Preliminary Questions for PDX BDS
Met with a city planner today, after some suggestions from local cohousing developer Eli Spevak.
Visiting the city planning building can be a daunting experience. It’s a very modern building and lobby, and everyone who comes in seems to know what they’re doing (except for me, of course). Fortunately, Eli gave me some good suggestions about how to approach things. Here’s a few observations:
- When you go in, simply stop at the front counter and say, “I need to speak with a planner regarding some zoning/lot issues.” Act like you know what you are doing, even if you don’t.
- When you first stop at the front desk, they’ll ask you your name and write it on a piece of paper. The paper is time-stamped, and they return it to you. You are then directed to put the paper in a lettered bin and have a seat.
- I waited no more than 2 minutes before my name was called. It was literally that fast. You are directed to a cube in the back where a planner meets and answers your questions.
- In my first meeting, I met with Thomas Carter. He was amazingly helpful and informative. It’s nice to see tax dollars working well.
My meeting was about an hour. In that time I learned far more than I ever could have pouring over city codes online. Still, it was helpful to have my questions prepared ahead of time. Another big asset was my scale site plan. That helps the planner and you discuss the little details.
Here’s a link to my meeting notes.