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We already had requirements that limited the maximum number of parking spaces for certain types of development. State rules provided a new set of parking maximum requirements for us to follow. To meet this requirement, we applied a single set of parking maximum requirements to all urban unincorporated areas.

Jail facilities and systems are not designed or staffed to provide the type of care needed by these individuals. Also, according to mental health experts, staying in the jail could cause their condition to deteriorate. Even if the Washington County Jail were an appropriate place, funding would be needed for more staff, including deputies and mental health care providers.

Additionally, the Washington County Jail is operating at reduced capacity due to staffing shortages. To make room for people returned from the Oregon State Hospital, some other people in custody who are awaiting trial may have to be released early. These “forced releases” could put community safety at risk. It is also possible that some of those released early would not show up for future court proceedings.

Effective Dec. 5, 2024, County maps and regulations have been updated and apply to proposed development and tree removal in Significant Natural Resources (SNR) areas. These maps and regulations are found in the County’s Comprehensive Framework Plan for the Urban Area (CFP), all Community Plans and the Community Development Code Section 422.

Our current regulations apply to habitat areas in the urban unincorporated area. Significant Habitat is shown on the Community Plan Significant Natural and Cultural Resources maps. There are different regulations for the rural area.

In new residential areas, the removal of minimum off-street and on-street parking requirements means that developers have more flexibility in how much parking they provide. This change does not stop developers from providing parking but allows market-demand to determine appropriate amounts of parking.

LUT began work on a comprehensive update of the county’s provisions to protect natural resources under Goal 5 starting in January 2023. This work includes:

• An update of our 30-year-old inventory of significant wildlife habitat and water resources sites

• An environmental, social, economic and energy (ESEE) analysis of wildlife habitat and water resources as they relate to conflicting uses
  
• Amendments to our Comprehensive Plan and Community Development Code to protect these resources via clear and objective standards.

Code changes are expected to go before the Washington County Board Commissioners by fall 2024. Visit Significant Natural Resources for more information, including comment opportunities.

The court will carefully weigh all factors, including available treatment or restoration options. The Mosman order makes clear that returning defendants may not be sent back to the Oregon State Hospital, except for very limited circumstances. Depending on a defendant’s individual case, the judge could decide to send a defendant to a secure residential treatment facility or the Washington County Jail to receive restoration services. Also, if the District Attorney believes that the person meets the criteria of an “extremely dangerous person,” they can file a petition with the court for civil commitment as an Extremely Dangerous Person.

Parking lots, especially larger ones, saw significant changes. The addition of tree canopy requirements means that more trees will be planted in parking lots greater than 0.5 acres.

A 0.5-acre parking lot holds 40-60 vehicles, depending on design. For building larger than 65,000 square feet, parking lots not allowed to be larger than the building floor area, regardless of the number of parking spaces in them.

The Significant Natural Resources and Cultural (SNR) map shows areas where natural resources are located. The County regulates two types of SNRs: Riparian Wildlife Habitat and Upland Wildlife Habitat. Together, these make up the Significant Habitat.

We strongly encourage you to request a pre-application conference with our Development Review/Current Planning staff to learn more about any regulations related to proposed development and/or tree removal that may impact your property.

Significant Habitat boundaries must be confirmed when proposing development or removing trees within the Significant Habitat boundary. The SNR map “flags” the area, letting us know that further information is needed if new development or tree removal is proposed.

The criminal justice and behavioral health systems can sometimes overlap. Washington County staff from various departments and programs have worked together for years to maintain the balance between equal justice and community safety. Over the past few years, several procedures have been created to minimize local jail time for aid and assist defendants and maximize public safety:

• A special court docket, led by a judge, includes informal case staffing by defense attorneys, prosecutors and behavioral health professionals.
• The County’s Rapid Fitness to Proceed Program shortens the amount of time that defendants must wait in the Washington County Jail for “fitness to proceed” determinations. The program has reduced the average wait time from 62 days to 16, freeing up critically needed jail space for other criminal defendants awaiting court appearances The program saved 1,472 total jail days for 39 defendants in 2022. If calculated in dollars and cents at $264.78 per person, per day, this would amount to $475,015.32.
• A partnership with the Beaverton Municipal Court was formed to divert people with mental health challenges from going to jail for non-violent offenses and getting treatment instead.
• The County has hired additional behavioral health staff who use proven best practices to manage and support aid and assist defendants.