Planning a Development

The City of Lowell supports the development of residential, commercial, and industrial developments to meet the needs of our community. Below are the basic steps involved with developing property in Lowell. Some of these steps may not apply to your project. If you have questions regarding your specific project, please contact City Hall.

1. Develop a Plan. Successful property development requires a plan and financial resources. Prior to starting, you may want to contact the Lane Small Business Development Center. They can help you draft a business plan, which is essential to secure commercial financing.
2. Check Zoning Requirements. The City of Lowell maintains a Land Development Code to establish standards and procedures for the orderly development of land in conformance with the Lowell Comprehensive Plan, to protect property rights, provide due process, and promote the public health, safety and welfare. There are six zones within the City, which regulate the permitted uses and development requirements. Developers should reference the Zoning Map to ensure the proposed development conforms with the allowable use. The following is a basic description of the purpose of each zone:

• (R-1) Single-Family Residential – To provide areas suitable and desirable for low density, urban, single-family residential use.
• (R-3) Multi-Family Residential – To provide areas suitable and desirable for medium density multiple-family residential use.
• (C-1) General Commercial – To provide areas appropriate for the full range of commercial activities to serve the needs of area residents and employees. The C-1 District is well suited for areas having access from major thoroughfares.
• (C-2) Downtown Commercial – To provide a central shopping center for the community to serve the needs of area residents and employees. Downtown Lowell is well suited for a central compact commercial center that includes public buildings and facilities.
• (I-1) Light Industrial – To create, preserve and enhance areas for low intensity, light manufacturing and commercial development which create no obnoxious impact on abutting properties and are free from conflict with non-compatible uses.
• (PL) Public Lands – To establish development standards for public lands. Public Lands are those owned by public entities, specifically, the Federal Government, State of Oregon, Lane County, and the City of Lowell, as well as special districts established State law.

3. Schedule Pre-Application Meetings. Applicants may request an informal review of a proposal prior to application to determine the general feasibility of the proposal. Applicants should submit a brief description and a sketch drawing of the proposed development. Staff will review the proposal and discuss the procedural requirements and any conditions and policies of other public agencies that may be relevant to the development. Subsequently, the applicant may proceed with an application or staff may suggest a pre-application conference to further assist the applicant in preparing the application.
4. Consult with a Design Professional. Depending on the type of development, at this stage you may require the design services of a professionally licensed land surveyor, civil engineer, architect, or landscape architect. The firm or individual can assist with your subdivision or site plan design to meet both your business requirements and those prescribed in the Lowell Land Development Code.

• Land Surveyors measure, map, and mark property boundaries. They are also used to document existing property conditions and plat new subdivisions in accordance with the appropriate land development code. Subdivision applications require a survey by a land surveyor registered with the State of Oregon.
• Civil Engineers design, build, and supervise construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings and systems for water supply and sewage treatment. Subdivisions requiring new roads, water or sewer are required to be designed by a licensed civil engineer.
• Architects plan, design, and may supervise the construction of all types of buildings within residential, commercial, and industrial developments. All building plans are required to meet the Oregon building codes.
• Landscape Architects plan and design residential developments, commercial centers, and transportation facilities. They also design and plan the restoration of natural places, including wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas and forested land.

5. Submit Application. All developments require the submission of a Land Use Application. Any additional permits should be marked, with the required supplemental documentation attached. Application fees are due at the time of submission. Once received, per state law the City has 30 days to determine if the application is complete, and an additional 120 days to render a decision on the application. City staff makes every effort to exceed these timeframes.
6. Start Construction! Approved applicants may start construction. Inspections should be requested in accordance with the stage of construction (i.e. infrastructure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical). All infrastructure installations must be inspected by the City Engineer prior to acceptance. Subdivisions may be recorded after acceptance of infrastructure and approval by the City Council. Building inspections are completed by the City’s contracted building inspector, Northwest Code Professionals.

If you need assistance, please feel free to contact the City Administrator, Jared Cobb.