The city annexed the property in early 2005. The base zoning itinherited doesn't preclude a proposal such as Wal-Mart, but thesite also came with a transit-oriented designation because it isabout one-half mile from the Sunset Transit Center. In rejectingthe plan, council members cited the potential for a dangerousintersection and an incompatibility with transit goals.

If Wal-Mart appeals the decision, it would go to the Oregon LandUse Board of Appeals. Wal-Mart has 21 days to decide once thecouncil approves its formal findings, which is expected to occur onAug. 14.

Wal-Mart does not yet have a store in Washington County, but maybe getting close in the City of Cornelius, where it has receivedapproval for a 204,000sf store on North Adair Street. Opponents Thestate Land Use Board of Appeals is scheduled to decide an appeal ofthe approval later this month.