Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in zoning with medium priority
Building code modernization and outdated fees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.
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.
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.