Winterbrook has provided on-call planning and environmental services to many communities in Oregon and Washington. Tasks have included wetland and stream assessments, on-site surveys of landslides and stream bank erosion problems, evaluation of natural resource impacts, identification of restoration and enhancement opportunities, development of alternative biotechnical stabilization solutions, preparation of native revegetation plans, impact analysis and alternative mitigation strategies, and preparation of informational materials for use by homeowners and consulting engineers.

Aumsville Park Annexation

The Aumsville Park Annexation and Rezoning was undertaken on behalf of the City of Aumsville. The project involved a City-initiated proposed annexation and associated rezoning of 22.57 acres to include the property within the city limits, zoned to allow parks outright, for future use as the Eastside Community Park. Winterbrook wrote and delivered the staff report to the Planning Commission and City Council, supporting the City in reaching approval for the proposal. This annexation and rezoning was part of Winterbrook’s ongoing involvement with the Eastside Community Park project in Aumsville, including a UGB Amendment and Comprehensive Plan Text and Map Amendments for the same property in 2023. Winterbrook provides general on-call planning support to the City of Aumsville.

Ontario Housing Update

Between 2020 and 2021, Winterbrook prepared an HNA, HPS, HIP, and housing code audit resulting in amendments for the City of Ontario. The grant was funded through DLCD. The goal of this project was to meet that state’s adoption deadlines for a completed HNA and HPS, as required for cities with a population over 10,000. The project’s code amendments to comply with HB 2001, as well as the updated HNA and a new HPS were adopted and acknowledged by DLCD prior to the state’s deadline for the City of Ontario, and within the allotted grant budget for all work performed.

Sublimity UGB Expansion

Winterbrook Planning prepared an UGB amendment for the City of Sublimity to incorporate land for a transportation facility. Winterbrook Planning prepared findings, coordinated with DLCD and the County, and successfully guided Sublimity through the amendment process. The UGB expansion provides the efficient extension of public facilities along a right-of-way, it will result in more feasible subdivision development within the UGB, and it will provide a buffer between urban housing and farm activities.

Turner Code Updates

Winterbrook spearheaded a comprehensive code audit and subsequent updates for the City of Turner following a Housing Needs Analysis. The audit identified necessary changes aligned with State Statutes and aimed to create a more accessible development code, addressing housing barriers. Leveraging Oregon housing laws expertise, Winterbrook collaborated with Turner staff, integrating local needs feedback. Key updates included SDC waiver for Accessory Dwelling Units, refined design standards, outright allowance of duplexes in single-family zones, and annexation section revisions. Winterbrook’s proposed changes gained unanimous support, resulting in a coherent, state law-compliant code, promoting housing equity. Completed within budget and schedule, future collaborations with Winterbrook are planned for additional development code updates in Turner.

Vernonia Land Swap

Winterbrook assisted the City of Vernonia with a UGB Adjustment or “swap” to remove residentially designated land that was unsuitable for efficient development from the UGB and bring in land that was in proximity to a school and surrounded on three sides by the existing UGB.  Winterbrook performed the analysis for the swap and crafted comprehensive plan policies to ensure the land brought into the UGB would be efficiently urbanized. The proposal was approved by Vernonia Planning Commission and City Council and Columbia County Planning Commission.