The Springfield Planning Commission held a public hearing on March 4, 2025 which it continued to April 1. Since that time: The League of Oregon Cities made it a priority to advocate on behalf of cities in a recent visit to Washington DC. Their call to action included: Advocating for a timeline realignment to urge FEMA to revert to the original Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) timeline which would give communities the necessary information and time to implement effective and compliant measures. Providing technical assistance and funding to communities. Encouraging FEMA to collaborate with local governments/stakeholders. The League representatives were encouraged by their visit with FEMA. Staff is preparing responses to questions from the Commission as well as public testimony which included the clear and objective standards, Measure 49 claims, the Buildable Lands Inventory, consequences of noncompliance with the PICMs, cost recovery for the mandate, and DLCD’s involvement in the PICMs. These findings have not been completed yet. The City Attorney’s Office is also working to address the PICM options and Non-PICM ESA Compliance options. The federal litigation filed by Oregonians for Floodplain Protection was transferred from Washington DC to Oregon. This change of venue will delay the timeline on a ruling regarding a preliminary injunction. For these reasons, staff recommend closing the public hearing and re-opening the hearing once staff have completed our analysis. The city would re-notice the hearing in the Chronicle and post notice at City Hall. Staff would also notify those who have submitted testimony or have signed up on Springfield Oregon Speaks to receive updates.

This agenda item provides the public with an opportunity to comment on any issue relevant to the Historic Commission that is not already on the agenda.

Proposed gated and fenced outdoor recreational vehicle (RV) storage compound on a vacant industrial parcel. Applicant proposes to use compacted gravel for motor vehicle parking spaces where a durable, dust-free surface of asphalt or concrete paving is required by Springfield Development Code 4.6.120(A). Applicant is proposing to use a hybrid combination of paved surface for driving lanes and turnarounds and gravel surface for vehicle storage spaces. Applicant has withdrawn accompanying Type 3 Major Variance application, Case 811-25-000006-TYP3.

The City is proposing amendments to the Springfield Development Code to comply with the Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures (PICM) required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These amendments include changes prompted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requiring the City to adopt PICM, short-term rules, in the Floodplain Overlay District to comply with the Endangered Species Act. The code amendments are directed by FEMA to protect habitat and achieve no net loss measures that will avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to the Upper Willamette Chinook salmon in the floodplain areas. The goal is for floodplain development in Springfield to achieve “no net loss” to beneficial floodplain functions which would look like no net increase in fill, no net increase in impervious surfaces, and no net loss of trees.

This agenda item provides the public with an opportunity to comment on any issue relevant to the Planning Commission that is not already on the agenda.