Over the last few days, I researched the zoning code requirements for my project site. The zoning code research helped me understand some of the formal and legal requirements of the site and its corresponding zoning regulations. These findings have impacted my preliminary program ideas, helped me have a better understanding of the City of Portland zoning intentions for this specific site, and will eventually result in a more feasible design proposal.
Here is a summary of the research that I have done so far:
According to a document provided by the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the selected site for my thesis project falls under Central Commercial or CX zoning designation and the adjacent silo falls under General Industrial 1 or IG1.
Intentions of the Central Commercial (CX) zoning designation
Chapter 33.130 of Title 33: Portland Zoning Code (09/02/2011 revision) defines the main intentions of the Central Commercial zoning designation as:
- Providing “for commercial development within Portland’s most urban and intense areas.”
- Allowing ” A broad range of uses” to “reflect Portland’s role as a commercial, cultural and governmental center.”
- New development is intended to be ” very intense with high building coverage, large buildings, and buildings placed close together.”
- New development should be ” pedestrian-oriented with a strong emphasis on a safe and attractive streetscape.”
Allowed uses in the Central Commercial (CX) zoning designation
Table 130-1 in chapter 33.130 defines the primary uses that are allowed in various commercial zones. The CX zoning designation’s allowed uses include (uses typed in bold relate directly or indirectly to my initial program ideas and interests):
- Household Living
- Group Living (conditional use review required)
- Retail Sales and Services
- Office
- Quick Vehicle Servicing (allowed, but special limitations)
- Vehicular Repair (allowed, but special limitations)
- Commercial Parking (conditional use review required)
- Self Service Storage (allowed, but special limitations)
- Commercial Outdoor Recreation
- Major Event Entertainment
- Manufacturing and Production (allowed, but special limitations + conditional use review required)
- Basic Utilities (conditional use review required)
- Community Service (allowed, but special limitations + conditional use review required)
- Parks and Open Areas
- Schools
- Colleges
- Medical Centers
- Religious Institutions
- Daycare
- Agriculture (conditional use review required)
- Aviation and Surface Passenger Terminals (conditional use review required)
- Detention Facilities (conditional use review required)
- Radio Frequency Transmission Facilities (allowed, but special limitations + conditional use review required)
- Rail Lines and Utility Corridors (conditional use review required)
Summary of Development Standards in the Central Commercial (CX) zoning designation
33.130.200 Lot Size: No required minimum.
33.130.205 Floor Area Ratio: Max. FAR is 4 to 1.
33.130.210 Height: Max. Height is 75 ft.
33.130.215 Setbacks: Min. Building Setback is 0.
33.130.215 Setbacks: Max. Building Setback none in street lot line and 10 ft. in pedestrian district.
33.130.220 Building Coverage: Building Coverage: no limit.
33.130.225 Landscape Areas: Min. Landscaped Area: none.
33.130.227 Trees: some developments need to meet min. tree standards
33.130.230 Ground Floor Window Standards: apply
33.130.235 Screening: varies based on program
33.130.215 Setbacks: varies based on program
33.130.240 Pedestrian Standards: Yes
Required Parking: none
I will update this post periodically as I find more information about the zoning regulations of the project site.
I found a copy of the complete Title 33, Portland Zoning Code document at:
Biosynergies 