West Linn Planning Commission denies Tannler Drive development application

West Linn Planning Commission denies Tannler Drive development application

Published 1:36 pm Thursday, August 27, 2026

By Mac Larsen

At least 100 yard signs on and near Tannler Drive in West Linn read "Don't Close Tannler Dr." Residents oppose a proposed apartment complex and mixed-use project, but a new law limits public input on the development. (By Sydney Seymour/The Review)

Advocates against a proposed development on Tannler Drive can let out a sigh of relief for the time being.

The West Linn Planning Commission denied Tannler Holdings LLC’s application for a 10-building, multi-use development that would add 320 apartments at Tannler and Blankenship Drive during a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

“I think we need to advocate for our own community here,” said Commissioner Kris Kachirisky at the meeting. “Does the developer really want to own a design this poor? … We can do better. I think we need this. I think this is a good concept, but it’s silly in many ways.”

The commissioners voted 5-0 to deny the application after discussing if the proposal violated West Linn’s Community Development Code. The meeting concluded a hearing that began on Monday, Aug. 10, to determine whether Tanner Holdings’ design review and property line adjustment application would be accepted.

The developer now can appeal the commission’s decision to the West Linn City Council within two weeks of receiving the formal decision.

The commission concluded that the application failed to meet code related to stormwater and grading requirements, retaining walls, access roads and the Office-Business Center zone requirements

“The project has not been started in a way that can be compliant. There are too many downhill issues to be resolved,” said Commissioner Daniel Saltee. Saltee’s concerns stem from the “cascading” impacts regarding how the access streets are laid out and how that affects the buildings’ compliance with code.

The buildings would span the property’s 11.4 acres and include 11,630 square feet of commercial space and 320 apartment units. The renderings of the commercial spaces show a mix of cafes, restaurants and retail. The project also involves the realignment of Tannler Drive, a particular concern for neighbors.

Since the project was introduced last year, a group of community members have advocated strongly against it and created the website Tannler Development Facts to share its message.

“Thanks to everyone who supported us in this fight against poorly planned development,” the website read following the decision “And, remember, it’s not over yet, but tonight was a big step in the right direction.”

Despite their vote, five commissioners felt strongly that developing the property on Tannler Drive would make West Linn a better place and wanted to see a proposal that aligned with the city’s development code.

“One of the things that this community has a lot of is NIMBYism and that denies us a lot of good things. I’m asking you to bring us something better,” said Kachirisky. “The broad concept, I think, is good. It would do good things for our community, but execute it better because we’re going to live with this for a long time.”