Moving Forward Milwaukie Phase 1: Downtown Milwaukie

The Moving Forward Milwaukie project began in June 2012 and was completed in December 2015. City Council adopted the amendment package for the downtown Milwaukie on September 1, 2015.

The Fresh Look Milwaukie project and South Downtown Concept Plan laid out an inspiring vision for a revitalizing downtown. But more work is needed to make that vision happen. An updated of the downtown plan and code will lead the way to building the downtown that Milwaukie desires.

Overview
This project is the part of Moving Forward Milwaukie, and of a two-phase update of the Downtown Plan and Code - the policies and regulations that guide development in downtown Milwaukie.

The Fresh Look Milwaukie: Downtown Road Map project, identified the “missing pieces” in current planning tools and policies, and prioritized the development of those missing pieces through extensive community engagement.  The outcome of this project was a "road map" for Downtown Milwaukie—a high-level, broad-reaching and value-based plan for the future.  It provides guidance on how to use and revise existing plans and policy tools related to Downtown Milwaukie – in particular, the Framework Plan. 

Amendments to the Downtown Plan and development code, based in part on the work described above, will address the deficiencies identified in the current plans and code, including development standards, design review process, parking regulations and use limitations. These amendments will also implement the 2011 South Downtown Concept Plan.

Key questions include:

• Use standards - what uses should be allowed in different parts of downtown? On Main Street?
• Development standards - how large or tall should new buildings be? How should they interact with the street and the pedestrian experience?
• Design standards - what should new buildings look like? How can they create a pedestrian-friendly environment?
• Design review - what level of land use review is appropriate for additions? Renovations? New construction?

Schedule and Outreach
The Downtown Plan and Code Update launched in September 2013. The project team has collected public input from the Project Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, City Council, and the general public and is drafting amendments for public review and discussion.

Past opportunities for public input:

• Public Events
  • October 3, 2013 Kickoff Event
  • October 28, 2013 Workshop
  • March 6, 2014 Open House
  • October 29, 2014 Open House
  • November 6, 2014 Q & A session
• Project Advisory Committee
  • October 21, 2013
  • November 18, 2013
  • March 31, 2014
  • April 21, 2014
  • June 2, 2014
  • June 26, 2014
  • August 13, 2014
• Planning Commission briefings:
  • August 26, 2014, Worksession
  • September 9, 2014, Worksession
  • September 23, 2014, Workession (joint with City Council)
  • November 13, 2014, Worksession (joint with the Design and Landmarks Committee)
  • December 9, 2014, Worksession 
• Planning Commission & City Council hearings
  • See the CPA-14-02 page for hearing dates and links to materials

Additional Information
For more information about the Downtown Plan and Code Refresh, please follow the appropriate link:

• Project Area
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Community Involvement & Outreach
• Opportunity Site Planning
• Current and Proposed Policies & Regulation (Code)
• Background documents:
  • Fresh Look Milwaukie: Downtown Road Map
  • South Downtown Concept Plan 

CONTACT

Community Development
(503) 786-7600