Item B: Neighborhood Livability Working Group Report

Home Browse Search

Neighborhood Livability Working Group Neighborhood-based Planning Problem Description While the West University neighborhood has already transitioned to one of low owner occupancy and high density, this pattern has been spreading to the edges of adjacent neighborhoods in recent years. This situation has created the need for neighborhood-level planning that is responsive to the unique challenges now facing other campus area neighborhoods. The pattern and design of development in this area contributes to negative impacts and requires consideration of strategies related to planning and land use to address livability. Multi-family developments are regulated by the number of units they include, which does not give a true sense of the number of individuals that will be housed together. Current projects in the vicinity of the University of Oregon include fewer studio or one bedroom units in favor of a more profitable mix of three, four, five and even six bedroom apartments. In addition, there can be distinct differences in impacts associated with traditional multi- family versus high occupancy multi- code does not recognize these differences and treats all multi-family housing alike. Another issue of concern is that the current land use code provides exemptions for open space requirements for projects that meet a target percentage of allowable density. This serves to remove an important amenity for high density projects that congregate large groups of people with no places to gather and socialize. This results in groups of young adults spilling out into sidewalks and streets with noise and other behaviors impacting neighbors. This emphasis on dense living also puts pressure on converting open space to driveways and parking reducing this amenity even further. An additional design issue involves screening garbage receptacles and recycling containers and the poorly lit spaces around and between buildings. The combination of hidden spaces and low light provides areas where criminal behavior can take place out of sight. Strategy Description The actions listed below have been identified by neighborhood representatives as priority planning and land use strategies to improve impacts to livability. A number of them have also been identified in past or ongoing planning processes (identified in parenthesis) as important to addressing development impacts to livability. Complete area planning for the university-area neighborhoods that addresses the interface between the university, high density housing and surrounding neighborhoods. (Envision Eugene) Revise code to address the deficiency of open space in multi-family developments. (Infill Compatibility Standards) Change the way density for multi-family housing is calculated so that it more actually reflects the number of residents. (Infill Compatibility Standards) Strengthen standards regulating parking in set-backs and open space. (Infill Compatibility Standards) Provide different definitions for traditional multi-family and high occupancy unrelated adult housing that recognize the distinct difference of housing that caters primarily to young adult (typically university student) renters. Providing this distinction in the code could allow for development of standards that addresses the unique impacts created by high occupancy housing. Review existing codes related to lighting and fencing and identify areas where changes could improve security and public safety. Related Goals/Policies Metro Plan Policy A.13: Increase overall residential density in the metropolitan area by creating more opportunities for effectively designed in-fill, redevelopment, and mixed use while considering impacts of increased residential density on historic, existing and future neighborhoods. Metro Plan Policy A.23: 39 Page