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# Planning Commission clears way to rebuild home on its old footprint
- URL: https://www.calapooyabeacon.net/commission-clears-way-to-rebuild-home-on-its-old-footprint/
- Published: 2026-09-22T07:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-28T01:54:15.000Z
- Description: The Commission granted a setback variance so a torn-down home can be rebuilt on its original footprint, and asked to see site plan reviews in the future.
- Author: Wayne S. Harger
- Tags: Municipal Politics & Governance, Planning Commission

*Oakland Planning Commission, regular meeting, September 21, 2026*

Listen to the public hearing and Commission meeting here

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The Oakland Planning Commission unanimously approved a variance that lets a home be rebuilt where the old one stood, at the corner of Southeast Eighth and Southeast Locust streets.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/98/97/989705cf-0fef-4df6-9d7c-b0fc215ebfbc/content/images/2026/09/20260924_163001.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/98/97/989705cf-0fef-4df6-9d7c-b0fc215ebfbc/content/images/2026/09/20260924_163035.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/98/97/989705cf-0fef-4df6-9d7c-b0fc215ebfbc/content/images/2026/09/20260924_162854.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/98/97/989705cf-0fef-4df6-9d7c-b0fc215ebfbc/content/images/2026/09/20260924_162941.jpg)

The owner, Jesse Dean, had planned to remodel the existing house, but found it beyond repair once work began: the foundation had settled and the house had leaked for decades. Rebuilding on the same footprint required reducing the front setback on Southeast Eighth Street from 15 feet to 8, and the side setback on Southeast Locust from 15 feet to 12.

Zoning Administrator Eric Lanning recommended approval. Southeast Eighth's pavement sits far to one side of its 60-foot right-of-way, so the new home will still be about 37 feet from the road, farther than many homes in the zone. The lot rises steeply above Southeast Locust, and a level strip along the south side limits where a house can fit. Dean said he plans a three-bedroom, two-bath rental home. No one spoke in opposition. Commissioners Carson and Heinricy disclosed minor contacts with the applicant before the hearing.

**Old business**

Commissioners asked whether the Council had received their earlier recommendations on the pellet mill. Staff said a more detailed recommendation will go to the Council next month, and that the pellet mill matter is awaiting a recommendation from the City's attorney. Commissioners asked to receive copies of every site plan review, including the application, going forward. They noted that site plan review is part of the commission's duties, and that earlier access might have helped in recent months.

**New recommendation**

The commission voted 4–0 to recommend that the City inspect water and sewer connections before they are buried, as other Douglas County cities do. Commissioners also asked what the standard process is for the Council to respond to their recommendations.

Present: Commissioners Bony, Heinricy, Carson, and Estes (by phone). Commissioner Morhain was absent.

*Compiled from the meeting's audio recording using AI transcription and reviewed by the editor.*