7.110.010 Purpose. The purpose of the temporary use permit is to permit commercial activities that are small scale and short term in nature and generally promote celebration of specific events, holidays and seasons. Examples include, but are not limited to, fire works stands, Christmas tree sales, seasonal produce sales, and farmers markets.

The purpose of the temporary structure approval is to permit property owners to utilize temporary structures for up to one year. Examples include, but are not limited to temporary construction offices and leasing offices for previously approved developments.

7.110.020 Application Submission requirements.

A. All applications for temporary uses or temporary structures shall be made on forms provided by the city and shall be accompanied by:

1. A site plan drawn to standard engineering scale showing the location of the temporary use or temporary structure, the entrance and exits from the site, areas to be designated for parking, if applicable, and any requested signs;

2. A letter from the property owner of record giving approval for the proposed temporary use or structure.

3. A completed business license application if required by the City’s business license ordinance.

A. The Planning Director may approve a temporary use based on following criteria:

1. The temporary use is located in a Commercial or Industrial Zone and the parcel of land on which the temporary use will be located is zoned consistent with the proposed temporary use.

2. The temporary use will last for no more than a single, contiguous, seven (7) day period in any 365 day period.

3. The temporary use and all items related to the use shall be removed from the site prior to expiration of the approval period;

4. No regulations prohibiting the activity are identified in a review of the Columbia City Municipal Code and Oregon Revised Statues.

5. No changes will occur to existing vegetation or land forms as a result of the temporary use.

6. The temporary use and all items related to the temporary use will be located on private property and outside of any right of ways that are owned by the state or the City, except as specifically approved by the City.

7. The temporary use and all items related to the temporary use shall not negatively impact parking or traffic circulation on the property or on adjacent streets.

8. The temporary use and all items related to the temporary use will not negatively impact the line of sight for vehicles entering and exiting the site.

9. Utility locates are required prior to any activity that requires may impact underground utilities including placing posts for signs or tent stakes.

B. No notice of decision is required except a letter to the applicant stating how the application satisfies the criteria in Section 7.110.030 (A) and specifying the dates for which the approval is valid. A copy of this letter shall be attached to the business license application as filed in City Hall.

C. Approvals issued under 7.110.030 shall not be granted extensions of time.

A. Temporary structures are structures designed to be portable and moveable, to be located on a specific site for a period no greater than one (1) year.

B. Applications for temporary structure permits shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 7.162, Quasi Judicial Decisions.

C. Subject to approval by the Planning Commission, temporary structures may be sited in any zoning district outside the Flood Hazard Overlay.

D.  The Planning Commission may approve temporary use of an approved recreational vehicle as a residence for the property owner for a period not to exceed six months, subject to the following: 

1. When an existing, owner-occupied, single-family residence is damaged by a catastrophic event over which the property owner has no control, such as fire, wind or flood, to such extent that the residence cannot be occupied during reconstruction; and 

2. A building permit has been issued for reconstruction; and 

3. The requirements of Subsection 7.110.040 (E) are satisfied; and 

4. The recreational vehicle is designed for human occupancy, contains a minimum of two hundred (200) square feet and contains a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas.  For the purposes of this Section, tent trailers are not approved recreational vehicles; and

5. The approved recreational vehicle is located on the same site as the existing, damaged single-family residence for which the building permit has been issued. 

6. The approved recreational vehicle must be connected to and utilize municipal water and sewer and such connections shall be subject to approval by the Columbia City Engineer and Public Works Director.           

7. The approved recreational vehicle must be connected to and utilize public electric service.

[Amended by Ordinance No. 03-589-O 9/18/03]

E. The Planning Commission shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application for a temporary structure based on findings of fact with respect to each of the following criteria:

1. The characteristics of the site are suitable for the proposed temporary structure considering size, shape, location, topography and natural features;

2. Necessary public utilities are available to serve the proposed temporary structure;

3. The setback requirements of the zoning district are met.

Return to Columbia City home page