Open for Comment
∙ Active Project
Springfield Development Code Amendments: Annexations
These amendments will explore how to make the code more consistent with state law, including whether to continue to allow or expand instances when annexations would not require a public hearing. Changes will also clarify existing code to provide a straightforward initiation and review path for annexations.
Project Overview
Summary
Background
This project would amend the Annexations section of the Springfield Development Code (SDC) in an effort to enable efficient, timely, and clear development review to support Springfield’s economic development priorities while honoring Springfield’s hometown feel now and in the future.
Project Purpose
Currently, SDC 5.7.115 requires a City Council public hearing for annexations with an exception in one narrow context: “a single lot/parcel adjacent to the city limits and city services and not dividable by Partition or Subdivision.” However, existing code language throughout the Annexations Development Code section (SDC 5.7.100) is unclear about the initiation and review process, and most annexations involve a Council public hearing. Additionally, the reduction in minimum lot size during Phase 1 of the Development Code Update project make the clause: “not dividable by Partition or Subdivision” less applicable than before. For example, the recent Development Code changes reduced the minimum lot size from 4,500-5,000 square feet down to 3,000 square feet on most lots and even smaller for those created through the middle housing land division process. Staff will seek direction during the community outreach process on whether to continue to allow or expand instances when annexations would not require a public hearing.
The project objectives are to:
The project objectives are to:
- Provide easy to understand code language presented in a clear and user-friendly format.
- Provide a straightforward initiation and review path for annexations.
- Enable efficient review of annexation applications, which includes a discussion on whether to continue to allow or expand instances when annexation would not require a public hearing.
Project Timeline
- November 2023 – February 2024: Draft Code Language for Staff and Community Review
- January 2024: Take the Community Involvement Strategy to the Committee for Citizen Involvement for Review and Approval (see below for the approved Strategy)
- Winter 2024: Conduct Involvement Tactics and Refine Code based on Feedback
- Summer 2024: Springfield Planning Commission Work Session, Public Hearing, and Recommendation
- Fall 2024 and Beyond: Springfield City Council Work Session and Public Hearing Followed by Deliberation and Adoption. Post-Adoption Implementation.
Project Contact Information
City staff welcome all questions about the project. We are here to help you. Thank you!
Haley Campbell, Senior Planner
541.726.3647
Representatives
Haley Campbell
Senior Planner
Resources
Annexations Code Amendments Community Involvement Strategy
( 0.2 MB )
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Public Comments
Commenting is open until midnight on Fri, Jan 3 2025.
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