside of the area of special flood hazard. Any development, including residential, must comply with all applicable standards when developing within the special flood hazard area. These are consistent with applicable state and federal laws. This policy is satisfied. Goal 10.2: Maintain a high level of residential livability Policy 10.2.5: The City shall encourage housing that supports sustainable development patterns and climate change preparedness and mitigation by promoting the efficient use of land, conservation of natural resources, easy access to public transit and other efficient modes of transportation, easy access to services and parks, resource efficient design and construction, and the use of renewable energy resources. FINDING: The proposed amendments in Title 9 include “no net loss” standards to ensure floodplain functions, specifically floodplain storage, water quality, and vegetation. Mitigation is required for any impact to the floodplain functions to ensure the development results in no net loss of those functions. This standard encourages efficient use of land and conservation of natural resources through mitigation. This policy is satisfied. Policy 10.2.7: The City shall ensure that residential uses are appropriately related to locational characteristics and site conditions such as the presence of natural hazards and natural resources, availability of public facilities and services, and existing land use patterns. FINDING: The proposed amendments include “no net loss” standards of floodplain functions for development within the ASFH. The required mitigations to maintain no net l oss in floodplain functions will result in additional protection from natural hazards within the ASFH. This policy is satisfied. Comprehensive Plan Goal 11: Public Facilities and Services Goal 11.1: Develop and maintain a stormwater system that protects development, water resources, and wildlife habitat. Policy 11.1.1: The City shall require that all new development: C. Meet or exceed regional, state, and federal standards for water quality and flood protection. FINDING: The proposed amendments adopt the FEMA required regulatory updates for development within the ASFH—meeting federal standards for water quality. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to incorporate regulatory changes required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to comply with the latest standards and continue participation in the NFIP. This policy is satisfied. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings above, staff concludes that the pro posed code text amendments are consistent with applicable provisions of the Tigard FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 10 OF 14 Comprehensive Plan. METRO Urban Growth Management Functional Plan State planning regulations require cities to adopt and amend Comprehensive Plans and land use regulations in compliance with the state land use goals. Within the Portland metropolitan region, METRO also has responsibility for administering state planning regulations. This is accomplished through METRO’s adopted Urban Growth Management Functional Plan (UGMFP). Because the proposed Code Amendments have a limited scope and the text amendments address only some of the topics in the UGMFP, only applicable UGMFP Titles are addressed below. Title 3: Water Quality and Flood Management: The intent of this goal is to protect the beneficial water uses and functions and values of resources within the Water Quality and Flood Management Areas by limiting or mitigating the impact on these areas from development activities and protecting life and property from dangers associated with flooding. FINDING: The proposed amendments will ensure that the City’s regulations will continue to comply with Metro Title 3 UGMFP requirements for limiting or mitigating the impact from development activities on Metro’s designated Water Quality and Flood Management Areas as well as protecting life and property from the dangers associated with flooding . This is a basic requirement of the FEMA regulations, which is also a component of Metro Title 3 regulations. This policy is satisfied. Title 8: Compliance Procedures The purposes of this chapter are to establish a process for ensuring city or county compliance with requirements of the Urban Growth Management Functional Plan and for evaluating and informing the region about the effectiveness of those requirements. FINDING: This title has been met by complying with the Tigard Community Development Code notice requirements set forth in Section 18.710.1 20. Measure 56 notices were sent by US Postal Service on March 27, 2025 to affected government agencies and the latest version of the City’s interested parties list. Information and documents were published to the City website prior to the public hearing. A minimum of two public hearings will be held (one before the Planning Commission and the second before the City Council) at which an opportunity for public input is provided. These actions meet or exceed the specific requirements contained in Metro Title 8. This title is satisfied. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings above, staff finds that the propose d code amendments are consistent with Metro’s Urban Growth Management Functional Plan . Statewide Planning Goals Goal 1 – Citizen Involvement: This goal outlines the citizen involvement requirement for the land use planning process, including the adoption of Comprehensive Plans and changes to the Comprehensive Plan and implementing documents . FINDING: This goal has been met by complying with the Tigard Community Development Code FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 11 OF 14 notice requirements set forth in Section 18.710.1 20. Measure 56 notices were sent by US Postal Service on March 27, 2025 to affected property owners, government agencies and the latest version of the City’s interested parties list. Project information and documents were published to the City website prior to the public hearing. A minimum of two public hearings will be held (one before the Planning Commission and the second before the City Council) at which an opportunity for public input is provided. This goal is satisfied. Goal 2 – Land Use Planning: This goal outlines the land use planning process and policy framework. FINDING: The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has acknowledged the city’s Comprehensive Plan as being consistent with the statewide planning goals. The Development Code implements the Comprehensive Plan. The Development Code establishes a process and standards to review changes to the Tigard Development Code in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and other applicable state requirements. As discussed within this report, the applicable Development Code process and standards have been applied to the proposed amendment, and the intent of these amendments are to meet the requirement of state law, administrative rules, and the Statewide Planning Goals. This goal is satisfied. Goal 7 – Areas Subject to Natural Hazards This goal requires that local comprehensive plans to address Oregon’s natural hazards. Protecting people and property from natural hazards requires knowledge, planning, coordination, and education. FINDING: The proposed amendments include the adoption of updated regulations related to “no net loss” of the floodplain functions (storage, water quality, and vegetation). The existing regulations and proposed amendments to maintain no net loss of the floodplain functions ensures development can withstand hazardous events. The proposed amendments included in Title 9 and Chapter 18.510 reduce the risk of loss of life and damage to property from severe weather events, particularly flooding events. These standards are applied in conjunction with the state building code to reduce the risk of damage to property. Additionally, adoption of these amendments will ensure the City’s continued participation in the NFIP. This policy is satisfied. Goal 10 – Housing This goal requires cities and counties to provide adequate capacity for needed housing. OAR Chapter 660 Division 8, which implements Goal 10, states that “the purpose of the division is to ensure opportunity for the provision of adequate numbers of needed housing units, the efficient use of buildable land within urban growth boundaries, and to provide greater certainty in the development process so as to reduce housing costs .” FINDING: The proposed amendments implement the latest FEMA required regulatory updates to maintain participation in the NFIP. The proposed amendments in Title 9 include “no net loss” standards to ensure floodplain functions, specifically floodplain storage, water quality, and vegetation. Mitigation is required for any impact to the floodplain functions to ensure the development results in no net loss of those functions. The proposed amendments allow residential development when located outside of the area of special flood hazard. Any development, including residential, must comply with all applicable standards when developing within the special flood FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 12 OF 14 hazard area. The proposed regulations may impact the amount of housing produced based on the amount of mitigation required to demonstrate no net loss of the floodplain functions. Under the previous code, housing development was already prohibited within the special flood hazard area, so the net impact on land available for housing is negligible. These are consistent with applicable state and federal laws. This policy is satisfied. Goal 11 – Public Facilities and Services This goal requires that cities and counties plan a develop a timely, orderly and effic ient arrange of public facilities and services to serve as a framework for urban and rural development. FINDING: The proposed amendments adopt the FEMA required regulatory updates for development within the ASFH—meeting federal standards for water quality . The purpose of the proposed amendments is to incorporate regulatory changes required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to comply with the latest standards and continue participation in the NFIP. This policy is satisfied . CONCLUSION: Based on the findings above, staff finds the proposed code amendments are consistent with applicable Statewide Planning Goals. SUMMARY CONCLUSION: As shown in the findings provided in this report, staff concludes that the proposed amendments are consistent with the applicable Statewide Planning Goals; METRO’s UGMFP; applicable Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, and the applicable provisions of the City’s implementing ordinances. SECTION V. AGENCY COMMENTS City of Beaverton, City of Durham, City of King City, City of Lake Oswego, City of Tualatin, Washington County, Metro, ODOT, DLCD, DEQ, ODFW, OR Dept. of Geo. & Mineral Ind., US Army Corps of Engineers, and CWS were notified of the proposed code text amendments but provided no comment. Department of State Lands provided emailed comments primarily related to wetlands, these have been incorporated into the proposed amendments. City of Tigard Engineering Department provided written comments and suggested edits on the proposed amendments. Staff incorporated many of these into the proposed amendments. SECTION VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS The City has received the following public comments: On March 30, 2025, staff received: - An email from Art Bahrs requesting a copy of the proposed amendments. - An email from Randy Killion requesting a copy of the proposed amendments. FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 13 OF 14 On March 31, 2025, staff received: - An email from Kevin Buckley requesting a copy of the proposed amendments. - An email and phone call from Jennifer Campbell asking what is being proposed and requesting a copy of the proposed amendments. - An email from Randy Killion requesting a copy the map referenced in the proposed amendments. - A phone call from Shirley Root asking what is being proposed. - A phone call from Joan Sakagushi asking what is being proposed. - A phone call from Ron Risberg asking what is being proposed. On April 1, 2025, staff received: - An email from Tom Manning asking how the amendments impact properties. - An email from Mike Tietz requesting a copy of the proposed amendments . On April 2, 2025, staff received a phone call from Julie Mann on what is being proposed. On April 3, 2025, staff received : - An email from Pasquale Pascuzzi requesting a copy of the proposed amendments. - A phone call from Christine Broussard asking what is being proposed. - A phone call from Sandy Pepnum asking what is being proposed. On April 4, 2025, staff received - An email from Steve Hilton asking what the proposed changes are and how it would impact his property. - A phone call from Diane Swietnek expressing concerns about amendments and requesting more information about impacts to her property. - A phone call from Sukanya Kannegundla asking what is being proposed. On April 7, 2025, staff received: - An email from Kimberly Shute expressing concerns about the amendments and impacts on her property. - A phone call from Carol McAdam requesting a copy of the proposed amendments. - A phone call from Pamela Cournoyer asking how the amendments will impact her property. - A phone call from Michelle Burnett asking about impacts to her property and the Summerwood Village development. On April 8, 2025, staff received: - An email from Michelle Burnett requesting a map showing floodplain and the Summerwood Village development and asking what will occur at the public hearing. - An email from Rob Rettig, an engineering from AKS Engineering and Forestry, LLC., asking what the proposed amendments were. - A phone call from Zabi Ghaffari asking what is being proposed. On April 11, 2025, an email from Zabi Ghaffari expressing support for the proposed amendments. On April 14, 2025, an email from Amy and Matt Bloom asking for more information on the proposed amendments and their impacts on their property. FEMA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) COMPLIANCE CODE AMENDMENTS DCA2025-00001 5/5/2025 PUBLIC HEARING, STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 14 OF 14 On April 15, 2025, staff received an email from Nancy Devine requesting a copy of the proposed amendments and their impacts on their property. On April 16, 2025, staff received an email and phone call from Michael Westfall asking what is being proposed and requesting a copy of the proposed amendments. On April 22, 2025, staff received a phone call from Todd Ellsworth asking what is proposed and how it impacts his property. A copy of the proposed amendments was provided. On April 26, 2025, staff received an email from Michael Westfall requesting the proposed amendments. On April 28, 2025, staff received an email from Tiera Liby asking what is proposed and how it impacts their property, if and what the increase in insurance will be, and if the city will assist in these costs. ATTACHMENTS: Attachments: 1. Draft Text Amendments 2. Agency Comments 3. Public Comments April 28, 2025 PREPARED BY: Agnes Lindor DATE Senior Planner April 28, 2025 APPROVED BY: Schuyler Warren DATE Assistant Community Development Director