Milwaukie Planning Commission - 08/25/2026

The City of Milwaukie Oregon Planning Commission held a meeting on August 25, 2026, primarily focused on an appeal regarding a type two variance to reduce side yard setbacks from five feet to three feet for a seven-unit cottage cluster development at 2918 Southeast Balfour Street. The variance was initially approved by the planning manager, but the appellant challenged the decision citing concerns about fire safety, privacy, neighborhood character, and procedural intimidation by the developer, Alex Shaw. Numerous community members testified, largely opposing the variance due to safety, density, and neighborhood impact concerns. The developer defended the variance as necessary to meet state housing density goals and noted limited discretion in type two variance approvals. The commission discussed the need for additional input from the fire marshal and other public safety officials to address concerns raised. Ultimately, the commission voted to continue the hearing to September 8, 2026, reopening the record for further testimony and additional information. No final decision on the variance was made at this meeting. Other agenda items included community involvement reports and future meeting schedules.