COVID-19 NOTICE

Planning Department Offices Closed:
The City of Medford is continuing to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.  The health and safety of our citizens, volunteers, and staff is our highest priority.  Effective November 20, 2020, and until further notice, the City is suspending in-person interactions.  

Submitting Planning Applications:
Although our office is closed, staff is still working, conducting business and applications will continue to be accepted.  Applications for land use permits can be submitted via email, U.S. Postal Service mail, or dropped off by appointment. Once received by the City, staff will make contact via phone to arrange for payment.  Payment may also be sent via U.S. Postal Service mail.  Land use permits without the required payment will not be processed until payment is received. 

Please use the following contact information:

• Contact us by telephone at 541-774-2380 
• Email us at: planning@cityofmedford.org
• Correspondence can be:
  • Dropped in the wall slot labeled "Planning" outside of the Lausmann Annex north entrance
  • Mailed to 200 S. Ivy Street, Medford, OR 97501

Public Hearings:
At this time, meetings at which public hearings are held (including meetings of the Planning Commission, Site Plan and Architectural Commission, Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, and City Council) will continue as scheduled.

To comply with Governor Brown's order, public hearings will be conducted via virtual meetings on the internet.  Virtual meeting details will be released with published agendas one week prior to meetings. 

If you wish to testify, WRITTEN COMMENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.  In-person testimony/comments may be made during the virtual meeting.  Written comments that are submitted by the deadline will be made part of the record; you do not need to speak during the meeting to have standing to appeal.  Written comments can be submitted via email or first class mail:

• Email to:  planning@cityofmedford.org
• Mail to:  City of Medford Planning Department, 200 S. Ivy Street, Medford, OR 97501

The City of Medford will use a web-based video conferencing tool named Zoom for virtual meetings.  Zoom can be used on a desktop, tablet, or smart phone.  Click on this link to learn how to use Zoom.
 

OUTDOOR DINING IN PUBLIC PARKING SPACES

Permit for Temporary Use of Public Parking Space to Expand Existing Business:
In response to the challenges facing local businesses due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Medford wishes to provide flexibility to restaurants and other businesses to operate while complying with the Governor's guidelines for reopening.  Click here for the updated application.
 

HOUSING STORIES/INTERVIEWS

Planning has started work on two new housing projects: a Housing Capacity Analysis and Housing Production Strategy.  Over the next four weeks, staff will be conducting interviews with local residents to hear your housing story and experiences to use as part of our work. If you are interested in participating, please see the flyers below.  
English version and Spanish version 

Our Mission:

"We are a dynamic team working with the community to shape a vibrant and exceptional city."

Welcome to the City of Medford Planning Department!

The Planning Department is comprised of three primary components, Comprehensive Planning, Current Planning and Housing and Community Development. The Department also has a GIS Coordinator, who provides geographic information analysis, cartographic production and data maintenance.  

Comprehensive Planning is responsible for helping develop and implement the City’s land use policies, which includes maintaining and updating the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code.  Current Planning is responsible for all new development applications such as site development, subdivisions, planned unit developments, conditional use permits, historic preservation, sign permits, etc.  Housing and Community Development oversees the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and affordable housing initiatives. 

We provide staff support to the Planning Commission, Site Plan and Architecture Commission, Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Community Development Grants Commission, Transportation Commission, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the City Council, when necessary.

Planning staff also are available at the front counter from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer your questions and accept land use applications. Feel free to come to the office or call us at 541-774-2380. You can also contact us via email us at planning@cityofmedford.org.