Volume 31 | December 2022 |
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December Magic in Meinig Park!
Holiday Lights and Events for All Ages
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Get ready for a new holiday tradition in Sandy!
Starting this year, we're lighting up Meinig Park to ring in the season! The lights will be on nightly (4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) from December 2nd to January 2nd.
Bring the family and walk through the lights to experience some holiday joy!
A Special Thank You to Our Event Sponsors!
Shelter, Stage and Gazebo Sponsors:
- Barlow Trail Veterinary Clinic
- Clackamas Federal Credit Union
- Ever Fresh Fruit Co
- Just Rum
- Sandy's Helping Hands
- Geren's Farm and Landscape Supply
Friends of the Lights Sponsors:
- Liepold Farms
- Sandy Decor
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Don't Miss the Centennial Plaza Tree Lighting!
Friday December 2nd - 6:00 p.m.
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Bring your letters to Santa and say hi!
Sandy High School Choir will perform holiday songs. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided by Antfarm and Tollgate Bakery, and candy canes will be provided by Rotary Club of Sandy.
Plus: pick up a Craft for a Cause and help us provide holiday cards for senior citizens in the community! Items will be accepted for the Kiwanis Christmas baskets.
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What's the Deal with:
The Development Process
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Growth and development has been a topic of great interest in Sandy for many years. Our neighbors have expressed views on this issue from a variety of perspectives, including concern about infrastructure capacity and traffic impacts on the one hand, and support for increasing housing supply and choices on the other. |
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Sandy has grown considerably over the last 20 years. While the City recently adopted a temporary development moratorium while improvements are made to the wastewater system, some development applications are still underway because they were submitted before the moratorium's effective date, and market demand for housing in Sandy is expected to lead to more proposed development after the moratorium concludes. |
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We know many people have questions about the development process; the role and rights of property owners, neighbors, and the City; and ways in which residents can get involved to help shape outcomes. Read below for answers to those questions, and visit our website to learn even more. |
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How does the development process work?
Development is initiated by private land owners. A land owner works with a developer to come up with a plan for the property, and they submit an application to the City. The application is reviewed by a City Planner who ensures that it meets the requirements of Sandy’s development code. Some applications, depending on their complexity, are reviewed in public hearings in front of the Planning Commission or City Council. It is important to note that development is a private industry and the City does not initiate residential development projects.
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If enough residents don’t want to see Sandy grow, why can’t the City just deny all new development applications?
Private property rights are considered fundamental rights in the United States. The U.S. Constitution and a century of national and state case law are clear: the government does not have the right to forbid a private property owner from developing their land. What a government does have the right to do is place specific regulations on the type of development that can occur. This is done with tools such as zoning designations, and design standards like Sandy Style. If a development application meets these regulations, the City is required by law to approve it.
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How can residents get involved?
There are a several key ways residents can get involved in the development review process. First, you can learn about applications currently under review on the City’s land use applications database. Most of the more significant applications include opportunities to offer input / testimony at public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. Testimony from residents plays a valuable role in helping the City evaluate development applications. Comments directly related to the municipal code are most effective, as the code outlines the criteria used by the City to determine final decisions on applications. This does not mean you shouldn’t raise other concerns. It can also be useful to state your position and the impact of the project on you as a community member.
You can also get involved through applying to serve on a City board or commission, such as the Planning Commission or Parks & Trails Advisory Board. These committees serve a vital function in the City's long range planning and development processes, and the City Council relies on their expertise and recommendations.
Another very important opportunity is to get involved with Sandy’s comprehensive plan update: Envision Sandy 2050! The comprehensive plan will help guide future changes to the development code and will serve as a blueprint for what the future of our community will look like. To learn more about opportunities to be part of Envision Sandy 2050, visit the project page on Sandy Speaks - and keep reading below to see the new Sandy 2050 Vision Statement!
Be sure to also visit the City's website for more background and information on this important issue.
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Envision Sandy 2050:
Our Vision for the Future
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Envision Sandy 2050 is the City's ongoing project to update Sandy's Comprehensive Plan, our town's foundational blueprint for the next several decades. The plan will address topics including land use, economic development, environmental sustainability, natural resources, public facilities, transportation, and more. Sandy's last Comprehensive Plan was written in 1997, so it's time for a new one!
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We're excited to announce that we've now reached a major milestone in the Envision Sandy 2050 process: the unveiling of the Sandy 2050 Vision Statement! The vision, which sets direction for six key topic areas, was developed with substantial public input through focus groups, community surveys, and the very successful Future Fest engagement event.
Check out the Sandy 2050 Vision below, and make sure to bookmark the Envision Sandy 2050 page on Sandy Speaks for more updates and future opportunities to get involved!
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In 2050, Sandy retains its small-town feel through a celebration of community and place. Downtown Sandy is a clean, walkable, and vibrant place to dine, shop, and gather. The beautification of downtown showcases public art, honors Sandy’s history, and celebrates its location as “The Gateway to Mt. Hood.” Public amenities and facilities provide places to play, grow, and learn for residents of all ages. Sandy supports events like the Sandy Mountain Festival that bring people together and promote a spirit of inclusivity. Non-profit and volunteer organizations offer meaningful services to the community and provide opportunities for civic engagement.
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In 2050, Sandy is proactive in managing and planning for growth. Sandy is an innovative community that addresses change through thoughtful planning and effective governance. Growth and development are guided by community values, fiscal responsibility, and strategic investments in services and infrastructure. Premier fire, police and emergency response services ensure safety for residents. Regulatory tools and practices are consistently updated to address new issues, and new development contributes to the expansion of public utilities. Leadership and residents engage with one another in decision-making processes so new opportunities benefit the community while preserving Sandy’s small-town feel.
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In 2050, Sandy’s natural and scenic landscape is an extension of the community. Clean rivers, healthy trees, and wildlife habitats are carefully conserved to promote biodiversity. Forested areas within the City are protected as parks, trails and natural open space. Sandy preserves the unique character and charm of beloved assets like Meinig Memorial Park, Sandy River Park, the Tickle Creek Trail, and Jonsrud Viewpoint. The City continues to develop recreation programs and a diverse and accessible park and trail system that is clean, safe, and functional, serving the needs of residents.
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In 2050, Sandy is resilient in the face of natural hazards. As stewards of clean air, water, and land resources for future generations, Sandy guides the design of the built environment to protect, enhance, and be integrated with natural systems. The threat of wildfire and earthquakes is mitigated through emergency preparedness, education, and proactive planning. Sandy collaborates with local agencies, including Fire Districts, Clackamas County, and regional partners to plan for actions that can lessen the impact of natural hazards, ensuring the City and its partners have long-term strategies for protecting the community.
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In 2050, Sandy is home to desirable neighborhoods and a strong workforce. Thriving commercial and industrial districts provide balanced employment opportunities at all levels. A variety of businesses meet the daily needs of residents and contribute to Sandy’s sense of place. A strong tourism industry provides opportunities for businesses and supports the local economy. Sandy’s workers have access to a variety of housing choices that allow residents to move in, move up or age in place, ensuring families can live, work, and thrive in Sandy across multiple generations. Balanced housing choices contribute to safe, walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods that connect residents to nearby parks, trails, businesses and key destinations.
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In 2050, Sandy boasts modern and reliable public facilities and services that support carefully planned growth. The City invests in infrastructure that provides clean drinking water, treats wastewater while protecting our watersheds, and mitigates the effects of stormwater runoff. The expansion, operation, and maintenance of public services is supported through sustainable and balanced funding sources. SandyNet continues to provide reliable, fast and state-of-the-art internet service to the City’s residents. Sandy’s transportation system prioritizes safety, connectivity, and accessibility, with an emphasis on local street connections to reduce reliance on arterial roads such as Highways 26 and 211 for local trips. Safe, efficient, high-quality transit service, as well as a network of sidewalks and bike facilities, provides an alternative to private automobile use, supporting efficient use of roadways and reducing air pollution and energy use.
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Did You Know?
Street Tree Responsibilities
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With the recent wind storms, we've been receiving lots of phone calls about damage to street trees. Did you know that property owners are responsible for street trees located in the planter strip adjacent to their homes?
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I was told the trees planted in front of my house on the street are my responsibility. Is that true?
Yes. A tree removal permit is required for the removal of any tree on your property.
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Who can I call to look at my tree to determine whether it's a Street Tree and whether it needs replacing?
Please contact either city staff member below:
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How do I take care of my street trees after a storm?
After a storm, if limbs and debris will not fit in your yard debris container, the City has a free chipper rental program.
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How do I know if my street tree needs replacing?
A professional arborist can determine tree health. City staff cannot make health determinations.
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What tree should I choose to replace my street tree?
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Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?
Yes. A tree removal permit is required for the removal of any tree on your property.
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What should I know about trimming my street tree?
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The city planted a tree for me. What do I do to take care of it?
If the City replaced a street tree due to a utility repair or related damage, the tree becomes the property of the homeowner after the first growing season.
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Public Works 'Report a Problem' / After Hours Line |
Whether you've spotted a tree down in the roadway or a leaking fire hydrant, there's an easy way to get in touch with the City's Public Works Department to report the problem and get it fixed.
For after hours problems or emergencies with the water, sewer, storm drainage or street systems not on private property, please call the City at (503) 972-8193.
Please be sure to give the operator your complete address and a contact phone number so that any personnel dispatched can contact you if needed.
Public Works responds to problems or emergencies within the city limits only.
For street or drainage problems / emergencies outside of Sandy, contact Clackamas County Department of Transportation & Development at the following numbers:
- (503) 557-6391 (7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday)
- (503) 655-8211 (Fridays, evenings, and weekends)
For street or drainage problems / emergencies on Hwy 26, contact the Oregon Department of Transportation at (503) 283-5859
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Get Your Home's Pipes Ready for Winter Weather |
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Winter weather is on the way, and there are steps you can take now to make sure your home's water pipes are ready!
Before Winter
Know where your emergency water shut-off valve is located and teach everyone in your household where it is and how to turn off the water. Most shut-off valves are located in the crawl space, basement, garage, or outside near the foundation of single-family residential homes. If a pipe bursts inside your home during the winter, this valve will turn the water off.
Disconnect and drain hoses from outside faucets and turn them off if they have their own shut-off valve. This type of shut-off valve is typically located in the basement or crawl space. If your home does not have an outdoor faucet shut-off valve, be sure to empty the water lines to your faucet by turning on each outdoor faucet after you’ve closed the shut-off valve. If your home does not have a separate shut-off for outside faucets, then you’ll need to insulate each spigot with a foam cap or another insulating material like newspaper.
Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems and backflow assembly devices. Wrap backflow devices with insulating material. Insulate hot and cold pipes that are located in unheated areas in your home such as the garage, crawl space, or attic. Cover foundation vents with foam blocks, thickly folded newspaper, or cardboard.
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If you haven’t already – make sure you complete the “Before Winter” steps above. Locate your emergency water shut-off valve, keep your pipes safe and insulated, cover foundation vents, and disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, sprinkler systems, and backflow devices.
When temperatures dip below freezing, temporarily turn on your faucet located furthest from your water meter so that it has a slow and steady drip – this will keep water moving and make it less likely to freeze in your pipes.
Periodically open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathroom to allow pipes behind the walls and under the floors to get additional heat from inside your house.
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Think you have a frozen pipe? Here’s how to tell if you do |
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Turn on faucets located throughout your home; if some of them work and others do not, it is likely that you have a frozen pipe. If there is no water to your home, it is likely that the issue may be at the street and you should notify your water provider. |
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To thaw plumbing lines safely, use a hair dryer on a low setting. Move the hair dryer back and forth, moving in 12” – 16” sections until water flows freely from the affected tap. NEVER thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame. Remember to leave a little water on once the pipe has thawed so that it doesn’t refreeze. Turn on the faucet(s) in your home to a steady, slow drip to keep water moving through your pipes. |
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Repairing a broken water pipe: |
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If your burst pipe is located in or around your home, then it is your responsibility to repair the pipe. If the break is at the street, contact the City of Sandy for repairs.
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Current Land Use Applications |
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Here's the latest in our comprehensive database of active land use applications, complete with links to public meetings, documents, plans, maps, explanatory videos, staff reports, and other materials! You'll also find links to opportunities to take part in the decision-making process by submitting your own testimony.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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Be a part of the process! Members of the public are always welcome at meetings of the City Council and other boards and commissions.
Get meeting details and learn more about the variety of ways you can participate by visiting our online meeting portal.
Mark your Calendars:
- City Council: December 5th
- Parks and Trails Advisory Board: December 14th
- City Council: December 19th
Click the image below to access Sandy's full public meeting calendar with date and time details, and learn more about everything your city government is doing to serve you!
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