2023 Proposed Wetland Overlay Ordinance Revision

The City recognizes the environmental value of wetlands, and the Cannon Beach Municipal Code contains wetland regulations in Chapter 17.43 Wetlands Overlay (WO) Zone to protect them.  The City formed a citizen committee to review the existing regulations and determine how to improve the existing WO Zone.  The committee created a draft, and the Urbsworks team which is contracted to assist the City with Community Development Ordinance revision project was asked to review the document and make recommendations as to how it might be further improved.

Step 1:  Reorganization - Status:  Complete

As a first step the Urbsworks team recommended a reorganization of the WO Zone draft to enhance readability and clarity.  A revised outline was reviewed by the committee and city staff and found to be appropriate.  The draft text was then reorganized accordingly into the WO sections without adding or deleting any text.

Step 2:  Preliminary Editing - Status:  Complete

Following the reorganization, the text was edited primarily to eliminate duplicative language and to identify potential definitions and narrative additions to strengthen the WO chapter.  

Step 3:  Public Deliberation - Status:  In Progress

The draft of the proposed revised ordinance will be formally introduced to the Planning Commission during a public hearing on Thursday, October 26, 2023.  During this hearing, and possible future hearings on this matter, the Commission will hear evidence regarding the proposal, conduct deliberations, and make a recommendation to City Council regarding the proposed revisions to the ordinance.  The City Council will then hold a public hearing where they will likewise hear evidence and conduct deliberations before making a decision on the proposed revisions.  The date of the initial evidentiary hearing before City Council is to be determined.

During this process the public is encouraged to submit written statements to both the Planning Commission and City Council and attend and participate in the public hearings.  Statements may be sent to the following:

Email:  planning [at] ci.cannon-beach.or.us

Mail:  P.O. Box 368, Cannon Beach, OR 97110

Step 4:  Adoption - Status:  Pending

After a draft revision is approved by City Council the current wetland regulations will be replaced by the revised ordinance.  An implementation date will be determined the City Council's decision making process.