Comprehensive plans provide overall guidance for a community's land use, economic development, and resource management. Each plan contains two main parts: (1) A body of data and information called the inventory, background report, or factual base describing a community's resources and features. It must address all of the topics specified in the applicable statewide goals; and (2) the policy element. That part of the plan sets forth the community's long-range objectives and the policies by which it intends to achieve them. The policy element of each community's plan is adopted by ordinance and has the force of law.

There are no lands designated as agricultural lands within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Columbia City. Therefore, the state planning goal concerning agricultural lands is not applicable in the City.

There are no lands designated as forest lands within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Columbia City. Therefore, the state planning goal concerning forest lands is not applicable in the City.

C. OPEN SPACES, SCENIC AND HISTORIC AREAS, AND NATURAL RESOURCES [State Goal No. 5 - To conserve open spaces and protect natural and scenic resources.]

This state goal requires the City to conserve open space and to protect its natural and scenic resources. In order to meet these requirements, the location, quality, and quantity of the following resources have been inventoried:

2.  Mineral and Aggregate Resources: There are no inventoried mineral or aggregate resources within the City limits.

3.  Energy Sources: There are no known deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, or uranium in the planning area; nor are there hydrologic or natural thermal sources. Firewood is available from sources outside the planning area.

ODFW has also identified the Columbia River. The River forms the east boundary of the City. Both residential and industrial designated properties front the River and the impacts of development would vary widely. The City does not have the resources to conduct an individual analysis of each site. Therefore, individual site analysis of the economic, social, environmental, and energy impacts of any proposed development would be necessary to determine the appropriate setback. .

6.  Outstanding Scenic Views: The Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains are the main scenic views.

7.  Water Area: The east Columbia City boundary extends to the middle point of the Columbia River and flows the length of the City, except in front of River Club Estates. There are no wetlands or watersheds within the City limits. The area is partially drained by McBride Creek.

8.  Historic Areas, Sites, and Structures: The Caples House and McVey House are identified as historic structures in Columbia City. The Lewis and Clark Trail has also been recognized in Columbia City.

9.  Cultural Areas: There are no identified cultural areas in the planning area.

10.  Recreation Trails: The Northwest Oregon Loop Bicycle Trail, a part of the Statewide Recreation Trail System, passes through Columbia City. The trail follows the Columbia River Highway (U.S. Highway 30) from Portland to Astoria. A bike route within the City is shown as Appendix D. Many walkers and joggers use the bike path network within the City.

D.  AIR, WATER, AND LAND RESOURCES QUALITY [State Goal No. 6 - To maintain and improve the quality of air, water, and land resources of the state.]

Areas of concern to Columbia City are storm water runoff, deterioration of air quality resulting from new industrial development, higher traffic volumes, construction activities, and increasing noise and dust levels resulting from urbanization. Noise and dust from the railroad, Columbia River Highway, and industrial users have been identified by the City.

Storm water runoff has been a problem in the past. Problem areas have been identified, and corrective action has been taken to solve many of the problems associated with surface water runoff. There are provisions in the Development Code for handling storm water runoff in new developments. The Columbia City Public Works Department is also adding catch basins as needed throughout the City to handle surface water runoff problems.

Columbia City operates and maintains a water distribution system and purchases its water from the City of St. Helens. Columbia City is currently in the process of developing its own municipal water source.

Columbia City operates and maintains a sewer collection system and contracts with the City of St. Helens for the treatment of its sewage.

Columbia City is outside the Portland Non-Attainment Area and Class I air quality area.

1.  Slopes: The most significant natural hazard in the Columbia City planning area is the constraint associated with slopes greater than 20 percent. In the context of slope information alone, there is restriction to development on land 0 to 12 percent. From 12 to 20 percent, the problems become much greater: at this slope some land uses--such as industrial and transportation--become almost prohibitive to construct. At 20 to 50 percent slopes the hazards and problems become greater with very selective development taking place. At over 50 percent slope, development on any large scale is almost prohibitive. A slope map can be found as Appendix C on page 34.

Columbia City is virtually ringed by slopes in excess of 20 percent. These include the steep river bank that runs the length of the City; the steep slopes south of "G" Street and directly west of the highway; and the formidable inclines that skirt the western limits of the City from "E" Street north, including the ravine formed by the course of McBride Creek. Also of concern are areas east of Fourth Street in the southern part of the City and River Club Estates, the lots west of Ninth Street in Riverview Heights subdivision, and lots west of Fifth Street between "K" and "G" Streets.

3.  Fault Activity: A report on the earthquake potential has pointed out there is a fault zone extending from near the coast north of Astoria through Portland and into Central Oregon. This fault zone appears to have up to 40 km of right lateral offset and a potential length of from 100 km to 300 km. With this potential length, and being in line with a recognized fault zone (Brothers - Hapton Fault Zone), there is the potential for an earthquake in the vicinity of Columbia City with a magnitude as high as 8. However, the frequency of occurrence of this (theoretical) earthquake would be once in 300 to 600 years.

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) has prepared a map titled "Relative Earthquake Hazards" for the Columbia City area. The hazard zones shown on the map are based on the combined effects of ground shaking amplification, liquifaction and earthquake induced land landsliding. According to this map, a portion of Columbia City located west of Highway 30 has a low to intermediate hazard rating. A copy of the map is available for review at City Hall.

4.  Flooding: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has compiled flood plain information for the Columbia River and McBride Creek. This information can be found in the flood insurance rate maps on file at City Hall.

6.  Other Hazards: Columbia City is subject to other hazards, such as a railcar derailment, oil spills in the river, ship explosion (main ship channel very close to shore), accident at the nearby chemical plant, and an accident or fire at the industrial site. Previously, the City was within the ten-mile Trojan Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Planning Zone. The Trojan facility has ceased operations and many of the hazardous materials have been removed from the site. However, the fuel rods are currently in dry storage at the Trojan site. The City is also within 35 miles of Mount St. Helens, an active volcano.

F.  RECREATIONAL NEEDS [State Goal No. 8 - To satisfy the recreational needs of the citizens of the state and visitors and, where appropriate, to provide for the siting of necessary recreational facilities, including destination resorts.]

The geographic location of the City provides a natural environment for the enjoyment of outdoor recreational activities. The marinas in the area, as well as the county parks, provide some recreational opportunities. Most recreational activities available to City residents take place outside Columbia City.

The major recreational opportunities in, or near, the City include: a public golf course west of St. Helens; the Columbia County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Columbia County Fair and various 4-H and FFA activities; active gun clubs, pistol and shotgun ranges located outside the City; the Columbia River, which offers some of the finest fishing in the state (many local residents are quite active in this outdoor sport); and a local commercial recreational facility.

The City adopted its first Parks Master Plan, which is dated September 6, 2001, and is attached and incorporated into this Comprehensive Plan by reference. A Parks Systems Development Charge (SDC) is assessed when building permits are issued. The City currently owns 4.55 acres of park land. 4.27 acres are undeveloped and .39 acres are developed. Because the existing park land is currently not large enough nor contiguous so as to facilitate a flat open space development, the City’s primary objective is the acquisition of suitable park property. The property would then be developed at a later date. In the Parks Master Plan, there is a discussion regarding the City obtaining title to a 13.3 acre parcel owned by the City of St. Helens. That parcel has since been purchased by a private party and the majority of the site is likely to be developed as private residences.

There is an established bike path throughout the City. The Rutherford Road Parkway connects the City's bike path to the City of St. Helens. The Rutherford Road Parkway was constructed with grant money given to Columbia County, St. Helens, and Columbia City. The bike path is jointly maintained by the two cities.

The City of Columbia City contains the following recreational sites:

2.  Ruth Rose Richardson Park, containing .46 acres, and Pixie Park, containing .31 acres, are owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution and located along "I" and The Strand Streets. These small, privately-owned parks are open to the public.

3.  Municipal owned Park sites:

a.  Columbia City Bike Path: a 5.39 acre strip developed as a bicycle, jogging and walking path which provide a link to the City of St. Helens and other proposed recreational trails.

b.  Bundy Memorial Park: A 2.86 acre plot of ground between "E" and "C" streets also adjacent to the west side of the Highway and containing mature trees. This site could provide a picnic area with the addition of parking or a fitness trail adjacent to the bike path.

c.  Harvard Park: a .39 acre parcel of land along the west side of Sixth Street between Penn and Calvin Streets, which has been developed as a neighborhood park with playground equipment and open space.

d.  K Street site: a .39 acre undeveloped parcel located on the site of the St. Helen’s water facility. While the site is located on the waterfront, the terrain is steep and the site is very narrow and not suitable for a boat launch.

e.  H Street site: a .14 acre undeveloped parcel located on the waterfront that may be suitable for a picnic area and fishing dock. The site contains steep slopes to the water and is not suitable for a boat launch.

f.  Water Tank Site: a .88 acre natural wooded area with views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and the Columbia River. This parcel may serve as a future link to the McBride Creek Greenway and a viewpoint with picnic areas. Topography is steep.

Potential future recreational sites identified in the Parks Master Plan include developing public facilities at Trestle Beach which is located at the confluence of McBride Creek and the addition of a trail along the river and fishing dock on the Port of St. Helens property adjacent to the river.

Columbia City is predominantly a residential community. Most City residents work outside the City. Many Columbia City residents are employed by the following major employers in Columbia County: Boise Cascade Corporation, Friesen Lumber Company, Pacific Western Forest Industries, Inc., Coastal Chemical Plant, Armstrong World Industries, and the St. Helens School District. Approximately 30 percent of those working are employed outside of Columbia County.

There is currently a vacant building zoned commercial at the corner of Second and "I" Streets. A convenience store with gas pumps is located on Highway 30 adjacent to an undeveloped, 2 acres commercial site at Columbia River Highway and "A" Street. An athletic club, zoned commercial/recreational, is located on "A" Street.

The Columbia City Buildable Lands Inventory and Needs Analysis identifies a need for an additional 7.4 acres of commercial property. Because the visibility and access provided by Highway 30 is important to the success of many commercial enterprises and there is no vacant land within the existing urban growth boundary that provides these, an expansion of the urban growth boundary is necessary to provide additional commercial property. There is no available land to the south of the existing UGB on either the east or west side of Highway 30. To the north, land on the east side of the Highway is negatively impacted by the Pacific Western railroad right of way. To the north on the west side of the Highway, is a flat, vacant field. The south border of this site is the City’s current urban growth boundary where property designations are being amended in this plan update to support development of multi family dwelling units and manufactured home parks. The south border of this site is the Coastal Chemical Plant. Existing zoning is RIPD. Designating 7.4 acres Commercial provides a buffer between the residential and industrial uses.

The existing industrial site, owned by the Port of St. Helens, offers access to the Columbia River Highway, rail service, and a deep water dock. The consensus of the City's residents is that uses providing jobs should be developed in a controlled, orderly manner and should be clean and unobstrusive. Residents have expressed interest in and support for exploring the commercial development of the river attraction. The Columbia River could be the focus for a tourist or recreational industry. Therefore, particular care must be given to protecting portions of the riverfront best suited to public and non-industrial uses from encroachment by industrial development.

Columbia City has chosen to participate in the St. Helens/Columbia City Enterprise Zone. The industrial zone includes approximately 93 acres on the Columbia River.

General aviation service is available in Scappoose; and the Portland International Airport is located on the east side of that City, about 45 miles from Columbia City.

1.  Population: The population of Columbia City grew slowly for many of the last forty years. From 1950 to 1985, the City increased by an average rate of 17 people per year. However, from 1985 to 1990, the City experienced a much faster growth rate (over 40 people per year).

Factors contributing to this increased growth included improvements to the Columbia River Highway and the installation of the city-wide sewer system. Further improvements to the Highway occurred in the late 1990's and population continued to grow.

The 1984 Comp Plan projected the City to increase at 4 percent per year. This would put the City at 2,361 people by the year 2010. Consistent with the 4 percent a year growth rate, Columbia County projected a population of 2,686 persons in the year 2015. However, this number was based on a year 2000 population of 1,665. The 2000 Census confirmed that the City has 1,595 residents rather than 1,665. The City is basing this Comprehensive Plan population projection on 4 percent growth per year, beginning with a year 2000 population of 1,595, for a total of 2,871 persons in 2020.

2.  Housing Needs

Existing population per 2000 Census: 1595

Projected population in 2020 at 4%: 2,871

Estimated average household size:  2.85 persons/du

Total dwelling units needed:  1007 units

Existing dwelling units:  611 units

New housing units needed:  396 units

Mix and average density of housing constructed in Columbia City

1992 - 2000

Housing Type	Units Built	% of Total	Acres Developed	Density (du/acre)
Single Family/Duplex	188	76	36.3	5.2
Multi Family	16	7	2.4	6.7
Manufactured Home Park	42	17	7	6.0
Total	246	100%	45.7	5.4

Types of Needed Housing based on 1992-2000 Trends

Type of Housing	Percent of all units	Total Units	Average Density	Acres Needed
Single Family/Duplex	76%	301	5.2 du/acre	57.9
Multi Family	7%	28	6.7 du/acre	4.2
Manufactured Home Parks	17%	67	6.0 du/acre	11
Roads/Utilities		0		14.62
Total	100%	396		87.72

The City has determined that the average density for multi family and manufactured homes in parks should be increased to maximize the efficiency of these types of development. The historic average density for single family is projected to decrease slightly as the existing in-fill lots are developed.

Columbia City currently has predominantly owner-occupied, single-family homes. The 2000 Census shows 82 renter occupied units or 13.8% of the total available housing. Based on a model developed by the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Development (ODHCD), the Columbia City Buildable Lands Inventory and Needs Analysis estimates that 71.8% of future needed units will be owner occupied and 28.2% will be rental units. This would be a significant change from the historical development pattern of the community. Given the housing market and economic conditions, income trends, reduced land supply and the ODHCD model, the demand for multi-family housing, including townhouses and condominiums, is expected to increase. Additionally, retirees are anticipated to account for a larger relative share of the population in the future.

Therefore, the City projects the actual needed housing types as follows:

Projected Needed Housing Types

Type of Housing	Percent of All Units	Total Units	Average Density	Acreage for Residences	Acreage for Roads/ Utilities	Total acreage needed
Single Family/Duplex	76%	301	5 du/acre	60.2	10.7	70.9
Multi Family	17%	67	10 du/acre	6.7	2.4	9.1
Manufactured Homes in Parks	7%	28	8 du/acre	3.5	.9	4.4
Total	100%	396		70.4	14	84.4

3.  Buildable Lands Inventory

The Columbia City Buildable Lands Inventory and Needs Analysis indicates there are 56.0884 acres available in the urban growth boundary for residential development. Of this 56.0884 acres, 4.164 acres are currently zoned non-residential and 2.996 acres, projected to provide 12 dwelling units, are located west of McBride Creek, contain slopes exceeding 25% and have no existing access or public services. Subtracting this acreage, the remaining 48.9284 acres is projected to provide 212 dwelling units including 202 single family and 10 multi family dwelling units.

 

Type of Housing	Percent of All Units	Total Units Needed	In Existing UGB	Additional Units Needed
Single Family/Duplex	76%	301	202	99
Multi Family	17%	67	10	57
Manufactured Homes in Parks	7%	28	0	28
Total	100%	396	212	184

As demonstrated in the following table, the remaining acreage does not provide sufficient buildable land within the existing urban growth boundary to accommodate the projected population growth.

Projected Additional Acreage for

Provision of Needed Housing Types

Type of Housing	Percent of All Units	Total Units	Average Density	Total acreage needed	In Existing UGB	Additional Acreage
Single Family/Duplex	76%	301	5 du/acre	70.9	47.4	23.5
Multi Family	17%	67	10 du/acre	9.1	1.6	7.5
Manufactured Homes in Parks	7%	28	8 du/acre	4.4	0	4.4
Total	100%	396		84.4	49	35.4

Without consideration of topography, existing development and sensitive lands, the City would need an additional 35.4 acres of residential land to support future housing for a projected 2020 population of 2,871 including 23.5 acres for single family/duplex residences, 7.5 acres for multi family and 4.4 acres for manufactured homes in parks, including roads and utilities. Therefore, the City finds that it is necessary to expand the existing urban growth boundary.

The Columbia City Buildable Lands Inventory and Needs Analysis, Part Three, discusses suitability of lands adjacent to the existing Columbia City urban growth for residential development. Based on that discussion and site visits by City staff, the City finds as follows:

• There are approximately 33 acres of non-resource land adjacent to the Columbia City UGB. Of this acreage, approximately 12 acres, west of Ninth Street, near the southern end of the UGB, has slopes greater than 25% and building at urban density and extending services would be cost prohibitive.

• The remainder is located south of the UGB and to the west of Highway 30 in an area called Chimes Crest. This area is zoned rural residential, except 2.51 acre parcel retained by Willamette Industries to provide access to forest resource land further to the west. The area is composed of one 7 acre parcel that does not currently have street access and ten parcels ranging in size from half an acre to 4 acres. These ten parcels have access to the existing municipal water and sewer services and nine contain existing residences. Most of the land has slopes between 15% and 20%. Due to the slopes and the existing development, in-fill development is anticipated at lower urban residential densities of approximately 3.5 dwellings per acre. Fully developed and including the 2.51 acre portion currently zoned PF-76, the Buildable Lands Inventory projects the site would support approximately 55 units.

As previously discussed, the City needs an 99 single family/duplex dwelling units outside of its current Urban Growth Boundary. Extending the UGB to include Chimes Crest and designating the property R-2, moderate density residential, provides for approximately 55 units leaving a deficit of 44 units. Therefore, the City finds it necessary to consider the addition of resource lands to the urban growth boundary as follows:

• Immediately to the west of Sixth Street and north of H Street is a 5.4 acre parcel that is predominately gently sloped and contains a single dwelling. Municipal services are available at the property line. Between the existing UGB and the parcel is a city owned .44 acre parcel that includes the Sixth Street right of way. Sixth Street is designated as a collector in the City’s TSP and is scheduled for street improvements. The owner has requested the site be included in the Columbia City Urban Growth Boundary. Allowing for existing development and slopes, the site would provide approximately 20 dwelling units. The Columbia City Buildable Lands Inventory and Needs Analysis indicates the property is zoned rural residential. However, Columbia County states the property is zoned FA for forest uses.

• South of E Street and west of Sixth Street and adjacent to the above parcel is a 7.13 acre parcel. The eastern portion of the site, roughly estimated at 3 acres, is sloped and municipal services are available at the property line. Assuming that 3 acres of the site contains slopes less than 15%, the parcel could be developed at urban densities and provide an estimated 12 dwelling units. Between the existing UGB and the parcel is a city owned parcel that includes the Sixth Street right of way. Sixth Street is designated as a collector in the City’s TSP and is scheduled for street improvements. The owner has requested the entire site be included in the Columbia City Urban Growth Boundary. The western portion of this site contains slopes in excess of 25% and a significant wetland bordering on McBride Creek. The City’s Parks Master Plan includes a recreational trail adjacent to McBride Creek.

• Immediately west of 7^th Street and north of E Street is a 3.8 acre site zoned PF-76 with an existing residence. While the western portion of the site has slopes that appear to exceed 25% and borders on McBride Creek, the eastern portion of the site estimated at approximately 1.5 acres has more moderate slopes, frontage on 7^th Street and municipal water is adjacent to the site. Developed at urban densities, the eastern portion of the parcel could support approximately 5 additional units.

• North of I Street, 9^th Street dead-ends into two parcels. The smaller parcel where the east lane of 9^th Street is projected to be extended contains approximately .60 acres and an existing residence. The current zoning is FA-19. One additional dwelling unit could be sited on this parcel. The larger parcel, where the west lane of 9^th Street is projected to be extended, contains approximately 8.37 acres. The owner has requested the entire site be included in the urban growth boundary. A portion of the site appears to contain slopes greater than 25% as well as a drainage swale leading to McBride Creek. Therefore, density of development would be constrained. For purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, development is estimated at 12 units. However, site engineering would be necessary to determine the actual number of units and that number may be fewer than 12.

Expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary to include the above properties provides adequate acreage for 49 additional single family/duplex units in a manner that addresses the needs identified in the Columbia City Transportation System Plan and the Columbia City Parks Master Plan and the constraints imposed by the topography adjacent to the City’s existing urban growth boundary,

In addition to the need for additional single family/duplex units, the City has identified a need for 9.1 acres of multi family zoned properties and 4.4 acres to provide for manufactured home parks. On the west side of Highway 30, just north of McBride Creek, the City has 1.74 acres inside the urban growth boundary and designated R-1. While extension of municipal services is currently regarded as cost prohibitive for the provision of an estimated 7 single family dwelling sites, expanding the urban growth boundary by 12 acres on this site provides adequate properties for multi family and manufactured home parks and may provide the necessary economic incentive. The Development Code also provides for dwelling units on the second story of a commercial structure in the commercial and industrial zones.

1.  Water: Average water usage in 2001 was 646,376 cubic feet (4,834,892 gallons) per month, with a peak summer usage of 921,139. Based upon that information, maximum consumption amounted to 92 percent of the allotted maximum. If the number of persons served was 1,620, there is water available for approximately 1,761 persons during peak usage times. Water demands have exceeded the amount allowed under the agreement due to water system leaks on three separate occasions in the past.

Columbia City has two 200,000-gallon water reservoirs, equal to 40% of the ideal storage capacity for the population currently served. One reservoir was built in 1979, and one built in 1984. The water levels in these reservoirs have dropped to extremely low levels during certain recent high water demand periods, and this creates an Oregon Health Division related compliance problem because the required contact time for effective disinfectant of the water is not met.

The City has identified the need for an additional water supply source from groundwater wells and a third storage reservoir with a capacity of 1-million gallons. These system improvements have been the City's top priority for the past several years. The City has received a funding award under the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund to complete these water system improvements. Design engineering for the water storage reservoir is currently underway, along with well investigations and well drilling. The project has an anticipated completion date of September 2003.

In the fall of 1991, City voters approved a general obligation bond issued for the construction of a City-wide sewer collection system. The City began the project in October of 1992, and the project was completed in 1993.

The City's sewer collection system is a Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) system and consists of approximately 12 miles of small diameter sewer lines. Four sewage pump stations assist in the sewer flow, which is pumped through a six-inch force main to the City of St. Helens for treatment. A flow meter vault is located at the connection point to the St. Helens collection system.  

There are currently 677 sewer connections. 269 connections are direct flow into the sewer collection system, while the remaining 408 connections share 340 septic tanks. There are also 25 small sewer pumps to overcome elevation problems. The City is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the septic tanks and the small pumps connected to the sewer collection system. The City is also responsible for pumping the septic tanks.

Approximately 90 percent of the City's wastewater flow is collected and discharged into the River Club Estates (RCE) sewage pump station. The RCE sewage pump station was originally constructed to service a small subdivision, and in 1992 it was incorporated into the City's new sewer collection system. The existing pump station is a duplex (two pump) submersible sewage pump station. In accordance with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality requirements, duplex pump stations shall have sufficient capacity such that one pump can discharge the peak influent flow while a second pump of equal capacity is available as a backup. The existing pumps do not meet this requirement during periods of peak flow because both pumps must run to keep up with the volume of flow.

In recent years, the City has begun to routinely experience pump failures with the RCE pump station. There are multiple potential causes for these failures, including poor inlet hydraulics that can cause air entrainment in the pumps, and inadequate pump capacity that ultimately requires the pumps to operate too frequently. As a result of pump station failures there have been occasional overflows, which ultimately led to raw sewage in the adjacent street.

The City plans to upgrade and increase the capacity of the RCE sewage pump station by installing two new larger capacity pumps, improving wetwell hydraulics, installing a new valve/flow meter vault, and making other identified improvements. The project was ranked as the second infrastructure priority within Columbia County on the 2002 Needs and Issues Inventory, and the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department has invited the City to apply for financial assistance through the Water/Wastewater Financing Program to complete the project. The City's application is currently being processed, and a funding award is anticipated in the near future.

3.  City Personnel: The City maintains a permanent staff of five full-time employees--an administrator/recorder, planning commission secretary, public works superintendent, and two public works/utility workers. In addition, there are eleven part-time employees: an accounting clerk, a court clerk, a chief of police, a police sergeant, six police officers, and a judge. The City has an attorney, a planner and an engineer on a retainer basis. A building official and plumbing inspector is hired on a contract basis. Other part-time labor is hired as needed especially during the summer months. There are also two volunteer reserve officers.

4.  Financing of City Government: The City will need to expand its public services to keep pace with the projected population growth. Voters approved a general operating tax base increase in May of 1992. When Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 50 in May of 1997, the City’s tax base was replaced by a permanent tax rate of $1.1346 per thousand dollars of assessed value. The City will continue to pursue income from other sources in an effort to keep property taxes down. Currently there are only a few commercial and little industrial activities within the City.

5.  City Facilities: City facilities include the City Hall at 1840 Second Street, the City Shop and Public Works office on Second Place between "J" and "K" Streets and the Community Hall at the corner of Second and "I" Streets.

7.  Schools: The Columbia City Grade School enrolls children from kindergarten through fifth grade. It is one of four grade schools in the St. Helens School District. Enrollment in the St. Helens School District has shown a gradual, but steady, increase in students. This situation is reflected in the Columbia City Grade School also. There were 249 students enrolled in 2001.

The school building was remodeled and expanded in 1999 in a manner that retained the historical character of the original building. A gymnasium and library were added during the expansion. The library is also open to the public on a part-time basis.

9.  Churches, Lodges, and Service Uses: The Four Square Goaspel Church, Columbia City Post Office, Columbia City Community Hall, Caples House Museum, the Port of St. Helens Administrative Office, Columbia City Sports and Recreation Club, and Columbia City Grade School and Library complement the residential character of the community and have been integrated into the community framework. The other service uses are the Oregon State Forestry offices and the Columbia River Fire and Rescue District substation. These services are located along the Columbia River Highway.

10.  Storm Water Runoff: In the past, storm water runoff had been a problem in parts of the City. These areas were identified, and steps were taken to correct the problems. The City’s storm drain system consists primarily of dry wells and catch basins. The Columbia City Development Code has provisions for handling water runoff.

11.  Solid Waste: Columbia City is served by a franchise hauler who provides curbside garbage and recycling services. The transfer station in St. Helens is also available for solid waste and recycling services.

J.  TRANSPORTATION [State Goal No. 12 - To provide and encourage a safe, convenient, and economical transportation system.]

1.  Motorized Transportation: School buses serve the needs of the local school district.

COLCO Transportation is a nonprofit corporation operated by the Columbia County Council of Senior Citizens and has provided transportation services since 1969. Some of their vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and they are able to accommodate handicapped persons (if accompanied by another person). Their services are not limited, however, to the elderly and/or handicapped. COLCO does not have a regular schedule of service in Columbia City; dial-a-ride service is available for a small fee.

While Columbia City is anticipated to continue growing in population, it is not anticipated that the community will need or be able to justify an intra-city fixed-route transit system. Instead, it is likely that COLCO will need to expand operation of its current local dial-a-ride service.

The greatest percentage of users of the bus systems in Columbia County are the transportation disadvantaged. These are people who, for a variety of reasons, have difficulty in moving about under the current system with its strong orientation toward the use of the private automobile. "Transportation disadvantaged" refers to those individuals who have difficulty in obtaining transportation because of their age, income, or physical or mental disability.

Motor freight service and United Parcel Service (UPS) are available.

2.  Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation: Bicycle and pedestrian transportation are energy-efficient forms of transportation; however, the wide distribution of services and jobs and the distances between the towns are limiting factors.

Columbia City received county funds for the development of a bicycle path at the north end of the City. A mile-long path was constructed in 1983. A bike route is also designated along the City streets on the east side of the City. This path is routed from the Columbia River Highway east on "E" Street to The Strand, where it travels south to "I" Street, on "I" Street to Second Street and south again down Second Street to "L" Street, and on "L" Street west to Fourth Street, where it connects to the Rutherford Road Parkway at the southern City limits.

Rutherford Road Parkway was constructed in 1986 and extends to St. Helens. It runs parallel to (and between) the Columbia River and the Columbia River Highway. It was a joint project undertaken with state grant moneys obtained by Columbia County and the Cities of St. Helens and Columbia City. Columbia County administered the grant; the two cities share in the continued responsibilities of maintenance.

As part of the Highway 30 reconstruction project, a bicycle path was reconstructed adjacent to Highway 30 north of "E" Street and extended to the northern edge of the city. Completion of this project provides a continuous bicycle route along the entire length of the City.

Currently, there are no designated bicycle routes or facilities in the residential areas west of Highway 30. Residential growth is anticipated to continue to increase in this area, thus creating more automobile traffic and increasing the demand for designated safe bicycle routes. There is also a limited amount of public bicycle parking and storage around the City. Secure and convenient parking is needed as part of the process to make bicycle travel a viable transportation alternative.

The City has a limited amount of sidewalks and lacks a connected and continuous pedestrian system. Improvements are needed to complete the Pedestrian Plan (Appendix D) to enhance pedestrian safety and support walking as a viable alternative for short distance automobile trips inside Columbia City.

4.  Streets and Roads: There are approximately 11.35 miles of platted City streets. The Columbia River Highway, the regional arterial, is 1.6 miles in length, dissecting the City in a north/south line. The platted widths of the streets are 50, 60, 70, or 80 feet. Most streets are paved. The City streets are maintained through the revenues received from the state gas tax fund and through federal and state grants on occasion. The streets are primarily local streets, except for Second, Sixth, "A," "E," "I," "L," and Pacific Streets, which function as collectors by channeling traffic to the Columbia River Highway. A streets map showing arterial, collector, and local streets is included as Appendix E.

5.  Rail Transportation: The Portland Western’s, Portland to Astoria line, passes through Columbia City. There is a spur line serving the Port's industrial property.

6.  Waterborne Transportation: Columbia City's eastern corporate limits extend to the center of the Columbia River. A significant amount of ship traffic passes by the City. Barge loading is available at the Port of St. Helens' facility. Pleasure boats comprise the remaining marine activity with some private docks and ramps in the City itself.

7.  Air Transportation: The nearest air transportation facility is in Scappoose. Heliports are available for emergencies at the Oregon State Forestry facility in Columbia City and the Legacy Urgent Care facility in St. Helens.

8.  Gas Line: A high-pressure gas transmission line runs through the City. It is located on the west side of the highway at the northern end of the City. It crosses the highway at "E" Street (on the north side). It runs from "E" Street to "L" Street on the west side of Third Street--where it travels west one block on the north side of "L" Street to Fourth Street. It continues on Fourth Street and follows the Rutherford Road Parkway as it extends to the south and to the City of St. Helens.

K.  ENERGY CONSERVATION [State Goal No. 13 - To conserve energy.

One electric company serves the City and offers weatherization plans. The gas company serving the City also offers weatherization programs. Community Action Team provides a weatherization program for low-income persons.

The City received a housing rehabilitation grant from the Community Block Grant program, which has helped some of the City's residents upgrade since 1990. The housing rehabilitation grant is being administered by Community Action Team and will continue to serve property owners within the City as funds are returned to this program and are disbursed to others.

Other elements of this plan indicate several methods by which the City is responding to the need to conserve energy. Adherence to the Uniform Building Code to maintain proper insulation of homes is effective in the conservation of energy. Encouraged infilling of vacant lots within the existing City limits will save energy by reducing the costs of constructing and maintaining additional public services. The development of alternative energy sources, such as solar energy, will be supported by the City. One air generator has been approved in the City; however, future approvals should be reviewed carefully. Energy-efficient sodium vapor streetlights are being used.

The garbage franchise hauler makes bi-monthly curbside pickups of various recycables.

Columbia City desires to manage growth so that it can be assimilated and properly served with appropriate urban services and facilities. The City intends to provide orderly, efficient and cost effective urban services to support development of the buildable lands presently located within the current City limits before allowing future annexations.

In order to allow annexation, there must be sufficient system service capacity (water and sewer) to serve all buildable lands inside the City, plus the proposed annexation area. Service System Capacity includes both the treatment and collection for supply and both the supply and distribution for water based on the density allowed by the various land use designations. No reserve system service capacity necessary to serve the existing City limits shall be allocated to serve an area proposed for annexation.

Both water and sewer systems are currently at or close to capacity as discussed previously under Public Facilities.

The City recognizes that certain areas adjacent to the urban growth boundary should be included within the urban area in the future due to the need to provide additional housing and to the close association of these sites with the City for services.

One such area is commonly referred to as Chime Crest. This area is located along the Columbia River Highway and south of the City limits. This development, presently outside the urban growth boundary, has been served by City water for a number of years. The area has been zoned RR-5 by Columbia County.

Generally, the City policy is to wait for property owners to contact the City. However, if annexation of a specific site is beneficial in efficient provision of urban services, the City may choose to approach the property owner. Each case will be considered on its own merit.

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