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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 - Findings - #PA-T3-2024-00013 BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF ASHLAND,JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON June 3, 2025 In the matter of Planning Action PA-T3-2024-00013 ) which includes amendments to the Ashland Municipal ) Code(AMC) Title 18 Land Use concerning the addition ) FINDINGS OF FACT AND of Chapter 18.3.14 Climate Friendly Overlay and ) CONCLUSIONS OF LAW associated amendments, the repeal of existing Chapter ) 18.3.14 Transit Triangle Overlay, and to the Zoning and ) Land Use Controls Map and to the Site Design Zones Map.) PURPOSE: The proposal includes a series of map and zoning code amendments intended to implement a new Climate Friendly (CF) Overlay for two proposed Climate Friendly Areas (CFAs) consistent with state Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) rules to promote vibrant, mixed-use walkable neighborhoods. The Railroad Property CFA is proposed for the area north of downtown bounded by Oak Street, Hersey Street, Williamson Way/Russell Street, and the railroad tracks. The Transit Triangle CFA is proposed for the area in southeast Ashland along Ashland Street between Siskiyou Boulevard and I-5 and along Siskiyou Boulevard between Ashland Street and Beswick Way. Implementation is achieved by four distinct ordinances. The first ordinance amends the land use ordinance to include a new chapter 18.3.14 Climate Friendly Overlay as implementing regulations for the land use designation, and to repeal the existing chapter 18.3.14 Transit Triangle Overlay. The second ordinance amends the Zoning and Land Use Controls Map to add the CF Overlay. The third ordinance amends the Site Design Zones Map to align the Detailed Site Design Review extent with the proposed CFA boundaries. The fourth ordinance includes a series of amendment to AMC Title 18 Land Use for clarity and consistency. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Notice was published in The Ashland News on April 8, 2025 for public hearings before the Planning Commission and the Ashland City Council. A public hearing was held at the Planning Commission on April 29, 2025 and at the City Council on May 6, 2025. Notice was also sent to the Department of Land Conservation and Development on March 4,2025. SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS The CF Overlay is proposed for two CFAs: • The Railroad Property CFA includes approximately 57 acres in the center of the city, just a few blocks north of downtown. (see Figure 1 on page 2). The site is zoned Employment (E-1) with the Residential (R) Overlay for the majority of the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 1 site.The site has been planned for a pedestrian-focused mixed-use area dating back to the 2001 master plan for the site, and the CF Overlay provides an opportunity to update and expand the mixed-use development opportunities for the full site. • The Transit Triangle CFA includes approximately 117 acres along the major transit corridors on Siskiyou Boulevard and Ashland Street(see Figure 2 on page 3). The site is zoned a mix of Commercial (C-1), Employment (E-1) and a small amount of Residential Low Density Multiple Family (R-2) with the Transit Triangle (TT) Overlay applying to the entire site, offering optional mixed-use provisions beyond the base zone standards to facilitate a mix of housing types and businesses in an environment that is friendly to walking,biking, and using transit. The purpose of the new Climate Friendly (CF) Overlay is to encourage development and redevelopment within vibrant, walkable mixed-use centers supported by a variety of transportation options. Proposed residential uses include multifamily in mixed-use and standalone configurations,and townhouses,and nonresidential uses include retail sales and services, restaurants, offices, and public uses. Greater concentrations of housing and businesses are mutually supporting, expanding housing opportunities and providing a better environment for local business development and expansion to help residents meet their daily needs within a walkable setting. r a z \FrSTF- YS H ES v _ a .44 CL 16 CLEAR CREEK DR B all Figure 1: Railroad Property CFA Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 2 C ASHL N ST U py C Figure 2: Transit Triangle CFA Proposed Code Amendments New CF Overlay implementing regulations proposed in Chapter 18.3.14 Climate Friendly Overlay include: AMC 18.3.14.010, .020, Establish new CF Overlay that applies in addition to and .030 supersedes base zone requirements, to be designated on the Zoning Map. AMC 18.3.14.040 Revise use standards in underlying zones: • Add attached single-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings, retail uses, restaurants, schools and parks as permitted uses for C-1 and E-1 zoned areas within the overlay. • Prohibit self-service storage in E-1 which are otherwise permitted conditionally; maintain existing prohibition in C-1 zones. • Require conditional use permit for wholesale storage and distribution in E-1 zoned areas which are otherwise permitted as special uses. • Continue to permit automotive repair or service and automotive sales as conditional or special uses in C-1 and E-1 zoned areas, recognizing the presence of existing uses within the proposed CFAs. • Continue to permit drive-up uses as special uses within C-1 zoned areas, which are already capped and subject to design standards. • Add child care centers, governmental offices, offices, retail sales and services as permitted uses for R-2 zoned areas. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 3 AMC 18.3.14.040.0 • Add special use standards for attached single-family dwellings that link access and lot frontage standards, promoting the use of alleys to serve any townhouse lots and steering developments away from arterials. Intended to create walkability and limit curb cuts. • Add special use standards for multifamily dwellings to retain mixed-use requirement(minimum 35 percent nonresidential use on ground floor,both vertical and horizontal options).Add exemptions for: • Affordable housing projects,as required by state law. • Buildings developed with `commercial-ready' ground floor space. AMC 18.3.14.050 Supersede dimensional standards in base zones to include: • New minimum density to meet or exceed minimum 15 du/ac CFA requirement. 15 du/ac proposed in R-2,20 du/ac proposed in E-1, and 25 du/ac proposed in C-1 for more robust development tilted towards multifamily rather than townhouses. • Exceptions to minimum density proposed,consistent with state rules, for mixed use buildings that have a FAR of 2.0+or renovations of existing structures. • Minimum FAR of 0.5 proposed, similar to existing TT overlay,to encourage robust development; not required by state rules. • Setbacks only required for development abutting residential zones outside of the overlay. • Solar setbacks limited to buildings within 100 feet of a residential zone. • Increase maximum height to 50 feet,with bonus up to 60 feet allowed for affordable housing(or bonus permitted by state rules,whichever is greater). AMC 18.3.14.060.A Apply maximum block length standard of 350 feet for new developments larger than 5.5 acres,to implement state rules. All development subject to City's block length standard of 300 to 400 feet. AMC 18.3.14.060.B Apply 10-foot step-back for portions of buildings over 25 feet tall abutting residential zones outside of the overlay. The proposed amendments would repeal the existing Transit Triangle (TT) provisions in AMC 18.3.14 in their entirety. Additional changes to the C-1-D standards that apply to downtown are proposed for parity with the proposed CFAs, including: Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 4 • Increasing the allowed height from 40 to 50 feet outright, and from 55 to 60 feet permitted conditionally. • Removing the maximum density of 60 dwelling units/acre(du/ac). • Permitting multifamily residential outright, without a ground-floor commercial component, when the ground floor is built to `commercial-ready' standards and meets a minimum density of 30 du/ac. (Proposed AMC Table 18.2.6.030.) Similarly, changes are proposed to remove the maximum density standards in C-1 (currently 30 du/ac) and in E-1 (currently 15 du/ac, limited to the Residential Overlay)to better support residential development citywide. (Proposed AMC Table 18.2.6.030.) Mixed-use development requirements and existing dimensional standards, including a maximum height of 40 feet,would continue to apply. Additional edits and clarifications to the Land Use Ordinance that align with the proposed CF Overlay include: AMC Table 18.2.1.020 Add CF Overlay and remove TT Overlay from list of City zones and overlays. AMC Table 18.2.2.030 Remove special use standards referencing the TT Overlay for Multifamily Dwellings. Note that references to use exceptions within the new CF Overlay are not proposed within the table to limit the number of exceptions; instead, the overarching statement in AMC 18.2.2.030(E) establishes that the base zone standards may be amended by specific overlay standards. AMC Table 18.2.2.030 Delete `Commercial Retail Sales and Services' category that duplicates existing `Retail Sales and Services' category, which is the preferred, defined term in 18.6.1. AMC 18.2.3.130 Clarify option to develop residential uses within the C-1 and E-1 zones within the CF Overlay, separate from special use standards that otherwise apply in base zones. AMC 18.2.3.130.B.2 Remove maximum density standards for residential uses within the C-1 and E-1 zones (citywide), consistent with change to base zone standards. AMC 18.2.3.130.B.4 Add option for multifamily uses outright in C-1-D, exempt from mixed-use standards. Such developments must meet commercial-ready ground-floor requirements and achieve a minimum density of 30 du/ac. AMC 18.3.12.030 Expand the extent of the Detail Site Review Overlay on the Site Design Zones figures to include the entirety of both CFAs; the majority but not all of those areas are currently included.Applying the Detail Site Review Overlay will make the CFAs subject to additional design standards in Findings of Fad and Conclusions of Law Page 5 18.4.2.040 that align with the CFEC walkable urban design standards, and will require Type II review for developments over 10.000 SF. AMC 18.3.12.060 Limit Pedestrian Places (PP)overlay to only apply outside of CF Overlay,to avoid overlap. • Delete TT Overlay reference in 18.3.12.060.B.4. • Remove first two of three map figures in Figure 18.3.12.060, limiting extent of overlay to Main St/Mountain Ave vicinity. • Delete concept plan figures for the Tolman Creek Rd/Ashland St and Walker Ave/Ashland St pedestrian laces. AMC 18.3.12.070.A In list of overlays, establish that CF overlay applies to properties zoned CF on the Zoning Map. AMC 18.3.13.010.0 Remove reference to Transit Triangle Overlay in Residential Overlay requirements. AMC Figure Exclude Railroad Property from the Residential(R)Overlay 18.3.13.010 by revising map figure; CF Overlay will replace and expand upon the R Overlay. AMC 18.3.13.C.2 Remove maximum density standards within the R Overlay, consistent with change to base zone standards. AMC Figures Expand Detail Site Review Overlay to include full extent of 18.4.2.040.C.2, 3,4 1 both CFAs by revising map fi�u es. Proposed Map Amendments Proposed map changes to implement the CF Overlay and related changes include: • On the Zoning Map, adding the CF Overlay for the two proposed CFAs. • On the Zoning Map, removing the Residential (R) Overlay from the Railroad Property. • On the Zoning Map, removing the Pedestrian Places (P) Overlay from portions of both CFAs. • On the Site Design Zones Map, expanding the extent of the Detail Site Review Zone to fully align with the CFA boundaries. The Transit Triangle (TT) Overlay is also proposed to be removed, but is mapped in existing AMC 18.3.14,rather than on the Zoning Map. REVIEW CRITERIA The decision of the City Council together with the recommendation by the Planning Commission was based on consideration and findings of consistency with the following factors. A. Consistency with City of Ashland approval criteria for legislative amendments, AMC 18.5.9.020.B. Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 6 B. Consistency with City of Ashland Comprehensive Plan and Other City Policies. C. Consistency with Oregon Statewide Planning Goals. D. Consistency with OAR Chapter 660 Division 12, Sections 0310 through 0330 related to Climate Friendly Areas EVALUATION AND COUNCIL FINDINGS: A. Consistency with City of Ashland approval criteria for legislative amendments and zoning map amendments,AMC 18.5.9.020.B 18.5.9.020 Applicability and Review Procedure Applications for Plan Amendments and Zone Changes are as follows: B. Tipe III. It may be necessary from time to time to make legislative amendments in order to conform with the Comprehensive Plan or to meet other changes in circumstances or conditions. The Type Ill procedure applies to the creation, revision, or large-scale implementation of public policy requiring City Council approval and enactment of an ordinance; this includes adoption of regulations, gone changes for large areas, gone changes requiring comprehensive plan amendment, comprehensive plan map or text amendment, annexations (see chapter 18.5.8 for annexation information), and urban growth boundary amendments. The following planning actions shall be subject to the Type III procedure. 1. Zone changes or amendments to the Zoning Map or other official maps, except where minor amendments or corrections may be processed through the Type II procedure pursuant to subsection 18.5.9.020.A, above. 2. Comprehensive Plan changes, including text and map changes or changes to other official maps. 3. Land Use Ordinance amendments. 4. Urban Growth Boundary amendments. Ashland Municipal Code (AMC) 18.5.9.020.13 permits legislative amendments to meet changes in circumstances and conditions. The City Council finds it is necessary to amend the Zoning Map and Land Use Ordinance to adopt two Climate Friendly Areas (CFAs) consistent with statewide requirements including development regulations for those areas that support mixed-use, walkable development consistent with statewide CFA requirements that align with the City's own long-range planning goals adopted in the Comprehensive Plan, as detailed in Section B. The Council finds the land use ordinance and map amendments are consistent with Ashland Municipal Code(AMC) 18.5.9.020.B. R Consistency with the Ashland Comprehensive Plan and other City Policies The Ashland Comprehensive Plan Goal 6.10.1 states,"Ensure a range of different dwelling types that provide living opportunities for the total cross section ofAshland's population." Policy 3 states,"Integrate housing with other compatible land uses through flexible coning provisions." The proposed CF Overlay will provide expanded opportunities for Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 7 multifamily and townhouse development, which can support future development that expands the range of dwelling types available in Ashland. Because both of the proposed CFAs are located in areas with commercial or employment zoning where residential development opportunities are currently limited, the CF Overlay provisions specifically address Policy 3 to integrate more housing opportunities with compatible retail, office, employment and civic land uses in those areas. The Ashland Comprehensive Plan Housing Goal 6.10.2 states, "Support the creation and preservation of housing that is affordable to low and moderate income households and that is commensurate with the incomes of Ashland s workforce." The proposed CF Overlay expands opportunities to develop higher density housing that has potential to be affordable to lower income households and includes specific provisions to allow bonus height for affordable housing developments. TTMRM71Fy,propo' men rnen s ` stoning distric—Mould inco to similar incentives, allowing additional building height when at least 25% of the residential units meet Ashland's Affordable Housing Standards outlined in AMC 18.2.5.050. These targeted incentives support the City s brc,M�r strategy to encourage affordable oduction in centrally located,111glJ11W am The Ashland Comprehensive Plan Housing Goal 6.10.3 states, "Encourage the development of housing in ways that protect the natural environment and encourage development patterns that reduce the effects of climate change."Related policies reference "infill and compact development patterns"and"housing efficiency policies,programs and standards"in line with the Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan. The proposed CFAs and implementing CF Overlay support residential infill patterns in areas that are already developed and served by existing infrastructure. The development standards support compact development through increased heights, minimum densities, and no maximum densities. Development in areas with existing infrastructure and smaller housing units at higher densities creates more efficient development patterns, while the smaller and attached housing types permitted in the CFAs will have lower energy needs per unit compared to single-family detached units. Developing housing opportunities in mixed-use settings also creates more opportunities for residents to minimise number and length of vehicle trips to meet daily needs. The Ashland Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Goal 7.07.03, Policy 1 states, "The City shall gone and designate within the Plan Map sufficient quantity of lands for commercial and industrial uses to provide for the employment needs of its residents and a portion of rural residents consistent with the population projection for the urban area." There are no changes proposed to the extent of the current Commercial (C-1) and Employment (E-1) base zones. Proposed changes to remove the maximum density for mixed-use developments within those zones citywide will not decrease land for commercial and industrial uses because mixed-use development standards will continue to require a percentage of the site to be devoted to nonresidential uses. (AMC 18.2.3.130.) The proposed changes to the C-1-D zone downtown to remove density, increase height, and allow limited residential-only multifamily development are intended to enhance the Findings of Fad and Condusions of Law Page 8 residential population downtown to increase demand for commercial uses, better supporting a vibrant mix of uses across downtown. (Proposed AMC Table 18.2.6.030, 18.2.3.130.B.4.) The proposed CFAs will allow a range of commercial, office, employment and civic uses, providing for employment. The addition of the CF Overlay to areas zoned C-1 and E-1 will not convert any commercial or employment land into residential, but will enhance mixed- use development opportunities on both individual sites and across the CFAs,with limited opportunities for ground-floor residential to limit competition with commercial and employment ground-floor uses. Policy 2 of the aforementioned Economic Development Goal states that the City will design the Land Use Ordinance to provide for: • "Land division and development within employment and manufacturing districts, and continue the employment coning district which will provide for service, retail, and light industrial uses consistent with specific performance standards relative to heavy truck traffic, noise, dust, vibration, and single passenger vehicle trips." Service, retail and light industrial uses will continue to be permitted within the CFAs subject to adopted performance standards. (AMC Table 18.2.2.030 and 18.2.3.) Proposed changes are limited to prohibiting self-service storage and requiring a conditional use permit for wholesale storage and distribution within the CFAs. • "Development along Siskiyou Boulevard and Ashland Street will not primarily be automobile-oriented, but will also include attractive landscaping and designs that encourage pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transitforms of travel."Existing standards require attractive streetscape design along Siskiyou Boulevard and Ashland Street, including Ashland Street streetscape standards that require landscaped medians, streets trees, wider sidewalks, and pedestrian amenities. (AMC 18.4.6.040.) Development standards align with the proposed right-of-way standards, to eliminate front yard setbacks and require buildings to be located along the front property line to engage the pedestrian realm. (AMC 18.4.2.040.) The Transit Triangle CFA was selected in part because of the alignment between CFA goals and the City's existing standards for vibrant streetscapes along these streets. • "Commercial or employment pones where business and residential uses are mixed. This is especially appropriate as buffers between residential. and employment or commercial areas, and in the Downtown."Proposed CFA changes focus on mixing commercial and residential uses, and proposed C-1-D changes further enhance residential development opportunities mixed with existing commercial uses,in line with this policy. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 9 The Ashland Comprehensive Plan includes several transportation goals and policies in Section 10.09.02 that apply to the project, including the following: • "Provide coning that allows for a mix of land uses and traditional neighborhood development, which promotes walking and bicycling." The proposed CF Overlay creates zoning for mixed-use development,with a focus on pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, in line with this policy. • "Design the Land Use Ordinance to ensure Ashland Street is developed as a multi- modal corridor including attractive landscaping, sidewalks, bike lanes and controlled access. Development along Ashland Street shall be compatible with and support a multi-modal orientation."Ashland Street streetscape standards have been adopted that require bicycle lanes, landscaped medians, streets trees, wider sidewalks, and pedestrian amenities. (AMC 18.4.6.040.K.) No changes to these standards are proposed with these amendments, rather, the Transit Triangle CFA location is proposed in part to take advantage of these existing standards. • "Design the Land Use Ordinance to ensure that Siskiyou Boulevard is developed as a multi-modal corridor with sidewalk and bike lane facilities appropriate to the volume and speed of motor vehicle traffic."Boulevard streetscape standards,which apply to Siskiyou Boulevard, have been adopted that require bicycle lanes, landscaped medians, streets trees, wider sidewalks, and pedestrian amenities. (AMC 18.4.6.040.G.1.) No changes to these standards are proposed with these amendments, rather, the Transit Triangle CFA location is proposed in part to take advantage of these existing standards. • Public transportation goals in Section 10.19.02 include the policy that, "Zoning shall allow for residential densities and a mix of commercial businesses with walking distance (One-quarter to one-half mile) of axisting and planned public transit service which support use of public transportation."Both CFAs are served by existing public transportation as discussed in response to Statewide Goal 12 below, and the proposed CF Overlay zoning standards expand allowed residential densities and commercial business opportunities within walking distance of the transit facilities, in line with this policy. The Transportation System Plan(7SP) includes two projects within the Railroad Property development, the Clear Creek Drive extension (R24) and Railroad Property development (R34). The TSP identifies four projects in the Transit Triangle related to improving sidewalks, bus shelters and intersections enhancements for pedestrians including two projects for Ashland Street Streetscape Enhancements (R38 for Siskiyou Boulevard to Walker Avenue and R-39 for Walker Avenue to Normal Avenue),Ashland Street/Tolman Creek Road (R41) and the Walker Avenue festival street (R40). Proposed development will be consistent with planned projects, and will benefit from proposed enhancements. Additionally, the City is preparing to update the City's TSP to reflect additional changes Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 10 within the broader Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC)rules that include new state rules for TSP updates to promote multimodal connectivity; the updated TSP will further enhance transportation options within the CFAs. The proposed CFAs also relate to policies included in the City's Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP). Specifically, the plan includes strategies to address residential travel and the emissions associated with passenger cars and trucks. Common strategies for replacing residential travel trips in passenger cars and trucks include promoting land use development patterns that utilize existing public infrastructure and making using transit and alternate modes of transportation possible and even desirable. CFAs are predicated on this very idea of mixing land uses in areas served by existing public infrastructure in order to reduce vehicle trips, miles traveled, and associated emissions, consistent with the CEAP. The Ashland Comprehensive Plan includes a regional plan element with performance indicators including a committed residential density for the city limits of 6.6 dwelling units per acre and targets for mixed-use/pedestrian-friendly areas. The City of Ashland participated in the regional planning process that resulted in the adoption of the Greater Bear Creek Vallev Regional Plan in 2012. Cities throughout the region identified urban reserve areas (URAs) to accommodate housing for future population growth. The City of Ashland decided to accommodate housing for future population with the Ashland's current boundaries rather than identify future growth areas on the perimeter of the city. Changes to the zoning and land use ordinance that encourage development of residential units within the CF Overlay can provide needed multifamily residential units to contribute toward accommodating future housing needs. Proposed minimum densities with the CF Overlay of 15 to 25 units per acre will ensure that the City meets the adopted performance indicators for residential density. The City Council finds and determines that the proposed land use ordinance and map amendments are consistent with the Ashland Comprehensive Plan and other adopted long- range plans. C Consistence with Oregon Statewide Planning Goals The Ashland Comprehensive Plan was originally adopted by the City Council on November 2, 1982 and acknowledged by the Land Conservation and Development Commission on Oct 7, 1983. Numerous updates were completed and acknowledged since the originally acknowledged plan including but not limited to: Chapter III Citizens Participation and Involvement (2016), Chapter IV Environmental Resources (1991), Chapter V Population Projection and Growth(1991),Chapter VI Housing Element(2019), Chapter VII Economy (1991), Chapter VIII Parks, Open Space and Aesthetics (1991), Chapter X Transportation (1996), Chapter XI Energy, Air, Water, Conservation (1991), and Chapter XIC Regional Plan Element (2012). Technical reports and supporting documents were also acknowledged and adopted as part of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan and include but are not limited to the following: Croman Mill Site Redevelopment Plan(2008),Normal Neighborhood Plan Framework(2015),Local Wetland Inventory and Assessment and Riparian Corridor Inventory (2009), Housing Capacity Analysis, (2021), Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 11 Buildable Lands Inventory (2019), and Transportation System Plan Update (2013). The City follows the post-acknowledgement plan amendment (PAPA) process to update the Plan with new state and regional regulations as necessary and relies in part upon these prior state review processes to demonstrate compliance with all necessary requirements. GOAL 1: CITIZEN VWOL VEMENT To develop a citizen involvement program that ensures the opportunih,for cities to be involved in all phases of the planning process. Finding: The City of Ashland meets this requirement by having the Planning Commission serve as the Committee on Citizen Involvement, as well as having various citizen commissions with opportunities for the public to testify on general or specific matters. The proposed Climate Friendly Areas (CFAs)were reviewed by the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee on September 4, 2024; by the Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee on September 12, 2024; by the Transportation Advisory Committee on September 19, 2024; by the Housing and Human Services Advisory Committee on September 26, 2024; and by the Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee on October 3,2024.An open house was held on September 17,2024, advertised to the public and attracting nearly 30 participants. Additional feedback was received through an online survey, open from September 17 to November 19, 2024,that generated 70 responses. The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed CFAs and the implementing maps and code amendments at two study sessions on October 22,2024, and February 25, 2025. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 29, 2025, and recommended the adoption of the Railroad Property Climate Friendly Area and the Transit Triangle Climate Friendly Area and associated code amendments. The City Council reviewed the project at the November 4,2024,and March 17,2025, study sessions. Opportunities to provide written and oral testimony were available at all of the commission meetings.All of the aforementioned meetings were conducted as hybrid meetings to allow multiple ways to engage in person or virtually. A project web page at bq://www.ashiandoregon.goy/climatefriendly with the project background materials,meeting materials and proposed map and code amendments was available throughout the duration of the project and was included in all meeting notices and announcements. This Goal is met. GOAL 2:LAND USE PLANNING To establish a land use planning process and policy framework as a basis for all decisions and actions related to use of land and to assure an adequate factual bases for such decisions and actions. Finding: The proposed zoning map amendments revise the extent of existing overlays, remove the Transit Triangle Overlay,and introduce a new CF Overlay centered around the Railroad Property and a significant portion of the Transit Triangle. No changes to base Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 12 zones are proposed. Thus, the zoning and overlays will remain consistent with the land use framework and designations established in the Ashland Comprehensive Plan to implement Goal 2. Similarly, the proposed land use code amendments seek to refine the existing zoning district and overlay district standards. The repeal of the Transit Triangle overly and introduction of the CF overlay for the majority of that area, along with the shift away from the Residential Overlay in the Railroad Property CFA towards the CF Overlay, will continue to support mixed-use, walkable development patterns serving commercial, employment, residential and civic uses consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan goals and policies, as demonstrated in Section B above. This Goal is met. GOAL 3:A GRICULA TURAL LANDS To preserve arid maintain agricultural lands. Finding: Not applicable because the proposal does not propose any land use regulation changes to agricultural lands outside of the Ashland UGB. GOAL 4:FOREST LANDS To conserve forest lands by maintaining the forest land base arid to protect the state's forest economy by making possible economically efficient forest practices that assure the continuous growing and harvesting of forest tree species as the leading use on forest land consistent with sound management of soil, air, water, and fish and wildlife resources and to provide for recreational opportunities and agriculture. Finding: Not applicable because the proposal does not propose any land use regulation changes to forest lands outside of the Ashland UGB. GOAL _S: NATURAL RESOURCES, SCENIC AND HISTORIC AREAS, AND OPEN SPACES To protect natural resources and conserve scenic arid historic areas arid open spaces. Finding: The City of Ashland has an acknowledged comprehensive plan that complies with this goal and the proposal does not modify the existing goals and policies related to Goal 5. This Goal is met. GOAL 6:AIR, WATER AND LAND RESOURCES QUALITY To maintain and improve the qualih,of the air, water arid land resources of the state. Finding: The City of Ashland has an acknowledged comprehensive plan that complies with this goal and the proposal does not modify the existing goals and policies related to Goal 6. This Goal is met. GOAL 7.AREAS SUBJECT TO NATURAL HAZARDS To protect people and property from natural hazards. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 13 Finding: The City of Ashland has an acknowledged comprehensive plan that complies with this goal and the proposal does not modify the existing goals and policies related to Goal 7. This Goal is met. GOAL 8:RECREATIONAL NEEDS To satisfy the recreational needs of the citizens of the state and visitors and, where appropriate, to provide for the siting of necessary recreational facilities including destination resorts. Finding: The City of Ashland has an acknowledged comprehensive plan that complies with this goal and the proposal does not modify the existing goals and policies related to Goal 8 and recreational needs. This Goal is met. GOAL 9:ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT To provide adequate opportunities throughout the state for a variety of economic activities vital to health, welfare, and prosperity of Oregon's citizens. Finding: The proposed zoning map amendments maintain the existing C-1 and E-1 zoning within both CFAs, and expand existing opportunities for mixed uses within both CFAs through introduction of the CF Overlay in place of the R Overlay and TT Overlay. The proposed land use code amendments continue to permit a wide variety of commercial and employment land uses to support economic development, consistent with the adopted Ashland Comprehensive Plan. The expansion of allowed residential uses within areas zoned C-1 and E-1 continues to require a mix of uses rather than outright residential development, with the exception of townhouse development required by state CFA rules, affordable housing required by state rules, and residential uses with commercial-ready ground floor spaces which can serve as either/both commercial and residential spaces over the building's lifespan. This Goal is met. GOAL l0:HOUSING To provide for the housing needs of citizens of the state. Finding: The Statewide Planning Program requires each city to inventory its buildable residential lands, project future housing needs, and provide the appropriate types and amounts of land within the UGB necessary to meet those needs. The Housing Element of the Ashland Comprehensive Plan was amended and acknowledged in 2019. The City of Ashland has an acknowledged Housing Capacity Analysis (2021) and Buildable Lands Inventory(2024)which provide a factual basis for needed housing types and available land supply. The City has acknowledged zoning standards relating to residential development including provisions for housing density, setbacks, parking requirements, lot coverage, types,and development in environmentally or physically constrained areas. The map and code amendments do not change the zoning standards for residential areas, but rather, expand opportunities for additional residential uses within compact,mixed-use neighborhoods with existing commercial and employment zoning. Specific changes include: Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 14 • Eliminating maximum density in all areas zoned C-1 and E-1 citywide, where residential uses are permitted as mixed-use. • In downtown area zoned C-1-D,eliminating maximum density,increasing allowed height from 40 feet to 50 feet outright and from 55 feet to 60 feet conditionally, and allowing multifamily residential outright without a commercial component if ground floor is built to commercial ready standards and project meets minimum density of 30 du/ac. • In the Railroad Property CFA, expanding the extent of areas where residential is permitted through introduction of the CF Overlay to replace the R Overlay, allowing townhouses as a residential type in addition to multifamily residential, introducing a new minimum density of 20 du/ac, eliminating the current maximum density of 15 du/ac, and increasing the allowed height to 50 feet. • In the Transit Triangle CFA,maintaining the area where residential is permitted as part of a broader mix of uses within the CF Overlay to replace the TT Overlay, allowing townhouses as a residential type in addition to multifamily residential, increasing minimum densities while retaining no maximum density, and maintaining the current 50-foot height limit. The City of Ashland has an acknowledged comprehensive plan that complies with this goal and the proposed amendments do not modify the existing goals and policies related to Goal 10, nor do the amendments modify the Ashland Coniprehensive.Plan designations for area within the Ashland UGB. The proposed map and code amendments expand housing opportunities in ways consistent with comprehensive plan goals and policies as discussed in Section B, above. This Goal is met. GOAL 11:PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES To plan and develop a timely' orderh, and efficient arrangement of public facilities and services to serve as a fraineivork for urban and rural development. Finding: The City of Ashland has master plans in place for water, wastewater and stormwater that address project population growth in the Ashland city limits and UGB.The Water Master Plan was completed in 2020 and projects and plans for an adequate water supply for a 20-year planning period. The Wastewater Master Plan was completed in 2012 and projects and plans for an adequate water supply for a 20-year planning period. The Stormwater and Drainage Master Plan was completed in 2020 and projects and plans for an adequate water supply for a 20-year planning period. The proposed map and code amendments refine existing provisions for a mix of uses in affected areas, to be served by planned infrastructure. Individual development projects will be required to demonstrate that existing infrastructure can serve the development or to develop needed infrastructure identified in master plans, at the time of development. This Goal is met. Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 15 GOAL 12: TRANSPORTATION To provide and encourage a safe, convenient and economic transportation system. Finding: The City has an acknowledged Transportation Svstem Plan (2013). The transportation system is planned to accommodate the population growth of the community for the 20-year planning period. The proposed amendments to the approval standards clarify the improvements required for the transportation system bordering and within an annexed area, as well as safe and accessible bicycle and pedestrian facilities according to the safety analysis and standards of the governing jurisdiction of the facility or facilities. The proposed map and code amendments affect areas with existing and planned transportation facilities designed to support an intensity of mixed-use development comparable to that proposed. The City is beginning the process to update the TSP to comply with additional CFEC- related transportation planning requirements, which will explore further enhancements to multimodal transportation options planned for the proposed CFAs and broader community. This Goal is met. GOAL 13:ENERGY CONSERVATION To conserve energy. Finding: The City of Ashland has an acknowledged comprehensive plan that complies with this goal and the proposal does not modify the existing goals and policies related to Goal 5. This Goal is met. GOAL 14: URBANIZATION To provide for an orderly and efficient transition from rural to urban land use, to accommodate urban population and urban emplovment inside urban growth boundaries, to ensure efficient use of land, and to provide for livable communities. Finding: The proposed amendments are within the acknowledged UGB and do not propose to add additional land to the UGB or affect rural areas outside of the UGB. The proposed map and code amendments enhance opportunities for mixed-use development within the existing city limits and UGB to ensure efficient use of land. This Goal is met. Statewide Planning Goal 15: "Willamette River Greenway" The affected areas are not located within or adjacent to the Willamette River Greenway. Therefore, Goal 15 is not applicable. Statewide Planning Goal 16: `Estuarine Resources' The affected areas are not located within the or adjacent to a designated estuarine resource. Therefore, Goal 16 is not applicable. Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 16 Statewide Planning Goal 17:"Coastal Shorelands"There are no coastal shorelands within the vicinity of Ashland,therefore, Goal 17 is not applicable. Statewide Planning Goal 18: `Beaches & Dunes" There are no designated beaches or dunes within the vicinity of Ashland,therefore, Goal 18 is not applicable. Statewide Planning Goal 19:"Ocean Resources"There are no designated ocean resources within the vicinity of Ashland,therefore,Goal 19 is not applicable. D. Consistency with State Climate Friendlr.4rea Rules (OAR 660-012-0310 to 660- 012-0330) OAR 660-012-0310: Climate-Friendly Areas (1) This rule, OAR 660-012-031 S, and OAR 660-012-0320 apply to cities and counties that: (a)Are within a metropolitan area other than the Portland Metropolitan Area; (b)Are inside incorporated cities or areas within an urban growth boundary as provided in section(3); and (c)Have a population of more than 5,000 within an urban growth boundary. (2) Cities and counties shall study and gone climate friendly areas for locations that meet the following requirements. (a)Locations able to support development consistent with the land use requirements of OAR 660-012-0320. (b) The locations shall be in existing or planned urban centers, including downtowns, neighborhood centers, transit-served corridors, or similar districts. To the extent practicable, cli»uate friendly areas should be located within, or in close proximity to, areas planned for, or provided with, high-density residential uses and a high concentration of employment opportunities. (c) The locations shall be in areas that are served, or planned for service, by high quality pedestrian, bicycle, and transit services. (d) The locations shall not be in areas where development is limited or disallowed by provisions adopted pursuant to Statewide Planning Goal 7. Climate friendly areas may be designated in such areas if the local government has adopted requirements for development that will mitigate potential hazards to life and property, in compliance with Statewide Planning Goal 7. (e) Cities may designate climate friendly areas within the urban growth boundary, but outside the city limits boundary, if the following requirements are met.- (A) The area is contiguous with the city limits boundary; (B) The provision of urban services is contingent upon annexation into the city limits and the area is readily serviceable with urban water, sewer, stornnvater, and transportation. "Readily serviceable"means that urba» infrastructure services are nearby and could be provided to allow Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 17 construction on the site within one year of an application for a building permit; (C) The coning that will be applied upon annexation, based on the city's comprehensive plan designation for the area, is consistent with climate- friendly area requirements, (D) The county in which the subject area is located has adopted a consistent comprehensive plan designation for the area; and (E) The city can demonstrate that at least 70 percent of complete annexation applications within the last five years have been approved within one year of the date of complete annexation application. (f) Climate friendly areas shall have a minimum width of 750 feet, including anv internal rights of way that may be unzoned Contiguous climate-friendly areas with distinct land use requirements may be considered cumulatively to demonstrate compliance with the minimum width requirement. Exceptions to these minimum dimensional requirements are allowed due to natural barriers, such as rivers; or due to long-term barriers in the built environment, such as freeways. Exceptions are also allowed if potential clnrtate friendly areas are constrained by adjacent areas planned and coned to meet industrial land needs. Finding: The City of Ashland is subject to the CFA requirements, per section (1). The proposed CFAs are located within planned urban centers: the Railroad Property CFA is within a neighborhood center and the Transit Triangle CFA combines a neighborhood center and transit-served corridor along Ashland Street. Both areas have already been planned for a mix of uses including residential,commercial and employment opportunities, with additional proposed code amendments to fully align with the CFA land use requirements in OAR 660-012-0320,satisfying subsections(2)(a)and(b).(Proposed AMC 18.3.14.) Both CFAs are served by existing transit: The Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD)operates Line 17 serving Hersey Street,on the north edge of the Railroad Property CFA, and Lines 17, 10 and 1X all serve the Transit Triangle CFA along Ashland Street and/or Siskiyou Boulevard. Bicycle lanes and sidewalks are present along all arterials and collectors within the CFAs,including enhanced painted bike lanes and bike boxes installed along Ashland Street through the CFA in 2024. These bicycle, pedestrian and transit facilities provide high-quality service to the proposed CFAs,satisfying subsection(2)(c), There are no areas within the proposed CFAs that are Goal 7 identified hazard areas, satisfying subsection(2)(d). (Comprehensive Plan Environmental Resources Element.) The entirety of the proposed CFAs is within the City limits, satisfying subsection(2)(e). The proposed Railroad Property CFA is an irregular rectangle,and averages approximately 850 feet north-south and 2,400 feet east-west that easily accommodates a 750-foot- diameter circle within the majority of the area. The proposed Transit Triangle CFA is an irregular shape, with a central node originating at the Ashland Street/Siskiyou Boulevard Findings of Fad and Condusions of Law Page 18 intersection that is roughly triangular, with sides ranging from 1,700 to 2,000 ft and that can easily accommodate a 750-ft diameter circle. There are additional areas that extend along Ashland Street and Siskiyou Boulevard to take advantage of transit corridors and existing land use patterns that are as narrow as 250 feet included within this CFA, consistent with state guidance. (Climate-Friendly Areas Methods Guide, page 14.) Subsection(2)(f) is satisfied for both proposed CFAs. This OAR is met. OAR 660-012-0315,Designation of Climate Friendly Areas (1) The designation of climate;friendly areas refers to the process of studving potential climate friendly areas and adopting land use requirements and climate friendly elements into comprehensive plans, as provided in this rule. Cities and counties subject to the requirements of OAR 660-012-0310 with a population greater than 10,000 shall designate climate friendly areas sufficient to accommodate at least 30 percent of the total identified number of housing units necessary to meet all current and future housing needs by calculating coned building capacity as provided in section (2), or using an alternative methodology as provided in OAR 660-012-0320(10). (a) A local government may designate one or more clineate friendly areas to accommodate at least 30 percent of housing units. (b)21e total number of housing units necessary to meet all current and future housing needs shall be determined from the local government's most recently adopted and acknowledged analysis of housing capaciy,and needed housing consistent with ORS 197.296 at the time it was adopted, by adding the total number of existing dwelling units identified in the buildable land inventory to the anticipated number of future needed housing units over the planning period of the housing capacity analysis. Finding: The City's population exceeds 10,000 and is subject to this section. Two CFAs are proposed to accommodate at least 30 percent of housing units, determined to be 3,469 units. (See calculation of housing need in CFA Study,page 21.)This OAR is met. (2) Cities and counties subject to section (1) shall calculate the housing unit capacity within climate friendly areas, as follows: (a) Regardless of existing development in a climate friendly area, determine the potential square footage of coned building capacity for each net developable area based on proposed development standards for the climate friendly area, including applicable setbacks, allowed building heights, open space requirements, on-site parking requirements, and all other applicable regulations that would impact the developable site area. Within developed areas with no blocks greater than 5.5 acres, analysis of net developable areas may be conducted for each city block, without regard to property boundaries within the block. Within areas of 5.5 acres or more bounded by streets, the local government shall assume the same ratio of gross land area to net land area as that which exists in the most fully developed urban center within the city or county. (b) Where the local government has not established a maximum building height, assumed building height shall be 85 feet. For the purpose of calculating coned Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 19 building capacity, cities and counties may assume the following number of floors within multistory buildings, based on allowed building heights: (A) Thirty feet allows two floors. (B)Forty feet allows three floors. (C)Fifty feet allows for four floors. (D) Sixty feet allows for five floors. (E) Seventy five feet allows for six floors. (F)Eighty-five feet allows for seven floors. (c)If a local government allows height bonuses above the maximum building heights used for calculations in subsection (b), the local government may include 25 percent of that additional coned building capacity when the bonuses: (A) Allow building heights above the minimums established in OAR 660-012- 0320(8); and, (B) Allow height bonuses for publicly-subsidized housing serving households with an income of 80 percent or less of the area median household income, or height bonuses for the construction of accessible dwelling units, as defined in OAR 660-008-0050(4)(a), in excess of minimum requirements. (d)Local governments shall assume that residential dwellings will occupy 30 percent of the coned building capacity calculated in subsections (a), (b), and (c) within climate friendly areas. Public parks and open space areas within climate friendly areas that are precluded from development shall not be included in calculations of coned building capacity, but may be counted towards minimum area and dimensional requirements for climate friendly areas. Zoning and development standards for public parks and open space areas are exempted from compliance with the land use requirements in OAR 660-012-0320 if the existing coning standards do not allow residential, commercial, or office uses. (e)Local governments shall assume an average dwelling unit sire of 900 square feet. Local governments shall use the average dwelling unit sire to convert the square footage of zoned residential building capacity calculated in subsection (d) into an estimate of the number of dwelling units that may be accommodated in the climate- friendly area. Finding,OAR 660-012-0315(2): The proposed Railroad Property CFA has been shown to have capacity to accommodate 2,226 housing units and the proposed Transit Triangle CFA has been shown to have capacity to accommodate 5,349 housing units, using the methodology in this section, for a total capacity of 7,575 housing units. (See Housing Capacity Analysis Update in Exhibit E.)This OAR is met. .1 (6) Cities and counties must adopt land use requirements as provided in OAR 660-012- 0320, and clearly identify the climate friendly areas in their comprehensive plan maps, comprehensive plans, coning maps, or coning codes; indicated by land use designation, Findings of Fad and Condusions of Law Page 20 overlay zone, or similar mechanisms. Adoption of land use requirements and f ndings for the plan, code, or map amendment shall include the following: (a) Cities and counties subject to section(1)shall provide maps showing the location of all adopted climate friendly areas, and supplemental materials to demonstrate that climate friendly areas contain sufficient coned residential building capacity to accommodate 30 percent of total housing units as provided in section (2), or using an alternative methodology as provided in OAR 660-012-0320(10), and based on adopted land use requirements in these areas as provided in OAR 660-012-0320. Cities and counties subject to section (3) shall provide maps showing the location of the adopted climate friendly area. Local governments subject to (1) or (3) shall include findings containing the information and analysis required in section (4)for any climate friendly areas that were not included in the initial study specified in section (4). (b)Documentation of the number of total existing dwelling units, accessible dwelling units, and income-restricted dwelling units within all climate friendly areas. Where precise data is not available, local governments may provide estimates based on best available information. (c)Documentation that all adopted and applicable land use requirements for climate- (7endly areas are consistent with the provisions of OAR 660-012-0320. (d)Adopted findings shall demonstrate compliance with the provisions of OAR 660- 012-0310 through 660-012-0325, and shall include: (A) Identification of all ongoing and newly-added housing production strategies the local government shall use to promote the development of affordable housing in climate friendly areas. The local government may use the Housing Production Strategy Guidance for Cities to review and identify potential strategies, as provided in OAR 660-008-0050(3). These strategies shall be incorporated into future housing production strategy reports, as provided in OAR chapter 660, division 8. (B) Identification of all ongoing and newly-added housing production strategies the local government shall use to prevent the displacement of members of state and federal protected classes in climate friendly areas. Findings shall include a description of how the strategies will be implemented based on consideration of identified neighborhood typologies and the most effective measures to prevent displacement based on typology. The local government may use the Housing Production Strategy Guidance for Cities, along with the department's "Anti-Displacement and Gentrification Toolkit" to identify the most effective measures to prevent displacement based on neighborhood typologies. These strategies shall be incorporated into future housing production strategy reports, as provided in OAR chapter 660, division 8. Finding: Proposed zoning map amendments include a proposed Climate Friendly (CF) Overlay to clearly identify the CFAs, as shown in Exhibit B. Exhibit E includes supplemental documentation of the CFAs' housing capacity showing that there is capacity Findings of Fad and Conclusions of Law Page 21 for 7,575 housing units, well over the required 30 percent of total housing units or 3,469 units determined for Ashland. Documentation of existing dwelling units by category is provided in Exhibit F,in response to subsection(6)(b). The Railroad Property is estimated to have 45 existing dwelling units, and the Transit Triangle is estimated to have 270 existing dwelling units. These findings include documentation that the existing and proposed land use requirements for the proposed CFAs meet the CFA rules in-0310 to-0325, satisfying subsections(6)(c) and (d). Relevant housing production strategies that promote affordable housing and prevent displacement are detailed in the Climate Friendly Area studies prepared by the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) and included here with Exhibit G, satisfying subsection(6)(d). This OAR is met. OAR 660-012-0320,Land Use Requirements in Climate Friendly Areas (1) Cities and counties subject to the provisions of OAR 660-012-0310 shall incorporate the requirements in sections (2) through (7) of this rule into policies and development regulations that apply in all climate-friendly areas. Cities and counties shall either incorporate the provisions in section (8) into development regulations for climate friendly areas, or shall demonstrate with adopted findings and analysis that alternative development regulations for climate-friendly areas will comply with the requirements in section (9). If adopting more than one climate friendly area, a city or county may demonstrate compliance with either section (8) or section (9)for each climate friendly area,provided that all requirements for each respective climate friendly area are met. (2) Except as noted in subsection (a) and section (3), development regulations for a climate friendly area shall allow single-use and mixed-use development within individual buildings and development sites, including the following outright permitted uses: (a) Multi-unit housing and attached single-unit housing. Other residential building types may be allowed, subject to compliance with applicable minimum density requirements in section (8) of this rule, or alternative land use requirements as provided in section (9). Notwithstanding this section, local governments may require ground floor commercial and office uses within otherwise single-use multi-unit buildings, unless a multi-unit building will contain units subject to a recorded agreement that runs with the land and requires affordability for an established income level for a defined period of time. (b) O,f ice-type uses. (c)Non-auto dependent retail, services, and other commercial uses. (d) Child care, schools, and other public uses, including public-serving government facilities. Finding: Single uses and mix of uses are permitted with no restrictions on mixing within buildings or sites within the CF Overlay. (Proposed AMC 18.3.14.040.B.)The following uses are permitted or proposed to be permitted for all base zones within the overlay(R-2, C-1 and E-1),through a combination of proposed use standards in proposed AMC Table 18.3.14.040 and existing use standards in AMC Table 18.2.2.030: Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 22 • Attached single-family dwellings. • Multifamily dwellings (3+units),with mixed-use requirements to incorporate at least 35 percent of the ground floor as commercial or office uses,with exceptions for affordable housing projects and residential uses built to commercial-ready standards. (Proposed AMC 18.3.14.040.C.2.) • Office. • Retail sales and service and restaurants. • Child care facility, schools(public and private), government offices and parks. The above uses are permitted and subject to Site Plan Review,which requires Type I or H review for all new development within the CF Overlay and citywide. (AMC 18.5.2.030.) This OAR is met. (3)Portions of abutting residential or employment-oriented coned areas within a half-mile walking distance of a mixed-use area zoned as provided in section (1) may count towards climate friendly area requirements, if in compliance with subsections (a) or (b). Notwithstanding existing development, coned residential building capacity shall be calculated for the abutting areas based on allowed building heights and existing development standards in these areas, as provided in OAR 660-012-031 S(2) or using an alternative methodology as provided in OAR 660-012-0320(10). Residential densities for abutting areas shall correspond to the climate friendly area type,provided in subsections (8)(a), (b), or(c)or(9)(a), (b), or(c).Employment densities for abutting areas shall comply with the thresholds in subsection (b). If subsections (a) or (b) are met, no changes to existing coning or development standards are required for these areas. (a) Residential areas with minimum residential densities or existing residential development equal to or greater than the densities provided in section (8); or -1 Finding: No abutting residential or employment-oriented zoned areas are proposed to be included within the CFAs under these provisions. This OAR is not applicable. (4) Local governments shall prioritise locating government facilities that provide direct service to the public within climate friendly areas and shall prioritise locating parks, open space, playas, and similar public amenities in or near climate friendly areas that do not contain sufficient parks, open space, playas, or similar public amenities. Local governments shall amend comprehensive plans to reflect these policies, where necessary. Streetscape requirements in climate friendly areas shall include street trees and other landscaping, where feasible. Finding: There are no existing governmental facilities within the Railroad Property CFA; Ashland Fire and Rescue Station No. 2 is located within the Transit Triangle CFA along Ashland St. The Transit Triangle CFA also borders the Southern Oregon University campus. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 23 There are no parks within the Railroad Property CFA, however, Railroad Park and the Central Ashland Bike Path abut the CFA's southern perimeter, and North Mountain Park and Ashland Creek Park are both within one-quarter mile of the CFA. One additional site along the eastern edge of the CFA is proposed for future park and trail development, the Willows site. (Parks & Open Space Map 2024.)There is one small park, Sherwood Park, within the Transit Triangle CFA,with several additional facilities within one-quarter mile including Garden Way Park,Clay Street Park,Mountain View Cemetery,and Hunter Park. The City operates and sites general facilities, Fire & Rescue, and recreational facilities. Additional government facilities are sited by special districts independent of the City: Schools are sited by the Ashland School District and libraries by Jackson County Library Services. The Public Services element of the Comprehensive Plan includes the general goal, "To provide public utilities, services and facilities in an orderly, efficient and environmentally sensitive way and in sufficient quantity to meet city needs now and in the future." (Goal 9.01.03.) The goal will ensure services exist citywide to serve CFAs and drive location of additional services and facilities within the CFAs if needed to support future development. Street trees are required for all new developments fronting public and private streets, and this requirement will be applied within the CFA.(AMC 18.4.4.030.E.)Existing street trees are present along portions of Hersey Street, Clear Creek Drive and local streets within the Railroad Property CFA, and along Ashland Street, Siskiyou Boulevard, and local streets within the Transit Triangle CFA; future development within these areas will help to fill in existing gaps in street trees and private landscaping within front yard setbacks. This OAR is met. (5)Local governments shall establish maximum block length standards as provided below. For the purpose of this rule, a development site consists of the total site area proposed for development, absent previously dedicated rights-of-way, but including areas where additional right-of-way dedication may be required. (a)For development sites less than 5.5 acres in sire, a maximum block length of 500 feet or less. Where block length exceeds 350 feet, a public pedestrian through-block easement shall be provided to facilitate safe and convenient pedestrian connectivity in climate friendly areas. Substantial redevelopment of sites of two acres or more within an existing block that does not meet the standard shall provide a public pedestrian accessway allowing direct passage through the development site such that no pedestrian route will exceed 350 feet along any block face. Local governments may grant exceptions to street and accessway requirements as provided in OAR 660- 012-0330(2). (b) For development sites of 5.5 acres or more, a maximum block length of 350 feet or less. Local governments may grant exemptions to street requirements as provided in OAR 660-012-0330(2). Finding: Block length standards for all development within the City are a maximum of 300 to 400 feet for public streets. Block spacing may be modified based on site-specific Findings of Fad and Conclusions of Law Page 24 factors.(AMC 18.4.6.040.E.9.) Specifically,within the proposed CFAs,a maximum block length of 350 feet will apply to development sites of 5.5 acres or more. (proposed AMC 18.3.14.060.A.) This OAR is met. (6)Development regulations may not include a maximum density limitation. Finding:No maximum density limits are proposed within the CF Overlay.(proposed AMC Table 18.3.14.050.) Additionally, no minimum lot area or maximum FAR standards are proposed within the CF Overlay in order to avoid creating de facto maximum densities. (Proposed AMC Table 18.3.14.050.)This OAR is met. (7)Local governments shall adopt policies and development regulations in climate- friendly areas that implement the following: (a) The transportation review process in OAR 660-012-0325, (b) The land use requirements as provided in OAR 660-012-0330, (c) The applicable parking requirements as provided in OAR 660-012-0435; and (d) The applicable bicycle parking requirements as provided in OAR 660-012-0630. Finding: See findings below for each applicable OAR. This OAR is met. (8) Local governments shall adopt either the following provisions into development regulations for climate friendly areas, or the requirements in section (9). Local governments are not required to enforce the minimum residential densities below for mixed-use buildings(buildings that contain residential units, as well as office, commercial, or other non-residential uses) if the mixed-use buildings meet a minimum floor area ratio of 2.0. A floor area ratio is the ratio of the gross floor area of all buildings on a development site, excluding areas within buildings that are dedicated to vehicular parking and circulation, in proportion to the net area of the development site on which the buildings are located.A floor area ratio of 2.0 would indicate that the gross floor area of the building was twice the net area of the site. Local governments are not required to enforce the minimum residential densities below for redevelopment that renovates and adds residential units within existing buildings, but that does not add residential units outside the existing exterior of the building. (a)Local governments with a population greater than 5,000 up to 2.5,000 shall adopt the following development regulations for climate friendly areas: (A) A minimum residential density requirement of 15 dwelling units per net acre, and (B) Maximum building height no less than 50 feet. 1.4 Finding: Minimum densities are proposed within the CFAs as follows: 15 units per acre in areas zoned R-2,20 units per acre in areas zoned E-1 and 25 units per acre in areas zoned C-1. (Proposed AMC Table 18.3.14.050.)A maximum height of 50 feet is proposed for all zones within the CF Overlay,with up to 60 feet permitted with bonus height available for Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 25 affordable housing developments. (Proposed AMC Table 18.3.14.050.)This OAR is met. (9) As an alternative to adopting the development regulations in section (8), local governments may demonstrate with adopted findings and analysis that their adopted development regulations for climate friendly areas will provide for equal or higher levels of development in climate friendly areas than those allowed per the standards in section (8). Additional zoned building capacity of 25 percent may be included for development regulations that allow height bonuses for additional coned building capacity above established maximums that are consistent with OAR 660-012-0315(2)(c)(B). Specifically, the local government must demonstrate that the alternative development regulations will consistently and expeditiously allow for the levels of development described in subsections (a)-(c). Alternative development regulations mist require either a minitnum residential density of 15 dwelling units per net acre or a minimum floor area ratio of 1.0, as described in section (8). 1.4 (10) A local government may provide an alternative methodology for coned residential building capacity calculations that differs froth OAR 660-012-0315(2). The methodology must clearly describe all assumptions and calculation steps, and must demonstrate that the methodology provides an equal or better system for determining the coned residential building capacity sufficient to accommodate at least 30 percent of the total identified number of housing units necessary to meet all current and future housing needs within climate friendly areas. The alternative methodology shall be supported by studies of development activity in the region, market studies, or similar research and analysis. Finding: The City does not propose alternative development regulations or alternative methodology for zoned building capacity. These OARs are not applicable. OAR 660-12-0325, Transportation Review in Climate Friendly Areas (1) Cities or counties shall use the provisions of this rule to review amendments to comprehensive plans or land use regulations in lieu of the provisions of OAR 660-012- 0060 when the amendment is: (a) To adopt a climate friendly area as provided in OAR 660-012-0310 through OAR 660-012-0320, or a Metro Region 2040 center, or (b) Within an adopted climate friendly area or Metro Region 2040 center. (2) Cities and counties considering amendments to comprehensive plans or land use regulations to adopt or expand a climate friendly area as provided in OAR 660-012-0310 through OAR 660-012-0320, or a Metro Region 2040 center, must make findings, including: (a)A multimodal transportation gap summary as provided in section (4); and (b) The multimodal transportation gap summary must include a highway impacts summary as provided in section (5) if the designated climate-friendly area as provided in OAR 660-012-0315 or Region 2040 center contains a ramp terminal intersection, state highway, interstate highway, or adopted ODOT Facility Plan. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 26 Finding: The proposed action is to adopt CFAs including amendments to the zoning code for consistency with OARS pertaining to CFAs. A multimodal transportation gap summary has been prepared and is provided in Exhibit H,which identifies bicycle, pedestrian and transit opportunities existing and proposed within the CFAs. A highway impacts summary has been prepared and is provided in Exhibit I, owing to the presence of OR 66 and OR 99E state highways within the Transit Triangle CFA and the I-5 ramp terminals at the eastern edge of the Transit Triangle CFA. This OAR is met. OAR 660-12-0330,Land Use Requirements (1) Cities and counties shall implement plans and land use regulations to support compact, pedestrian friendly, mixed-use land use development patterns in urban areas. Land use development patterns must support access by people using pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation networks. Finding: This rule applies to the entire city of Ashland and must be met at the time the City adopts its next Transportation System Plan(TSP)update.The rule applies specifically to the proposed CFAs per OAR 660-012-0320(7)(b)and the findings below are specific to the proposed CFAs. The City is separately developing code updates to support walkable urban design that comply with this rule that will be adopted prior to the next TSP update. This OAR is met. (2) Cities and counties may allow exemptions to provisions in this rule when conditions on a site or class of sites would make those provisions prohibitively costly or impossible to implement. Cities or counties may adopt land use regulations that provide for exemptions as provided in this section.Any allowed exemption shall advance the purposes of this rule to the extent practical. Conditions that may provide for an exemption include, but are not limited to: (a) Topography or natural features; (b)Railroads, highways, or other permanent barriers; (c)Lot or parcel sire, orientation, or shape; (d)Available access; (e)Existing or nonconforming development, (f} To provide for accessibility for people with disabilities; or (g) Other site constraints. Finding: Block length standards for all development within the City may be modified based on site-specific factors such as topography, permanent barriers, existing buildings, or natural resources. (AMC 18.4.6.040.E.9.) This OAR is met. (3) Cities and counties shall have land use regulations that provide for pedestrian friendly and connected neighborhoods.Land use regulations must meet the following requirements for neighborhood design and access: (a) Neighborhoods shall be designed with connected networks of streets, paths, Findings of Fact and Condutoons of Law Page 27 accessways, and other facilities to provide circulation within the neighborhood and pedestrian and bicycle system connectivity to adjacent districts. A connected street network is desirable for motor vehicle traffic but may be discontinuous where necessary to limit excessive through-travel, or to protect a safe environment for walking, using mobility devices, and bicycling in the neighborhood. (b)Neighborhoods shall be designed with direct pedestrian access to key destinations identified in OAR 660-012-0360 via pedestrian facilities. (c) Cities and counties shall set block length and block perimeter standards at distances that will provide for pedestrian network connectivity. Cities and counties may allow alleys or public pedestrian facilities through a block to be used to meet a block length or perimeter standard. (d)Cities and counties shall set standards to reduce out-of-direction travel for people using the pedestrian or bicycle networks. Finding: All development in Ashland, including within CFAs, is required to contribute to a connected network of streets, alleys and multi-use pathways. (AMC 18.4.6.040.E.) Connectivity within and with adjacent streets is prioritized. Block lengths shall be a maximum of 300 to 400 feet and block perimeters shall be a maximum of 1,200 to 1,600 feet. (AMC 18.4.6.040.E.9.a.) Streets, alleys and pathways are required to meet design standards integrating multimodal facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists to ensure that direct pedestrian access is provided, and out-of-direction travel is reduced. (AMC 18.4.6.040.G.) This OAR is met. (4) Cities and counties shall have land use regulations in commercial and mixed-use districts that provide for a compact development pattern, easy ability to walk or use mobility devices, and allow direct access on the pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation networks. Commercial or mixed-use site design land use regulations must meet the following requirements: (a)Primary pedestrian entrances to buildings must be oriented to a public pedestrian facility and be accessible to people with mobility disabilities. An uninterrupted accessway, courtyard, playa, or other pedestrian-oriented space must be provided between primary pedestrian entrances and the public pedestrian facility, except where the entrance opens directly to the pedestrian facility.All pedestrian entrances must be designed to be barrier free. (b) Motor vehicle parking, circulation, access, and loading may be located on site beside or behind buildings. Motor vehicle parking, circulation, access, and loading must not be located on site between buildings and public pedestrian facilities on or along the primary facing street. Bicycle parking may be permitted. (c) On-site accessways must be provided to directly connect key pedestrian entrances to public pedestrian facilities, to any on-site parking, and to adjacent properties, as applicable. (d) Any pedestrian entrances facing an on-site parking lot must be secondary to primary pedestrian entrances as required in this section. Primary pedestrian entrances for uses open to the public must be open during business hours. (e) Large sites must be designed with a connected network of public pedestrian Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 28 facilities to meet the requirements of this section. 69 Development on sites adjacent to a transit stop or station on a priority transit corridor must be oriented to the transit stop or station. The site design must provide a high level of pedestrian connectivity and amenities adjacent to the stop or station. If there is inadequate space in the existing right of way for transit infrastructure, then the infrastructure must be accommodated on site. (g) Development standards must be consistent with bicycle parking requirements in OAR 660-012-0630. (h) 7hese site design land use regulations need not apply to districts with a predominantly industrial or agricultural character. Finding: Existing site development and design standards apply to new development and redevelopment in Ashland, including within the CFAs. The CFAs are proposed to be subject to the Detail Site Review overlay, which has a lower threshold for design review and enhanced standards: new structures or additions greater than 10,000 SF in gross floor area, or longer than 100 feet are subject to Type II review, and most smaller development and redevelopment is subject to a Type I review unless exempt. (AMC 18.5.2.020.) Commercial, mixed-use and residential development are all subject to review. Existing design standards address the land use requirements for commercial and mixed-use development as follows: • Addressing subsection(a): Building entrances must be oriented towards the street, accessed from a public sidewalk, and located within 30 feet of the public right-of- way. (AMC 18.4.2.040.B.1.) • Addressing subsection (b): Off-street parking and vehicle circulation areas are prohibited between the building and the street, and must be located behind or to the side of the building. (AMC 18.4.2.040.B.1.a). Parking areas adjacent to the sidewalk or residential zones are required to screen parking with landscaping(AMC 18.4.3.080.E.6.) • Addressing subsections (c) and (e): Development in all zones must provide a connected, continuous system of walkways linking building entrances, on-site parking, common and public open spaces, and commons area, and connecting off- site adjacent uses to the site. (AMC 18.4.3.090.) • Addressing subsection(d):There are no specific standards for secondary entrances, but main entrances must be oriented toward the street and located within 20 feet of the public right-of-way, rather than oriented towards parking areas. (AMC 18.4.2.090.B.1.) Building entrances must be open during all business hours.(AMC 18.4.2.090.B.1.c.) • Addressing subsection 69: Large scale non-residential projects, applying to projects greater than 10,000 square feet in gross floor area, more than 100 feet of building frontage,or projects in the Ashland Street Corridor,are required to provide transit amenities as part of site design review.(AMC 18.4.2.040.D.)Amenities may include bus shelters, pullouts, and designated bus lanes in accordance with the Ashland Transportation System Plan and guidelines established by the Rogue Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 29 Valley Transportation Districts. Ashland's Street Design Standards. (AMC 18.4.6.040.D.21.) • Addressing subsection (g): See response to bike parking requirements below. • Addressing subsection (h): There are not areas of predominately industrial or agricultural character within the proposed CFAs;this provision is not applicable. This OAR is met. (S) Cities and counties shall have land use regulations in residential neighborhoods that provide for slow neighborhood streets comfortable for families, efficient and sociable development patterns, and provide for connectivity within the neighborhood and to adjacent districts. Cities and counties must adopt land use regulations to meet these objectives, including but not limited to those related to setbacks, lot sire and coverage, building orientation, and access. Finding: Existing development and permitted future development within the proposed CFAs include employment, commercial, and mixed-use development; there are currently not exclusive residential neighborhoods present or permitted within these areas. This OAR is not applicable. (6) Cities and counties shall have land use regulations that ensure auto-oriented land uses are compatible with a community where it is easy to walk or use a mobility device. Auto- oriented land uses include uses related to the operation, sale, maintenance, or fueling of motor vehicles, and uses where the use of a motor vehicle is accessory to the primary use, including drive-through uses. Land use regulations must meet the following requirements: (a) Auto-oriented land uses must provide safe and convenient access opportunities for people walking, using a mobility device, or riding a bicycle. Ease of access to goods and services must be equivalent to or better than access for people driving a motor vehicle. (b) Outside of climate friendly areas, cities and counties may provide for exemptions to this rule in cases where an auto-oriented land use cannot reasonably meet the standards of this rule. Standards developed in cases of an exemption must protect pedestrian facilities. Finding: There are several auto-oriented uses that will continue to be permitted within the proposed CFAs, based on the existing base zoning and unmodified by the proposed CF Overlay,including: automotive and truck repair or service,fuel sales subject to conditional use review in most locations, and automotive sales and rental subject to conditional use review. (AMC Table 18.2.2.030.) There was robust discussion about whether to continue permitting these uses within the proposed CFAs by the Planning Commission and City Council, but the preferred direction was to continue permitting them because there were several such uses already in operation within the proposed CFAs, where their location in proximity to other uses like shopping and recreation center allowed for multiple activities in a single trip,and the conditional use review gave the opportunity to ensure the site design was consistent with the CFAs. All of these uses will be required to meet the site design Findings of Fad and Conclusions of Law Page 30 standards in AMC 18.4 that address pedestrian access and circulation, discussed above. Drive-up uses are already strictly regulated within Ashland, including capping the total number of drive-ups and restricting their location to the stretch of Ashland Street east of the intersection of Ashland Street and Siskiyou Boulevard. (AMC Table 18.2.2.030.) Drive-ups are subject to additional special use standards: limitations on average waiting time in line for vehicles; waiting areas to accommodate customers requiring excessive waiting time; a way for customers to leave the waiting line; flat grade for stacking areas; design to allow natural ventilation; sufficient stacking area to not obstruct public-right-of- way; and limitations on the sound level of the communications system.(AMC 18.2.3.100.) This OAR is met. OAR 660-12-0435, Parking Reform in Climate-Friendly Areas (1) This rule applies to cities and counties that: (a)Are within a metropolitan area, and (b)Have not adopted land use regulations without parking mandates as provided in OAR 660-012-0420. 1...I Finding: The City adopted land use regulations without parking mandates consistent with OAR 660-012-0420 with Ordinance 3229 effective January 19, 2024. Per AMC Table 18.4.3.040, no minimum off-street parking standards apply to development citywide including within the proposed CFAs.Therefore,this OAR specific to CFAs does not apply. OAR 660-12-0630, Bicycle Parkin,- (1) Cities and counties shall require and plan for adequate parking to meet time increasing need for travel by bicycle and other small-scale mobility devices. (2) Cities and counties shall require bicycle parking for the following uses: (a)All new multi-unit development or mixed-use development of five residential units or more as provided in section (3); (b)All new retail development; (c)All new office and institutional developments, (d)All major transit stops, and arty park-and-ride lots that require land use approval, and (e)Any land use where off-street motor vehicle parking is mandated. (3) Cities and counties shall require a minimum of one-half of a covered bicycle parking space per unit for multi-unit and mixed-use residential uses. Cities and counties may. (a)Allow for reductions or exemptions to the minimum parking requirement based on development-specific considerations; and (b) Exempt or reduce the minimum parking requirement for certain types of residential uses that are likely to have less future demand for bicycle parking. (4) Cities and counties shall adopt development regulations requiring all required bicycle Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 31 parking provided must: (a)Either allow ways to lock at least two points o»a bicycle, or be within a lockable space only available to authorised users; (b) Be installed in a manner to allow space for the bicycle to be maneuvered to a position where it may be secured without conflicts from stairs, other parked bicycles, walls, or other obstructions; (c)Be in a location that is convenient and well-lit; and (d) Include bicycle parking spaces to accommodate large bicycles, including family and cargo bicycles. Finding: Minimum bicycle parking ratios for multifamily residential(1-2 sheltered space per unit, depending on unit size), commercial, office, industrial, institutional, public and transit stations apply to new development. (AMC Table 18.4.3.040.) Design standards require that bike parking be located near regularly used entrances with access from the right-of-way. Spaces must meet minimum 72-inch by 30-inch dimensions, with maneuvering aisles, thorough illumination, and hard surfacing. Larger spaces for family and cargo bicycles are required with additional length. Secure bicycle racks such as staple racks are required. (AMC 18.4.3.070.)This OAR are met. (S) Cities and counties shall provide for public bicycle parking and allow and provide for parking and ancillary facilities for shared bicycles or other small-scale mobility devices in climate friendly areas, Metro Region 2040 centers, and near key destinations identified as provided in OAR 660-012-0360. Finding: It is premature to provide public bicycle parking within the CFA because there has not been significant mixed-use development as of yet. The City has developed a series of bike corrals to provide for public bicycle parking within Downtown, where current demand is highest,and will explore expanding that program or other similar options within the CFA as they are developed. Q=s://ashlandoregon.gov/DocumentCenterNiew/1909/City-of-Ashland-Downtown- Parking-Map-PDF?bidId=) Any public uses that are proposed will be required to provide bicycle parking meeting the City's adopted minimums. (AMC Table 18.4.3.040.) The City has no prohibitions on facilities for shared bicycles or other small-scale mobility devices and would work with any operator proposing to locate such a service within the CFAs and/or elsewhere in the City. This OAR is met. OVERALL COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS The City Council finds and determines the approval criteria for this decision have been My met,based on the detailed findings set forth herein,the detailed findings and analysis of the Planning Commission, and supporting documents together with all staff reports, addenda and supporting materials in the whole record. Findings of Fact and Condusions of Law Page 32 Specifically, the Council finds that the proposed zoning map and land use code amendments are consistent with City of Ashland approval criteria for land use ordinance and zoning map amendments as set forth in AMC 18.5.9.020.13 and are consistent with the City of Ashland Comprehensive Plan and other City policies. The Council finds and determines that the proposed amendments are consistent the Oregon Statewide Planning Goals and OAR 660-012-0310 through-0330. Accordingly,based on the above Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law,and based upon the evidence in the whole record, the City Council hereby APPROVES the ADOPTION of the following amendments to AMC Title 18 Land Use, to the Zoning and Land Use Controls Map, and to the Site Design Zones Map as reflected in the attached ordinance. Ashland City Council Approval Tonya GAham, Mayor Date Signature authorized and approved by the full Council this' day of June,2025. Attest: A-0/A' in f A ItA A Alissa Kolodzinski, City Recorder Date Approved m. Pie il it,Alorney Date Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 33 EXHIBITS A. Ordinance#3249 amending the Ashland Land Use Ordinance to repeal Chapter 18.3.14 Transit Triangle Overlay and replacing it with a new Chapter 18.3.14 Climate Friendly Overlay (new Chapter 18.3.14 attached as Ordinance Exhibit A). B. Ordinance #3250 amending the adopted Zoning Map to add the Climate Friendly(CF) Overlay (new Zoning Map attached as Ordinance Exhibit A). C. Ordinance#3251 amending the adopted Site Design Zones Map to align the extent of the Detailed Site Design Review Overlay Zone to include the full extent of two newly proposed Climate Friendly Area Overlay Zones (new Site Design Zones Map attached as Ordinance Exhibit A) . D. Ordinance#3263 amending Chapters 18.2.1, 18.2.2, 18.2.3.130, 18.2.6, 18.3.12, 18.3.13 & 18.4.2.040.0 of the Ashland Land Use Ordinance to align with the new Climate Friendly Area regulations and ensure implementation of applicable development standards. E. Housing Capacity Analysis of the CFAs F. Estimates of Existing Dwellings within the CFAs G. Housing Production Strategies to promote affordable housing and prevent displacement within the CFAs, ongoing and newly adopted H. Multimodal Transportation Gap Summaries Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Page 34