Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in zoning
Building code modernization and outdated fees
Ordinance 26-08 modernizes building code administration; councilors also flagged that building fees are over a decade old and may be revised after a future work session.
State housing and Goal 5 mandates due January 1, 2027
New state rules take effect January 1, 2027: Goal 5 tribal notice requirements for ground-disturbing applications and HB 2138 middle housing and single-room-occupancy code changes. CDD must comply regardless of its staffing crunch.
September 28 joint work session with City Council
The Planning Commission and City Council will sit down together on September 28 to align on priorities for 2027–2028 — housing studies, planning initiatives, and a backlog of code amendments including vacation rental rules. What gets prioritized shapes how fast these changes happen.
Astoria City Charter Amendments
Voters will decide whether to expand the Council from five to seven members with two at-large seats, require Council consent for board appointments, and update vacancy and appointed-official rules. The expansion and consent measures passed 4-1 over the Mayor's objection.
Public engagement under Statewide Planning Goal 1
Lisa Morley urged the city to do real two-way public engagement earlier in decisions, not just three-minute comment periods, to rebuild public trust.
Light manufacturing use at 1203 Commercial Street
Liberty Restoration Inc. sought a conditional use permit to allow light manufacturing in the commercial kitchen of an existing downtown building in the C-4 Zone. The decision affects what kind of business activity is allowed on a commercial corridor property.
Fort George signage variance in downtown historic district
A historic 1920 downtown building is getting well above the normal sign allowance, framed as architecturally compatible band signage matching the brewery's main building and the building's own historic look. It shows how the city balances sign-code limits with historic character and business identity.
Sign Code Amendments and Columbia Memorial Hospital Campus Signage
Council adopted the sign code ordinance but pulled out a bed-and-breakfast definition change that would have restricted weddings and parties. Councilor Conklin argued weddings are vital to B&B economics; staff will revisit the definition in a broader transient lodging update.
Downtown Parking District Code Updates and Boundary
The parking district code dates to 1988 with a map last updated in 2004, and signage doesn't match code times. Council is considering expanding the district — roughly from 17th Street to Fifth Street and to the waterfront — which would affect nearby residential areas and require community engagement.
Land use system training for council and commissions
Astoria's elected officials and volunteer board members got trained on how Oregon's land use system works, from statewide planning goals to how to handle ex parte contacts and conflicts of interest at quasi-judicial hearings. Better-grounded decision-makers mean land use rulings that hold up if appealed to the state Land Use Board of Appeals.
Tribal engagement policy
The city now has a formal framework for consulting with the Chinook Nation and Clatsop-Nehalem Tribe, with Councilor Davis as liaison.