The Canby Planning Commission will consider two projects when they meet on Monday, Sept. 10.
The first is the Canby Townhomes, a proposed development of 38 two-story townhouses (single-family dwellings with a shared wall) on a 2.5-acre property on the corner of 13th and Ivy, across from the Canby senior center and swim center.
Because the proposed development is higher density than its current zoning allows, the applicant has requested a zoning change, from low-density residential (R-1) to hybrid commercial/residential (C-R).
When the applicant, H&R Properties, first began the development process, city staff mistakenly informed them the property was already zoned C-R. It was also mistakenly labeled C-R on city maps. This error stemmed from the city’s comprehensive planning process in 2003, during which the property was identified as a good candidate for low-impact commercial activity such as a convenience store, due to the proximity of Hope Village and other residential neighborhoods. The property was given a placeholder designation of “RC,” but was never actually rezoned from R-1.
City staff noticed the error several months after being approached by H&R and informed them that the property would have to be rezoned to proceed with their plans.
Residents in the area have filed objections to the proposed zoning change and the Townhome development, citing traffic, parking and privacy concerns.
“This greediness jeopardizes all of us living here,” one Larch Street resident wrote to the commission. “Please say no to a zone change.”
Because of the error, and because the zone change is consistent with the city’s master plan and guiding principles, planning staff have recommended that the zoning change be approved. However, they, too, have expressed concerns about the project itself, including the density of the proposed development and the lack of guest parking. They are recommending that the development be limited to only 30 units, with space for additional parking.
Commissioners will also consider an annexation request for 9.5 acres of farm land off Territorial Road northeast of the city. If approved, the area would become part of the city’s urban growth boundary and would be zoned for low-density residential development.
The Planning Commission meets every second and fourth Monday in the Council Chambers of Canby City Hall, 222 NE 2nd Ave., at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and are also broadcast live on CTV Channel 5.
