News and Events

The markings on the road and sidewalks are due to the new ADA ramps being installed.  A flyer can be found here.

The Planning Commission will address this sign application at their June 7 meeting.

Application

Color rendering of proposed sign

The City received the following email and photos:

There was a bobcat in my backyard (in the Kingsgate neighborhood) a few weeks ago and then again last week. My patio camera caught it on video, which I sent to ODFW. They confirmed it is a western Oregon Bobcat, approximately 16 inches tall to its shoulder and 22-24 inches long. We have warned our immediate neighbors but thought you should also be aware.

Update:  The City received another email which stated that they saw this same animal and believe that it is actually a cat because “it is not as large as a Bobcat and when it turned to go away I could see that it has a stub tail like that of a Manx cat.  I got a very close look at it, went to the website and looked at the posting and it IS the same cat.  Same markings.  Bobcats have a tail about three to four inches and this cat definitely had a stub tail.   It could be a mix of a Manx and maybe a Bengal for the size.”

2nd Update:  Another resident has emailed to state that they have seen this animal up close and can confirm that it is a manx cat and not a bobcat.

Notice of Budget Committee Meeting

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Durham, Washington County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 will be held via Zoom (a virtual meeting platform) on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, beginning at 6:30 p.m.   The purpose of this meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget.  As per ORS 221.770, the anticipated uses of State Revenue Sharing funds will also be discussed

The First Notice of the meeting was published in The Times on April 7, 2022.  A copy of the budget document is available for public viewing. Please email [email protected] if you wish to view it.

This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place.  Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.  If you wish to attend the meeting, please email [email protected] prior to 4:30 p.m. on April 22.  If you wish to submit anything to be considered at the budget meeting, please email the submission to [email protected] by 4:30 p.m. on April 22.

Public Notice of Hearings

Weed Watchers Workshop

Wednesday, April 20^th | 6 pm

The Weed Watcher Workshop highlights Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) weeds in the Tualatin River watershed. The workshop consists of:

• An introduction to the Tualatin Watershed Invasives Species Team (TWIST)
• A detailed look at Tualatin SWCD’s priority weed species
• Information on how you can participate in this community science effort

Details and registration for this workshop can be found on Tualatin SWCD’s website: https://tualatinswcd.org/event/weed-watcher-workshop-2022/

Weed Watchers Flyer

The Planning Commission will address this sign application at their March 2 meeting via zoom.

Application

Color renderings of proposed sign

Free Bulky Waste Disposal Day 2022

The City of Durham is seeking to fill the position of Administrative Assistant at City Hall.  The position is part-time (approximately 20-25 hours per week) with flexible hours.  The Administrative Assistant serves as the City receptionist and provides general clerical support at City Hall.  Primary duties include maintaining financial records using QuickBooks, producing monthly minutes for Council and Planning Commission meetings, processing building permit applications, maintaining multiple data bases, producing a quarterly newsletter, and administering the business license and telecommunication license programs.  The duties and responsibilities are varied and require an individual who is detail-oriented and can work independently.

A more extensive list of the duties can be read here.

The application form can be found here.

The application form and a resume should be submitted to Durham City Hall at 17160 SW Upper Boones Ferry Road, Durham, OR  97224

The job is open until filled.

Starting in July 2022 new code amendments will allow duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhouses, and cottage clusters to be built in residential areas. These new middle housing developments will mean increasing housing options for those that want them. The goal is to create more home ownership opportunities for the people of Durham. This means it will be easier for people to find the home that works best for them during their current phase of life.

These changes are required by the Oregon Legislature’s House Bill 2001, and have been adopted successfully by many other cities throughout Oregon. These changes will create choices for renters and homeowners across multiple price levels, as well as allowing for greater variety in household structures. These new opportunities will also make it easier for Durham residents to age in place, with accessible homes that still offer independence.

The project started in the fall of 2021 with a review of the current city code. The technical team then drafted code amendments that were presented to the Durham City Council and Planning Commission in two joint working sessions. The final code updates were approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council in May 2022.  The Council approved the Ordinance at their June 28th meeting and the amendments were fully adopted.  Throughout the project the wider community was updated through City newsletters and this website.  An online survey was posted to the project website from January to April 2022 and two virtual information sessions were held in February 2022 to hear from the community about their values, goals and concerns for middle housing.

• Video of one of the virtual information sessions can be seen here.
• Flyer in English and Spanish can be viewed here.

FAQs

What is middle housing?

Middle housing refers to housing types that fill the gap between apartments and detached single dwellings. They can include duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhomes, and cottage clusters. HB 2001 includes specific definitions for each of these housing types.

• Housing should be adaptable. Household sizes are changing and evolving as their members pass through different phases of life.
• There is a housing crisis. Not just in Oregon but nationwide. There is not enough housing or enough types of housing to meet people’s needs.
• Homes are more than just a place to live. Especially during COVID-19. They serve as our workplaces, our schools, and how we take care of our families and friends.

Does HB 2001 ban single family dwellings?

No, single-family detached dwellings will still be allowed. HB 2001 allows more types of housing to be constructed in low-density residential zones but does not restrict development of single-family detached dwellings.

Why was HB 2001 created?

The principles behind HB 2001 mirror a national movement, which calls for increasing housing of all types to alleviate shortages throughout the country. Here in Oregon, there is an increasing lack of housing, particularly housing priced that the average resident can afford. Oregon is one of the fastest growing states in the country, but state policies, zoning codes, community opposition, and other factors have made it challenging to accommodate population growth. HB 2001 was created to help increase the amount and types of housing available to Oregonians.

How does HB 2001 affect accessory dwelling units (ADUs)?

HB 2001 prevents local governments from requiring owner occupancy or additional parking for ADUs. ADUs are small, secondary housing units constructed on the same property as an existing house. This provision went into effect on January 1, 2020.

Can the City, private individuals, or homeowners’ associations pass new regulations or rules to prevent middle housing in other ways?

HB 2001 prohibits middle housing from being restricted through alternate means, including documents recorded against a property or other governing documents that occur on or after Aug. 8, 2019 (the effective date of the act). This means that homeowners’ associations and related groups can’t create new rules to prohibit middle housing.

Where can I find HB 2001 to read for myself?

HB 2001 can be found on the Oregon State Legislature website

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2019R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB2001/Enrolled

Pride is now recycling batteries for Durham residents.

Instructions are on their website here.

With all the rainfall we’ve received in Western Oregon over the last couple of weeks some of the rivers are swelling and approaching flood levels. So far only minor flooding has occurred, but it is important to be prepared in case the situation worsens.

This webpage has flood preparedness guidance.

Flood insurance claims materials are accessible online for residents here.

Due to the snow and ice we received overnight, neighborhood roads are too slick and Pride will not be running residential routes today.

Here are updated links for customers:

• Mailchimp/enewsletter went out to customers who have signed up
• Website blog: https://pridedisposal.com/about/news/service-alert-tues-12.28.21-am
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrideDisposal/posts/10159312189756187
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrideDisposal/status/1475827940675899392