HomeMy WebLinkAboutDeschutes County 2040 Comprehensive Plan - January 2, 2025 VersionDeschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Adopted October 2, 2024
i-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Acknowledgements
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Patti Adair, Chair
Anthony DeBone, Vice Chair
Phil Chang
DESCHUTES COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Jessica Kieras, Chair
Nathan Hovekamp, Vice Chair
Matt Cyrus
Susan Altman
Kelsey Kelley
Patrick Trowbridge
Toni Williams
Dale Crawford (through June, 2023)
Maggie Kirby (through June 2023)
STAFF
Peter Gutowsky, AICP, Community Development Director
William Groves, Planning Manager
Nicole Mardell, AICP, Senior Planner
CONSULTANT TEAM
MIG
Parametrix
Letz Consulting
Kittelson and Associates
i-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i-4
1 . Community Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........1-2
Context ...............................................................................1-2
Key Community Issues .....................................................1-6
Goals and Policies .............................................................1-6
2 . Land Use and Regional Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........2-2
Context ...............................................................................2-3
Key Community Considerations .....................................2-7
Goals and Policies .............................................................2-9
3 . Farm and Forest Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........3-2
Context ...............................................................................3-3
Key Community Considerations ....................................3-6
Goals and Policies .............................................................3-7
4 . Mineral and Aggregate Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........4-2
Context ...............................................................................4-2
Key Community Considerations ....................................4-4
Goals and Policies .............................................................4-4
5 . Natural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........5-2
Context ...............................................................................5-4
Key Community Considerations .................................5-11
Goals and Policies ..........................................................5-11
6 . Historic and Cultural Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations........6-12
Context ............................................................................6-13
Key Community Considerations .................................6-13
Goals and Policies ..........................................................6-14
7 . Natural Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........7-2
Context ...............................................................................7-3
Goals and Policies .............................................................7-7
8 . Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........8-2
Context ...............................................................................8-4
Key Community Considerations ....................................8-5
Goals and Policies .............................................................8-6
9 . Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1
Context ...............................................................................9-2
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations...........9-2
Key Community Considerations ....................................9-5
Economic Development Goals and Policies .................9-6
10 . Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-1
Context ............................................................................10-2
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations........10-2
Key Community Considerations .................................10-5
Goals and Policies ..........................................................10-6
11 . Unincorporated Communities and Destination
Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-1
Context ............................................................................11-2
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations........11-2
Key Community Considerations .................................11-4
Goals and Policies ..........................................................11-4
12 . Public Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations........12-2
Context ............................................................................12-3
Key Community Considerations ..................................12-6
Goals and Policies ..........................................................12-7
13 . Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-1
14 . Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-1
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations........14-2
Context ............................................................................14-3
Key Community Considerations ..................................14-5
Goals and Policies ..........................................................14-5
Appendix A - Terrebonne Community Plan . . . . . . . . .A-1
Appendix B - Tumalo Community Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1
Appendix C - Transportation System Plan . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
Appendix D - Newberry Country Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D-1
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections . . . . . . . . . .E-1
i-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
The purpose of the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan is to provide a blueprint
for land use conservation and development. This is accomplished through goals and
policies that tell a cohesive story of where and how development should occur and what
places should remain undeveloped. The Plan provides a legal framework for establishing
more specific land use actions and regulations such as zoning. The goals and policies are
based on existing conditions and trends, community values and the statewide planning
system. The Plan must provide clear policy direction yet remain flexible.
The County’s most recent Comprehensive Plan
was adopted in 2011. Since then, the County
has grown substantially and experienced many
demographic and economic shifts. Between April
2010 and July 2020, the County’s population grew
from 157,730 residents to 198,253 residents.
This growth - 25.7% over ten years - is over twice
the 10.6% increase that the State of Oregon
experienced as a whole. The latest projections
from Portland State University’s Population
Research Center suggest strong continued
growth throughout Deschutes County.
An updated Comprehensive Plan is necessary
to address current needs of the communities in
the County, as well as to guide the anticipated
growth and development of Deschutes County
over the next twenty years. Although many of
the goals and policies of the 2011 Plan still hold
value, fundamental data, trends, and land use
issues have become outdated. The updated
Comprehensive Plan needs to incorporate
community input to craft new and updated
goals and policies regarding agriculture,
forestry, housing, recreation, natural resources,
natural hazards, economic development, and
transportation.
Introduction
i-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Oregon Statewide Land Use Planning Program
Establishes a consistent, statewide approach to planning and development. Development
encouraged to be concentrated into cities while farm, forest, and natural resource areas
are encouraged to be protected from development.
Implementing Oregon Revised Statute and Rule
Provides very specific criteria for development outside of city limits, including permitted
uses and development types on farm and forest lands. Counties are required to abide by
these regulations when reviewing development proposals.
County Plans and Development Codes
Integrates statewide planning program goals, statute, and rule at the county level. Where
the statewide planning program goals allow local discretion, implements locally developed
plans and regulations.
In Oregon, comprehensive plans must comply
with the statewide planning system, which was
adopted in 1973 to ensure consistent land use
policies across the State. While compliance
with the statewide system is required, it is also
important for a comprehensive plan to reflect
local needs and interests. This Plan balances
statewide requirements and local land use
values.
The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s long-
range plan for how it will grow and serve its
community members in the future. Oregon state
law requires all counties and cities to adopt and
regularly update Comprehensive Plans that are
consistent with state and regional goals, laws,
administrative rules and other requirements and
guidelines. The Comprehensive Plan addresses
topics such as land use, housing, economic
development, transportation, parks and
recreation, and natural resources, with a strong
emphasis on how land is used, developed, and/
or conserved. Other topics in the plan include
citizen involvement, natural hazards, and public
infrastructure and facilities, and more. The Plan
describes conditions related to each element
of the community and provides overarching
guidance for future County decisions in the form
of a set of goals, objectives, and policies. These
policies will drive future decisions and actions
undertaken by County staff, advisory groups,
and elected decision-makers.
i-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
1979
“Deschutes
County Year 2000”
Comprehensive Plan
2023
“Deschutes 2040”
Comprehensive
Plan Update
1859
Oregon Statehood
1941
Roberts Airfield completed
allowing flights to Central
Oregon for the first time
1988 to 2003
Periodic Review
and updates to
Comprehensive Plan
1916
Deschutes County
created from a portion
of Crook County
1973
SB100 and Oregon
Land Use Planning
System Enacted
1937
County Courthouse
and most early records
destroyed by fire
1905
City of Bend
incorporated
1970
“Deschutes
County to 1990”
Comprehensive Plan
2010
“Deschutes County
2030” Comprehensive
Plan Update
Deschutes County Timeline
City of Bend photo courtesy of DowntownBend.org
11 Community
Engagement
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Community Engagement
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Public engagement is the touchstone of planning in Oregon. As Deschutes County grows
and its population changes over the course of the next 20 years, the County must be
prepared to find innovative ways to keep community members involved in the planning
process and provide ample and accessible ways to find and digest information. Challenges
including funding, resources, and ongoing state appeals might pose barriers to this work.
The County has an opportunity to plan for adequate resources and staffing to support this
work.
2023 Comprehensive
Plan Update
A far-reaching community
conversation was a vital part of
updating the Deschutes County
Comprehensive Plan . This effort
included:
• Two phases of engagement – one
focusing on long-range vision,
opportunities, and challenges;
and another phase focusing on
important and controversial topics .
• Outreach events in all parts of the
County .
• A deliberate audit of engagement
activities to learn and build on
successes .
Context
Involving the public in planning is a critical part
of Oregon’s land use system. Statewide Planning
Goal 1 - Citizen Involvement, is intended to
ensure that the public has the opportunity
to be meaningfully involved in all phases of
the land use planning process. Creating these
opportunities requires time and energy on
the part of County staff, as well as systems to
incorporate that input in a meaningful way.
To participate in planning actions, the public
needs to be notified of the proposal or project,
understand the legal framework for the decision
and understand the implications of the decision.
Local governments need to be aware of changing
technologies and best practices to involve the
community and share project information.
Community engagement can take many forms,
such as focus groups for a larger planning
project, email notification lists for department
activities, or mailed notices of public hearings.
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Community Engagement
Summary of Engagement for the 2023 Update
23
Months
1,500
Unique Website
Visitors
520
Email Contact List
29,000
Social Media
Impressions
296
In-Person Attendees
at Open Houses
15
News Stories
361
Online Open House
Survey Responses
8
Planning
Commission
Meetings
66
Small-Group Meetings
and Stakeholder
Discussions
422
Small Group
Attendees
2
Staff Community
Engagement Trainings
3
Board
Work Sessions
Statewide Planning Goal 1
To develop a citizen involvement program
that ensures the opportunity for citizens
to be involved in all phases of the
planning process.
1-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Community Engagement
Regulatory Framework
Statewide Planning Goal 1 – Citizen Involvement
lays the groundwork for the County’s public
involvement program. Jurisdictions are required
to establish a Citizen Involvement Program that
provides widespread community involvement,
two-way communication with appropriate
feedback mechanisms, opportunities for
engagement in all phases of the planning
process, technical information available in an
intelligible form, and is adequately funded.
Deschutes County’s Community
Involvement Program
Statewide Planning Goal 1 is implemented by
Deschutes County’s Community Involvement
Program, as described in the following section.
DESCHUTES COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
The Deschutes County Planning Commission
serves as the County’s Committee for
Community Involvement (CCI). The Planning
Commission is composed of seven volunteer
members appointed to four-year terms by the
Board of County Commissioners (Board).
Membership of the commission is representative
of the various geographic areas of the County.
Members are selected through an open process
that aims to balance the diverse views of
Deschutes County residents.
The purpose of the CCI is to create a direct
and transparent connection between County
decision-making and the public by providing
regular updates, speakers, panel discussions,
and handouts on land use law and policy. The
CCI aims to make materials intelligible and
convenient for the public and to provide a venue
for civil discourse on important issues for the
County.
HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION
The Historic Landmarks Commission serves
as a hearings body for matters concerning
historical districts, structures and sites within
unincorporated Deschutes County as well as the
city of Sisters. The Landmarks Commission is
composed of nine voting and several non-voting
ex-officio members who have demonstrated
expertise in historic preservation related
disciplines. Commissioners serve four-year
terms.
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Community Engagement
OTHER LAND USE RELATED
ADVISORY GROUPS
Project Wildfire is a committee formed to
coordinate, develop and implement strategies
to mitigate the effects of losses due to natural
disasters that strike Deschutes County. Project
Wildfire is composed of 15 to 27 members who
reside or represent agencies within Deschutes
County. All members are appointed by the Board
and serve four years (see also Chapter 7, Natural
Hazards).
The Deschutes River Mitigation and
Enhancement Program helps achieve Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) habitat
and management goals and objectives within
the Upper Deschutes River sub-basin, consistent
with an agreement between the Central Oregon
Irrigation District (COID) and ODFW. As part of
that agreement COID provides ODFW with funds
to develop and implement a fish and wildlife
habitat mitigation and enhancement program for
the Upper Deschutes River Basin. The Deschutes
River Mitigation and Enhancement Committee
has seven voting members appointed to three-
year terms by the Board.
In addition to convening these groups,
Deschutes County engages with the public
through numerous methods, including:
• Conducting regular work sessions and
hearings
• Providing timely public notice of important
items
• Maintaining the County Website, including
the department’s “Community Engagement
Center” page.
• Advertising events and engaging with
constituents through social media channels
• Coordinating with media organizations,
such as local newspapers.
• Meeting with individuals and small groups
to get feedback on important issues.
These activities were part of the most recent
update of this Comprehensive Plan.
1-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Community Engagement
Key Community Issues
Deschutes County is changing and community
members are seeking new ways to share
their ideas on key issues. To provide ample
opportunities to engage, new tools and
technologies will be needed to involve new
groups. Issues that the policies in this section
address include:
• Continuing to simplify materials to use plain
language and be accessible to a variety of
audiences
• Continuing to maintain a presence
throughout the County, including holding
meetings and events throughout the
County
• Supporting engagement activities that allow
community members to participate virtually
and at the time of their choosing.
With these issues in mind, Deschutes County has
adopted the following goals and policies:
Goals and Policies
Goal 1 .1: Provide for a robust community
involvement program that includes all members
of the community, including those who are
commonly under-represented, by ensuring
access to information, encouraging community
collaboration, identifying and addressing barriers
to involvement, and promoting efficient and
transparent planning processes.
Policy 1 .1 .1 . Convene the Deschutes County
Planning Commission as the County’s
Committee for Community Involvement in
order to provide a direct and transparent
connection between County decision-making
and the public.
Policy 1 .1 .2 . Write all County planning
documents to be understandable, intuitive,
and easily available to the general public,
using simplified language where possible,
with acronyms spelled out and technical
language explained.
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Community Engagement
Policy 1 .1 .3 . Hold area-specific
comprehensive plan and zoning text
amendment public hearings in locations and
at times convenient and accessible to area
residents, as appropriate.
Policy 1 .1 .4 . Provide property information
to the public in an intuitive and easy-to-use
manner.
Policy 1 .1 .5 . Consult and coordinate with
developers before submitting applications
as required or recommended by the County
Development Code to identify and discuss
project requirements and impacts.
Policy 1 .1 .6 . Invest in and support land
use educational resources for community
members including information related to
rural living, agricultural practices, natural
resources, and natural hazards.
Policy 1 .1 .7 . Promote opportunities for
community members to have civil dialogue
around key community issues.
Policy 1 .1 .8 . Explore new and innovative
ways to reach community members and
promote participation in the planning
process.
Goal 1 .2: Support the activities of the Committee
for Community Involvement
Policy 1 .2 .1 . Maintain adequate funding and
staffing support for the Committee.
Policy 1 .2 .2 . Provide regular updates,
speakers, panel discussions, and handouts
on land use law and policy.
Policy 1 .2 .3 . Appoint members through an
open and public process to reflect the diverse
geographic regions, demographics, and
values of Deschutes County residents.
Policy 1 .2 .4 . Meet with the Board of County
Commissioners at least once a year to
coordinate planning policies and activities.
Policy 1 .2 .5 . Complete periodic reports on
community involvement implementation
for the State Citizen Involvement
Advisory Committee, the Board of County
Commissioners, and the public.
Policy 1 .2 .6 . Maintain open and civil
discourse among Committee members and
with the public.
2 Land Use and
Regional Coordination
2-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
One purpose of the Deschutes County
Comprehensive Plan is to provide a blueprint
for land use throughout the County. This is
accomplished through goals and policies that tell
a cohesive story of where and how development
should occur and what places are expected to
remain undeveloped. The Plan provides a legal
framework for establishing more specific land
use actions and regulations.
Deschutes County regulates and manages the
use of land in the unincorporated parts of the
County. This is accomplished by:
• Implementing state policy and laws
and furthering local planning goals by
maintaining, updating and applying County
land use policies, standards and regulations
in its zoning codes and this Comprehensive
Plan.
• Reviewing development and land use
proposals and help applicants to navigate
the application process.
• Coordinating with other local jurisdictions
on issues of regional growth management,
infrastructure, and public services.
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Deschutes County has been one of the most rapidly growing parts of Oregon for many
years. This growth can cause tension and highlight trade-offs between community
priorities, such as the need for housing, preservation of natural resources, adequate
infrastructure, and intergovernmental collaboration. To manage this growth, the County
partners with its cities, special districts, and state and federal agencies to ensure a
collaborative approach to development activities. As the County continues to navigate
emerging issues, intergovernmental agreements and new partnerships will be key.
• Coordinating land use and transportation
planning efforts in rural areas including
planning for farm and forest lands and
natural resource management and
protection.
• Administering land use regulations for
unincorporated communities in the County.
The policies contained in this chapter, as well as
all chapters in this Plan, establish the legislative
policy basis for the County’s land use planning
program. The program is implemented primarily
through application of the County’s Zoning Code,
regulatory maps, and development permitting
application and approval procedures. In addition,
these policies establish important criteria to
be used when initiating regulatory changes or
reviewing and developing code, map, and policy
amendments.
Note: Official comprehensive plan and zoning maps,
including overlay zone maps, are available through
the Deschutes County Dial Property Information
System.
2-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
Context
Comprehensive Plan Designations
Comprehensive Plan designations provide
a high-level policy basis for more detailed
zoning regulations – each Comprehensive Plan
designation may be implemented by one or
more specific zones.
Comprehensive plan designations in Deschutes
County are shown in Map 2-1 and described
in the preceding table. Comprehensive Plan
designations within the Bend, Redmond, Sisters,
and La Pine Urban Growth Boundaries are
excluded – local jurisdictions have responsibility
for comprehensive planning within their Urban
Growth Boundaries.
Zoning Designations
Zoning designations in Deschutes County are
shown in Map 2-2. Zones within the Bend,
Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine Urban Growth
Boundaries are excluded - local jurisdictions
have responsibility for zoning within Urban
Growth Boundaries.
Comprehensive Plan
Designation Purpose Statement
County-wide Designations
Agriculture To preserve and maintain agricultural lands for farm use.
Airport Development To allow development compatible with airport use while mitigating impacts on
surrounding lands.
Forest To conserve forest lands for multiple forest uses.
Open Space &
Conservation
To protect natural and scenic open spaces, including areas with fragile, unusual or
unique qualities.
Rural Residential
Exception Area
To provide opportunities for rural residential living outside urban growth
boundaries and unincorporated communities, consistent with efficient planning of
public services.
Surface Mining To protect surface mining resources from development impacts while protecting
development from mining impacts.
Resort Community To define rural areas with existing resort development that are not classified as a
destination resort.
Rural Community To define rural areas with limited existing urban-style development.
Rural Service Center To define rural areas with minimal commercial development as well as some
residential uses, based on Oregon Administrative Rule 660-22 or its successor.
Urban Unincorporated
Community
To define rural areas with existing urban development, based on Oregon
Administrative Rule 660-22 or its successor.
Urban Designations
Deschutes County coordinates with cities to adopt comprehensive plan designations for areas within Urban
Growth Boundaries or as part of Urban Reserves Areas in the City of Redmond area. These designations are
reflected in the Deschutes County GIS database.
Area Specific Designations
Parts of Deschutes County (Sunriver for example) have area-specific Comprehensive Plan designations. These
are detailed in Chapter 11, Unincorporated Communities.
Map Title
KLAMATH
COUNTY LAKE COUNTY
LANE COUNTY
CROOK COUNTY
LINN COUNTY JEFFERSON
COUNTY
WHEELER
COUNTY
97
20
242
126
31
370
27
372
97
20
Prepared by0510
Miles
Water Bodies
County Boundary
Transportation
State Routes
Railroad
County Lines
Arterial
Collector
Forest Highway
Comprehensive Plan
Designation
Airport
Agriculture
Forest
Flood Plain
Open Space &
Conservation
Rural Commercial
Resort
Rural Industrial
Rural Residential
Exception Area
Surface Mining
Terrabone Districts
Tumalo Districts
Unincorporated
Community
Mixed Use / Commercial
Mixed Use / Commercial
Future Expansion Area
Other
Urban Growth Boundary
Urban Reserve
Urban Unincorporated
Community
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION
Revised 7/31/20232-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
This map is for information purposes only. The County’s official zoning and comprehensive plan maps can be accessed through the Deschutes County Dial Property Information System. Please note that these maps do not represent all of the County’s combining and overlay zones.
Map 2-1
2-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
OVERLAY ZONES
Deschutes County has the following overlay
zones, which apply in addition to the base zone
of a given property.
• Airport Safety: The purpose of the AS Zone
is to restrict incompatible land uses and
airspace obstructions around airports in
an effort to maintain an airport’s maximum
benefit.
• Destination Resort: The purpose of
the Destination Resort Combining Zone
is to identify lands eligible for siting
a Destination Resort and establish
procedures and standards for establishing
this type of development.
• Landscape Management: The purposes
of the Landscape Management Combining
Zone are to maintain scenic and natural
resources of the designated areas and
to maintain and enhance scenic vistas
and natural landscapes as seen from
designated roads, rivers, or streams.
• Greater Sage-Grouse Combining Zone .
The purpose of the Greater Sage-Grouse
Combining Zone is to fulfill obligations of
OAR 660-23-0115. This state rule requires
seven Oregon counties to mitigate impacts
of large-scale development on sage-grouse
habitat.
• Sensitive Bird and Mammal Habitat: The
purpose of the Sensitive Bird and Mammal
Combining Zone is to insure that sensitive
habitat areas identified in the County’s Goal
5 sensitive bird and mammal inventory
as critical for the survival of the northern
bald eagle, great blue heron, golden eagle,
prairie falcon, osprey, great grey owl, and
the Townsend’s big-eared bat are protected
from the effects of conflicting uses or
activities which are not subject to the Forest
Practices Act.
• Surface Mining Impact Area: The purpose
of the SMIA zone is to protect the surface
mining resources of Deschutes County
from new development which conflicts with
Land Use Planning in Oregon
The foundation of statewide program for land
use planning in Oregon is a set of 19 Statewide
Land Use Planning Goals. The goals express the
state’s policies on land use and related topics,
like citizen involvement, housing, and natural
resources.
Oregon’s statewide goals are achieved
through local comprehensive planning. State
law requires each city and county to adopt a
comprehensive plan and the zoning and land-
division ordinances needed to put the plan into
effect.
Local comprehensive plans must be consistent
with the Statewide Planning Goals. Plans
are reviewed for such consistency by the
state’s Land Conservation and Development
Commission (LCDC). When LCDC officially
approves a local government’s plan, the plan is
said to be acknowledged. It then becomes the
controlling document for land use in the area
covered by that plan.
The goals relevant to Deschutes County are:
• Goal 1 Citizen Involvement
• Goal 2 Land Use Planning
• Goal 3 Agricultural Lands
• Goal 4 Forest Lands
• Goal 5 Natural Resources, Scenic and
Historic Areas, and Open Spaces
• Goal 6 Air, Water and Land Resources
Quality
• Goal 7 Areas Subject to Natural Hazards
• Goal 8 Recreational Needs
• Goal 9 Economic Development
• Goal 10 Housing
• Goal 11 Public Facilities and Services
• Goal 12 Transportation
• Goal 13 Energy Conservation
• Goal 14 Urbanization
2-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
Public Land Ownership in
Deschutes County
Approximately 79% of Deschutes
County is public land.
US Forest Service
991,367 Acres
Bureau of Land Management
482,731 Acres
Other Federal
339 Acres
Park Districts
219 Acres
State of Oregon
49,849
Deschutes
County
10,204
Cities
8,650 Acres
1,954,879
Total Acres
the removal and processing of a mineral
and aggregate resource while allowing
owners of property near a surface mining
site reasonable use of their property.
• Wildlife Area: The purpose of the
Wildlife Area Combining Zone is to
conserve important wildlife areas
in Deschutes County; to protect an
important environmental, social and
economic element of the area; and to
permit development compatible with the
protection of the wildlife resource.
CITY COORDINATION
Deschutes County includes the following
jurisdictions, each with their own authority and
needs. The role of the County is largely one of
coordination across these multiple communities.
Deschutes County contains four incorporated
cities. The County, per statute, is responsible
for coordinating with cities on growth related
issues including urban growth boundary and
urban reserve planning. The County maintains
intergovernmental agreements with each city to
define land use authority for lands outside of city
limits and within urban growth boundaries.
City of Bend
Bend is the largest incorporated area in
Deschutes County. It is centrally located in
the county, with Highways 20 and 97 crossing
paths through the center of the city. Bend
has experienced rapid growth in the last few
years, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic
and “Zoom Town” remote working trends. The
2022 estimated population of the Bend UGB is
103,976. The Bend UGB accounts for most of the
population share among all UGBs in Deschutes
County with a population of 225,619 (57.4% of
the population) by 2072.
City of La Pine
The City of La Pine is located close to the
southern edge of the county along Hwy. 97. The
current (2022) estimated population of the La
Pine UGB is 2,736. The population of the La Pine
UGB is projected to increase by 87% to 5,129 in
2047. By 2072, the population is projected to be
8,336.
2-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
City of Redmond
Redmond is located northeast of Bend with
Hwy. 97 running through the center of town.
The current (2022) estimated population of the
Redmond UGB is 37,342. The population of the
Redmond UGB is projected to increase by 121%
to 82,601 in the next 50 years. By 2047 it is
estimated that the population of the Redmond
UGB will increase to 60,060.
City of Sisters
Sisters is located on the eastern edge of the
Willamette National Forest and Cascade
Mountains. The current (2022) estimated
population of the Sisters UGB is 3,437. The
Sisters UGB is projected to increase by 130%, to
7,911 in 2047, and to 14,881 by 2072.
TRIBAL COORDINATION
In the Treaty of 1855 (12 Stat. 963), the
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs ceded
approximately 10.2 million acres to the United
States Government and reserved the Warm
Springs Reservation for its exclusive use. The
Treaty further reserved to the Tribes rights to
take fish at all usual and accustomed stations,
and to hunt, gather roots and berries, and
pasture livestock on unclaimed lands. The
map on page 2-9 identifies the location of
these ceded areas in Deschutes County, which
primarily intersect with publicly owned lands.
Coordination with the Confederated Tribes of
Warm Springs on growth and development
related issues is important to ensure consistency
with these treaty rights.
Key Community Considerations
The rapid pace of growth in Deschutes County
and its impacts on urban, rural, natural, and
recreational areas has been one of the most
significant – and at times the most controversial
– topics of discussion among project participants.
Some topics and comments include:
• Strong desire by some for greater densities
in urban areas, in order to accommodate
growth while preserving open space and
resource land in rural areas.
• A similarly strong feeling by some that the
cities in Deschutes County are becoming
too urban already.
• Concern about the amount and distribution
of benefits and burdens created by
destination resorts and tourism-related
activities in rural areas.
• Strong desire for interagency collaboration
to manage growth in a coordinated
manner.
With these ongoing conversations in mind,
Deschutes County drafted and refined the
following goals and policies to guide the growth
of our community for the next 20 years.
Map Title
KLAMATH
COUNTY LAKE COUNTY
LANE COUNTY
CROOK COUNTY
LINN
COUNTY
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
WHEELER
COUNTY
97
20
242
126
31
370
27
372
97
20
Prepared by0510
Miles
Water Bodies
County Boundary
Transportation
State Routes
Railroad
County Lines
ZONING DESIGNATIONS
Revised 7/31/2023
AIRFIELD OPERATIONS
DISTRICT
AVIATION RELATED
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
AVIATION SUPPORT
DISTRICT
EFU - ALFALFA
SUBZONE
EFU - HORSE RIDGE
SUBZONE
EFU - LA PINE
SUBZONE
EFU - LOWER BRIDGE
SUBZONE
EFU - SISTERS /
CLOVERDALE SUBZONE
EFU - TERREBONNE
SUBZONE
EFU - TUMALO /
REDMOND / BEND
SUBZONE
FOREST USE 1
FOREST USE 2
FLOOD PLAIN
MULTIPLE USE
AGRICULTURAL
OPEN SPACE AND
CONSERVATION,OPEN
SPACE &
CONSERVATION
PUBLIC
FACILITY,PUBLIC
FACILITIES
RURAL COMMERCIAL
RURAL INDUSTRIAL
RURAL RESIDENTIAL
SURFACE MINING
RESIDENTIAL
SUBURBAN LOW
DENSITY
URBANIZABLE AREA
URBAN AREA RESERVE
10 ACRE MIN,URBAN
AREA RESERVE 10
ACRE MINIMUM
WESTSIDE TRANSECT
ZONE
URBAN RESERVE AREA
URBAN GROWTH
BOUNDARY
URBAN
UNINCORPORATED
COMMUNITY
RURAL SERVICE
CENTER
RURAL COMMUNITY
RESORT COMMUNITY
RURAL COMMERCIAL
Map 2-2
2-8 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
This map is for information purposes only. The County’s official zoning and comprehensive plan maps can be accessed through the Deschutes County Dial Property Information System. Please note that these maps do not represent all of the County’s combining and overlay zones.
2-9 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
Goals and Policies
Goal 2 .1: Maintain an open and public land
use process in which decisions are based
on substantial evidence and a balancing of
community needs.
Policy 2 .1 .1 .Balance the consideration of
private property rights and the economic
impacts of land use decisions on property
owners with incentives to preserve
agricultural and forest land, wildlife habitat,
ground and surface water resources,
wetlands, riparian areas, open areas and
other community goals identified in the
Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 2 .1 .2 . Review the Comprehensive
Plan periodically in order to address current
conditions, issues, and opportunities.
Policy 2 .1 .3 . The Deschutes County
Comprehensive Plan Map will be retained
in official replica form as an electronic
map layer within the County Geographic
Information System and is adopted as part of
this Plan.
Policy 2 .1 .4 . Implement Comprehensive
Plan policies through the Community
Development Department’s annual work plan
and other actions by the Department and the
Board of County Commissioners.
Policy 2 .1 .5 . Explore methods to integrate
carrying capacity into County land use
decision making.
2-10 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
Goal 2 .2: Coordinate and support regional
planning efforts relating to growth, natural
resources, recreation, and major infrastructure
investments.
Policy 2 .2 .1 . Periodically review and update
intergovernmental and urban management
agreements to coordinate land use review
on land inside urban growth boundaries and
outside city limits.
Policy 2 .2 .2 . Help coordinate regional
planning efforts with other agencies on land
use policies and actions that impact their
jurisdictions.
Policy 2 .2 .3 . Support the use of high value
natural resource and recreational lands
for public purposes, whether through
acquisition, easements, or other means.
Policy 2 .2 .4 . Support the implementation
of long-range plans of Deschutes County
jurisdictions, incorporating elements of those
plans into the County’s Comprehensive Plan
as appropriate.
Policy 2 .2 .5 . Encourage cities to conduct,
in collaboration with Deschutes County,
urban reserve planning to facilitate orderly
and thoughtful management of growth and
infrastructure needs.
Policy 2 .2 .6 . Collaborate with federal
agencies on land management issues,
including homelessness, community wildfire
protection, wildlife habitat restoration, water
quality, road networks, energy projects, the
impacts of recreation and the expansion of
sustainable recreation opportunities.
Policy 2 .2 .7 . Support efforts to reduce
barriers to regional infrastructure projects
with community benefit while mitigating
negative impacts.
Policy 2 .2 .8 . Support updates to
unincorporated community area plans.
Policy 2 .2 .9 . In accordance with OAR 660-
024-004 and 0045, Deschutes County,
fulfilling coordination duties specified in
ORS 195.025, shall approve and update its
comprehensive plan when participating
cities within their jurisdiction legislatively or
through a quasi-judicial process designate
regionally significant sites.
2-11 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use and Regional Coordination
Policy 2 .2 .10 .
Policy 2 .2 .11 . The County and City shall
periodically review the agreement associated
with the Redmond Urban Reserve Area
(RURA). The following land use policies guide
zoning in the RURA.
a. Plan and zone RURA lands for rural uses,
in a manner that ensures the orderly,
economic and efficient provision of urban
services as these lands are brought into
the urban growth boundary.
b. Parcels shall be a minimum of ten acres.
c. Until lands in the RURA are brought into
the urban growth boundary, zone changes
or plan amendments shall not allow more
intensive uses or uses that generate more
traffic, than were allowed prior to the
establishment of the RURA.
d. For Exclusive Farm Use zones, partitions
shall be allowed based on state law and
the County Zoning Ordinance.
e. New arterial and collector rights-of-way
in the RURA shall meet the right-of-way
standards of Deschutes County or the City
of Redmond, whichever is greater, but
be physically constructed to Deschutes
County standards.
f. Existing and future arterial and collector
rights-of-way, as designated on the
County’s Transportation System Plan, shall
be protected from development.
g. A single-family dwelling on a legal parcel is
permitted if that use was permitted before
the RURA designation. Additionally, the
County will coordinate planning efforts
and development goals with the City of
Redmond prior to bringing County-owned
property into Redmond’s urban growth
boundary.
Goal 2 .3: Manage county-owned lands to
balance the needs of the community as
articulated in the goals and policies of this Plan
and other supporting planning documents.
Policy 2 .3 .1 . Manage lands with a park
designation consistent with the goals and
policies in Chapter 5 Natural Resources.
Policy 2 .3 .2 . Support the efforts of park
districts, state and/or federal agencies to
identify additional properties along rivers,
streams, or creeks, or containing significant
wildlife, scenic resources, or open space
resources to designate as park land.
Goal 2 .4: Minimize onerous barriers to land use
application and development review processes.
Policy 2 .4 .1 . Explore opportunities to build
or obtain specialty planning knowledge and
experience among staff within CDD in related
fields such as wildlife, natural resources, and/
or agricultural practices.
Policy 2 .4 .2 . Explore measures to reduce
development costs for projects related to
agriculture and addressing houselessness,
including fee reductions and expedited land
use applications.
3 Farm and Forest
Resources
Photo Credit: Amanda Photographic
PREVALENCE OF SMALL FARMING OPERATIONS
AND HOBBY FARMS
The 2022 Census of Agriculture profiles
Deschutes County as primarily consisting of
small acreage, hobby farms and other relatively
small agricultural operations. As of 2022 there
were approximately 1,572 farms, an increase
of 5% from 2017. Although the average size
of a farm in Deschutes County is 97 acres, the
majority of acreage (about 85%) is in farms of 50
acres or less in size.
MARGINAL OR LOW PRODUCTIVITY SOILS
While a large proportion of the County is zoned
for exclusive farm use, much of the land in these
areas has marginal soils which provide limited
productivity, particularly for higher value crops.
Limited access to water rights and irrigation
can further hamper productivity in some areas.
Deschutes County attempted to reclassify certain
agricultural lands through a nonresource lands
program. This approach was rejected at the state
level. Since that time, some landowners have
successfully redesignated property, primarily to
residential zones, through an applicant-initiated
process.
FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
According to the 2022 Agricultural Census,
agricultural producers in Deschutes County
are often operating in the red. The per-farm
average of market value of products sold was
$25,437, a 23% increase from 2017, and average
production expenses of $39,918. This results in
a deficit of approximately $14,481 per farm per
year. Government payments help cover a portion
of this deficit, with the average farm receiving
$17,959 in assistance. The costs of operating
continue to be a major challenge for small family
operations, resulting in approximately 48% of
farms in Deschutes County reporting under
$2,500 in sales.
DECLINING FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
Approximately 1,032,436 acres of Deschutes
County area are zoned for Forest Use.
Historically, forestry on public and private land
was a primary industry in Central Oregon with
key mill sites along the Deschutes River in Bend.
Over time, species protections, international
competition, unsustainable harvest levels, and
new technologies have reduced the overall
footprint of the timber industry in Central
Oregon. Recently, land uses are shifting toward
recreation and residential development in these
natural resource areas.
3-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Farm and forestry resources and operations continue to play an important role in
the character and economy of Deschutes County. However, a variety of ongoing and
forecasted trends will impact the viability and vitality of these industries and the people
who contribute to them. A number of these trends and challenges are described below
and more information about some issues is found in the Water Resources section of this
Plan (see Chapter 5: Natural Resources).
Photo Credit: Amanda Photographic
WATER SUPPLY AND IRRIGATION
Much of Deschutes County is served by six
irrigation districts (Map 3-1) – these are special
entities created for the purpose of delivering
water to their patrons. These districts are quasi-
municipal corporations chartered under Oregon
law that operate as political subdivisions of the
State of Oregon. In addition to irrigation, these
districts also supply other services including
municipal, industrial, and pond maintenance. In
most cases, these districts are holders of senior
water rights with shares then distributed to their
patrons. As is the case with all water rights, the
irrigation districts’ water rights are managed
by the Oregon Water Resources Department
and subject to “beneficial use” requirements to
prevent the waste of the water resource. The
total water available for irrigation and other
human uses in Deschutes County is fixed under
the current water regime, and there is little
opportunity to expand irrigated farming in the
County. Irrigation districts with more junior
water rights such as Arnold Irrigation District
and North Unit Irrigation District (operating
north of Deschutes County), have recently seen
challenges with water delivery due to limited
availability and drought.
CHANGES IN CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Because the total volume of water available for
agricultural and human use is fixed, strategies
to decrease water usage (capping or piping
irrigation channels, irrigation timing strategies,
water conservation) will become more crucial.
Deschutes County is committed to working with
irrigation districts and holders of water rights to
increase water conservation efforts throughout
the County in a manner consistent with existing
legal frameworks established by State and
Federal law.
Context
Agriculture
Agriculture and ranching operations in
Deschutes County vary widely based on water
availability, soil, and microclimate. Subzones
were created through a commercial farm study
conducted in 1992. This study concluded that
irrigation is a key factor to viability of operations,
which enabled the County to establish smaller
acreages than allowed by state law to provide
additional flexibility.
Additional information about farm and forest
resources is provided in the tables and charts
below.
Forest Lands
Deschutes County classifies forest land in one of
two zones. Forest 1 zoning is intended for land
that is primarily used for forest management
or commercial forestry, with a lot size over 160
acres, and not developed with residential or non-
forest uses. Forest 2 zoning is intended for land
that does have residential or non-forest uses, is
less than 160 acres, and may contain roads or
other public facilities that serve the property.
State regulations limit residential and non-
forestry related development on forest lands
and the County sees only a few applications for
3-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
Days Above 90 Degrees in Brothers
2023 2070224
Photo Credit: Amanda Photographic
Note: Historic data for days above 90° is not available.
Map Title
SISTERS
BEND
REDMOND
CROOK COUNTY
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
97
20
242
20
126
97
126
97
370
20
20
372
Prepared by02.5 5 7.5 10
Miles
Irrigation Districts
Three Sisters Irrigation
District (est. 1891)
Swalley Irrigation Dist (DRIC)
(est. 1899)
Arnold Irrigation District
(est. 1905)
Central Oregon Irrigation
District (est. 1918)
Tumalo Irrigation District
(est. 1922)
Transportation
Arterial
Collector
Forest Highway
State Routes
Railroad
Urban Growth
Boundaries
County Boundary
IRRIGATION DISTRICTS
Revised 8/1/20233-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
This map is for information purposes only. The County’s official zoning and comprehensive plan maps can be accessed through the Deschutes County Dial Property Information System. Please note that these maps do not represent all of the County’s combining and overlay zones.
Map 3-1
3-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
development in these areas each year. Even
with this limitation on development, forest
managers and service providers continue to
express concern with wildfire risk associated
with residential development in heavily wooded
areas.
Most lands in either of these classifications
within Deschutes County are federally owned
and managed by the US Forest Service (USFS).
Historically, forest lands were used for timber
production. As timber harvesting decreases,
other uses for forest lands are emerging. State
regulations permit five general types of uses,
including forest operations; environmental,
agricultural or recreational uses; two types of
Cropland
Pastureland
Woodland
Other
Land in Farms by Use Farms By Value of Sales
Less than $2,500
$2,500 to $4,999
$5,000 to $9,999
$10,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $99,999
$100,000 or more
46%
16%
15%
5%
Farms By Size (acres)
1,000+12 farms
13 farms
40 farms
151 farms
671 farms
597 farms
500 to 999
180 to 499
50 to 179
10 to 49
1 to 9
Subzone Name Minimum Parcel Size (for farm divisions and farm-related dwellings)Profile
Lower Bridge 130 Irrigated field crops, hay pastures
Sisters/Cloverdale 63 Irrigated alfalfa, hay and pastures, wooded grazing
and some field crops
Terrebonne 35 Irrigated hay and pasture
Tumalo/Redmond/Bend 23 Irrigated pasture and some hay
Alfalfa 36 Irrigated hay and pasture
La Pine 37 Riparian meadows, grazing and
meadow hay
Horse Ridge East 320 Rangeland grazing
3-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
dwellings and locally dependent uses. Permitted
uses are defined and clarified in OAR 660-006.
The following uses are major forest uses in
Deschutes County:
• Secondary forest products (forest
operations): There is an increasing use of
secondary forest products, such as hog fuel
(chipped wood) or wood slash. This type of
product is generally seen as providing dual
benefit, by providing economic opportunity
while also reducing wildfire risk through
thinning projects.
• Alternative Energy: Biomass is an
emerging technology for renewable energy
and can also be integrated with these
products. The first biomass facility in the
County is currently under development
through a partnership with Mt. Bachelor Ski
Resort and the USFS.
• Recreation (environmental, agricultural
and recreation uses): The proximity of
federal forests for hiking, mountain biking,
skiing, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing
and other outdoor recreation draws
tourists and residents alike. An emerging
challenge is the prevalence of houseless
encampments on and adjacent to federal
lands. These encampments can cause
conflicts with other trail users and increase
fire risk.
Key Community Considerations
Given the range of issues and conditions
discussed above and, this plan includes a
variety of policies to support farm and forest
operations in Deschutes County. Additional
related policies also are found in Chapter 2:
Land Use and Regional Coordination, Chapter
7: Natural Hazards, and Chapter 9: Economic
Development. These strategies are underpinned
by the following results of Comprehensive Plan
outreach efforts.
• There is strong support for conducting
educational outreach to encourage water
conservation and on-farm efficiency
measures.
• Community members opposed rezoning
low productivity farmland with poor soil
to allow greater opportunities for housing,
while supporting rezoning of this land to
preserve open space.
• Community members also strongly support
allowing greater flexibility for income-
producing supplemental activities on farms
such as farm-to-table dinner, farm stands,
weddings, or similar events.
• Participants expressed support for
investment in the agricultural economy
through grants or exploring a farmland
conservation program.
Photo Credit: Amanda Photographic
3-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
Goals and Policies
Goal 3 .1: Preserve and maintain agricultural
lands, operations, and uses to support
Deschutes County’s agricultural economy
Policy 3 .1 .1 . Retain agricultural lands
through Exclusive Farm Use zoning.
Policy 3 .1 .2 . Continue to apply Exclusive
Farm Use sub-zones consistent with the
County’s most up-to-date adopted studies
of agricultural land and as implemented
through the County Development Code.
Policy 3 .1 .3 . Develop comprehensive plan
policy criteria and code to clarify when and
how EFU parcels can be converted to other
designations.
Policy 3 .1 .4 . Regularly review farm
regulations to ensure compliance
with changes to State Statute, Oregon
Administrative Rules and case law.
Goal 3 .2: Promote a diverse, sustainable, and
thriving agricultural sector.
Policy 3 .2 .1 . Encourage farming by
promoting the raising and selling of crops,
livestock and/or poultry.
Policy 3 .2 .2 . Support agriculture through
the use of grant funds, research, and other
resources dedicated to community members
and stakeholders, including but not limited
to farmers, researchers, farm bureaus,
and other organizations in studying and
promoting economically viable agricultural
opportunities and practices.
Policy 3 .2 .3 . Support and encourage small
farming enterprises through a variety of
related strategies and programs, including,
but not limited to, niche markets, organic
farming, food council, buy local, farmers
markets, farm-to-table activities, farm stands
or value-added products, or other programs
or strategies.
Policy 3 .2 .4 . Work cooperatively with
irrigation districts, public agencies and
representatives, and landowners to
promote and support agricultural uses and
operations, including through use of rural
reserves, conservation easements, transfer
of development rights programs, land
acquisition, and other preservation strategies
consistent with existing federal and state law.
Policy 3 .2 .5 . Support efforts to control
noxious weeds and invasive species.
Policy 3 .2 .6 . Continue to review and revise
county code as needed to be and consistent
with state code, rules, and regulations to
permit alternative and supplemental farm
activities that are compatible with farming,
such as agritourism or other small-scale
sustainable activities.
Policy 3 .2 .7 . Work with the State to review
and revise their regulations when a desired
alternative or supplemental use identified
by the County is not permitted by State
regulations.
3-8 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
Policy 3 .2 .8 . Use land use policy and
development code requirements, including
right-to-farm provisions, as well as
coordination with other jurisdictions to
minimize conflicts between residential
uses and agricultural uses and continue to
promote the viable operation of agricultural
uses.
Policy 3 .2 .9 . Provide resources such as
technical assistance and access to grants to
support on-site efficiency upgrades relating
to agriculture.
Policy 3 .2 .10 . Explore program to utilize
compost from Solid Waste Department on
farm lands to improve soils, productivity,
water, efficiency, and facilitate disposal of
yard debris and compostable materials.
Goal 3 .3: Ensure Exclusive Farm Use policies,
classifications, and codes are consistent with
local and emerging agricultural conditions and
markets.
Policy 3 .3 .1 . Identify and retain accurately
designated agricultural lands.
Policy 3 .3 .2 . Continue to explore new
methods of identifying and classifying
agricultural lands.
a. Apply for grants to review and, if needed,
update farmland designations.
b. Study County agricultural designations
considering elements such as water
availability, farm viability and economics,
climatic conditions, land use patterns,
accepted farm practices, and impacts on
public services.
c. Lobby for changes to state statute
regarding agricultural definitions specific
to Deschutes County that would allow
some reclassification of agricultural lands.
Policy 3 .3 .3 . Address land use challenges in
the Horse Ridge subzone, specifically:
a. The large number of platted lots not
meeting the minimum acreage;
b. The need for non-farm dwellings and
location requirements for farm dwellings;
c. Concerns over the impact on private
property from off-road vehicles, facilities,
and trails located on adjacent public lands.
Policy 3 .3 .4 . Work with the state to
review and revise accessory farm dwelling
requirements to address the needs of local
farmers, including removal of parcel size
restrictions.
Policy 3 .3 .5 . Encourage coordination
between agricultural interests and fish
and wildlife management organizations,
including public agencies, non-governmental
organizations and others.
Policy 3 .3 .6 . Explore the evaluation and
potential redesignation of lands with a
farm designation and poor soils and low
productivity for protected open space,
development of needed housing, or other
uses that support community goals as
follows.
a. Allow comprehensive plan and zoning
map amendments, including for those that
qualify as non-resource land, for individual
EFU parcels as allowed by State Statute,
Oregon Administrative Rules and this
Comprehensive Plan.
b. Explore creation of a new zoning
classification intended to balance the
value of high desert environments while
allowing for limited housing opportunities
and applying this designation through
coordination with interested and willing
property owners.
3-9 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
Goal 3 .4: Protect and maintain forest lands for
multiple uses and objectives, including forest
products, watershed protection, conservation,
recreation, wildlife habitat protection, carbon
sequestration, forest health, and wildfire
resilience.
Policy 3 .4 .1 .Retain forest lands through
Forest 1 and Forest 2 zoning.
Policy 3 .4 .2 . To conserve and maintain
unimpacted forest lands, retain Forest 1
zoning for those lands with the following
characteristics:
a. Consist predominantly of ownerships not
developed by residences or non- forest
uses;
b. Consist predominantly of contiguous
ownerships of 160 acres or larger;
c. Consist predominantly of ownerships
contiguous to other lands utilized for
commercial forest or commercial farm
uses;
d. Are accessed by roads intended primarily
for forest management; and
e. Are primarily under forest management.
Policy 3 .4 .3 . To conserve and maintain
impacted forest lands, retain Forest 2
zoning for those lands with the following
characteristics:
a. Consist predominantly of ownerships
developed for residential or non-forest
uses;
b. Consist predominantly of ownerships less
than 160 acres;
c. Consist of ownerships generally
contiguous to tracts containing less than
160 acres and residences, or adjacent to
acknowledged exception areas; and
d. Provide a level of public facilities and
services, including roads, intended
primarily for direct services to rural
residences.”
Policy 3 .4 .4 . Notwithstanding any other
quasi-judicial plan or zone change criteria,
lands designated as Forest under this Plan
and zoned Forest 2 may upon application be
redesignated and rezoned from Forest 2 to
Exclusive Farm Use if such lands:
a. Do not qualify under State Statute for
forestland tax deferral,
b. Are not necessary to permit forest
operations or practices on adjoining lands
and do not constitute forested lands
that maintain soil, air, water and fish and
wildlife resources,
c. Have soils on the property that fall within
the definition of agricultural lands as set
forth in Goal 3,
d. Are a tract of land 40 acres or less in size,
e. Do not qualify under State Statute and the
terms of the Forest 2 zone for a dwelling,
and;
f. Were purchased by the property owner
after January 1, 1985 but before November
4, 1993.
Such changes may be made regardless of
the size of the resulting EFU zoning district.
Such changes shall be processed in the
same manner as other quasi- judicial plan or
zoning map changes.
Policy 3 .4 .5 . Ensure that criteria for and
designation of Forest Lands are consistent
with state administrative rules and statutes.
Policy 3 .4 .6 . Coordinate and cooperate with
the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM) and other
public agencies to promote sustainable
forest uses, including community wildfire
3-10 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Farm and Forest Resources
protection projects, recreation facilities,
habitat enhancements, and biomass facilities,
on public forest land, including currently
adopted Forest and Land Management Plans
prepared by the USFS and BLM.
a. Using the Deschutes National Forest
Land and Resource Management Plan,
or its successor, as the basis for mutual
coordination and cooperation with the
USFS;
b. Using the Prineville BLM Upper
Deschutes Resource Management Plan,
or its successor, as the basis for mutual
coordination and cooperation with the
BLM.
Policy 3 .4 .7 . Notify affected agencies and
tribal governments when reviewing land use
applications and proposals for development
that could impact Federal or State forest
lands.
Policy 3 .4 .8 . Support economic development
opportunities that promote forest health,
create opportunities for local production
of related forest products, and reduce the
prevalence of invasive plant species that
adversely affect forest health and soil quality.
Policy 3 .4 .9 . Provide input on public forest
plans that impact Deschutes County.
Policy 3 .4 .10 . Coordinate with community
stakeholders to support forest management
plans and projects that are consistent with
the policies of this chapter and with local
community forest management and wildfire
protection plans.
a. Promote forest health and resilience to
wildfire.
b. Contribute to public safety by treating
wildland hazardous fuels particularly in
the designated Wildland Urban Interface
as identified in the Community Wildfire
Protection Plans described in Chapter 13,
Natural Hazards, of this Plan.
c. Retain and improve fish and wildlife
habitat.
Policy 3 .4 .11 . Continue to review and revise
the County Code as needed to ensure
development in forest zones minimizes and/
or mitigates impacts on fish and wildlife
habitat, forest health, and wildfire resiliency.
Photo Credit: Amanda Photographic
4 Mineral and Aggregate
Resources
Context
Surface mining is protected through Statewide
Planning Goal 5, Natural Resources, Scenic
and Historic Areas and Open Spaces and the
associated Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR)
660-023 (this rule replaced 660-016 in 1996).
Mineral and aggregate resources are included
on the list of Statewide Goal 5 resources that the
County must inventory and protect.
The County maintains an inventory of surface
mining sites as part of its Goal 5 program, shown
in Map 4-1. There are currently 59 mining sites
identified in the Deschutes County GIS data, and
8 sites that have been reclaimed.
Mining sites are subject to a Surface Mining
Impact Area Combining Zone that applies
within ½ mile of the mining site boundary. This
combining zone limits new uses and expansion
of existing uses that may be impacted by mining
activities and are not in compliance with the site-
specific Economic, Social, Environmental, and
Energy (ESEE) analysis for nearby mining sites. In
certain cases, a waiver of nonremonstrance may
also be required in this zone.
4-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Surface mining provides non-renewable resources, such as pumice, cinders, building
stone, sand, gravel and crushed rock. The extraction of these materials provides
employment as well as products important to local economic development. However,
mining of mineral and aggregate resources creates noise, dust and traffic and potential
pollution that can conflict with neighboring land uses, particularly residential uses.
The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral
Industries (DOGAMI) regulates surface mining
sites in Deschutes County. The last available
published analysis of mineral resources in
Deschutes County was completed by DOGAMI
in 1976. No updates have been completed
during that time due to limited staff. A continued
challenge is monitoring the availability of these
resources. However, it is likely that Deschutes
County has enough mineral resources to meet
demand for the next 20 years.
When a mineral resource is exhausted, the
site is required to submit a reclamation plan
to Deschutes County and DOGAMI. This plan
identifies how the site will be closed for mineral
operations, environmental impacts will be
mitigated, and steps to be taking to return the
site to a new use. As mineral and aggregate
resources are exhausted, property owners
often rezone the site from the “Surface Mine”
designation to a new zone (often a residential
zone), to allow for new development to occur.
Coordination with DOGAMI and property owners
is imperative to ensure this reclamation process
occurs in an efficient and environmentally
focused manner.
Map Title
LA PINE
SISTERS
BEND
REDMOND
KLAMATH
COUNTY LAKE COUNTY
LANE COUNTY
CROOK COUNTY
LINN COUNTY JEFFERSON
COUNTY
WHEELER
COUNTY
97
20
242
126
31
370
27
372
97
20
Prepared by0510
Miles
County Boundary
Urban Growth
Boundaries
Zoning Surface Mining
Impact Area
Surface Mining Impact
Area
Reclaimed - Surface
Mining Impact Area
Transportation
State Routes
Railroad
County Lines
SURFACE MINING
Revised 8/1/20234-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
This map is for information purposes only. The County’s official zoning and comprehensive plan maps can be accessed through the Deschutes County Dial Property Information System. Please note that these maps do not represent all of the County’s combining and overlay zones.
Map 4-1
Key Community Considerations
Transportation agencies expressed concern
regarding the impact of depleting mineral
resources on road operations, including the
use of cinder for winter maintenance and other
resources for use in new road projects. The
topic of mineral and aggregate resources was
not a focus of community discussion as part of
this Comprehensive Plan update, though the
priorities of a diverse economy and protected
natural areas for habitat and open space are
interrelated with this subject. The following
goals and policies represent a balance of these
community interests.
Goals and Policies
Goal 4 .1: Protect and utilize mineral and
aggregate resources while minimizing
adverse impacts of extraction, processing and
transporting the resource.
Policy 4 .1 .1 . Implement adopted Goal 5
Surface Mining inventories.
Policy 4 .1 .2 . Coordinate with the Oregon
Department of Geology and Mineral
Industries (DOGAMI) on mining regulations
and studies.
Policy 4 .1 .3 . Balance protection of mineral
and aggregate resources with conflicting
resources and uses.
Policy 4 .1 .4 . Support the required
reclamation of mining sites following mineral
extraction.
Surface Mining in 2023
59 8
Active Mining Sites Reclaimed Sites
9,235
including Black Butte Ranch
Surface Mine/Limited Use Zone
Acres in Surface
Mining Zone
58,881
Acres in the Surface Mining
Impact Area Combining
Zone (SMIA)
Source: Deschutes County GIS information
4-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
5 Natural Resources
PROTECTED WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Deschutes County has some of the broadest
and most robust wildlife protections in the
state, covering a variety of species. The County
has development protections within and
surrounding numerous wildlife habitats. Some
of these habitats have mapped geographic
boundaries such as Deer Winter Range, Deer
Migration Range, Antelope Habitat, Golden Eagle
– Sensitive Bird Habitat, and Elk Habitat.
Other species are commonly found in protected
riparian areas, such as wetlands and floodplains.
Deschutes County contains general habitats for
fish, fur-bearing animals, waterfowl, and upland
game birds.
A continued challenge to wildlife resources is
rural development and impacts on habitat. Mule
deer are seeing steady declines, approximately
10% each year per Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife biologists. These declines
in population are due to a variety of factors,
including but not limited to loss of habitat,
vehicle collisions, poaching, predation, and
disease.
SCENIC VIEWS AND OPEN SPACE
The 2010 Greenprint1 for Deschutes County
listed protection of scenic viewsheds as
one of the top five community priorities for
conservation in the rural County, and the
protection of open space has been one of
the key topics of discussion during the most
recent update of this Comprehensive Plan. The
County has several designated scenic corridors,
including several scenic bikeways, highways, and
wild and scenic river sections.
1 The Trust for Public Land. Oregon’s Playground Prepares for the
Future: A Greenprint for Deschutes County. 2010. http://cloud.tpl.org/
pubs/local_or_deschutes%20greenprint.pdf
5-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Natural resources in Deschutes County are abundant. Wildlife, scenic views of forests
and peaks, and open spaces to preserve habitat and native vegetation are among the
County’s top assets.
Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 5 governs Natural Resources, Scenic and Historic Areas,
and Open Spaces. Through this goal, the County maintains inventories and regulatory
protections to preserve these many resources. These regulations are created by
weighing Economic, Social, Environmental, and Energy (ESEE) consequences associated
with protection of a resources.
Topics covered in this chapter include:
• Protected Wildlife Resources
• Open Space and Scenic Views
• Water Resources
With close to 80% of the County under public
ownership, many community members enjoy
access to natural resources on public lands. A
perennial issue among community members is
preserving scenic views and open spaces closer
to home on undeveloped private properties.
WATER RESOURCES
Deschutes County contains groundwater
resources, defined as water that exists
underground in saturated zones beneath the
land surface2, and surface water resources.
Surface water refers to streams, lakes, rivers,
and reservoirs3.
Groundwater is used for a variety of permitted
and exempt activities. Residential wells in the
rural county make up the largest user group of
groundwater, and are exempt from any permit,
provided that the property owner abides by
specific standards. Water rights and or permits
are required for other major use categories,
such as quasi-municipal or municipal uses, pond
maintenance, irrigation and other commercial
and industrial activities.4
The Deschutes River and its tributaries serve as
the region’s surface water resources. Surface
water rights in the Upper Deschutes Basin are
fully allocated, meaning no new surface water
rights can be issued. Approximately 86% of basin
water rights are associated with agriculture,
12% associated with instream uses, and 2%
associated with municipal uses5.
2 US Geological Survey Definition - Groundwater
3 US Geological Survey Definitiion – Surface Water
4 Oregon Water Resources Department. 2021
Review of the Deschutes Basin Groundwater
Mitigation Program. https://www.oregon.gov/owrd/
WRDReports/5YearDeschutesGWMitigationProgramReport.pdf
5 Bureau of Reclamation and Oregon Water
Resources Department. 2019 Upper Deschutes
River Basin Study. https://cdn.prod.websitefiles.
com/667093eeb1bb316e69f0e9c6/667093eeb1bb316e69f0e9d8_
Upper%20Deschutes%20River%20Basin%20Study%20Final.pdf
Statewide Planning Goal 5
Oregon land use planning protects
wildlife with Statewide Planning
Goal 5 and the associated Oregon
Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-023.
Goal 5 includes a list of resources which
each local government must inventory,
including wildlife habitat.
The Goal 5 process requires local
governments to inventory wildlife
habitat and determine which items on
the inventory are significant. For sites
identified as significant, an Economic,
Social, Environmental and Energy (ESEE)
analysis is required. The analysis leads
to one of three choices: preserve the
resource, allow proposed uses that
conflict with the resource or strike a
balance between the resource and the
conflicting uses. A program must be
provided to protect the resources as
determined by the ESEE analysis.
Appendix A of the Comprehensive Plan
contains the full ESEE ordinances for the
County’s protected Goal 5 resources.
5-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Groundwater and surface water in Deschutes
County are closely tied. Numerous studies have
noted the interconnections between stream
flow and well levels over time in Deschutes
County. Programs, such as the Deschutes Basin
Groundwater Mitigation Program, seek to
monitor these connections.
Deschutes County plays a coordination role
along with the Oregon Department of Water
Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Districts,
irrigation districts, water users, owners of private
wells, and other stakeholders to address these
water resource issues.
Context
Protected Wildlife Resources
Wildlife diversity is a major attraction of
Deschutes County. The key to protecting wildlife
is protecting the habitats each species needs
for food, water, shelter, and reproduction. Also
important is retaining or enhancing connectivity
between habitats to protect migration routes
and avoid isolated populations.
In considering wildlife habitat, counties rely
on the expertise of the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS). Those agencies provide
information for the required wildlife inventory
and recommendations on how to protect wildlife
habitat on private lands.
A summary of Deschutes County’s wildlife
protection programs follows:
MULE DEER
Migration corridors and winter range are
essential habitats needed to support mule
deer in Deschutes County. The Bend/La Pine
migration corridor is approximately 56 miles
long and 3 to 4 miles wide and parallels the
Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers. The
corridor is used by deer migrating from summer
range in the forest along the east slope of the
Cascades to the North Paulina deer winter
range. Deschutes County adopted a “Deer
Migration Priority Area” based on a 1999 ODFW
map submitted to the South County Regional
Problem Solving Group. This specific sub-area is
precluded from destination resorts.
From 2021-2023, Deschutes County explored
an update to the county’s mule deer inventory,
which included extensive community
participation including through the public record.
Ultimately, the decision was made not to update.
A snapshot of Deschutes County’s wildlife
protection program is included below. Extensive
information is included in Appendix E, the
County’s Goal 5 inventory.
SENSITIVE BIRDS
Nest sites for the bald eagle, osprey, golden
eagle, prairie falcon, great grey owl, greater
sage-grouse, and great blue heron rookeries are
inventoried by the County. The area required
for each nest site varies between species. The
minimum area required for protection of nest
sites has been identified by the ODFW in their
management guidelines for protecting colony
nesting birds, osprey, eagles, and raptor nests.
The USFW works closely with ODFW on eagle-
related issues and enforces federal guidelines to
ensure protection of bald and golden eagles.
5-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Credit: Andrew Walch/ODFW:
ELK
The Land and Resource Management Plan for
the Deschutes National Forest identifies 6 key
elk habitat areas in Deschutes County. The
ODFW also recognizes these areas as critical elk
habitat for calving, winter or summer range. The
following areas are mapped on the Big Game
Habitat Area map and in the Deschutes National
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan:
• Tumalo Mountain
• Kiwa
• Ryan
• Crane Prairie
• Fall River
• Clover Meadow
ANTELOPE
The Bend and Ochoco District offices of the
ODFW provided maps of the antelope range
and winter range. The available information
is adequate to indicate that the resource is
significant. The antelope habitat is mapped on
Deschutes County’s Big Game Habitat-Wildlife
Area Combining Zone Map.
Scenic Views and Open Space
Deschutes County has a rich abundance of open
space. Approximately 79% of land in Deschutes
County is federally owned, providing ample
open space and scenic views adjacent to these
areas. Open spaces are generally undeveloped
areas that are being maintained for some other
purpose, such as farms, parks, forests, or wildlife
habitat. Besides the value that stems from the
primary use of the land, open spaces provide
aesthetically pleasing undeveloped landscapes.
Because these areas are undeveloped, they
also provide additional benefits such as water
recharge, buffers for habitat, and safety zones
from natural hazards such as flooding and
wildfire.
Open spaces and scenic views are an important
draw for visitors and are often mentioned
as important to the area’s quality of life. The
backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, with its vast
forest and sagebrush landscapes and riparian
and wetland habitats, all provide an inspirational
setting for visitors and residents alike. Statewide
Planning Goal 5 recommends, but does not
require, creating an inventory and protections
for open spaces, scenic views and sites. Oregon
Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-023 defines open
space designations as parks, forests, wildlife
preserves, nature sanctuaries, and golf courses.
Open spaces are protected through an Open
Space and Conservation map designation
and zoning district. Scenic view protection
is implemented through the Landscape
Management Combining Zone regulations.
Water Resources
Deschutes County’s Role in Water Management
is described below.
REGULATORY AGENCIES
The primary state regulator of water
availability is the Oregon Water Resources
Department (OWRD). The Oregon Department
of Environmental Quality (DEQ) leads the
monitoring and enforcement of water quality
standards. The Oregon DEQ is required
to comply with the Federal Environmental
5-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Protection Agency. Numerous sections of the
Deschutes River in Deschutes County hold a
special status as a federal wild and scenic river,
as well as a state scenic waterway. These areas
carry additional regulations through the 1996
Upper Deschutes Wild and Scenic River and State
Scenic Waterway Comprehensive Plan, requiring
additional agency coordination with the Oregon
Parks and Recreation Department and the US
Forest Service on development impacting these
sections.
STATEWIDE PLANNING GOALS
There are two Statewide Planning Goals relating
to the protection of water resources. Goal 5
(Natural Resources, Scenic and Historic Areas,
and Open Spaces) requires an inventory and
protection of the following water resources.
In Deschutes County, these inventories have
been completed and acknowledged by the Land
Conservation and Development Commission
(See Appendix A for Goal 5 Inventories). Goal 6
(Air, Land, and Water Resources Quality) requires
comprehensive plans to be consistent with state
and federal pollution regulations. Accordingly,
it is imperative that local land use policies align
with Federal and State laws governing the
community’s water resources.
The policies in this section relating to water
provide the framework for evaluating land
use actions and define the responsibility of
the County to work in partnership with cities,
agencies, non-profits and others to achieve
efficient use of water resources and effective
management of water quality in the Upper
Deschutes Basin.
It is important to underscore that the primary
water resource management process occurs
outside of the state land use planning system.
Oregon land use and water management
are not integrated; there are no overarching
administrative rules that consider statewide
water management in conjunction with land use
planning.
SNOWPACK
Although there is expected to be a slight
increase in winter precipitation by the middle
of the century, snowpack is expected to decline
throughout the Cascades. The decline in
snowpack (which has already been observed,
see figure below)6 is due largely to increasing
temperatures causing some precipitation to fall
as rain rather than snow. This has the double
effect of decreasing snowfall and melting the
previously fallen snow. At the Mt Bachelor Ski
Resort, April snowpack is expected to decline
between 11% and 18% by the middle of the
century and between 18% and 43% by the end of
the century.
6 Adapted from Mote, P.W., Li, S., Lettenmaier, D.P. et al. Dramatic
declines in snowpack in the western US. npj Clim Atmos Sci 1, 2
(2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-018-0012-1
Average Snowpack near Mt .
Bachelor Base Village on April 1
38.7in
31.8in
2023 2070
5-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
LAVA SPONGE
Deschutes county is fortunate to be underlain on
the Western side by relatively young volcanic lava
sponge. This sponge is highly porous and is able
to absorb large quantities of water during the
wet season and gradually release it via abundant
springs along the eastern slope. The great
advantage this provides is that the resulting
summer flows into the Deschutes basin are not
as dependent on overground flow of snowmelt,
and therefore are expected to maintain a
relatively stable water supply even as snowpack
decreases into the next century.
GROUNDWATER USE
The groundwater aquifer is roughly 1,000 feet
thick across significant parts of the basin and is
replenished yearly by the Cascades’ precipitation.
A report from GSI water solutions in 2022
noted the Upper Deschutes Basin receives
over 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of annual
recharge.7 This recharge is primarily from in-
basin precipitation, although minor amounts
of recharge are attributed to interbasin flow in
which water travels from the Metolius basin,
and canal leakage. Groundwater pumping is
equivalent to approximately 2 percent of the
annual groundwater recharge. In the Deschutes
Basin a small amount of groundwater is also
used by farmers for crop or pasture irrigation.
Groundwater is also used for “exempt” purposes
including residential wells, irrigation of non-
commercial lawns under a half-acre, stock
watering, and fire control. Groundwater rights
are commonly used by cities to support housing
and development The 2019 Upper Deschutes
Basin Study estimates 40,000-acre feet are
diverted each year primarily from groundwater
purposes to serve municipal and quasi-municipal
uses.
7 “GSI Solutions Understanding Upper Deschutes Basin Groundwater
Levels, September 2022”. https://www.oregon.gov/owrd/Documents/
White%20Paper_Understanding%20Upper%20Deschutes%20
Basin%20GW%20Levels_9_26_2022.pdf
Deschutes Basin Hydrogeology
The Deschutes River Basin, from its
headwaters to the Columbia River,
encompasses 10,400 square miles of the
north central part of the State. Nearly 91% of
Deschutes County lies within the Deschutes
Basin. The upper Deschutes River Basin is
characterized by recent volcanic activity
and strong and rapid groundwater flows.
The geologic conditions lead to a strong
connection between surface and ground
water (see also Section 3.10).
Groundwater flows eastward from the
Cascade Range through permeable volcanic
rocks out into the basin and then generally
northward. Groundwater recharge comes
from precipitation in the Cascade Range,
inter-basin flow and leaking irrigation canals.
Approximately one-half of the ground water
flowing from the Cascade Range discharges
to spring-fed streams along the margins
of the range. The remaining groundwater
flows through the subsurface, and eventually
discharges to streams near the confluence of
the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius Rivers.
The large amount of groundwater discharge
in the confluence area is primarily caused
by geologic factors. The Deschutes River
flows north through permeable rock until
it hits a region of low-permeable rock near
the confluence area. There the permeable
rock strata terminates, forcing water to
the surface. Virtually all of the regional
groundwater in the upper Deschutes Basin
discharges to streams south of the area
where the Deschutes River enters this low-
permeability terrain, at roughly the location
of Pelton Dam.
5-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
A 2021 report by the Oregon Department of
Water Resources found that groundwater levels
in Deschutes County are declining, by as much
as 30 feet of total decline in the central part
of the basin. This decline has caused wells in
densely populated areas of the County to run
dry, requiring extensive well deepening work.
Groundwater levels are directly related to
recharge rates which are directly impacted by
rainfall and recharge from other sources such
as flood irrigation and leaky ditches and canals.
Impediments to recharge include such things as
increased irrigation efficiency, large scale piping
projects, and increased juniper populations.
This decline is considered “excessively declined”
per state statute and is attributed to a shift
toward overall drier conditions since the late
1990s, expanding Juniper forests, increased
groundwater pumping, a warming trend in
the basin, and decreased snowpack. However,
studies show that drought and groundwater
levels are cyclical and may vary over the years.
For example, the 1930s and 1970s were dryer
than current conditions.
The State of Oregon is currently exploring
measures to restrict overuse of groundwater
rights through its Groundwater Allocation
rulemaking. The program would limit issuance
of new groundwater rights when groundwater
levels are in a period of excessive decline.
Because the groundwater in the Deschutes Basin
is directly connected to the flow of the Deschutes
River, all additional groundwater use must be
mitigated by decreased use of groundwater or
surface water elsewhere through the Oregon
Water Resources Department’s Deschutes
Groundwater Mitigation program. This can
include retiring of other water rights, or the
release of water into the waterway. A mitigation
permit must be obtained before a new
groundwater right can be accessed.8
8 Information from the Oregon Water Resources Board Mitigation
Program.
Voluntary and or regulatory conservation
mechanisms are needed from all users to
prevent overuse of the groundwater resource
at the local level and mitigate groundwater level
declines.
SURFACE WATER USE
The 2019 Deschutes Basin Study found that total
water inflows to the basin vary from 860,000
acre-feet to 2.3 million acre-feet, depending
on how much precipitation falls in a given year
or several consecutive years. Approximately
720,000 acre-feet (86%) of surface water is
diverted each year for irrigation districts. The
study noted that declines in flow associated
with precipitation and snowpack, combined
with overallocation of water rights in the basin,
continues to lead to shortfalls for junior water
right holders. In low water years, junior water
holders in the North Unit and Arnold Irrigation
Districts are not able to access water due to this
shortage, negatively impacting agricultural and
other operations that depend on surface water
rights.
Aside from impacting operations, the reduction
of surface flows can also impact wildlife habitat.
The Deschutes Basin is home to the Oregon
spotted frog and bull trout, which are federally
listed as threatened species. To mitigate the
impacts from storage, release, diversion and
return of irrigation water on these species, the
Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan
was finalized and approved by the US Fish and
Wildlife Service in 2020. The plan was developed
in partnership with the Deschutes Basin Board
of Control representing irrigation districts, along
with tribal governments, agency staff, and other
stakeholders and seeks to provide predictability
to water managers of surface flows for the
next 30 years. The plan outlines a combination
of water management practices, funding for
conservation projects, funding for instream
leasing programs, and parameters for seasonal
release of irrigation water, among other efforts.
5-8 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Irrigation districts and other entities are engaged
in ongoing efforts to pipe canals and modernize
irrigation systems to increase their efficiency.
Due to water transmission losses in irrigation
canals from seepage into groundwater and
evaporation, piped canals typically require only
half the amount of water to be diverted from the
river or stream to deliver the same volume of
water to the end user compared to open canals.
Community members have expressed concern
that piping canals may contribute to local aquifer
declines due to loss of artificial recharge from
leaking infrastructure. Continued education and
monitoring on this topic will be helpful to best
understand the actual impact of canal piping on
groundwater resources.
WATER QUALITY
Generally, groundwater quality in Deschutes
County is classified as being ‘good,’ providing
high quality drinking water to most of its
residents. However, several productive
aquifers lie in shallow alluvial sediments that
are vulnerable to contamination from human
activities and development.
The Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) Laboratory and Water Quality Divisions’
Groundwater Quality Report for the Deschutes
Basin (March 2006) identifies areas of concern
for groundwater contamination based on various
sources of data and groundwater quality studies.
Based on collected data, development patterns
and the geology of the underlying aquifer, the
report makes recommendations
for a couple of areas in the County. The report
notes the groundwater aquifer in the Redmond
area is vulnerable to contamination from
human activities and recommends further
study by the DEQ. The La Pine aquifer in the
southern portion of the county from the Sunriver
area into Northern Klamath County between
Newberry Caldera and the Cascades is an area
of particular concern because of data collected
through several studies and the high level
of development in the area. The report also
identifies underground injection systems that
could contaminate the aquifer with pollutants
from stormwater drywells or sewage drillholes.
In South Deschutes County, the concern
for groundwater quality arises from nitrate
contamination associated with on-site
wastewater treatment (septic) systems
discharging to the shallow unconfined aquifer.
The issue is small lots with highly permeable
rapidly draining soils and a high groundwater
table with relatively cold water temperatures.
Combined with the fact that the majority of lots
are served by on-site wastewater treatment
systems and individual wells, concern arose
that nitrates from the septic systems could
contaminate local wells and the river system.
Considerable work has gone into studying the
groundwater in South County. In 1999 Deschutes
County and the Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) identified the need for a better
understanding of the processes that affect the
movement and chemistry of nitrogen in the
aquifer underlying the La Pine area. In response,
the U.S. Geological Service (USGS), in cooperation
5-9 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
with Deschutes County and DEQ, began a
study to examine the hydrologic and chemical
processes that affect the movement and
chemical transformation of nitrogen within the
aquifer. A primary objective was to provide tools
for evaluating the effects of existing and future
residential development on water quality and to
develop strategies for managing groundwater
quality.
Field research from the USGS study shows
that in a 250-square-mile study area near
La Pine the groundwater underlying the La
Pine sub-basin is highly vulnerable and being
polluted by continued reliance on traditional
onsite systems. Environmental impacts from
residential development include higher nitrate
concentrations in groundwater that is tapped
for domestic water supply and discharges to
rivers. Nitrates are regulated by the federal
Environmental Protection Agency and DEQ as
a human health concern. Vulnerability of the
shallow aquifer to contamination led to concern
that wastewater from septic systems poses a
threat to the primary drinking water supply and
local river systems. The Upper Deschutes and
Little Deschutes Sub-basins have abundant,
natural sources of phosphorus from volcanic
soils and rocks so the rivers are naturally
nitrogen limited. Nitrogen-limited rivers are
sensitive to low concentrations of available
nitrogen until some other component becomes
limiting, and that may lead to ecological impacts.
In 2008 the County used the research on nitrates
to adopt a ‘local rule’ that required South County
residents to convert their septic systems over
a period of 14 years to alternative sewage
system technology designed to reduce nitrates.
New septic systems were also required to use
alternative technologies. The County created
a process to assist residents in funding the
conversions.
Many South County residents expressed concern
over the costs involved with converting their
septic systems and disputed the science behind
the rule. Placed on the ballet by petition, the
local rule was rescinded by voters in March 2009.
As of 2010 the DEQ is leading the effort to
address nitrates in South County, with the
full cooperation of the County. One solution
being considered is creating a sewer system
or extending Sunriver’s to serve some of
the nearby areas. Sewer systems are tightly
restricted on rural lands by Statewide Planning
Goal 11 and OAR 660-11, so the Department
of Land Conservation and Development is also
involved in these efforts. The County and Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality attempted
to apply for an exception to Goal 11 to allow for
a community sewer system in 2016, although the
effort was overturned by the Oregon Land Use
Board of Appeals.
ALGAL BLOOMS
Algal blooms have been a problem for
recreational lakes in the cascade mountains in
recent years. Since 2007, the Wickiup Reservoir,
Crane Prairie Reservoir, and Paulina Lake have
experienced algal or bacteria blooms that
required a health advisory.9
Although not all algal blooms are toxic,
they interfere with recreation and aesthetic
enjoyment. In general, algal blooms are caused
by elevated nutrients, elevated temperature,
and still water. Algal blooms in other parts of
the state have led to drinking water concerns,
but Deschutes County cities are supplied by
groundwater and so the risk in algal blooms
is mainly to recreation, with the exception of
Bridge Creek, which supplies water to the City of
Bend.
9 https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/
RECREATION/HARMFULALGAEBLOOMS/Pages/archive.aspx
5-10 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Key Community Considerations
Natural resources for recreation, passive
enjoyment, habitat protection, and economic
production are a fundamental part of life in
Deschutes County, and as such were a key
part of the community conversation in this
Comprehensive Plan update. Highlights of this
conversation include:
• Concern about the ability of the County’s
water supply to accommodate more
residents, visitors, and water-intensive jobs
in the future
• Interest in a re-evaluation of water rights
for urban, agricultural, and “hobby farm”
uses.
• A robust discussion around wildlife
inventories, habitat conservation, open
space regulations, and impacts on private
property owners.
The topic of habitat conservation and water
availability came up frequently, with most
participants saying that further protections are
needed. However, there was also recognition
of the burden these protections may put on
property owners. Deschutes County does not
have the authority or expertise to evaluate or
reallocate water rights as part of its land use
planning efforts, leading the County to instead
work with the Oregon Department of Water
Resources, irrigation districts, the Bureau of
Reclamation, US Department of Agriculture,
conservation districts, non-governmental
organizations, and holders of water rights to
increase the efficiency of water distribution
throughout the community.
Goals and Policies
Water Goals and Policies
Goal 5 .1: Support regional, comprehensive water
management solutions that balance the diverse
needs of water users and recognize Oregon
water law.
Policy 5 .1 .1 . Participate in Statewide and
regional water planning including, but not
limited to:
a. Work cooperatively with appropriate
federal, state, tribal and local agency
resource managers, such as The
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon, the Oregon Water
Resources Department (OWRD), irrigation
districts, and other stakeholders and
nonprofit water organizations, such as
the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative,
the County Soil and Water Conservation
District;
b. Support the development and
implementation of Upper Deschutes Basin
Study, Habitat Conservation Plan, and
Biological Opinion from National Marine
Fisheries Service for the middle and lower
Deschutes Rivers.
Policy 5 .1 .2 . Support grants for water system
infrastructure improvements, upgrades, or
expansions.
Policy 5 .1 .3 . Develop better understanding
of The Confederated Tribes of the Warm
Springs Reservation of Oregon’s treaty-
protected rights to co-manage the water
resources of the Deschutes Basin.
Policy 5 .1 .4 . Encourage state agencies to
identify local areas of concern for water
availability and explore additional regulations
or requirements to ensure water capacity is
not negatively impacted by development.
5-11 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Goal 5 .2: Increase water efficiency and
conservation efforts among all users, including
homeowners and businesses.
Policy 5 .2 .1 . Support efficient water use
through targeted conservation, educational
and, as needed, regulatory or incentive
programs.
a. Encourage new development incorporates
efficient water use practices for all water
uses.
b. Provide education and resources to
community members regarding the
beneficial reuse of grey water for
landscaping.
c. Encourage and educate the community
about the relative impacts of thinning or
reduction of plant species that adversely
impact forest health, water availability, and
soil quality.
d. Encourage and educate the community
about on-farm efficiency measures,
including upgrades to equipment.
e. Encourage and educate the community
about use of voluntary metering of water
use to monitor seasonal impacts on water
use.
f. Provide access to educational materials
and tools related to water conservation
including publications, information about
grant opportunities, and/or partner with
organizations on educational events.
g. Encourage and educate community
members on stewardship of wetlands and
waterways.
h. Provide access to educational materials
about water-wise gardening and
xeriscaping.
i. Encourage establishment of water reuse
and recycling programs, in particular for
County facilities.
Policy 5 .2 .2 . Promote coordinated
regional water conservation efforts and
implementation by regional, tribal, and
local organizations and agencies, including
increasing public awareness of and
implementing water conservation tools,
incentives, and best practices.
Policy 5 .2 .3 . Support conservation efforts
by irrigation districts, property owners and
other water users, including programs to
provide incentives for water conservation,
such as piping of canals and laterals, water
banking, exchanges of water rights, voluntary
transfers of in-stream flows, onsite efficiency
measures, and other means.
Goal 5 .3: Maintain and enhance a healthy
ecosystem in the Deschutes River Basin.
Policy 5 .3 .1 . Notify the Oregon Department
of State Lands, The Confederated Tribes of
the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon,
and other state and federal agencies as
appropriate of any development applications
for land within a wetland identified on the
statewide wetland inventory maps.
Policy 5 .3 .2 . Work with The Confederated
Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of
Oregon and other federal, state, and local
agency resource managers to restore,
maintain and/or enhance healthy river and
riparian ecosystems and wetlands, including
the following:
a. Cooperate to improve surface waters,
especially those designated water quality
impaired under the federal Clean Water
Act;
b. Support research on methods to restore,
maintain and enhance river and riparian
ecosystems and wetlands;
c. Support restoration efforts for river and
riparian ecosystems and wetlands;
5-12 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
d. Inventory and consider protections for
cold water springs;
e. Evaluate waterways in coordination with
OPRD for possible designation under the
Scenic Waterways program;
f. In collaboration with appropriate federal,
state, tribal and local agency resource
managers stakeholders, map channel
migration zones and identify effective
protections;
g. Develop comprehensive riparian
management or mitigation practices that
enhance ecosystems, such as criteria
for removal of vegetation that adversely
impacts water availability and soil health.
Policy 5 .3 .3 . Support studies of the
Deschutes River ecosystem and incorporate
strategies from current watershed studies
that provide new scientific information and
indigenous knowledge about the Deschutes
River ecosystem.
Policy 5 .3 .4 . Support educational efforts
and identify areas where the County could
provide information on the Deschutes River
ecosystem, including rivers, riparian areas,
floodplains and wetlands.
a. Support efforts to educate property
owners to understand regulations
pertaining to rivers, riparian areas,
floodplains and wetlands.
Policy 5 .3 .5 . Revisit recommendations
of 1996 Upper Deschutes Wild and
Scenic River and State Scenic Waterway
Comprehensive Plan, or its successor, and
consider implementation of voluntary
recommendations into the county code
Goal 5 .4: Maintain and enhance fish and
riparian-dependent wildlife habitat.
Policy 5 .4 .1 . Coordinate with The
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon and other federal,
state, and local agency resource managers
and stakeholders to protect and enhance
fish and wildlife habitat in river and riparian
habitats and wetlands.
Policy 5 .4 .2 . Promote healthy fish
populations through incentives and
education.
Policy 5 .4 .3 . Support healthy native salmonid
fish populations through coordination with
stakeholders, including, but not limited to,
The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon and other federal,
state, and local agency resource managers
who provide fish habitat management and
restoration.
a. Review, and apply where appropriate,
strategies for protecting fish and fish
habitat for native salmonid species.
b. Promote native salmonid species
recovery through voluntary incentives
and encouraging appropriate species
management and associated habitat
conservation and restoration.
Policy 5 .4 .4 . Update and implement policies
to be consistent with federally approved
Habitat Conservation Plans for species listed
under the Endangered Species Act
a. Spawning and rearing areas for salmonid
species should be considered significant
habitat and should be protected in rivers
and streams.
b. Cooperate with covered parties in
restoring or enhancing spawning and
rearing areas for salmonid species, where
feasible.
5-13 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
c. Support efforts to address riparian
restoration associated with streamflow
management under approved plans.
Policy 5 .4 .5 . Use a combination of incentives
and/or regulations to avoid, minimize, and
mitigate development impacts on river and
riparian ecosystems and wetlands.
Policy 5 .4 .6 . Support plans, cooperative
agreements, education, water quality
monitoring and other tools that protect
watersheds, reduce erosion and runoff,
enhance riparian vegetation, and protect
other natural or engineered water systems/
processes that filter and/or clean water and
improve and/or and preserve water quality.
Policy 5 .4 .7 . Coordinate with the Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality and
other stakeholders on regional water quality
maintenance and improvement efforts such
as identifying and abating point (single-
source) and non-point (unidentified or
multiple-source) pollution or developing and
implementing Total Maximum Daily Load and
Water Quality Management Plans.
Policy 5 .4 .8 . Coordinate with The
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon, Oregon Health
Authority, and other federal, state, and local
agency resource managers to address water-
related public health issues.
a. Support amendments to State regulations
to permit centralized sewer systems
in areas with high levels of existing or
potential development or identified water
quality concerns.
b. If a public health hazard is declared in
rural Deschutes County, expedite actions
such as legislative amendments allowing
sewers or similar infrastructure.
Policy 5 .4 .9 . Continue to evaluate and/or
implement regulations, such as a wellhead
protection ordinance for public water
systems, in accordance with applicable
Federal and/or State requirements.
Policy 5 .4 .10 . Coordinate and work with
the Oregon Department of Agriculture,
agricultural uses, and available voluntary
programs to support and implement
proven new technologies and best practices
to maintain and enhance water quality,
such as minimizing nitrate contamination,
maintaining streamside vegetation, reducing
streambank soil erosion and runoff, reducing
fish passage barriers, managing return flows,
limiting livestock access to riparian areas,
and minimizing weeds and bare patches in
grazing areas.
Policy 5 .4 .11 . Support regulations, education
programs, and cleaning procedures at public
and private boat landings.
Goal 5 .5: Coordinate land use and water policies
to address management and allocation of water
in Deschutes County.
Policy 5 .5 .1 . Coordinate with other affected
agencies when a land use or development
application may impact rivers or riparian
ecosystems or wetlands.
Policy 5 .5 .2 . Regulate land use patterns
and promote best practices to preserve the
integrity of the natural hydrologic system,
recognize the relationship between ground
and surface water, recognize basin-wide
impacts, and address water impacts of new
land uses and developments, including
water-intensive uses.
Policy 5 .5 .3 . Support efforts to protect
existing surface water and groundwater users
and to maintain sustainable groundwater
resources as OWRD works to update and
modernize Oregon’s groundwater allocation
rules and policies.
5-14 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Policy 5 .5 .4 . Support efforts by the OWRD
in collaboration with Central Oregon Cities
Organization, The Confederated Tribes of the
Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and
non-governmental organizations to revisit
the Deschutes Basin Groundwater Mitigation
Program.
Policy 5 .5 .5 . Coordinate with the irrigation
districts to ensure irrigated land partitions
and lot line adjustments are not approved
without notice to the affected district.
Policy 5 .5 .6 . Utilize Central Oregon
Stormwater Manual to apply appropriate
stormwater management practices land use.
decisions.
Policy 5 .5 .7 . Allow for development of
wastewater facilities and improvements
where needed or required to address water
quality issues and maintain water quality,
consistent with state and local wastewater
system requirements.
Open Space and Scenic Views Goals &
Policies
Goal 5 .6: Coordinate with property owners to
protect open spaces, scenic views, and scenic
areas and corridors through a combination of
incentives and/or educational programs.
Policy 5 .6 .1 . Work with stakeholders to
create and maintain a system of connected
open spaces while balancing private property
rights with community benefits.
Policy 5 .6 .2 . Work to maintain the visual
character and rural appearance of open
spaces such as the area along Highway 97
that separates the communities of Bend
and Redmond or lands that are visually
prominent.
Policy 5 .6 .3 . Work to maintain and protect
the visual character and rural appearance of
visually prominent open spaces within the
County, particularly those that are identified
in the Goal 5 inventory.
Policy 5 .6 .4 . Seek to protect the cultural
identity of rural communities, such as the
Highway 97 area/corridor between Bend and
Redmond, and others.
Policy 5 .6 .5 . Protect significant open spaces,
scenic views, and scenic sites by encouraging
new development to be sensitive to these
resources.
Policy 5 .6 .6 . Incentivize the placement of
structures in a way that is sensitive of view
corridors to maintain the visual character of
the area.
Wildlife Goals and Policies
Goal 5 .7:Maintain and enhance a diversity of
wildlife and habitats.
Policy 5 .7 .1 . Promote stewardship of wildlife
habitats through incentives, public education,
and development regulations.
Policy 5 .7 .2 . Ensure Goal 5 wildlife
inventories and habitat protection programs
are up-to-date through public processes,
expert sources, and current or recently
adopted plans and studies.
Policy 5 .7 .3 . Provide incentives for new
development to be compatible with and to
enhance wildlife habitat.
Policy 5 .7 .4 . Require, incentivize, or
encourage clustering of development in
inventoried wildlife areas to reduce impacts
to wildlife populations.
5-15 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Policy 5 .7 .5 .Develop better understanding of
The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon’s treaty-protected
rights to co-manage the wildlife resources of
the Deschutes Basin.
Goal 5 .8: Balance protection of wildlife and
habitat with the economic and recreational
benefits of wildlife and habitat.
Policy 5 .8 .1 . Encourage responsible and
sustainable wildlife related tourism, hunting,
and recreation.
Policy 5 .8 .2 . Coordinate with stakeholders
to ensure access to appropriate recreational
opportunities within significant wildlife and
riparian habitat through public or non-profit
ownership.
Policy 5 .8 .3 .Coordinate with Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation
of Oregon and State agencies to develop
strategies to support sound wildlife
management science and principals for the
benefit of the wildlife resource.
Goal 5 .9: Comply with federal and state
regulations related to sensitive, threatened, and
endangered species, including the Endangered
Species Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and
others as applicable.
Policy 5 .9 .1 . Coordinate with Federal and
State agencies to develop strategies to
protect Federal or State Threatened or
Endangered Species, or Species of Concern.
Policy 5 .9 .2 . Mitigate conflicts between large-
scale development and sage grouse habitat.
Policy 5 .9 .3 . Consider adopting
recommendations from Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife, the Confederated Tribes
of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon,
and the Deschutes River Mitigation and
Enhancement Program in dock construction.
Environmental Quality Goals and
Policies
Goal 5 .10: Maintain and improve upon the
quality of air and land in Deschutes County.
Policy 5 .10 .1 . Use building techniques,
materials, and technologies in existing
and future County operations and capital
facilities that help maintain and improve
environmental quality.
Policy 5 .10 .2 . Implement a dark skies
educational and or incentive program and
periodically update the Dark Skies ordinance
to reduce the impacts of light pollution
and reduce lighting impacts on adjacent
properties.
Policy 5 .10 .3 . Coordinate with agency
partners to educate residents about
controlled burning projects and air quality
concerns.
Policy 5 .10 .4 . Use public education,
education for County departments, and
regulations to control noxious weeds and
invasive species.
Goal 5 .11: Promote sustainable building
practices that minimize the impacts of
development on the natural environment.
Policy 5 .11 .1 . Use the County Code and
educational materials to promote the use of
resource-efficient building and landscaping
techniques, materials, and technologies that
minimize impacts to environmental quality.
Policy 5 .11 .2 . Encourage and support
reuse and recycling of consumer goods,
green waste, construction waste, hazardous
waste, and e-waste through education and
enhanced recycling opportunities through
the Recycling Program.
5-16 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Policy 5 .11 .3 . Support the process for
siting new County solid waste management
facilities in rural Deschutes County,
consistent with facility needs and County
standards for the location and approval of
such facilities.
Policy 5 .11 .4 . Implement best practices in
solid waste management throughout the
County.
Policy 5 .11 .5 . Develop and implement a
Climate Action Plan to address the potential
future impacts of climate change on
Deschutes County through incentives and/or
regulations.
Policy 5 .11 .6 . Promote and incentivize
green infrastructure in new development to
improve stormwater management.
5-17 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
6 Historic and
Cultural Resources
Historic resources are recognized by Statewide
Planning Goal 5, Natural Resources, Scenic
Views and Historic Areas and Open Spaces,
and Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-023.
The Statewide Goal and OAR recommend cities
and counties inventory and protect historic
and cultural sites. Recognizing the value and
importance of having a connection to our past,
Deschutes County chose to implement and
maintain a historic preservation program and
Historic Preservation Strategic Plan (Adopted
2022).
The 2022 Historic Preservation Strategic Plan
identified three overarching goals to guide
historic and cultural resource preservation in
Deschutes County: collaborate, coordinate,
and educate. The plan identifies opportunities
to strengthen relationships between historic
preservation and community partners, and to
involve community members in historical and
cultural preservation efforts. Improving access
to historic resource information and providing
content in an easily accessible format will be
paramount to preservation efforts and increase
community appreciation for resources. Along
with improved educational resources, more
outreach and education opportunities could
be explored. Deschutes County has several
partners involved in drafting and implementing
this strategic plan – those partners include the
Deschutes County Historical Society, High Desert
Museum, Archaeological Society of Central
Oregon, Three Sisters Historical Society, and
Redmond Historical Society.
6-12 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Historic and Cultural Resources
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Deschutes County is a certified local government (CLG), as designated by the State
of Oregon Historic Preservation Office. This certification recognizes the County’s
commitment to implementing and maintaining a formal historic resources program.
Deschutes County has 13 nationally registered historic and cultural sites and 35 locally
significant historic sites. The County currently administers grant programs and zoning
requirements to preserve and restore these sites. Deschutes County owns the National
Register listed Reid School and invests in supporting the Deschutes County Historical
Society as a research and educational facility through a zero-cost lease and maintenance
support for the purposes of running the museum and research center.
Context
Deschutes County has several notable historical
and cultural sites. These sites receive special
protections to avoid land use or development
activity that may disturb the historical and
cultural resources existing on site.
LOCALLY SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC SITES
Deschutes County has 35 locally significant sites
including cemeteries, ranches, dams, bridges,
schools, and granges among numerous historic
homesteads and homesites. The State of Oregon
has initiated a process to identify culturally
significant archaeological sites and sites of
indigenous importance. This process will likely be
incorporated into the County’s local inventory by
2029.
NATIONALLY REGISTERED SITES
Deschutes County has 13 sites that have
completed the national register process,
including highways, bridges, lodges, and rock
gardens.
Key Community Considerations
As part of the 2023 Comprehensive Plan update,
community members shared their vision for the
protection of historic and cultural resources.
Comments included:
• The importance of county-wide
coordination on cultural and historic, as
well as increased representation of the
indigenous history of Central Oregon.
• Acknowledging previous landowners and
preserving the County’s historical and
cultural resources are both important.
• A county-wide historic and cultural resource
signage program was also suggested.
• The community shared an interest in
capitalizing on the High Desert Museum to
continue to support indigenous culture and
Central Oregon’s history.
6-13 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Historic and Cultural Resources
Goals and Policies
Goal 6 .1: Promote the preservation of
designated historic and cultural resources
through education, incentives, and voluntary
programs.
Policy 6 .1 .1 . The Historic Landmarks
Commission shall take the lead in promoting
historic and cultural resource preservation as
defined in DCC 2.28.
a. Support incentives from the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), The
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon Tribal Historic
Preservation Office (THPO), or other
agencies for private landowners to protect
and restore historic resources.
b. Support the Historic Landmarks
Commission to promote educational
programs to inform the public of the
values of historic preservation.
c. Support improved training for the Historic
Landmarks Commission.
d. Support the goals, objectives, and actions
of the Historic Preservation Strategic Plan.
Policy 6 .1 .2 . Coordinate cultural and historic
preservation with the Oregon State Historic
Preservation Office and The Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of
Oregon Tribal Historic Preservation Office.
a. Maintain Deschutes County as a Certified
Local Government, which includes the City
of Sisters.
Policy 6 .1 .3 .Encourage private property
owners to coordinate with the State Historic
Preservation Office and The Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation
of Oregon Tribal Historic Preservation
Office. Coordinate with The Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of
Oregon, Burns-Paiute Tribe, Klamath Tribes,
Archaeological Society of Central Oregon,
and SHPO to adopt a program to identify and
protect archaeological and cultural resources,
as appropriate, and prevent conflicting uses
from disrupting the value of known sites.
6-14 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Historic and Cultural Resources
7 Natural Hazards
In order to plan for and address natural hazards,
Deschutes County has partnered with local
jurisdictions to create its Natural Hazards
Mitigation Plan (NHMP). Additional opportunities
exist to create greater defensible spaces,
encourage fire hardening, utilize grant programs,
and pursue education measures to reduce these
impacts over time.
According to the NHMP, the hazards with
greatest risk in Deschutes County are:
• Winter Storm . Destructive storms
producing heavy snow, ice and cold
temperatures occurred throughout the
County’s history. Increases in population
and tourism make potential impacts
to shelter, access to medical services,
transportation, utilities, fuel sources, and
telecommunication systems more acute.
The relative frequency of these events
combined with their widespread impacts
make winter storms the highest-ranked
hazard in the NHMP.
• Wildfire . Historically, wildland fires have
shaped the forests and wildlands valued by
residents and visitors. These landscapes,
however, are now significantly altered
due to increased rural development,
warmer and drier conditions, and forest
management practices, resulting in
increased event of wildfires that burn more
intensely than in the past.
Statewide Planning Goal 7 requires
local comprehensive plans to address
Oregon’s natural hazards. Protecting
people and property from natural
hazards requires knowledge, planning,
coordination, and education. Good
planning does not put buildings or people
in harm’s way. Planning, especially for the
location of essential services like schools,
hospitals, fire and police stations, is done
with sensitivity to the potential impact of
nearby hazards.
7-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Hazards
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Central Oregon is a dynamic region formed and shaped by the powerful forces of
nature. Deschutes County residents and visitors rely on the County and its partners to
plan for hazardous events and limit harm to people and property.
Continued rapid population growth, development in wildfire-prone areas, and an
increased frequency of natural hazard events make planning for and mitigating risks
ever more important. As temperatures rise globally, Central Oregon will face challenges
due to drought, wildfire, heat events, and storms. The impacts a major Cascadia
Subduction Zone earthquake would have on Deschutes County would be substantial as
well.
• Windstorm. A windstorm is generally a
short duration event involving straight-
line winds and/or gusts in excess of 50
mph. Although windstorms can affect the
entirety of Deschutes County, they are
especially dangerous in developed areas
with significant tree stands and major
infrastructure, especially above ground
utility lines.
• Drought. Periods of drought can have
significant impacts on public health,
agriculture, and industry. Many counties in
Central Oregon are currently experiencing
more frequent and severe droughts than
is historically the norm, and many climate
predictions see this trend continuing into
the future.
• Earthquake . The Pacific Northwest is
located at a convergent plate boundary,
called the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where
the Juan de Fuca and North American
tectonic plates meet. This fault line is
subject to rare but potentially very large
earthquakes. Such an event would impact
Deschutes County communities both
directly through damage to infrastructure
and property, as well as economically and
socially as the broader region recovers
from the disaster.
Context
Informed by an understanding of natural
hazards, Deschutes County can reduce the risks
to property, environmental quality, and human
safety through land use planning and review of
specific development proposals. The County’s
policies provide the framework for the County’s
natural hazards review program. This includes:
identification of areas subject to natural hazards,
regulations for evaluating land use actions for
how they may result in exposure to potential
harm from natural hazards, and programmatic
elements including partnerships and funding
opportunities to support natural hazard risk
reduction.
Deschutes County has taken on a number of
proactive projects, including:
• 2021 Natural Hazards Mitigation
Plan (NHMP)
• 2019 Wildfire Mitigation Advisory
Committee
• Project Wildfire, a County-led wildfire
education and mitigation program has been
in operation since 203 and has been very
successful in changing attitudes towards
wildfire and prevention.
• Community Wildfire Protection Plans
(CWPP) for many communities, including:
»Greater Bend CWPP (2016, expected
revision 2021)
»Greater La Pine CWPP (2020, expected
revision 2025)
»Greater Redmond CWPP (2022,
expected revision 2026)
»Greater Sisters Country CWPP (2019,
expected revision 2024)
7-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Hazards
»Sunriver CWPP (2020, expected revision
2025)
»East and West Deschutes County CWPP
(2018, expected revision 2023)
»Upper Deschutes River Coalition CWPP
(2018, expected revision 2023)
The County is pursuing a process to consolidate
all CWPPs into one document, to simplify the
five-year update process. In addition, dozens of
neighborhoods are pursuing or have received
FireWise certification through the National Fire
Protection Association. The County also supports
the Heart of Oregon and Youth Conservation
Corps crews in fuels reduction work and other
mitigation efforts, with financial assistance from
other entities.
Wildfire
According to the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan,
wildfire is the second most significant hazard
to the county (after winter storms) and was
the most discussed natural hazard discussed
during outreach events. Throughout the 20th
century, the years with warm and dry conditions
corresponded with larger fires that have burned
greater areas. Overall increases in heat will also
lengthen growing seasons - building greater fuel
loads and decreasing soil and fuel moisture,
thereby increasing the likelihood of larger fires.
By mid-century, the annual potential for very
large fires is projected to increase by at least
350% over the 20th century average.1
The annual frequency of very high and extreme
fire danger days is expected to increase by
10-15 additional days per year by mid-century4
(up from 36 currently). These trends are due
to exacerbated conditions with a combination
of high air temperatures and very low fuel
moisture, which increases the likelihood of fire
starts that can spread. As Deschutes County
communities have experienced, increased fire
activity - even at quite a distance - will impact
air quality, increasing public health risks and
impacting aspects of everyday life.
The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) is defined as
the area where housing and burnable vegetation
meet or intermingle2. Deschutes County has
seen increased development in the WUI,
associated with growth in the four cities and the
rural county, in particular on the edge of cities
adjacent to public lands. Public lands in the WUI
historically had frequent low intensity fire which
reduced the density of small trees and brush
making the landscape less likely to produce high
severity fire. Past forest management practices
and exclusion of frequent, natural, low intensity
fire from the landscape result in high fuel loads
and high probability of severe fire. Landscapes in
Deschutes County that have experienced severe
fire often contain dense understory vegetation
and brush, which are more susceptible to
ignitions and fire spread in hot and dry climates.
Following severe wildfire events, forests
experience disruption of natural growth
progression, which can lead to competition
among vegetative species and monoculture
species growth. Significant efforts have gone
into removal of these fuels at the federal, state,
and local levels, including notable efforts by
1 Halofsky, J. Peterson, D, Harvey, B. “Changing Wildfire,
changing forests: the effects of climate change on fire regimes and
vegetation in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Fire Ecology. 2020.
2 Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire definition for
WUI
7-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Hazards
neighborhood associations and communities
following fire-wise guidelines.
Home hardening at the individual household
level will continue to play an important role in
reducing the risk of loss from wildfire events
and mitigating the spread of fire between
neighboring properties. The 2020 Labor Day fires
severely impacted several areas of the state.
During those events, house to house ignitions
amplified the spread of wildfire, causing severe
loss of homes and businesses. Home hardening
techniques include use of ignition resistant siding
and roofing, attic ventilation devices that reduce
ember intrusion, and removal of vegetation in
the defensible space area surrounding structures
on a property. These techniques will be crucial
to reduce loss of life and property from these
increasing hazard events in and adjacent to the
WUI.
Fire Danger near Mt . Bachelor Village
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WILDFIRE AND HEAT
By the middle of this century, increasing
temperatures are expected to drive increasing
wildfire risk, especially in the Cascades. The
yearly percentage of area burned is likely to
increase in the mountains and the interval
of return (years between fires) is expected to
decrease across the county. Both the highest
and lowest summer temperatures will increase,
leading to more extreme heat days and reducing
the historical nighttime cooling effect of the high
desert.
Under all change projections, there will be an
increase in the number of days with a heat index
above both 90° and 100°F by mid-century.3 By
2100, Deschutes County can expect summer
maximum temperatures to be 12°F hotter than
current highs. Overall, extreme heat is not
considered a human health risk in Deschutes
County because of low night-time temperatures
and low humidity in the region. However,
the Redmond airport, which sees the hottest
temperatures in the county, will likely experience
3 Oregon Forest Resources Institute Fact Sheet
7-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Hazards
occasional temperatures above 105° every few
years by mid-century, and at least once a year by
2100. In addition, summer night-time lows are
likely to increase by up to 5° degrees by mid-
century, reducing the cooling effect of the high
desert climate.
Key Community Considerations
Community conversations related to natural
hazards have centered around the following
topics:
• Impacts of Climate Change. Throughout the
engagement process, community members
spoke to the importance of recognizing and
addressing the impacts of climate change in
Deschutes County and its relationship with
natural hazard events.
• Education and Communication. Providing
information about potential risks to
residents and visitors can help the
community as a whole be more prepared
for natural hazards.
• Development Code Regulations and
Incentives. Some community members
expressed a desire for stricter regulations
and additional incentives about “fire-
wise” construction and defensible space
practices.
• Limiting Development in hazard-prone
areas. Increased development in remote
areas of the County, where life-saving
services may be scarce and human impacts
may exacerbate risks, was a concern for
some.
Vulnerable Populations
Socio-demographic qualities such
as language, race and ethnicity, age,
income, and educational attainmentare
significant factors that can influence
the community’s ability to cope, adapt
to and recover from natural disasters.
A disproportionate burden is placed
upon special needs groups, particularly
children, the elderly, the disabled,
minorities, and low-income persons.
These vulnerabilities can be reduced or
eliminated with proper outreach and
community mitigation planning. For
planning purposes, it is essential that
Deschutes County and the cities of Bend,
La Pine, Redmond, and Sisters consider
both immediate and long-term socio-
demographic implications of hazard
resilience.
7-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Hazards
Goals and Policies
Goal 7 .1: Develop policies, partnerships, and
programs to increase resilience and response
capacity in order to protect people, property,
infrastructure, the economy, natural resources,
and the environment from natural hazards.
Policy 7 .1 .1 . Partner with county, state, and
regional partners to regularly update and
implement the Deschutes County Natural
Hazards Mitigation Plan.
Policy 7 .1 .2 . Collaborate with federal, state,
and local partners to maintain updated
mapping of high wildfire hazard areas,
floodplains, and other natural hazard areas
within the county.
Policy 7 .1 .3 . Communicate and cooperate
with federal, state, and local entities to clarify
responsibilities regarding wildfire mitigation
and suppression to improve fire protection
services.
Policy 7 .1 .4 . Use the development code to
provide incentives and regulations to manage
development in areas prone to natural
hazards.
Policy 7 .1 .5 . Work with agency partners
to mitigate impacts of episodes of poor
air quality resulting from wildfires and
prescribed burning in the region.
Policy 7 .1 .6 . Protect wildlife with wildland fire
mitigation measures on private lands.
Policy 7 .1 .7 . Address wildfire risk, particularly
in the wildland urban interface.
Policy 7 .1 .8 . Identify all areas not protected
by structural fire protection agencies
and promote discussions to address fire
protection in unprotected lands in the
County.
Policy 7 .1 .9 . Support forest management
practices that reduce wildfire risk.
Policy 7 .1 .10 . Support local fire protection
districts and departments in providing and
improving fire protection services.
Policy 7 .1 .11 . Continue to review and revise
County Code as needed to:
a. Ensure that land use activities do not
aggravate, accelerate or increase the level
of risk from natural hazards.
b. Require development proposals to
include an impact evaluation that reviews
the ability of the affected fire agency to
maintain an appropriate level of service to
existing development and the proposed
development.
c. Minimize erosion from development and
ensure disturbed or exposed areas are
promptly restored to a stable, natural
and/or vegetated condition using natural
materials or native plants.
d. Ensure drainage from development or
alterations to historic drainage patterns do
not increase erosion on-site or on adjacent
properties.
e. Reduce problems associated with
administration of the Floodplain Zone.
f. Require new subdivisions and destination
resorts to achieve FireWise Standards or
other currently accepted fire mitigation
standards from the beginning of the
projects and maintain those standards in
perpetuity.
Goal 7 .2: Ensure the County’s built environment
and infrastructure are adequately prepared for
natural disasters.
Policy 7 .2 .1 . Increase the quality, resiliency,
diversity, and redundancy of utility and
transportation infrastructure to increase
chances of continued service following a
natural disaster.
7-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Hazards
Policy 7 .2 .2 . Prohibit the development of
new essential public facilities and uses that
serve vulnerable populations from being
located within areas at high risk of flooding
and wildfire, and aim to relocate existing uses
in these areas.
Policy 7 .2 .3 . Support Central Oregon Ready,
Responsive, Resilient (CORE3) regional
coordinated emergency services training
facility.
Policy 7 .2 .4 . Coordinate with emergency
service providers when new development is
proposed to ensure that response capacity
can meet the needs of the new development.
Policy 7 .2 .5 . Require new development to
follow home hardening, defensible space,
and other resilient design strategies in areas
prone to wildfires and other natural hazards.
Policy 7 .2 .6 . Encourage and incentivize
development that exceeds minimum building
code standards and promote retrofitting
of existing development for better natural
disaster resiliency.
Policy 7 .2 .7 . Require development to be
designed to minimize alteration of the
natural landform in areas subject to slope
instability, drainage issues or erosion.
Policy 7 .2 .8 . Regulate development in
designated floodplains identified on the
Deschutes County Zoning Map based
on Federal Emergency Management Act
regulations.
a. Continue evaluation of participation in and
implementation of the Community Rating
System as part of the National Flood
Insurance Program.
b. Cooperate with other stakeholders to
identify alternatives for acquiring and/
or relocating existing structures prone to
flooding.
c. Continue to coordinate with stakeholders
and agency staff to correct mapping
errors.
Goal 7 .3: Develop programs that inform the
public about the increased risks from natural
hazards.
Policy 7 .3 .1 . Identify high risk, high need
populations and ensure equitable access
to emergency preparedness and recovery
services.
Policy 7 .3 .2 . Increase outreach and
education for hazard awareness and natural
disaster preparedness, especially for low-
income, elderly, non-English speaking, and
other vulnerable populations.
Policy 7 .3 .3 . Expand partnerships with
government agencies, utilities, and other
groups that can help Deschutes County
residents prepare for natural disasters.
Policy 7 .3 .4 . Work with regional partners to
establish and maintain adequate support for
a Deschutes County Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) to aid in responding
to natural hazard events.
Policy 7 .3 .5 . Promote and support business
resilience planning.
7-8 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Hazards
8 Recreation
Deschutes County does not have a parks
department; instead, it coordinates with the
federal and state agencies, local park districts,
and private entities that provide park and
recreational opportunities. Coordination
assures that resources are used efficiently, and
duplication is avoided. With a holistic view of
recreation in Deschutes County, the County can
also provide other agencies and jurisdictions
with guidance for service gaps to fill.
The health of the County’s recreational assets
and industry is inexorably tied to the health
of the land, forests, and waterways of Central
Oregon. The effects of human activity - from
development pressures and overuse of
recreational facilities to resource extraction and
climate change – will have a significant impact on
recreation in Deschutes County. Some of these
impacts include:
• Changes in precipitation affecting the
timing and conditions for winter sports
• Loss of habitat
• Wildfire and risk of wildfire limiting
recreational access
• Increased number of dangerously warm
days
Future Challenges to Recreation
The health of the County’s recreational assets
and industry is inexorably tied to the health
of the land, forests, and waterways of Central
Oregon. The effects of human activity - from
development pressures and overuse of
recreational facilities to resource extraction and
climate change – will have a significant impact on
recreation in Deschutes County.
8-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Recreation
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Recreation is an important quality of life issue for Deschutes County and recreational
tourism is a key part of the local economy. Both residents and visitors are drawn by
the County’s extensive public lands, seasonal climate, and wide variety of activities and
settings. Recreational opportunities include places set aside for specific activities such as
campgrounds or sports fields as well as passive spaces such as natural areas.
The primary focus of recreation in rural Deschutes County is outdoor recreation.
Outdoor activities promote healthy communities by encouraging people to enjoy an
active lifestyle and by providing opportunities to reconnect with the natural world.
Photo Credit: Ryan Westby
There are several environmental concerns that
may affect parks and recreation in Deschutes
County in the future. Activities such as hiking,
hunting, fishing, swimming, and foraging are
an important part of recreation in Deschutes
County - these activities are likely to be impacted
by future changes to the climate.
Fishing may be impacted by drought as water
bodies warm and seasonally drop. Foraging
animals, like deer and elk, may express
changing behavior like earlier-season high
elevation foraging and increased interactions
with agricultural communities due to drought.
Drought also severely reduces the prominence
of fruiting fungi for annual mushroom hunters,
and may increase pressure on the remaining
harvest areas. Fungi are crucial to the health of
the forest ecosystem, adapting and responding
to changing conditions and disease.
These conditions may also lead to greater
frequency and severity of algal and bacterial
blooms in fresh water. Algal blooms in other
parts of the state have led to drinking water
concerns, but Deschutes County cities are
supplied by groundwater and so the risk in
algal blooms is mainly to recreation – boaters,
swimmers, anglers, and campers may be less
motivated to visit.
Winter Sports
Snow sports are a significant component of
recreation in Deschutes County. Overall decline
in snow pack is expected in the coming decades,
which will heavily impact winter sports that
rely on snowpack in the Cascades. At the Mt.
Bachelor Ski Resort, April Snowpack is expected
to decline between 11% and 18% by the middle
of the century and between 18% and 43% by the
end of the century. Additionally, inconsistent
snowpack buildup will increase due to more
precipitation falling as rain instead of snow
throughout the season, making winter sports
seasons less predictable.
Summer Recreation
The summer outdoor season has additional risks
from degraded to severely degraded air quality
due to wildfire throughout the west coast. With
degraded air quality, outdoor recreators may
avoid the region, impacting regional income and
generally degrading the perception of the county
as a retreat to the natural world. Additionally,
an increase in the frequency of very high
temperature days may impact the safety and
desirability of outdoor recreation.
8-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Recreation
Context
Deschutes County does not directly provide
parks and recreation services. The only public
parks the County maintains are a section of the
County Fairgrounds and the Worrell Wayside in
downtown Bend. Although there is no County
parks department, there are County-owned
properties which are designated as park lands.
Parks and recreation services are provided by
the following entities.
OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
OPRD owns and manages several key parks and
scenic areas in the County. These include state
parks such as line Falls State Scenic Viewpoint,
La Pine State Park, Pilot Butte State Scenic
Viewpoint, Smith Rock State Park, and Tumalo
State Park. In addition, they also manage the
Upper and Middle Deschutes River Scenic
Waterway segments, and Cascade Lakes and
McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byways.
THE BEND PARKS AND RECREATION SPECIAL
DISTRICT (BPRD)
BPRD owns and maintains approximately 3,035
acres of parkland including 81 parks and 70
miles of trails. The largest park district in the
County, the taxing district follows the City of
Bend Urban Growth Boundary closely, although
extends past the UGB to the west and east to
include several properties outside of city limits.
THE LA PINE PARKS AND RECREATION SPECIAL
DISTRICT
This district operates in 85 square miles and
11 parks and recreation facilities in southern
Deschutes County including the City of La Pine.
THE REDMOND AREA PARKS AND RECREATION
SPECIAL DISTRICT
The District operates five recreational facilities
including the Cascade Swim Center and extends
beyond city limits to Tetherow Crossing. In 2022,
the district received voter approval for a general
obligation bond to build a new community
center with a variety of recreational, fitness, and
therapeutic activates.
THE SISTERS PARK AND RECREATION SPECIAL
DISTRICT
Operates approximately 15 acres of land within
City of Sisters city limits, including Bike Park 242,
Hyzer Pines Disc Golf Course, a playground, a
skatepark, and Coffield Community Center. The
district boundary extends far past city limits,
serving approximately 14,000 residents through
programming and activities.
THE U .S . FOREST SERVICE, BUREAU OF LAND
MANAGEMENT
Approximately 76% of the County’s total land
area is owned by the federal government,
primarily these two agencies. Community
members seek out extensive recreation activities
in these areas, including skiing, mountain biking,
hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, kayaking,
and off-road vehicle riding.
COUNTY-OWNED OPEN SPACE
Starting in 1994 the County received donation
of several properties along rivers, creeks, or
streams or with wildlife, wetlands, or other
value as park lands. The intent of this donation
was not to develop these lands for park use but
rather to preserve lands with valuable resources,
which were protected through deed restrictions.
The park designation means that the lands
would be retained in public ownership unless
8-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Recreation
Photo Credit: Visit Bend (www.visitbend.com)
there was a public hearing and the Board of
County Commissioners determined that selling
was in the best interest of the public.
ORS 275.330 governs the disposal of these lands,
stating that if they are sold the proceeds must
be dedicated to park or recreation purposes. As
of 2009, there were approximately 70 properties
designated as park lands.
COUNTY FAIRGROUND AND EXPO CENTER
The 132-acre County Fairground and Expo
Center site is located southwest of the Redmond
airport, and it is placed strategically at the hub of
the tri-county area (Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook
Counties). The facility is used for a variety of
public and private events. Each of its lawn areas
can be rented exclusively by groups for different
events, which range from weddings, picnics,
reunions, car shows, RV / motorcycle rallies,
animal shows, and outdoor trade shows, among
others.
Key Community Considerations
Recreation and access to nature is a key
component of life in Deschutes County and
a primary attraction for both residents and
visitors. As part of this Comprehensive Plan
update, community members noted concerns
about increasing recreational use or overuse,
conflicts among different users, and the need
for permitting or other strategies to manage use
of federally owned lands, particularly in popular
locations.
Because the county does not have a parks
and recreation department, community
members have identified service gaps and
lack of continuity of trail networks, habitat and
species preservation, and land access policies.
Residents are concerned with private recreation
development and use of natural resources such
as land and water.
The tension between resource use of forest land
and water, recreational use of these areas, and
natural resource protection is evident among
members of the community
Community members also noted that it is
imperative for all special districts and agencies
providing park services to coordinate on
integrated services. These partnerships will be
key to ensure sustainable recreation and land
stewardship as the County continues to grow.
8-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Recreation
Photo Credit: Ryan Westby
Goals and Policies
Goal 8 .1: Increase affordable, sustainable,
and diverse recreation opportunities through
partnerships with government and private
entities.
Policy 8 .1 .1 . Reduce barriers to regional
parks and recreation projects in Deschutes
County, including acknowledgement or
adoption of federal, state and local parks
district trail and facility plans.
Policy 8 .1 .2 . Collaborate with partners to
develop a regional system of trails and open
spaces, balancing recommendations from
local park districts, County, state, and federal
recreation plans and studies and property
owner considerations, particularly for
projects adjacent to farm and forest lands.
Policy 8 .1 .3 . Encourage coordination
between the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau
of Land Management and recreational use
interest groups to minimize environmental
degradation, agricultural fragmentation and
user conflicts on public and private land.
Policy 8 .1 .4 . Support the creation and
improvement of accessible park and
recreation opportunities in compliance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Policy 8 .1 .5 . Support efforts to coordinate
recreation planning between the County,
park and recreation districts, school
districts, irrigation districts, unincorporated
communities, and cities.
Policy 8 .1 .6 . Support the development of
parks and trails identified in locally-adopted
plans.
Policy 8 .1 .7 . Coordinate with unincorporated
communities to identify opportunities for
parks, trails, open spaces, and community
centers.
Policy 8 .1 .8 . Support trail design standards
and identify specific funding sources for
trails as part of future transportation system
planning efforts to ensure development of
identified priority rural trail segments and
bicycle routes.
Policy 8 .1 .9 . Explore creation of a County
Parks and Recreation Department to increase
the County’s role in recreation and natural
resource management and implement if
deemed appropriate.
Policy 8 .1 .10 . Support community efforts
for acquisition and management of Skyline
Forest as a community amenity.
Policy 8 .1 .11 . Work with stakeholders
to promote new recreational and tourist
initiatives that maintain the integrity of the
natural environment.
8-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Recreation
9 Economic Development
Economic development agencies in Central
Oregon cite the tremendous natural resource
access and amenities to be essential for drawing
in new businesses and workers. As the County
grows, childcare will continue to be challenge for
rural residents along with access to high speed
and reliable internet services.
A continued challenge for Deschutes County will
be to balance adequate economic opportunity
for rural residents, with protection of natural
resource lands. Community members have
expressed interest in providing for new and
emerging economic opportunities through
renewable energy development, including
potential for biomass, solar, geothermal, and
wind projects that may be compatible with rural
uses.
Context
Deschutes County’s economy was initially built
around farming and logging. As those sectors
declined in the 20th century, recreation and
tourism increased as people were drawn to the
beauty and opportunities to recreate on public
lands. Deschutes County’s high quality of life
became a draw for employers and employees
alike. In the 2000’s, the building sector boomed
as new housing was built to meet both increased
housing demand and the real estate speculation
that followed. Housing prices rose so high that
workforce housing became a limiting factor in
economic growth. The period of strong growth
ended with the national recession that began
in late 2007, leading to falling housing prices
and rising unemployment. The 2010’s and
early 2020’s have proven to be another period
of booming economic growth for Deschutes
County, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
and the dramatic increase in remote work.
9-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Statewide Planning Goal 9 provides guidance on economic development for Oregon
jurisdictions. This goal is intended to “provide adequate opportunities throughout the
state for a variety of economic activities vital to the health, welfare, and prosperity of
Oregon’s citizens.” For Deschutes County, implementing Goal 9 is focused on ensuring
opportunities for economic development, while protecting rural land uses.
In Deschutes County, several areas are designated for rural industrial and rural
commercial activities to allow for activities such as manufacturing or resource
processing. Additionally, unincorporated communities and rural service centers allow for
limited commercial opportunities, including restaurants, services, and retail stores.
Deschutes County’s economy remains strong
compared to Oregon as a whole, as shown in the
statistics below.
Primary Industries
Deschutes County is known for its abundant
natural resources, though the County continues
to balance its economy through a variety of
industries. The top 10 industries overall in
Deschutes County (including those within urban
areas) are:
1. Trade, transportation, utilities (15,742 jobs)
2. Education/Health Services (13,479 jobs)
3. Goods-producing (13,169 jobs)
4. Leisure and hospitality (12,990 jobs)
5. Health care and social assistance (12,541
jobs)
6. Retail trade (11,714 jobs)
7. Accommodation and food services (10,718
jobs)
8. Professional/business services (10,067 jobs)
9. Food services/drinking places (8,304 jobs)
10. Local government (7,396 jobs)
$74,082
Median Household
Income
($70,084 in Oregon)
9.4%
of county population
experiencing poverty
(12 .1% in Oregon)
63.3%
of population in
civilian workforce
(62 .6% in Oregon)
9-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
2022 Central Oregon Largest
Private Employers by Industry
Rank Employees Employer
1 4,509 St. Charles Health System regional
2 1,030 Bright Wood Corporation regional
3 1,000 Sunriver Resort 1,000 1,000 940
4 916 Les Schwab Headquarters & Tire
Centers regional
5 894 Mt. Bachelor
6 714 Safeway regional
7 640 NC Fred Meyer regional
8 628 Summit Medical Group regional
9 605 McDonald's regional
10 440 Lonza, formerly Bend Research
11 415 Rosendin Electric
12 391 Mosaic Medical regional
13 375 Black Butte Ranch
14 365 ibex
15 350 Meta Platforms, Inc. - Facebook Data
Center
16 340 BasX
17 336 PacificSource
18 296 High Lakes Health Care regional
19 280 Brasada Ranch
20 267 Medline ReNewal
Healthcare
6,427
Scientific and
manufacturing
780Services
1,696
Wood Products
1,030
Food Service and Grocery
1,959
IT
350
Tourism
2,549 employees
2022 Central Oregon
Largest Private Employers
Tourism
Tourism continues to be a major facet of Central
Oregon’s economy, with approximately 4.5
million visitors entering Central Oregon each
year. The majority of those visitors travel to Bend
and Deschutes County in particular but other
communities in the County also are popular
destinations, including Sisters, Redmond and
Terrebonne, as well as destination resort such as
Sunriver, Eagle Crest, Pronghorn and others. In
addition, recreational opportunities throughout
the County also attract a multitude of visitors,
from skiing on Mt. Bachelor, hiking in the Three
Sisters Wilderness, and rafting the Deschutes
River, to fishing, hunting and camping at
dispersed sites on National Forest and BLM land
throughout the County.
9-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
4.27
Annual overnight visitors in
Central Oregon (comprised of
Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and
south Wasco counties)
Million
$28.5
$25.7
Transient Tax Revenues
in 2022
Central Oregon as a whole
Deschutes County alone
Million in Tax Revenues
Million
10,270
In 2022, employment directly
generated by travel spending
in Central Oregon was
Jobs (up 13 .1%)
$293
Average trip spend, per person,
from an overnight visitor
Source: Oregon Travel Impacts, 2022 by Dean Runyan Associates for the Oregon Tourism Commission
Tourism Impacts
Construction and Development
While much of the County’s economic activity
occurs in urban areas, staff notes that
agricultural, forestry, and construction industries
also provide economic growth in Deschutes
County. Construction of rural housing can
support additional workforce in areas outside
of city limits while also utilizing local trade
industries. Construction of rural industrial
or commercial projects provide economic
opportunities that serve rural communities,
without a trip into an adjacent city.
Coordination
A key partner for the County in promoting a
healthy economy is Economic Development for
Central Oregon (EDCO). This private non-profit
organization is dedicated to diversifying the
tri-county regional economy by attracting new
investment and jobs. This organization also
tracks the local economy.
Between 2010 and 2013, Deschutes, Crook, and
Jefferson counties, and their respective cities
established a regional large lot industrial land
need analysis, ultimately leading to changes to
state law, OAR 660-024-0040 and 45. This rule
provides that that the large lot industrial land
need analysis agreed upon by all of the parties,
once adopted by each of the participating
governmental entities, would be sufficient
to demonstrate a need for up to nine large
industrial sites in Central Oregon. Six of the sites
will be made available initially. Three more sites
may be added under the rule as the original sites
are occupied. Intergovernmental agreements
were formed with the regions jurisdictions and
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council in
2013 to provide oversight of this new regional
large lot industrial lands program. Participating
local governments will review the program after
all nine sites have been occupied, or after ten
years, whichever comes first.
Connections to Other Comprehensive
Plan Chapters
Much of the County’s economic development
activity is directly related to farmland (Chapter
3), forest land (Chapter 3), mineral and aggregate
resources (Chapter 4), and natural resources
(Chapter 5). Additional information can be found
in these sections.
Key Community Considerations
As part of this comprehensive plan update,
community members expressed the following:
• A recognition that tourism is an important
industry in the County, but some concern
that the interests of tourism-related activity
play an outsized role in the County.
• Desire for a strong and diverse economy
that benefits local residents.
• Strong interest in expanding access to
childcare for rural residents, especially
those who travel into incorporated cities for
employment.
• Interest in exploring new economic
opportunities including renewable energy
development.
• Desire for additional educational and job
training opportunities, including expansion
of colleges and universities.
9-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
Economic Development Goals and
Policies
Goal 9 .1: Maintain a stable, and sustainable, and
thriving rural economy, compatible with rural
lifestyles and a healthy environment.
Policy 9 .1 .1 . Promote rural economic
initiatives, including home-based businesses,
that maintain the integrity of the rural
character and natural environment.
Policy 9 .1 .2 . Support a regional approach
to economic development in concert with
Economic Development for Central Oregon
or and similar organizations.
Policy 9 .1 .3 . Support growth and expansion
of colleges and universities, regional
educational facilities, and workforce training
programs.
Policy 9 .1 .4 . Support renewable energy
generation as an important economic
development initiative, while taking other
community goals and concerns into
consideration.
Policy 9 .1 .5 . Support and participate in
master planning for airports in Deschutes
County, including expansion of noise impact
boundaries and upgrades to facilities as
airports continue to grow.
Policy 9 .1 .6 . Within the parameters of
State land use regulations, permit limited
local-serving commercial uses in higher-
density rural communities. Support limited
and locally-serving commercial uses in
appropriate locations.
Policy 9 .1 .7 . Support expansion of high-
speed internet in rural areas and integrate
infrastructure such as fiber-optic cables into
new development and road projects.
Policy 9 .1 .8 . Support funding and
development of childcare locations across
the County to support families in the
workforce.
Policy 9 .1 .9 . Explore need for master
planning for rural economic development
lands, including Deschutes Junction.
Policy 9 .1 .10 . Recognize the importance of
maintaining a large-lot industrial land supply
that is readily developable in Central Oregon,
and support a multi-jurisdictional cooperative
effort to designate these sites.
Goal 9 .2: Support creation and continuation
of rural commercial areas that support rural
communities while not adversely affecting
nearby agricultural and forest uses.
Policy 9 .2 .1 .Allow for new Rural Commercial
zoning designations if otherwise allowed by
Oregon Revised Statute, Administrative Rule,
and this Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 9 .2 .2 .In Spring River there shall be a
Limited Use Combining Zone.
Policy 9 .2 .3 .Ensure new uses permitted on
Rural Commercial lands do not adversely
affect nearby agricultural and forest uses.
Policy 9 .2 .4 .Ensure new commercial uses on
Rural Commercial lands are limited to those
intended to serve the surrounding rural area
and/or the needs of the traveling public.
Policy 9 .2 .5 .New commercial uses shall be
limited in size to 2,500 square feet or if for
an agricultural or forest-related use, 3,500
square feet.
Policy 9 .2 .6 .A lawful use existing on or before
November 5, 2002 that is not otherwise
allowed in a Rural Commercial zone, may
continue to exist subject to the county’s
nonconforming use regulations.
9-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
Policy 9 .2 .7 .An existing lawful use may
expand up to 25 percent of the total floor
area existing on November 5, 2002.
Policy 9 .2 .8 .The Rural Commercial zoning
regulations shall allow a mixed use of
residential or rural commercial uses.
Policy 9 .2 .9 . Residential and commercial
uses shall be served by DEQ approved on-site
sewage disposal systems.
Policy 9 .2 .10 . Residential and commercial
uses shall be served by on-site wells or public
water systems.
Policy 9 .2 .11 . Motels, hotels and industrial
uses shall not be allowed. Community
sewer systems shall not be allowed without
exceptions to relevant statewide land use
goals.
Policy 9 .2 .12 . Recreational vehicle or trailer
parks and other uses catering to travelers
shall be permitted.
Goal 9 .3: Support the creation and continuation
of rural industrial areas that support rural
communities while not adversely affecting
nearby agricultural and forest uses.
Policy 9 .3 .1 . Update the policies for lands
designated Rural Industrial as needed to
limit and control industrial uses through the
use of the Rural Industrial designation and
development standards.
Policy 9 .3 .2 .To assure that urban uses are
not permitted on rural industrial lands,
land use regulations in the Rural Industrial
zones shall ensure that the uses allowed
are less intensive than those allowed for
unincorporated communities in OAR 660-22
or any successor.
Policy 9 .3 .3 .Limited Use Combining zones
shall be applied to the Redmond Military (Tax
lot 1513000000116), Deschutes Junction (Tax
lot 161226C000301, Tax lot 161226C000300,
Tax lot 161226C000111 and Tax lot
161226A000203) to ensure permitted uses
are compatible with surrounding farm and
forest lands.
Policy 9 .3 .4 . To ensure that the uses in Rural
Industrial zone on tax lot 16-12-26C-301,
as described in Exhibit “C” and depicted on
Exhibit “D” attached to Ordinance 2009-
007 and incorporated by reference herein,
are limited in nature and scope, the Rural
Industrial zoning on that site shall be subject
to a Limited Use Combining Zone which
will limit the uses to storage, crushing,
processing, sale and distribution of minerals.
Policy 9 .3 .5 . To ensure that the uses in Rural
Industrial zone on tax lot 16-12-26C-301,
as described in Exhibit “C” and depicted on
Exhibit “D” attached to Ordinance 2009-
007 and incorporated by reference herein,
are limited in nature and scope, the Rural
Industrial zoning on that site shall be subject
to a Limited Use Combining Zone which
will limit the uses to storage, crushing,
processing, sale and distribution of minerals
Policy 9 .3 .6 . To ensure that the uses in the
Rural Industrial Zone on Tax Lot 300 on
Assessor’s Map 16-12-26C-300 and Tax Lot
203 on Assessor’s Map 16-12-26A-300 and
portions of Tax Lot 111 on Assessor’s Map
16-12-26C-111 as described in Exhibit ‘D’ and
depicted in Exhibit ‘E’ attached to Ordinance
2010-030 and incorporated by reference
herein, are limited in nature and scope, the
Rural Industrial zoning on the subject parcel
shall be subject to a Limited Use Combining
Zone, which will limit the uses to storage,
crushing, processing, sale and distribution of
minerals, subject to conditional use and site
plan approval
Policy 9 .3 .7 . Ensure new uses on Rural
Industrial lands do not adversely affect
nearby agricultural and forest uses.
9-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
Policy 9 .3 .8 . A lawfully established use that
existed on or before February 2, 2003 not
otherwise allowed in a Rural Industrial zone
may continue to exist subject to the county’s
non-conforming use regulations.
Policy 9 .3 .9 . A lawfully established use that
existed on or before February 2, 2003 may be
expanded to occupy a maximum of 10,000
square feet of floor area or an additional 25
percent of the floor area currently occupied
by the existing use, whichever is greater.
Policy 9 .3 .10 . Ensure new uses on Rural
Industrial lands are served by on-site
sewage disposal systems approved by the
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Policy 9 .3 .11 . Residential and industrial uses
shall be served by on-site wells or public
water systems.
Policy 9 .3 .12 . Community sewer systems
shall not be allowed in Rural Industrial zones
without exceptions to relevant statewide land
use goals.
Policy 9 .3 .13 . A 2009 exception (Ordinance
2009-007) included an irrevocably committed
exception to Goal 3 and a reasons exception
to Goal 14 to allow rural industrial use with
a Limited Use Combining Zone for storage,
crushing, processing, sale and distribution of
minerals.
Policy 9 .3 .14 . A 2010 exception (Ordinance
2010-030) took a reasons exception to
Goal 14 with a Limited Use Combing Zone
for storage, crushing, processing, sale and
distribution of minerals.
Policy 9 .3 .15 .Properties for which a property
owner has demonstrated that Goals 3 and
4 do not apply may be considered for Rural
Industrial designation as allowed by State
Statute, Oregon Administrative rules and
this Comprehensive Plan. Rural Industrial
zoning shall be applied to a new property
that is approved for the Rural Industrial Plan
designation.
Rural Service Center Policies
Goal 9 .4: Support the creation and continuation
of rural service centers that support rural
communities while not adversely affecting
nearby agricultural and forest uses.
Policy 9 .4 .1 . Rural Service Centers in
Alfalfa, Brothers, Hampton, Wilstlestop,
and Wildhunt are identified on the
Comprehensive Plan Map and shall have
zoning consistent with Comprehensive Plan
designations.
Policy 9 .4 .2 . In Alfalfa, the remaining 20 acres
of the Rural Service Center will continue to
be zoned Rural Service Center – Residential
District, with a 5-acre minimum lot size. A
zone change to mixed use commercial can be
considered only for a specific use and upon
findings that the existing commercial area is
fully developed.
Policy 9 .4 .3 . Ensure that land uses at
Rural Service Centers do not adversely
affect agricultural and forest uses in the
surrounding areas.
Policy 9 .4 .4 . Zoning in rural service areas
shall promote the maintenance of the
area’s rural character. New commercial
uses shall be limited to small-scale, low
impact uses that are intended to serve the
community and surrounding rural area or
the travel needs of people passing through
the area. The commercial/mixed use zoning
regulations shall allow a mixed use of
residential or small-scale commercial uses
such as health and retail services.
Policy 9 .4 .5 . Residential and commercial
uses shall be served by DEQ approved on-site
sewage disposal systems.
9-8 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
Policy 9 .4 .6 . Residential and commercial
uses shall be served by onsite wells or public
water systems.
Policy 9 .4 .7 . Community water systems,
motels, hotels and industrial uses shall not
be allowed.
Policy 9 .4 .8 . Recreational vehicle or trailer
parks and other uses catering to travelers
shall be permitted.
9-9 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development
10 Housing
Context
PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH IN
UNINCORPORATED DESCHUTES COUNTY
In 2024, Deschutes County continues to be one
of the fastest growing counties in Oregon, and
that trend is expected to continue. Significant
growth is expected to occur in Deschutes
County in the coming years (over 90,000 new
residents in the next 25 years). However, the
majority of this growth is forecasted to happen
in urban areas with a more modest amount
occurring in unincorporated parts of the County
(about 5,000 additional people during the same
period). (Source: Portland State University Population
Research Center)
INCREASED DEMAND FOR RURAL HOUSING
Between 2010 and 2022, Deschutes County
processed seven applications to rezone
approximately 1,200 acres of property from a
non-residential zone to a residential zone, with
several more applications recently submitted
and under review. Most of these applicants
requested rezonings of farmland due to poor
10-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Housing
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Deschutes County faces a variety of housing demands, issues, and challenges. The
County continues to be a desirable and attractive place to live, with access to jobs,
recreation, beautiful natural landscapes, and a variety of other amenities. The County’s
population is projected to continue to grow in the coming decades. At the same time,
there are several challenges to the development of housing in the County. Some of the
key issues the County faces today include increased demand for rural housing; housing
affordability; state planning requirements related to Urban Growth Boundaries, farm
and forest land, destination resorts, and others; water availability; and issues related to
homelessness.
soil quality for farming. This trend is likely to
continue.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
The median value of owner-occupied housing
units in Deschutes County (including cities),
is significantly higher than that of the State
of Oregon ($435,600 compared to $362,200
according to 2017-2021 Census figures), and
consistently increasing. In July 2023, Becon
Appraisal Group reported an all-time high
median home value for Bend area homes, in the
amount of $785,000. The same report estimated
a median home price as $694,000 for Sisters
area homes, $473,000 for Redmond area homes,
and $401,000 for La Pine area homes. Given
that median income is generally on par with the
state as a whole, high housing prices are likely
an indicator of an inadequate supply of housing
affordable to many residents of the Deschutes
County, particularly those with low to moderate
incomes.
STATE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS
Although Deschutes County has numerous
prospects to expand residential development,
some of these opportunities face challenges
with respect to state rules and regulations.
The Oregon land use system is designed to
concentrate most growth within Urban Growth
Boundaries. A variety of statewide planning
goals, laws, and administrative rules designed
to protect farm and forest land, regulate
destination resorts, and ensure cost-effective
provision of infrastructure limit where and how
housing can be built outside of urban areas.
WATER AVAILABILITY AND CONSUMPTION
A growing demand for water for residential,
business, recreation, and agricultural uses;
changes in water table depth; allocation of water
rights; and potential future changes in water
supply related to climate change all may impact
the availability of water to support new housing.
Water resources are discussed in Chapter 5 in
more detail.
Historical and Forecasted Population and Average Annual Growth Rate
in Deschutes County and its Sub-Areas
10-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Housing
HOMELESSNESS
The incidence and impacts of homelessness
have been rising in Deschutes County, as well
as across the state and nation in recent years. A
variety of factors have contributed to this trend,
including rising housing costs, increasing income
disparities, and limited transitional housing and
supportive resources. As a result, impacts on
both urban areas and natural resources have
increased, with elevated levels of community
concern and support for more action by the
County and its partners to address these issues.
BALANCING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH
VISITOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Although population growth in unincorporated
Deschutes County is forecasted to be relatively
limited, rural parts of the County, including
several destination resorts, include significant
capacity for new residential development.
Community members have expressed concern
regarding the use of these homes as primary
residences, second homes, or vacation rentals.
RECENT CHANGES IN COUNTY HOUSING
RULES
The County has recently adopted and/or is
currently considering new rules related to
development and regulation of different types of
housing. These include:
• Changes to where accessory dwelling units
are allowed.
• Repeal of the County’s “Conventional
Housing Combining Zone” which prohibited
manufactured homes in three large
unincorporated areas east and west of
Tumalo and east of Bend.
Vacant Lots in Resort Areas
Resort Area Number of Vacant Lots
Destination Resorts
Caldera Springs 101
Eagle Crest 139
Pronghorn 285
Tetherow 200
Resort Communities
Black Butte 27
In of the 7th Mountain/Widgi Creek 12
Urban Unincorporated Area
Sunriver 118
Total Vacancies, Resort Areas 887
Vacant Lots in Rural Residential Areas
Rural Residential Areas Number of Vacant Lots
Rural Residential Zones
Rural Residential 2,139
Multiple use Agriculture 518
Suburban Low Desnsity Rural
Residential 32
Urban Area Reserve 292
Rural Communities
Tumalo (TUR/TUR5)32
Terrebonne (TER/TER5)134
Total Vacancies, Rural Residential
Areas 3,447
Future Opportunities for Rural Residential Lots
Rural Residential Areas Count
Thornburgh Destination Resort 950
Caldera Springs Destination
Resort Phase 2 340
West Side Transect 187
Tumalo Irrigation District
Rezoned Parcel 72
Gopher Gulch (North of Bend)10
Total Vacancies, Rural
Residential Areas 1,559
10-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Housing
Key Community Considerations
Given the range of issues and conditions
discussed related to this important topic, the
Comprehensive Plan includes a variety of policies
to guide future development of housing and
address impacts to residents in rural areas.
Additional related policies are found in Chapter
2 (Land Use) and Chapter 13 (Transportation).
These strategies are underpinned by community
sentiment, as described below.
• Some community members expressed
support for allowing or encouraging
growth in rural areas, particularly to
alleviate housing pressure and provide
larger-lot options. However, engagement
showed greater opposition to residential
development outside of Urban Growth
Boundaries.
• Overall support for allowing a wider range
of types of housing (e.g., accessory dwelling
units, manufactured homes, recreational
vehicles, etc.), but concerns about the
quality of this housing and additional rural
residential development in general.
• Concern about homelessness and its
impacts, coupled with strong support for
a proactive approach by the County to
work with partner agencies and groups to
address this issue.
• Relatively strong opposition for rezoning
low productivity farmland with poor soil
to allow greater opportunities for housing,
due to negative impact on open space,
habitat, transportation, and active farm
practices.
What type of housing is allowed in
unincorporated Deschutes County?
Residential development in Deschutes
County is less dense than the Cities of
Bend, La Pine, Redmond and Sisters
due to state land use rules. Single
family homes are most common type
of housing throughout the county in all
zones. Recreational vehicles are allowed
to be placed on property for temporary
living situations or as medical hardship
dwellings for family members but are
not intended to be permanent living
situations. Accessory Dwelling Units or
ADUs, also known as “granny flats” or
“carriage houses” are smaller secondary
residences on a property. In 2021, the
Oregon legislature passed Senate Bill 391
which allows for rural ADUs with certain
parameters, and Deschutes County is
currently in the process of implementing
this legislation.
10-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Housing
Goals and Policies
Goal 10 .1: Support housing opportunities
and choices for rural County residents in
unincorporated Deschutes County, while
meeting health and safety concerns, minimizing
environmental and resource land impacts.
Policy 10 .1 .1 . Incorporate annual farm and
forest housing reports into a wider system
for tracking the cumulative impacts of rural
housing development.
Policy 10 .1 .2 . Continue to update the County
zoning ordinance and work with partnering
organizations to address health and safety
issues associated with housing.
Policy 10 .1 .3 . Encourage and/or require,
where consistent with County policies
and requirements, new subdivisions to
incorporate alternative development
patterns, such as cluster development, that
mitigate community and environmental
impacts.
Policy 10 .1 .4 . Implement legislation allowing
accessory dwelling units in rural areas to
expand housing choices.
Policy 10 .1 .5 . Create and encourage
opportunities for flexibility in rural housing
including development of manufactured
home parks, safe parking sites, and RV
parking areas.
Policy 10 .1 .6 . Reduce barriers to housing
development and supporting services (such
as locally serving medical offices or similar
uses) in unincorporated communities.
Policy 10 .1 .7 . Explore grants and funding
opportunities for ongoing maintenance and
rehabilitation of existing housing stock.
Policy 10 .1 .8 . Evaluate the impacts of short-
term rentals and consider regulations to
mitigate impacts, as appropriate.
Goal 10 .2: Support agencies and non-profits that
provide affordable housing.
Policy 10 .2 .1 . Support Central Oregon
Regional Housing Authority and other
stakeholders to meet the housing needs of
all Deschutes County residents by assisting,
as needed, in coordinating and implementing
housing assistance programs.
Policy 10 .2 .2 . Utilize block grants and other
funding to assist in providing and maintaining
low- and moderate-income housing in
partnership with Housing Works and other
housing agencies and providers in Deschutes
County.
Goal 10 .3: Regulate the location and density of
housing in the area located between the Bend
UGB and Shevlin Park through Westside Transect
policies
Policy 10 .3 .1 . Protect the sensitive eco-
systems and interrelationships of the urban/
rural interface on the west side of Bend
between the urban area and Shevlin Park and
the public and forestlands to the west.
Policy 10 .3 .2 . Protect natural resources and
environmentally sensitive areas and provide
special setbacks between development and
Shevlin Park, Tumalo Creek, and forestlands.
Policy 10 .3 .3 . Development patterns
shall reflect the protection of land with
environmental significance and fire-wise and
other fire prevention community design best
practices.
Policy 10 .3 .4 . Limit residential development
to 200 single-family residential lots.
Policy 10 .3 .5 . Manage all areas outside of the
structural building envelopes on residential
lots for wildfire mitigation and wildlife
habitat in accordance with coordinated plans
prepared by professionals, reviewed annually
with reports submitted to the County every
three years. The wildfire mitigation and
10-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Housing
wildlife habitat plans shall be funded through
homeowner assessments and administered
and enforced by a homeowners association
established at the time of creation of any
residential lots.
Policy 10 .3 .6 . Reduce the impact of
construction by using best management
practices to minimize site disturbance during
construction and construction impacts (i.e.,
erosion) on Shevlin Park, Tumalo Creek, and
forestlands.
Policy 10 .3 .7 . Coordinate with the City
of Bend for mitigation of impacts to City
infrastructure from development within the
Transect.
Goal 10 .4: Participate in regional efforts to plan
for housing.
Policy 10 .4 .1 . Collaborate with cities and
private sector partners on innovative housing
developments to meet the region’s housing
needs.
Policy 10 .4 .2 . Partner with cities to
incentivize development within urban growth
boundaries and reduce infrastructure costs
for workforce and affordable housing.
Policy 10 .4 .3 . Partner with local, state,
and federal agencies to address and limit
nuisance and public health issues related to
homelessness.
Policy 10 .4 .4 . Utilize County owned land
in city limits for affordable and workforce
housing, where appropriate.
Policy 10 .4 .5 . Promote regional housing
planning, including urban reserve planning
for cities, to allow for longer term and multi-
jurisdictional housing strategies.
Policy 10 .4 .6 . Limit parcelization and
development adjacent to cities or in conflict
with planned and/or known road/utility
corridors to preserve land for future urban
development.
10-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Housing
11 Unincorporated Communities
and Destination Resorts
In addition to these unincorporated
communities, Resort Communities and
Destination Resorts are another form of
development outside of urban areas. Historically,
resort-type development served as a stabilizing
force in Central Oregon’s economy and drew
in new residents and businesses. In recent
years, development of destination resorts has
become increasingly contentious, with litigation
and extensive public participation in land use
hearings. Many residents see value in the
amenities and economic value associated with
destination resorts, although have concerns
regarding their natural resource impacts.
Context
Unincorporated Communities
Deschutes County‘s unincorporated communities
generally pre-date Oregon’s statewide land use
system and have more urban-scale uses in outer-
lying rural areas, within a defined geographic
boundary.
In 1994, Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs)
were amended to define unincorporated
communities and the types of uses that could
be allowed in these areas. The OARs established
four types of unincorporated communities, all
of which were required to be in existence at the
time of the change - the Rule did not allow for
new rural communities to be established. These
community types are described below.
URBAN UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY
This is a community which contains at least
150 permanent dwelling units, a mixture of
land uses, and contains a community water
and sewer system. Sunriver is an Urban
Unincorporated community.
RURAL COMMUNITY
This is a community which consists of permanent
residential dwellings and at least two other types
of land uses – such as commercial, industrial,
or public uses provided to the community or
travelers. Terrebonne and Tumalo are Rural
Communities and were platted prior to the
11-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Deschutes County is home to numerous unincorporated communities, which contain
urban levels of development outside of city limits. Many of these communities provide
services and amenities to rural residents. As the county continues to grow, many
residents are concerned about increasingly dense development in these unincorporated
areas which may feel out of scale with the surrounding rural uses. However, many
residents also see the need for more opportunities for small-scale rural services and
retail opportunities to serve existing and future community members. Deschutes County
will need to continue to refine the vision and guidelines for development in these areas
while balancing infrastructure needs, protection of natural resources and rural land
uses, and community desires.
establishment of the County's subdivision
ordinance.
RESORT COMMUNITY
This type of community was established for a
recreation-related use on private land prior to
1989 when the state adopted its Destination
Resort rules. Black Butte Ranch and Inn of the 7th
Mountain/Widgi Creek are Resort Communities.
It’s important to note that there are several
other resort style developments in the County
on private lands called “Destination Resorts.” See
the next section for more information.
RURAL SERVICE CENTER DESIGNATION
This is an unincorporated community that has
primarily commercial or industrial uses that
provide goods and services to the surrounding
rural area and travelers. These are the most
common type of unincorporated community in
Deschutes County and include Alfalfa, Brothers,
Hampton, Millican, Whistlestop, and Wildhunt
are limited in scale, often with only one or
several parcels in the designation.
Destination Resorts
Destination resorts have been a key economic
development strategy for Deschutes County.
Many community members and visitors enjoy
the recreational amenities and accommodations
that Destination Resorts provide.
Since 1979 destination resorts have increased
in importance to the economy of Deschutes
County. Sunriver and Black Butte Ranch, as
two of the county’s original resorts, garnered
a national reputation for their recreation
facilities and visitor accommodations, serving
as touchstones for Deschutes County’s tourism
industry. In 1989, recognizing the importance of
tourism to the economy of the State of Oregon,
the state legislature and the Land Conservation
and Development Commission (LCDC) took steps
to make it easier to establish destination resorts
on rural lands in the state. Statewide Planning
Goal 8, the recreation goal, was amended to
specify a process for locating destination resorts
on rural land without taking an exception to
Goals 3, 4, 11 and 14, which govern development
in rural resource lands. Under these changes,
destination resorts may be sited in EFU zones
where they weren’t previously allowed. In 1990,
LCDC amended the rule for siting destination
resorts on forest lands as well.
Eagle Crest Resort, although it had existed prior
to these changes, applied for legislative changes
to comply with these new rules and expand onto
adjacent lands.
In 2010, Deschutes County completed
an amendment to its destination resort
mapping process, adding “clear and objective”
requirements for eligible and ineligible sites, and
the process for amending the destination resort
map based on changes in state law. Since that
11-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
time, Pronghorn, Caldera Springs, and Tetherow
resorts have gone through the siting process.
Resorts existing prior to the legislative change,
such as Black Butte, Sunriver, and the Inn of the
Seventh Mountain have also expanded and been
rezoned to Urban Unincorporated Community
and Resort Community, respectively. Thornburgh
Resort has received preliminary approvals,
beginning in 2006.
Key Community Considerations
Unincorporated Communities are limited in
their development potential due to their specific
geographic footprint. Protecting open space
and natural resources while providing economic
opportunities in these unincorporated areas
continues to be a balancing act.
As additional rural development occurs, so
does the demand for services and goods that
can be reached without having to drive to
an incorporated city. Aging residents have
expressed a desire for additional medical care
and offices in rural areas to support aging in
place. On the other hand, many residents would
prefer limiting development in unincorporated
communities in order to preserve the rural
character of the area.
Destination Resort development continues to
be a contentious issue. Community members
have expressed concern regarding the water
use of large-scale development – specifically
the effects to groundwater for neighboring
property owners. Other community members
express support for the economic and amenity
benefits of destination resorts, noting that the
current requirements sufficiently address natural
resource concerns. Additional community
conversations will be valuable to understand the
diversity of perspectives on this topic.
Goals and Policies
Goal: To provide guidance for development of
unincorporated communities and destination
resorts.
Resort Community Policies
General Resort Community Policies
Policy 11 .1 .1 . Land use regulations shall
conform to the requirements of OAR 660
Division 22 or any successor.
Policy 11 .1 .2 . Designated open space and
common area, unless otherwise zoned for
development, shall remain undeveloped
except for community amenities such as bike
and pedestrian paths, park and picnic areas.
Areas developed as golf courses shall remain
available for that purpose or for open space/
recreation uses.
Policy 11 .1 .3 . The provisions of the
Landscape Management Overlay Zone shall
apply in Resort Communities where the zone
exists along Century Drive, Highway 26 and
the Deschutes River.
Policy 11 .1 .4 . Residential minimum lot
sizes and densities shall be determined
by the capacity of the water and sewer
facilities to accommodate existing and future
development and growth.
11-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
Policy 11 .1 .5 . The resort facility and resort
recreation uses permitted in the zoning for
Black Butte Ranch and the Inn of the Seventh
Mountain/Widgi Creek shall serve the resort
community.
Black Butte Ranch General Policies
Policy 11 .2 .1 . County comprehensive plan
policies and land use regulations shall
ensure that new uses authorized within
the Black Butte Ranch Resort Community
do not adversely affect forest uses in the
surrounding Forest Use Zones.
Policy 11 .2 .2 . The County supports the
design review standards administered by
the Black Butte Ranch Architectural Review
Committee.
Policy 11 .2 .3 . Residential, resort and utility
uses shall continue to be developed in
accordance with the Master Design for Black
Butte Ranch and the respective Section
Declarations.
Policy 11 .2 .4 .Industrial activities, including
surface mining, shall only occur in the area
zoned Black Butte Ranch Surface Mining,
Limited Use Combining District (Black Butte
Ranch SM/LU) located in the northwest
corner of Black Butte Ranch.
Policy 11 .2 .5 .Employee housing shall be
located in the area zoned Black Butte Ranch-
Utility/Limited Use Combining District (Black
Butte Ranch-U/LU).
Policy 11 .2 .6 .Any amendment to the
allowable use(s) in either the Resort
Community District or the Limited Use
Combining District shall require an exception
in accordance with applicable statewide
planning goal(s), OAR 660-04-018/022 and
DCC 18.112 or any successor.
Policy 11 .2 .7 .The westerly 38-acres zoned
Black Butte Ranch Surface Mining, Limited
Use Combining District (Black Butte Ranch
SM/LU) shall be used for the mining and
storage of aggregate resources. Uses that
do not prevent the future mining of these
resources, such as disposal of reclaimed
effluent and woody debris disposal from
thinning and other forest practices may
be allowed concurrently. Other resort
maintenance, operational and utility uses,
such as a solid waste transfer station,
maintenance facility or equipment storage
may be allowed only after mining and
reclamation have occurred.
Policy 11 .2 .8 . The 18.5 acres zoned Black
Butte Ranch-Utility/Limited Use Combining
District (Black Butte Ranch-U/LU) may be
used for the disposal of reclaimed sludge.
Policy 11 .2 .9 . The area west of McCallister
Road and east of the area zoned Black Butte
Ranch may be used for large equipment
storage, general storage, maintenance uses,
RV storage, telephone communications,
administration offices, housekeeping facilities
and employee housing.
Policy 11 .2 .10 . Employee housing shall
be set back at least 250 feet from the
eastern boundary of the area zoned Black
Butte Ranch Surface Mining, Limited Use
Combining District (Black Butte Ranch SM/
LU).
Policy 11 .2 .11 . Surface mining within the
Black Butte Ranch community boundary shall
adhere to the following Goal 5 ESEE “Program
to Meet Goal” requirements:
a. Only the western most 38 acres of the site
shall continue to be mined.
11-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
b. Setbacks shall be required for potential
conflicting residential and other
development. A minimum 50-foot setback
shall be maintained from the perimeter of
tax lot 202 for all surface mining activity.
c. Noise impact shall be mitigated by
buffering and screening.
d. Hours of operation shall be limited
to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
weekdays. No operations shall be allowed
on weekends and holidays.
e. Processing shall be limited to 45 days
in any one year, to be negotiated with
Deschutes County in the site plan
process in consultation with the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
f. The conditions set forth in the August 10,
1989, letter of ODFW shall be adhered to.
g. Extraction at the site shall be limited to five
acres at a time with on-going incremental
reclamation (subject to DOGAMI review
and approval).
h. Mining operations, siting of equipment,
and trucking of product shall be conducted
in such a manner that applicable DEQ
standards are met and minimizes noise
and dust.
i. DOGAMI requirements for a permit
once mining affects more than five acres
outside the 8.6-acre exemption area shall
be met.
j. A conditional use permit shall be obtained
from Deschutes County, under the
provisions of section 18.128.280. Surface
mining of resources exclusively for on-
site personal, farm or forest use or
maintenance of irrigation canals, before
mining activity affects more than five acres
outside the 8.6-acre exempt area.
Black Butte Ranch Public Facility Policies
Policy 11 .3 .1 . Police protection services shall
be provided by the Black Butte Ranch Police
Services District.
Policy 11 .3 .2 . The Black Butte Ranch Water
Distribution Company and the Black Butte
Ranch Corporation shall confirm the water
and sewer service, respectively, can be
provided for new uses or expansion of
existing uses that require land use approval.
Policy 11 .3 .3 . The Black Butte Ranch Water
Distribution Company shall provide water
service for the Black Butte Ranch Resort
Community.
Policy 11 .3 .4 . The Black Butte Ranch
Corporation shall provide sewer service for
Black Butte Ranch.
Policy 11 .3 .5 . The Black Butte Ranch
Fire Protection District shall provide fire
protection services for Black Butte Ranch.
Policy 11 .3 .6 . The roads and the bicycle/
pedestrian path system within the Black
Butte Ranch Resort Community boundary
shall be maintained by the Black Butte Ranch
Owners Association.
Inn of the 7th Mountain Widgi Creek General
Policies
Policy 11 .4 .1 . Any amendment to the
allowable uses in either the Resort
Community District or the Widgi Creek
Residential District shall require an exception
in accordance with applicable statewide
planning goal(s), OAR 660-04-018/022 or any
successor, and DCC 18.112 or any successor.
Policy 11 .4 .2 . The County shall encourage
and support land exchanges efforts by and
between private property owners, public
agencies, and public trusts for the purpose
11-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
of fostering public access to and protection
of natural resources, such as rivers, streams,
caves, areas/features of historical importance
and other natural features.
Inn of the 7th Mountain/Widgi Creek Public
Facility Policies
Policy 11 .5 .1 . Police protection services
shall be provided under contract with the
Deschutes County Sheriff.
Policy 11 .5 .2 . Water service shall be supplied
by on-site wells for the Inn/Widgi Resort
Community.
Policy 11 .5 .3 . New uses or expansion of
existing uses that require land use approval
shall be approved only upon confirmation
from the City of Bend that sewer service can
be provided.
Policy 11 .5 .4 . Fire protection services for
the Inn/Widgi shall be provided through a
contract with the City of Bend until such
time as Inn/Widgi develops another plan to
provide adequate fire protection.
Policy 11 .5 .5 . The Resort Community, not
Deschutes County, shall maintain roads in
the community.
Policy 11 .5 .6 . The bicycle/pedestrian path
system shall be maintained by the Inn/Widgi
Owners Association.
Policy 11 .5 .7 . Emergency access between
Widgi Creek and the Inn of the Seventh
Mountain shall be provided in accordance
with the approved development plan for the
Elkai Woods town homes. The respective
resort property owners shall maintain
emergency access between the Inn and Widgi
Creek
Destination Resorts Policies
Goal 11 .6: Provide for development of
destination resorts in the County in a manner
that will be compatible with farm and forest
uses, existing rural development, and in a
manner that will maintain important natural
features including habitat of threatened or
endangered species, streams, rivers, and
significant wetlands.
Policy 11 .6 .1 . Provide a process for the siting
of destination resorts facilities that enhance
and diversify the recreational opportunities
and economy of Deschutes County, on lands
that have been mapped by Deschutes County
as eligible for this purpose.
Goal 11 .7: Provide for development of
destination resorts consistent with Statewide
Planning Goal 12 in a manner that will ensure
the resorts are supported by adequate
transportation facilities.
Policy 11 .7 .1 . Destination resorts shall
only be allowed within areas shown on
the “Deschutes County Destination Resort
Map” and when the resort complies with
the requirements of Goal 8, ORS 197.435 to
197.467, and Deschutes County Code 18.113.
Policy 11 .7 .2 . Ensure protection of water
quality, recreational resources, and other
County resources and values.
Policy 11 .7 .3 . Ensure that destination resort
developments support and implement
strategies to provide workers with affordable
housing options within or in close proximity
to the resorts.
11-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
Policy 11 .7 .4 .Mapping for destination resort
siting.
a. To assure that resort development does
not conflict with the objectives of other
Statewide Planning Goals, destination
resorts shall pursuant to Goal 8 not be
sited in Deschutes County in the following
areas:
1) Within 24 air miles of an urban growth
boundary with an existing population of
100,000 or more unless residential uses
are limited to those necessary for the
staff and management of the resort;
2) On a site with 50 or more contiguous
acres of unique or prime farm land
identified and mapped by the Soil
Conservation Service or within three
miles of farm land within a High-Value
Crop Area;
3) On predominantly Cubic Foot Site Class
1 or 2 forest lands which are not subject
to an approved Goal exception;
4) On areas protected as Goal 5 resources
in an acknowledged comprehensive
plan where all conflicting uses have
been prohibited to protect the Goal 5
resource;
5) Especially sensitive big game habitat,
and as listed below, as generally
mapped by the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife in July 1984 an as
further refined through development
of comprehensive plan provisions
implementing this requirement.
i. Tumalo deer winter range;
ii. Portion of the Metolius deer winter
range;
iii. Antelope winter range east of Bend
near Horse Ridge and Millican;
6) Sites less than 160 acres.
b. To assure that resort development does
not conflict with Oregon Revised Statute,
destination resorts shall not be sited in
Deschutes County in Areas of Critical State
Concern.
c. To assure that resort development
does not conflict with the objectives of
Deschutes County, destination resorts
shall also not be located in the following
areas:
1) Sites listed below that are inventoried
Goal 5 resources, shown on the Wildlife
Combining Zone, that the County has
chosen to protect:
i. Antelope Range near Horse Ridge
and Millican;
ii. Elk Habitat Area; and
iii. Deer Winter Range;
2) Wildlife Priority Area, identified on
the 1999 ODFW map submitted to the
South County Regional Problem Solving
Group;
3) Lands zoned Open Space and
Conservation (OS&C);
4) Lands zoned Forest Use 1 (F-1);
5) Irrigated lands zoned Exclusive
Farm Use (EFU) having 40 or greater
contiguous acres in irrigation;
6) 6. Non-contiguous EFU acres in the
same ownership having 60 or greater
irrigated acres;
7) Farm or forest land within one mile
outside of urban growth boundaries;
8) Lands designated Urban Reserve Area
under ORS 195.145;
9) Platted subdivisions;
11-8 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
d. For those lands not located in any of the
areas designated in Policy 3.9.5(a) though
(c), destination resorts may, pursuant
to Goal 8, Oregon Revised Statute and
Deschutes County zoning code, be sited in
the following areas:
1) Forest Use 2 (F-2), Multiple Use
Agriculture (MUA-10), and Rural
Residential (RR-10) zones;
2) Unirrigated Exclusive Farm Use (EFU)
land;
3) Irrigated lands zoned EFU having less
than 40 contiguous acres in irrigation;
4) Non-contiguous irrigated EFU acres in
the same ownership having less than 60
irrigated acres;
5) All property within a subdivision for
which cluster development approval
was obtained prior to 1990, for which
the original cluster development
approval designated at least 50 percent
of the development as open space
and which was within the destination
resort zone prior to the effective date of
Ordinance 2010-024 shall remain on the
eligibility map;
6) Minimum site of 160 contiguous acres
or greater under one or multiple
ownerships;
e. The County adopted a map in 2010
showing where destination resorts can
be located in the County. The map is part
of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning
Ordinance and shall be the basis for the
overlay zone designated Destination
Resort (DR).
Policy 11 .7 .5 . Ordinance Provisions
a. The County shall ensure that destination
resorts are compatible with the site and
adjacent land uses through enactment of
land use regulations that, at a minimum,
provide for the following:
1) Maintenance of important natural
features, including habitat of threatened
or endangered species, streams, rivers,
and significant wetlands; maintenance
of riparian vegetation within 100 feet of
streams, rivers and significant wetlands;
and
2) Location and design of improvements
and activities in a manner that will
avoid or minimize adverse effects of
the resort on uses on surrounding
lands, particularly effects on intensive
farming operations in the area and
on the rural transportation system. In
order to adequately assess the effect on
the transportation system, notice and
the opportunity for comment shall be
provided to the relevant road authority.
3) Such regulations may allow for
alterations to important natural
features, including placement of
structures, provided that the overall
values of the feature are maintained.
b. Minimum measures to assure that
design and placement of improvements
and activities will avoid or minimize the
adverse effects noted in Policy 3.9.4(a)
shall include:
1) The establishment and maintenance of
buffers between the resort and adjacent
land uses, including natural vegetation
and where appropriate, fenced, berms,
landscaped areas, and other similar
types of buffers.
11-9 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
2) Setbacks of structures and other
improvements from adjacent land uses.
c. The County may adopt additional land
use restrictions to ensure that proposed
destination resorts are compatible with
the environmental capabilities of the site
and surrounding land uses.
d. Uses in destination resorts shall be limited
to visitor- oriented accommodations,
overnight lodgings, developed recreational
facilities, commercial uses limited to types
and levels necessary to meet the needs of
visitors to the resort, and uses consistent
with preservation and maintenance of
open space.
e. The zoning ordinance shall include
measures that assure that developed
recreational facilities, visitor-oriented
accommodations and key facilities
intended to serve the entire development
are physically provided or are guaranteed
through surety bonding or substantially
equivalent financial assurances prior to
closure of sale of individual lots or units.
In phased developments, developed
recreational facilities and other key
facilitated intended to serve a particular
phase shall be constructed prior to sales in
that phase or guaranteed through surety
bonding.
SUNRIVER POLICIES
General Sunriver Policies
Policy 11 .8 .1 . Land use regulations shall
conform to the requirements of OAR 660
Division 22 or any successor.
Policy 11 .8 .2 . County comprehensive plan
policies and land use regulations shall
ensure that new uses authorized within the
Sunriver Urban Unincorporated Community
do not adversely affect forest uses in the
surrounding Forest Use Zones.
Policy 11 .8 .3 . To protect scenic views and
riparian habitat within the community,
appropriate setbacks shall be required for all
structures built on properties with frontage
along the Deschutes River.
Policy 11 .8 .4 . Open space and common area,
unless otherwise zoned for development,
shall remain undeveloped except for
community amenities such as bike and
pedestrian paths, and parks and picnic areas.
Policy 11 .8 .5 . Public access to the Deschutes
River shall be preserved.
Policy 11 .8 .6 . The County supports the
design review standards administered by the
Sunriver Owners Association.
Sunriver Residential District Policies
Policy 11 .9 .1 . Areas designated residential
on the comprehensive plan map shall be
developed with single family or multiple
family residential housing.
Sunriver Commercial District Policies
Policy 11 .10 .1 . Small-scale, low-impact
commercial uses shall be developed in
conformance with the requirements of
OAR Chapter 660, Division 22. Larger, more
intense commercial uses shall be permitted
if they are intended to serve the community,
the surrounding rural area and the travel
needs of people passing through the area.
Policy 11 .10 .2 . No additional land shall
be designated Commercial until the next
periodic review.
Policy 11 .10 .3 . Multiple-family residences
and residential units in commercial buildings
shall be permitted in the commercial area
for the purpose of providing housing which
is adjacent to places of employment. Single-
family residences shall not be permitted in
commercial areas.
11-10 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
Policy 11 .10 .4 . Approval standards for
conditional uses in the commercial district
shall take into consideration the impact of
the proposed use on the nearby residential
and commercial uses and the capacity of the
transportation system and public facilities
and services to serve the proposed use.
Sunriver Town Center District Policies
Policy 11 .11 .1 . Small-scale, low-impact
commercial uses shall be developed in
conformance with the requirements of
OAR Chapter 660, Division 22. Larger, more
intense commercial uses shall be permitted
if they are intended to serve the community,
the surrounding rural area or the travel
needs of people passing through the area.
Policy 11 .11 .2 . Development standards in
the town center district should encourage
new development that is compatible with a
town center style of development that serves
as the commercial core of the Sunriver Urban
Unincorporated Community. The following
policies should guide development in the
Town Center District in Sunriver:
a. Combine a mixture of land uses that may
include retail, offices, commercial services,
residential housing and civic uses to create
economic and social vitality and encourage
pedestrian use through mixed use and
stand alone residential buildings.
b. Develop a commercial mixed-use area
that is safe, comfortable and attractive to
pedestrians.
c. Encourage efficient land use by facilitating
compact, high-density development that
minimizes the amount of land that is
needed for development.
d. Provide both formal and informal
community gathering places.
e. Provide visitor accommodations and
tourism amenities appropriate to Sunriver.
f. Provide design flexibility to anticipate
changes in the marketplace.
g. Provide access and public places that
encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel.
h. Provide road and pedestrian connections
to residential areas.
i. Facilitate development (land use mix,
density and design) that supports public
transit where applicable.
j. Develop a distinct character and quality
design appropriate to Sunriver that
will identify the Town Center as the
centerpiece/focal point of the community.
Policy 11 .11 .3 . Development within the
Town Center (TC) District will be substantially
more dense than development elsewhere
in Sunriver. This increased density will
require changes to existing topography
and vegetation in the TC District to allow
for screened, underground parking. The
requirements of the County’s site plan
ordinance shall be interpreted to reflect this
fact.
11-11 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
Sunriver Resort District Policies
Policy 11 .12 .1 . Areas designated resort
on the comprehensive plan map shall be
designated resort, resort marina, resort golf
course, resort equestrian or resort nature
center district on the zoning map to reflect a
development pattern which is consistent with
resort uses and activities.
Sunriver Business Park District Policies
Policy 11 .13 .1 . A variety of commercial uses
which support the needs of the community
and surrounding rural area, and not uses
solely intended to attract resort visitors,
should be encouraged.
Policy 11 .13 .2 . Allow small-scale, low-impact
commercial uses in conformance with the
requirements of OAR Chapter 660, Division
22. Larger more intense commercial uses
shall be permitted if they are intended to
serve the community, the surrounding rural
area and the travel needs of people passing
through the area.
Policy 11 .13 .3 . Small-scale, low-impact
industrial uses should be allowed in
conformance with the requirements of OAR
Chapter 660, Division 22.
Sunriver Community District Policies
Policy 11 .14 .1 . Areas designated community
on the comprehensive plan map shall be
designated community general, community
recreation, community limited or community
neighborhood district on the zoning map
to reflect a development pattern which is
consistent community uses and activities.
Policy 11 .14 .2 .Policy 11 .9 .2 . Lands
designated community shall be developed
with uses which support all facets of
community needs, be they those of year-
round residents or part-time residents and
tourists.
Policy 11 .14 .3 .Policy 11 .9 .3 . Development
shall take into consideration the unique
physical features of the community and be
sensitive to the residential development
within which the community areas are
interspersed.
Sunriver Airport District Policies
Policy 11 .15 .1 . Future development shall
not result in structures or uses which, due to
extreme height or attraction of birds, would
pose a hazard to the operation of aircraft.
Policy 11 .15 .2 . Future development should
not allow uses which would result in large
concentrations or gatherings of people in a
single location.
Sunriver Utility District Policies
Policy 11 .15 .3 . Lands designated utility shall
allow for development of administrative
offices, substations, storage/repair yards,
distribution lines and similar amenities
for services such as water, sewer,
telephone, cable television and wireless
telecommunications.
Sunriver Forest District Policies
Policy 11 .16 .1 . Uses and development on
property designated forest that are within the
Sunriver Urban Unincorporated Community
boundary shall be consistent with uses
and development of other lands outside of
the community boundary which are also
designated forest on the Deschutes County
comprehensive plan map.
Policy 11 .16 .2 . Forest district property
shall be used primarily for effluent
storage ponds, spray irrigation of effluent,
biosolids application and ancillary facilities
necessary to meet Oregon Department
of Environmental Quality sewage disposal
regulations.
11-12 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
Policy 11 .16 .3 . The development of resort,
residential or non-forest commercial
activities on Forest district lands shall be
prohibited unless an exception to Goal 14 is
taken.
Sunriver General Public Facility Policies
Policy 11 .17 .1 . Residential minimum lot
sizes and densities shall be determined
by the capacity of the water and sewer
facilities to accommodate existing and future
development and growth.
Policy 11 .17 .2 . New uses or expansion of
existing uses within the Sunriver Urban
Unincorporated Community which require
land use approval shall be approved only
upon confirmation from the Sunriver Utility
Company that water and sewer service for
such uses can be provided.
Policy 11 .17 .3 . Expansion of the Sunriver
Water LLC/Environmental/LLC Water and
Sewer District outside of the historic Sunriver
boundaries shall adequately address the
impacts to services provided to existing
property owners.
Sunriver Water Facility Policies
Policy 11 .18 .1 . Water service shall continue
to be provided by the Sunriver Utilities
Company.
Sunriver Sewer Facility Policies
Policy 11 .19 .1 . Sewer service shall continue
to be provided by the Sunriver Utilities
Company.
Sunriver Transportation System Maintenance
Policies
Policy 11 .20 .1 . Privately-maintained roads
within the Sunriver Urban Unincorporated
Community boundary shall continue to
be maintained by the Sunriver Owners
Association.
Policy 11 .20 .2 . The bicycle/pedestrian
path system in Sunriver shall continue to
be maintained by the Sunriver Owners
Association or as otherwise provided by a
maintenance agreement.
Policy 11 .20 .3 . The County will encourage the
future expansion of bicycle/pedestrian paths
within the Sunriver Urban Unincorporated
Community boundary in an effort to provide
an alternative to vehicular travel.
Policy 11 .20 .4 . All public roads maintained by
the County shall continue to be maintained
by the County. Improvements to County
maintained public roads shall occur as
described the County Transportation System
Plan.
11-13 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
12 Public Facilities
Statewide Planning Goal 11, Public Facilities and
Services and the associated Oregon
Administrative Rule 660-011 specify that facilities
and services should be appropriate for, but
limited to, the needs and requirements of rural
areas to be served. Public facility plans are not
required (with some exceptions); in fact, Goal 11
and the associated rule set limits to the provision
of sewers and water systems in rural areas, in
order to limit rural growth.
There are several important issues relating to
the provision of public facilities and services that
this Comprehensive Plan addresses, including:
• Meeting the needs of county residents
while supporting the protection of resource
lands;
• Maintaining health, safety, and security
throughout the county; and
• Cooperation among the various providers
of public services.
12-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Public Facilities
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Public facilities and services provide the basic infrastructure for urban and rural
development. These systems include water and sewer systems, police and fire
protection, health and social services, schools, and libraries. The transportation system
is also a public facility – the County has developed and maintains a Transportation
System Plan that is included as Appendix B.
These public services are provided by a variety of entities, each with their own
jurisdiction, funding sources, and regulatory requirements. Overall, the provision of
facilities and services is more efficient and cost-effective in urban areas than in rural
development, where ratepayers may be few and far between. In some areas of the
County, particularly east County, available services are limited due to lower population
density and distance from urban centers. Many of the people who choose to reside
there consider the limited availability of services and facilities as an acceptable tradeoff
for a rural lifestyle.
Context
Deschutes County plays a role in ensuring that
public facilities and services are planned for,
however the facilities and services are often not
provided by county government directly. The
discussion below highlights who provides the
services listed and how the County will manage
development impacts on existing facilities and
services.
County Facilities and Services
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full
service organization providing patrol, traffic
team, criminal investigations, corrections, civil
and search and rescue. Special operations
include a Marine Patrol, K-9 units, and Forest
Patrol. The Sheriff is an elected public official
who serves a four-year term. Housed within
the Sheriff’s office is the County’s Emergency
Management Unit, which coordinates the
countywide response to natural hazards events.
SOLID WASTE
The County manages Knott Landfill Recycling
and Transfer Station, which is the only landfill
in Deschutes County. In addition to this,
the department manages four additional
transfer stations throughout the County which
gather waste in convenient locations, before
transferring to the Knott Landfill facility.
Operations at the landfill include recycling,
hazardous waste disposal, and composting.
This landfill site is anticipated to remain open
until 2029 at which time it is projected to reach
maximum capacity.
The Deschutes County Solid Waste Department
is currently undertaking a new landfill
development process, which is anticipated to
be completed in 2029. In the future, the County
will likely need to site addition facilities to
support composting, recycling, and waste stream
diversion facilities.
Deschutes County Solid Waste System, Source: Solid Waste Management Plan, 2019
12-3 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Public Facilities
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Deschutes County Health Services has a primary
responsibility to help address the basic health
and wellness of Deschutes County residents.
The department offers services at more than 40
locations in Deschutes County including public
schools; health clinics in Bend, La Pine, Redmond
and Sisters; five school-based health clinics;
agencies such as the KIDS Center and the State
of Oregon Department of Human Services; area
hospitals; care facilities and homes.
FAIRGROUNDS
The County maintains the County Fairgrounds
and Expo Center. With panoramic views of the
snow-capped Cascade range, the Deschutes
County Fair and Expo Center is situated on the
outskirts of Redmond just off of Hwy 97 and
adjacent to the Redmond Municipal Airport. Due
to its central location, the fairgrounds also serves
as an emergency center. The fairgrounds hosts
the annual County Fair and numerous other
events throughout the year.
Other Agency Facilities and Services
Where other agencies provide facilities and
services, the County coordinates with numerous
other providers of facilities and services for
the benefit of County residents. Where there
are gaps in the coverage for specific areas, the
County can work with providers to fill them.
A selection of other agencies and entities are
noted below.
CENTRAL OREGON INTERGOVERNMENTAL
COUNCIL (COIC)
COIC began serving the residents and
communities of Central Oregon in 1972 as
a Council of Governments organized under
ORS 190 by Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson
Counties and Bend, Culver, Madras, Metolius,
Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. Following
incorporation in 2007, the City of La Pine joined
these efforts. COIC provides a wide variety of
educational and economic development services
such as workforce training, alternative high
school education, business loans and public
transportation. COIC continues to evolve to meet
the needs of Central Oregon.
COIC is governed by a 15-member board made
up of elected officials who are appointed by
each of the member governments as well as
appointed representatives of key economic
sectors – business and industry, tourism and
recreation, agribusiness and agriculture, timber
and wood products, and the unemployed/
underemployed.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
There are three school districts in Deschutes
County:
• Bend-La Pine (SD 1),
• Redmond (SD 2J) and
• Sisters (SD 6).
Additionally, the Brothers Community School is
owned and operated by Crook County School
District (SD 15). The High Desert Education
Service District (ESD) partners with the districts
to provide support services such as special
education, school improvement, administrative
and legal services.
FIRE DISTRICTS
The following fire districts support rural
residents: Bend Fire Department, Black Butte
Ranch Rural Fire Protection District, Cloverdale
Rural Fire Protection District, Crooked River
Ranch Rural Fire Protection District, Deschutes
County Rural Fire Protection District #1 and #2,
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, Sisters-
Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District,
and Sunriver Service District. Public lands are
protected by federal agencies. There are some
areas in Deschutes County that are not covered
by a fire district. (See Chapter 7 for more on fire
protection.)
12-4 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Public Facilities
IRRIGATION DISTRICTS
Irrigation districts in Oregon are organized as
Special Districts under ORS Chapter 545. Six
irrigation districts operate in Deschutes County:
Arnold, Central Oregon, North Unit, Swalley,
Tumalo, the Three Sisters Irrigation Districts.
They are quasi-municipal corporations under
Oregon Law, with prescribed rules for purpose,
boards, elections, staffing, charges, etc. The
districts operate as political subdivisions of
the State of Oregon created for the purpose of
delivering water to their patrons. In addition
to irrigation uses, these districts also supply a
number of other services, including delivery of
water to municipal and industrial entities, and
pond maintenance.
LIBRARIES
Deschutes Public Library has branches in Bend,
Redmond, Sisters, La Pine and Sunriver. They
also operate a bookmobile program that focuses
on children and parenting books and a program
for supplying books to homebound residents.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Deschutes County is home to Oregon State
University Cascades Campus (Bend) and
Central Oregon Community College (Bend and
Redmond). These campuses are expected to
grow significantly in the future.
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Soil and Water Conservation Districts are
authorized by the State of Oregon to provide for
the conservation of its soil and water resources.
Working in cooperation with stakeholders, the
districts address issues such as control and
prevention of soil erosion, conservation and
development of water resources, water quality,
and wildlife preservation. The Deschutes Soil and
Water Conservation District is a legally defined
subdivision of the state government, but, like
all soil and conservation districts, functions as
a local unity led by a locally elected board of
directors who serve without pay.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS
Public Water Systems are defined as those that
have more than three connections, supply water
at least 60 days/year and are used by at least
10 persons/day. All water systems are regulated
under the federal 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act
and 1981 Oregon Drinking Water Quality Act.
Public Water Systems serving over 3,300 people
are overseen by the Oregon Department of
Human Services Drinking Water Program. The
County acts as a contractor for the Department
of Human Services to monitor approximately
180 Public Water Systems. Some privately owned
systems are, for various reasons, regulated by
the Public Utility Commission, which sets rates
and rules for public utilities.
Privately Owned Facilities and Services
UTILITIES
Electric
Electricity is provided by Pacific Power around
Bend and Redmond. Central Electric Cooperative
and Midstate Electric provide service in the
rest of the County. Phone service is provided
by Qwest and numerous cell phone providers.
Cable is provided by TDS and satellite providers.
Internet access is provided by a variety of
entities.
Hospitals
Cascade Healthcare Community manages two
hospitals: St. Charles Bend and St. Charles
Redmond. Additionally there are numerous
health providers and clinics in the County.
Sewer Districts
Creating or expanding existing sewer systems
outside an urban growth boundary or
unincorporated community is governed by
Statewide Goal 11 and OAR 660-011-0060. In
order to protect rural areas from urban-style
development, the rules regulate where and
when rural sewers are appropriate. Some sewer
districts, such as Oregon Water Wonderland Unit
12-5 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Public Facilities
2, have used the Statewide Goal 2 exception
process to create or expand a sewer system.
INDIVIDUAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Private wells
Most rural properties are served by private wells
that are approved and managed by the Oregon
Water Resources Department. The County
currently does not track the number of wells.
Individual septic systems
Most rural properties are served by septic
systems that are approved by the Onsite
Wastewater Division.
Key Community Considerations
The role that Deschutes County plays in the
provision of public facilities and services was part
of the community discussion during the update
of this Comprehensive Plan. Highlights included:
• City governments currently own property
outside of urban growth boundaries
and within County jurisdiction. In some
instances, these lands are used for water
and wastewater treatment facilities. As
the County continues to grow, additional
facilities are likely to be needed, and
coordination among jurisdictions regarding
placement of these facilities will be key.
• Significant population growth will lead
to an increase in solid waste, requiring
at minimum the siting of a new landfill.
Community members expressed a desire
for consideration of livability among other
factors when considering the placement of
key public facilities.
12-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Public Facilities
Goals and Policies
Goal 12 .1: Support the orderly, efficient, and
cost-effective siting of rural public facilities and
services.
Policy 12 .1 .1 . Encourage and support the
formation of special service districts to serve
the need for public facilities in rural areas.
Policy 12 .1 .2 . Encourage and support
planning for and acquisition of sites needed
for public facilities, such as transportation,
water, and wastewater facilities.
Policy 12 .1 .3 . Support the siting of
community health clinics, hospitals, and
private medical practices to serve rural
residents throughout the County.
Policy 12 .1 .4 . Continue to support the
County Fairgrounds as a community
gathering place, event facility and home to
the annual County Fair.
Policy 12 .1 .5 . Maintain the County
Fairgrounds as an emergency readiness
location and staging area in the event of a
Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake or
other large disaster.
Policy 12 .1 .6 . Prior to disposing of County-
owned property, consider whether the land is
appropriate for needed public projects such
as schools, health clinics, fire stations, senior
centers, or affordable housing.
Policy 12 .1 .7 . Coordinate with rural
service districts and providers to review
development proposals.
Policy 12 .1 .8 . Use the land use entitlement
process to ensure new development
addresses and mitigates impacts on existing
and planned public facilities.
Policy 12 .1 .9 . Support education districts,
library districts and recreation districts in
meeting community needs, such as meeting
spaces.
Policy 12 .1 .10 . Where practicable, locate
utility lines and facilities within or adjacent to
existing rights-of-way to avoid dividing farm
or forest lands.
Policy 12 .1 .11 . Use the development code to
mitigate visual and other impacts of public
facilities and cell towers.
Policy 12 .1 .12 . Use the Comprehensive
Plan and Development Code to guide rural
development in a manner that supports the
orderly and cost-efficient provision of public
facilities and services.
Policy 12 .1 .13 . Support siting and
development of city owned water and
wastewater facilities on rural lands, including
innovative facilities that include additional
community amenities.
Goal 12 .2: Pursue sustainable, innovative, and
cost-effective waste management practices.
Policy 12 .2 .1 . Allow for siting of waste
management facilities on rural lands,
including but not limited to landfill facilities,
transfer stations, organics management
facilities, material recovery facilities, and
recycling modernization facilities, in a
manner that is sensitive to environmental
and community concerns.
Policy 12 .2 .2 . Provide incentives, education,
and resources to promote reuse and
recycling of construction waste.
Policy 12 .2 .3 . Encourage waste reduction
through community education and
partnerships with community groups such as
the Environmental Center
Policy 12 .2 .4 . Support the creation of a
landfill overlay zone.
Goal 12 .3: Serve as a conduit for countywide
resources.
Policy 12 .3 .1 . Provide resources to connect
community members with a variety of
housing and health related issues in
Deschutes County
12-7 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Public Facilities
13 Transportation
13-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Transportation
The Deschutes County transportation system includes roadways, bicycle facilities, pedestrian
facilities, and transit facilities, as well as rail, air, marine, and pipeline systems. In general, the
County only owns, manages, and maintains facilities in the unincorporated portions of the
County. Facilities within the Urban Growth Boundaries of the incorporated cities of Bend,
Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine are managed and maintained by those cities. In addition,
the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) owns and maintains a number of state
highways throughout the County.
Information about existing conditions, planned investments, and policies related to
transportation are contained in the Deschutes County Transportation System Plan (TSP),
which is adopted as Appendix B of this Comprehensive Plan.
14 Energy
In Deschutes County, the key energy issues
include:
• Community design in more urban areas to
limit the need for large vehicles (generally
powered with fossil fuel) for everyday tasks.
• Generating, transporting, and storing
energy locally from a variety of sources, and
managing the impacts of these facilities.
• Conservation of energy through building
design and orientation, the use of energy-
efficient technologies, and incentives/
regulations/education to encourage others
to do so.
Deschutes County coordinates with utility
providers that serve the area, including:
• Central Electric Cooperative
• Midstate Electric Cooperative
• Pacific Power (PacifiCorps)
• Cascades Natural Gas
Statewide Planning Goal 13
Land and uses developed on the land
shall be managed and controlled so as to
maximize the conservation of all forms
of energy, based upon sound economic
principles.
14-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Energy
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
The amount, source, and distribution of energy used in Deschutes County is a
fundamental component of how we live our lives, and it is influenced by land use and
other decisions made at the County level. The State of Oregon requires land uses to be
managed with an eye to their energy impacts.
Context
The role of Deschutes County in planning for
energy is addressed in more detail below.
SOLAR ORIENTATION
The solar orientation of structures can create
significant energy savings and allows for
photovoltaic energy generation. The County has
long promoted energy conservation through a
passive solar code that requires new structures
to be sited so that they do not block the sun
from falling on adjacent properties.
SITING LARGE-SCALE ENERGY FACILITIES
In general, cities and counties have siting
authority over energy projects below a certain
size or generating capacity. This includes
individual projects powering or supplementing
homes and businesses or small commercial
projects which produce energy for sale. Larger
facilities are regulated by the Oregon Energy
Facility Siting Council. The thresholds for Siting
Council jurisdiction are determined by the
Legislature and are defined in Oregon Revised
Statutes (ORS) 469.300. The Siting Council does
not regulate hydroelectric development. Instead,
the Oregon Water Resources Commission has
the authority to issue licenses for hydroelectric
development.
Deschutes County currently has five developed
large-scale energy facilities, primarily located
on the eastern side of the County, approved
between 2015-2017. In 2018, the Department
of Land Conservation and Development altered
statewide rules related to these types of large-
scale energy facilities on high value farmland,
limiting development opportunities in parts
of the County. Community members have
expressed concern regarding impacts of these
facilities on wildlife habitat and aesthetics.
In addition to solar, several irrigation districts
have developed in conduit hydroelectric facilities
in which existing canals are upgraded with
equipment for power generation. Three of these
facilities currently exist, two of which are owned
and operated by Central Oregon Irrigation
District, and the third owned and operated by
Three Sisters Irrigation District.
SMALL-SCALE RESIDENTIAL, BUSINESS, AND
COMMERCIAL ENERGY GENERATION
The State oversees construction and approval
of large commercial energy facilities, as noted
above. However, there is a role for local
governments to oversee smaller commercial
projects. Commercial energy generation is
considerably more complex than permitting
small projects for homes and businesses. From
a land use perspective, the scale, extended time
frame, investment required and required off-site
components all complicate the approval process.
For example, to move the electricity generated at
an alternative energy facility to market there is
often a need for approval of roads, transmission
lines or substations. The accessory facilities
may or may not be in place at the same site as
the main facility, but are an integral part of the
project and are currently reviewed separately,
based on State regulations.
Wind Energy Generation
Wind energy is most abundant in the eastern
portion of Deschutes County. Potential impacts
of this type of facility include temporary
construction impacts, habitat loss and animal
fatalities due to collision with turbines, visual
impacts from towers and accessory structures,
and noise. Deschutes County regulates small
scale wind energy development generating less
than 100 kilowatts of power. This allowance was
added to the Deschutes County Code in 2010,
although since that time no applications have
been received to establish this type of facility.
Solar Energy Generation
Deschutes County is generally favorable to solar
generation. Potential impacts of this type of
facility include temporary construction impacts,
habitat loss, animal fatalities due to reflected
sunlight (for some solar facilities), and visual
impacts. As noted previously, the Department
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Energy
of Land Conservation and Development
amended its rules in 2018 to limit solar
development on high value farmland. Typically,
solar developments require large acreage and
relatively flat terrain for their operations. This
requirement is a limiting factor in Deschutes
County, as many of the properties that would
meet large acreage and terrain requirements
are actively used for farming purposes. The
Bureau of Land Management is exploring an
amendment to its rules to allow for greater
opportunity for solar development in the
western United States. The County anticipates
limited solar development on private land going
forward and an increase of leased BLM land for
this type of development.
Commercial Biomass
Commercial biomass uses organic material such
as wood, agricultural waste or crop residues to
power boilers to generate heat. According to the
Oregon Forest Resources Institute an estimated
4.25 million acres (about 15% of Oregon’s
forestland) have the potential to provide useful
woody biomass through thinning to reduce the
risk of uncharacteristic forest fires.
Potential impacts include temporary
construction impacts, transportation impacts
(as materials need to be transported to a central
location), visual impacts, and air quality and
climate impacts due to combustion of biofuels.
The County’s first biomass facility is under
construction through a partnership with the
Deschutes National Forest and Mt. Bachelor Ski
Resort. The project is located on federal land
and outside of the purview of Deschutes County
regulations.
Geothermal Energy Generation
Geothermal energy is a form of renewable
energy derived from heat in the earth. This heat
is transferred to water through various means
and the steam produced is used to produce
electricity. Geothermal energy is dependent on
the location of geothermal resources; central
Oregon may contain some of the best prospects
for geothermal exploration in the continental
United States.
Potential impacts include construction and visual
impacts of geothermal facilities.
Deschutes County regulates geothermal energy
in accordance with state law, although no
geothermal development projects have been
proposed to date.
Hydroelectric Energy Generation
Currently, Deschutes County has three
approved “in conduit” hydroelectric facilities
that are owned and operated by irrigation
districts within existing irrigation district canals.
Approval of these facilities have previously
been contentious, with community members
expressing concern about wildlife and impacts
to other basin users. Irrigation districts have
noted challenges in utilizing the existing county
code for these projects, which were drafted
to address “in channel” hydroelectric facilities.
To promote renewable energy development
using man-made waterways, irrigation districts
have expressed interest in helping the County
update the Deschutes County Code to more
appropriately address “in conduit” hydroelectric
facilities separate and apart from “in-channel”
hydroelectric facilities”.
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Energy
Key Community Considerations
Community discussions related to energy have
revolved around the following topics:
• Interest in planning for and adapting to
climate change, including using more
renewable energy sources.
• Concern about the design and location
of energy facilities and their impacts on
environmental resources and scenic views.
• Preparation for more use of electric
vehicles in the future, which often require
specialized charging infrastructure.
Goals and Policies
Goal 14 .1: Promote Energy Conservation and
Alternative Energy Production
Policy 14 .1 .1 . Continue to incorporate
energy conservation into the building and
management of all County operations and
capital projects using regular energy audits to
refine the results.
Policy 14 .1 .2 . Reduce energy demand by
supporting energy efficiency in all sectors of
the economy.
Policy 14 .1 .3 . Encourage energy suppliers
to explore innovative alternative energy
conservation technologies and provide
energy audits and incentives to patrons.
Policy 14 .1 .4 . Provide flexibility and
exemptions for small properties and
anomalous sites in the development
code to promote energy conservation.
Promote affordable, efficient, reliable, and
environmentally sound commercial energy
systems for individual homes, and business
consumers.
Policy 14 .1 .5 . Promote development of solar,
hydropower, wind, geothermal, biomass
and other alternative energy systems while
mitigating impacts on neighboring properties
and the natural environment.
Policy 14 .1 .6 . Provide incentives for homes
and businesses to install small-scale on-site
alternative energy systems consistent with
adopted County financing programs.
Policy 14 .1 .7 . Support development of
electric vehicle charging stations and facilities
to help promote use of electric vehicles.
Policy 14 .1 .8 . Use the development code
to promote commercial renewable energy
projects while addressing and mitigating
impacts on the community and natural
environment.
Policy 14 .1 .9 . Use Oregon’s Rural Renewable
Energy Development Zones to support the
creation of renewable energy projects.
Policy 14 .1 .10 . Identify, protect, and support
the development of significant renewable
energy sites and resources.
Policy 14 .1 .11 . Include evaluation of adverse
impacts to natural resources as part of
renewable energy siting processes.
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Energy
A-1 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix A - Terrebonne
Community Plan
B-1 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix B - Tumalo
Community Plan
C-1 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix C -
Transportation System
Plan
D-1 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix D - Newberry
Country Plan
E-1 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5
Supplemental Sections
E-2 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
Section 5.1 Introduction
Background
This chapter provides material that supplements the other chapters of the Plan. There are no goals or
policies in these sections.
Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a glossary, list all acknowledged Goal 5 resources in one
location (see Section 2.4) and list all Goal Exceptions and Goal 5 inventories. The final section in this
Chapter is a table to track all amendments to this Plan. This table will ensure a clear legislative history
is maintained.
The following information is covered in this chapter:
• Glossary and Acronyms
• Goal 5 Water Resources
• Goal 5 Wildlife Resources
• Goal 5 Open Space and Scenic Views and Sites Resources
• Goal 5 Energy Resources
• Goal 5 Wilderness, Natural Areas and Recreation Trails
• Goal 5 Surface Mining Resources
• Goal 5 Cultural and Historic Resources
• Goal Exception Statements
• Goal 5 Adopted Ordinances
• Ordinance History
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
Section 5.2 Glossary and Acronyms
Glossary
Note: Terms defined in Deschutes County Code 18.04 (Zoning Code) are not repeated here, but have the
same meaning as DCC 18.04.
“Agricultural-tourism” or “Agri-tourism” means a commercial enterprise at a working farm or ranch,
operated in conjunction with the primary farm or ranch use, conducted for the enjoyment and/or
education of visitors, that promotes successful agriculture, generates supplemental income for the
owner and complies with Oregon Statute and Rule.
“Aquifer” means a water-bearing rock, rock formation or a group of formations.
“Common Area” means ‘common property’ as defined in the Oregon Planned Communities Act at ORS
94.550(7).
“Comprehensive Plan” means a generalized, coordinated land use map and policy statement of
the governing body of a state agency, city, county or special district that interrelates all functional
and natural systems and activities relating to the use of lands, including but not limited to sewer
and water, transportation, educational and recreational systems and natural resources and air and
water quality management programs. "Comprehensive" means all- inclusive, both in terms of the
geographic area covered and functional and natural activities and systems occurring in the area
covered by the plan. "Generalized" mean a summary of policies and proposals in broad categories
and does not necessarily indicate specific locations of any area, activity or use. A plan is "coordinated"
when the needs of all levels of governments, semi- public and private agencies and the citizens have
been considered and accommodated as much as possible. "Land" includes water, both surface and
subsurface, and the air.
“Conservation” means limiting or minimizing the use or depletion of natural resources, including such
things as land, energy, water or wildlife habitat.
“Ecosystem” means the physical and biological components and processes occurring in a given area,
which interact to create a dynamic equilibrium.
“Findings” means a fact, determination or reason, based on existing information, which, by itself or in
conjunction with other findings, leads to a particular conclusion or course of action.
“Goal Exception” means a land use process through which a local jurisdiction justifies, based on
factual evidence, that a policy embodied in a particular statewide planning goal should not apply to a
particular property or set of properties.
“Green infrastructure” means design and construction practices that significantly reduce the negative
impacts of buildings on the environment and occupants.
“Groundwater” means water beneath the earth's surface between saturated soil and rock that
supplies wells and springs.
“Habitat” means a place that provides seasonal or year-round food, water, shelter and other
necessities for an organism, community or population of plants and animals.
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
“In-stream” as defined in ORS 537.332, means within the natural stream channel or lake bed or place
where water naturally flows or occurs.
"Instream flow" means the minimum quantity of water necessary to support the public use requested
by an agency.
“Post-acknowledgement plan amendment” means an amendment to an adopted and acknowledged
Comprehensive Plan.
"Regional" is used in the context of projects and collaborative efforts with impacts beyond Deschutes
County.
“Riparian (zone, habitat, or vegetation)” means of, or pertaining to, the bank of a river, or of a pond or
small lake. Riparian habitat is riverbank vegetative cover and food for many wildlife species.
“Rural lands” means those lands outside recognized urban growth boundaries which are necessary
and suitable for such uses as:
A. Exclusive farm use;
B. General agriculture;
C. Forest;
D. Rural residential;
E. Rural service center;
F. Destination resort, dude ranch, planned community;
G. Landscape management;
H. Special interest;
I. Open space;
J. Fish and wildlife protective area;
K. Recreation;
L. Surface mining.
“Special District” means any unit of local government, other than a city or county, authorized and
regulated by statute, which includes but is not limited to water control, irrigation, port districts, fire,
hospital, mass transit and sanitary districts, as well as regional air quality control authorities.
“Statewide Planning Goals” means the 19 statewide planning standards adopted by the Land
Conservation and Development Commission pursuant to OAR 660-015 to express Statewide policies
on land use and related topics. Local comprehensive plans must be consistent with the statewide
planning goals.
"Surface mining" means all or any part of the process of mining by removal of the overburden and
extraction of natural mineral deposits.
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
“Urban Growth Boundary” (UGB) means a boundary established to identify for each city, the land area
needed to accommodate 20 years of growth for the city, which is determined to be necessary and
suitable for future urban uses capable of being served by urban facilities and services.
“Urbanized lands” means those lands within the urban growth boundaries which can be served by
urban services and facilities and are necessary and suitable for future expansion of an urban area.
“Urban Reserve Area” means a boundary established to identify for each city, the land area needed to
accommodate from 20-50 years of growth for the city.
Frequently Used Acronyms
“BLM” stands for Bureau of Land Management
“CCI” stands for Committee for Community Involvement “DCC” stands for Deschutes County Code
“DLCD” stands for Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. “DEQ” stands for
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
"DOGAMI" stands for Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries “ESA” stands for the
federal Endangered Species Act
"ESEE" stands for Economic, Social, Environmental and Energy in regards to required Goal 5 analyses
“FEMA” stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency
“LCDC” stands for Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission “NOAA” stands for
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
“OAR” stands for Oregon Administrative Rules
“ODFW” stands for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife “ORS” stands for Oregon Revised Statute
“OWRD” stands for Oregon Water Resources Department “RPS” stands for Regional Problem Solving
“TSP” stands for Transportation System Plan “UGB” stands for Urban Growth Boundary “URA” stands
for Urban Reserve Area
“USFS” stands for United States Forest Service
“USFWS” stands for United States Fish and Wildlife Service “USGS” stands for United States Geological
Survey
E-6 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
Section 5.3 Goal 5 Inventory - Water Resources
Background
This section contains information from the 1979 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan as revised
and the 1986 Deschutes County/City of Bend River Study. It lists the water resources in Deschutes
County. These inventories have been acknowledged by the Department of Land Conservation and
Development as complying with Goal 5. No changes have been proposed for the 2010 Comprehensive
Plan update.
Goal 5 requires the following water resources be inventoried and the inventories are listed below.
• Riparian corridors, including water and riparian areas and fish habitat
• Wetlands
• Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers
• State Scenic Waterways
• Groundwater Resources
Also included in these inventories are Significant Lakes and Reservoirs.
Riparian Corridors
INVENTORIES
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
Wetlands
Inventory: In 1992 Deschutes County Ordinance 92-045 adopted all wetlands identified on the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory Maps as the Deschutes County wetland
inventory. Additionally, Deschutes County Ordinance 2011-008 adopted a Local Wetland Inventory
(LWI) covering 18,937 acres in South Deschutes County.
FEDERAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS
Inventory: The following segments of the Deschutes River have been designated as Federal Recreation
and Scenic rivers by the passage of the 1988 Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1988.
Congress mandates the US Forest Service to prepare a management plan for these segments of the
Deschutes River.
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
OREGON SCENIC WATERWAYS
Inventory: The following segments of the Deschutes River have been designated as State Scenic
Waterways by the State Legislature or a 1988 Ballot.
GROUNDWATER RESOURCES
Inventory: Groundwater in the Deschutes River Basin in Deschutes County connects with surface
water according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT RIVERS AND STREAMS
Inventory: Please see Section 5.5 of this Plan for the list of Landscape Management Rivers and
Streams.
SIGNIFICANT LAKES AND RESERVOIRS
Inventory: The following lakes are significant open space resources in the county. The land adjacent to
the lakes is also an important open space and a recreational resource. All of the inventoried lakes and
reservoirs except parts of Tumalo Reservoir are under federal ownership and management.
E-9 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
Section 5.4 Goal 5 Inventory - Wildlife Habitat
Background
This section contains wildlife resource information from the 1979 Deschutes County Comprehensive
Plan as revised. These inventories have been acknowledged by the Department of Land Conservation
and Development as complying with Goal 5. No changes have been proposed for the 2010
Comprehensive Plan update. However, an updated inventory has been provided as described in
Section 2.6 of this Plan and will be incorporated at a later date.
E-10 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
Bird Sites
(source: 1979 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan as revised)
Bald Eagle Habitat Sites on Non-Federal Land or with Non-Federal Sensitive Habitat Areas .
Site # Taxlot Quarter Section Site Name
DE0035-00 15-10-00-1400 23NWNE Cloverdale NW
DE0035-01 15-10-00-1400 23NENE Cloverdale NE
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-14 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has identified two bald eagle nests in Township
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-17 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
15S, Range 10E, Section 23, Tax Lot 1400. The ODFW identifiers for these sites are DE0035-00 and
DE0035-01. The sites are also known as Cloverdale. The sites are described in the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife Central Region Administrative Report No. 93-1. The sensitive habitat area is
identified as the area east of Highway 20 that is within a 1/4-mile radius of each nest site.
Site # Taxlot Site Name
DE0036-00 17S-11E-26-5900 Shevlin Park
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has inventoried a former bald eagle nest site in
Township 17S, Range 11E, Section 26, Tax Lot 5900. The ODFW identifier for this site is DE0036-00.
The site is also known as Shevlin Park. The site is described in the Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife Central Region Administrative Report No. 93-1.
Site # Taxlot Site Name
DE0037-00 22S-09E-04-4500 Wickiup Reservoir
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Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has identified a bald eagle nest in Township 22S,
Range 09E, Section 04, Tax Lot 500. The ODFW identifier for this site is DE0037-00, Wickiup Reservoir.
The site is described in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Central Region Administrative
Report No. 93-1.
Site # Taxlot Site Name
DE0038-00 22S-09E-34-500 Haner Park
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has identified a bald eagle nest in Township 22S,
Range 09E, Section 34, Tax Lot 500. The ODFW identifier for this site is DE0038-00, Haner Park. The
site is described in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Central Region Administrative Report
No. 93-1.The sensitive habitat area includes the area within one-quarter mile of the nest site.
Site # Taxlot Site Name
DE0039-00 22S-09E-06-500 Wickiup Dam
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has identified a bald eagle nest in Township 22S,
Range 09E, Section 06, Tax Lot 500. The ODFW identifier for this site is DE0039-00, Wickiup Dam. The
site is described in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Central Region Administrative Report
No. 93-1.
Site # Taxlot Quarter Section Site Name
DE0046-00 20-10-34-3401 34NWSE Bates Butte
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The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has identified a bald eagle nest in Township 20S,
Range 10E, Section 34, Tax Lot 3401. The ODFW identifier for this site is DE0046-00, Bates Butte. The
site is described in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Central Region Administrative Report
No. 93-1. The sensitive habitat area includes the area within one-quarter mile of the nest site.
Great Blue Heron Rookery – Black Butte Ranch
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) identified a great blue heron rookery in
Township 14S, Range 9E, Section 10 SENE. The County inventoried and adopted this site as a Goal 5
resources in Ordinance 92-041.
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Golden Eagle Sites
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Section 5.5 Goal 5 Inventory - Open Spaces, Scenic Views and Sites
Background
This section contains information from the 1979 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan as revised. It
lists the open spaces, scenic views and sites resources in Deschutes County. These inventories have
been acknowledged by the Department of Land Conservation and Development as complying with
Goal 5. No changes have been proposed for the 2010 Comprehensive Plan update.
To protect scenic views, landscape management areas have been defined and a combining zone
created. On lands outside urban growth boundaries and rural service centers along the portions of
roadways listed below, landscape management zoning applies and a case-by-case site plan review is
required. The area extends ¼ mile on either side from the centerline of the roadways and includes
all areas designated as State and Federal Wild, Scenic or recreational waterways and within 660 feet
from either side of designated rivers and streams as measured from the ordinary high water level.
Landscape Management Roads, Rivers and Streams
Inventory: All land within one-quarter of a mile, as measured at right angles from the centerline, of
any of the following designated Landscape Management Roadways. All land within the boundaries
of a state scenic waterway or a federal wild and scenic river corridor; and all land within 660 feet of
the ordinary high water mark of portions the following designated rivers and streams which are not
designated as state scenic waterways or federal wild and scenic rivers.
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Areas of Special Concern Inventory
Inventory: The Resource Element of the Deschutes County Year 2000 Comprehensive Plan (1979)
identified sites as Open Spaces and Areas of Special Concern. Table 5.5.2, lists the inventory of sites
identified as Areas of Special Concern located on federal land.
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Land Needed and Desirable for Open Space and Scenic Resources
Inventory: The following list shows land needed and desirable for open space and scenic resources:
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Section 5.6 Goal 5 Inventory - Energy Resources
Background
This section contains information from the 1979 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan as revised.
It lists the energy resources in Deschutes County. These inventories have been acknowledged by the
Department of Land Conservation and Development as complying with Goal 5. No changes have been
proposed for the 2010 Comprehensive Plan update.
Hydroelectric Resources of the Upper Deschutes River Basin
Inventory: Available information is adequate to indicate that the resource is significant. The City of
Bend/Deschutes County River Study inventoried 16 proposed hydroelectric project sites in Deschutes
County. Twelve were located on the Deschutes River; two on Tumalo Creek; two on Whychus
Creek; and one on the Crooked River in Deschutes County. For a more detailed discussion of the
hydroelectric resources in Deschutes County see the Deschutes County/City of Bend River Study, April
1986 (River Study), Chapters 2, 3, and 4. Also refer to the River Study staff report. The River Study and
River Study staff report are incorporated herein by reference.
* Note that the conflicting use analysis from the River Study and subsequent amendments prohibit
new hydroelectric facilities that are not physically connected to an existing dam, diversion or conduit.
(Ord.86-017, 86-018, 86-019, 92-052)
The prohibition refers to the following:
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1. Deschutes River, from its headwaters to River Mile 227, above but not including Wickiup Dam,
and from Wickiup Dam to River Mile 171 below Lava Island Falls;
2. Crooked River;
3. Fall River;
4. Little Deschutes River;
5. Spring River;
6. Paulina Creek;
7. Whychus Creek (was Squaw Creek);
8. Tumalo Creek.
Geothermal Resources
Inventory: The County adopted Ordinance 85-001 which complies with Goal 5 (OAR 660-016). The
ordinance amended the Comprehensive Plan and adopted a Geothermal Resource Element including
a resource inventory and ESEE analysis.
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Section 5.7 Goal 5 Inventory - Wilderness, Natural Areas, and Recreation
Background
This section lists wilderness areas, natural areas and recreation trail resources in Deschutes County.
Wilderness Areas
Inventory: Wilderness areas are represented by all lands within the existing Mt. Washington and
Three Sisters Wilderness Areas as shown on the Deschutes National forest Land and Resource
Management Plan Map, and all lands included in the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) State of
Oregon Wilderness Status Map for Deschutes County and BLM Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) as
shown on the Brothers / La Pine Resource Management Plan.
Ecologically and Scientifically Significant Natural Areas
Inventory: The following sites are the inventories ecologically significant natural areas in Deschutes
County by the Oregon Natural Heritage Program and there is sufficient information based on site
reports from the Heritage Program to complete the Goal 5 review process.
Approved Oregon Recreation Trails
None listed
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Section 5.8 Goal 5 Inventory - Mineral and Aggregate Resources
Background
This section contains information from the 1979 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan as revised. It
lists the surface mining resources in Deschutes County. These inventories have been acknowledged
by the Department of Land Conservation and Development as complying with Goal 5. No changes
have been proposed for the 2010 Comprehensive Plan update.
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Section 5.9 Goal 5 Inventory - Cultural and Historic Resources
Background
This section lists Locally Significant Historic Resources and National Register Resources in rural
Deschutes County. These inventories are acknowledged by the Department of Land Conservation
and Development. In 2020, Deschutes County’s inventories were updated to comply with Oregon
Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-023-0200, Historic Resources. OAR 660- 023-0200 was amended in
2017.
Locally Significant Historic Resources
1. Alfalfa Grange: Grange building and community center, built in 1930, located on Willard Road,
Alfalfa. 17-14-26 TL 400.
2. Allen Ranch Cemetery: Oldest cemetery in Deschutes County. 30’ by 40’ fenced cemetery plot.
Situated 100 yards west of South Century Drive, one-half mile south of Road 42. Two marble
gravestones, two wooden markers. 20-11-7 TL 1700.
3. Fall River Fish Hatchery “Ice House”: The hatchery “Ice House” dates from the beginning of fishery
management in Oregon, circa 1920. It is an 18 foot by 18 foot improvement, the only original
building remaining on the property, and the only significant building or structure on the site.
Located at 15055 S. Century Drive, E½; NE¼; Section 32, Township 20S, Range 10 E, Tax Lot 100.
(Ordinance 94-006 §1, 1994).
4. Long Hollow Ranch – Black Butte: Headquarters complex of historic ranch, located on Holmes
Road in Lower Bridge area, including headquarters house, ranch commissary, equipment shed,
barn and bunkhouse. 14-11-1 TL 101.
5. Swamp Ranch – Black Butte: The present day site of the Black Butte Ranch was part of the vast
holdings of the Black Butte Land and Livestock Company in 1904. No buildings from the period
exist. 14-9-10A, 10B, 15B, 15C, 16A, 21A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22B.
6. Brothers School: Only one-room schoolhouse currently in use in Deschutes County, located on
Highway 20 in Brothers. 20-18-00 TL 3200.
7. Bull Creek Dam: The Bull Creek Dam, a component of the Tumalo Irrigation Project was
constructed in 1914 to form a water storage reservoir to increase the amount of irrigated acreage
at Tumalo. It is a gravity type of overflow dam. Two cut off walls are extended into solid formation,
one at the upper toe and the other at the lower toes of the concrete dam. The dam proper is
about 17 feet high from the foundation, although the completed structure is about 25 feet.
Located on Tumalo Reservoir-Market Road. 16-11-33 TL 2700 SW-¼; SW-¼.
8. Bull Creek Dam Bridge (Tumalo Irrigation Ditch Bridge): Built in 1914, the bridge, which spans the
dam, consists of five continuous filled spandrel, barrel-type concrete deck arch spans, each 25 feet
long. The concrete piers are keyed into notches in the arch structure. The structure is the oldest
bridge in Deschutes County. On Tumalo Reserve-market Road. 16-11-33 TL 2700/ SW-¼; SW-¼.
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9. Camp Abbot Site, Officers’ Club: Officers’ Club for former military camp, currently identified as
Great Hall in Sunriver and used as a meeting hall. 20-11-5B TL 112.
10. Camp Polk Cemetery: One of the last remaining pioneer cemeteries, located off Camp Polk
Road near Sisters. The site is composed of a tract of land, including gravestones and memorials,
containing 2.112 acres in the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 27, Township
14 South, Range 10 E.W.M., TL 2100, described as follows: Beginning at a point North 20 degrees
06’ 20” West 751 feet from the corner common to Sections 26, 27, 34 and 35 in Township 14 South
Range 10 E.W.M. and running thence
South 88 degrees 30’ West 460 feet; thence North 1 degree 30’ East 460 feet; thence South 1 degree
30’ 200 feet to the point of beginning.
11. Camp Polk Military Post Site: One of the oldest military sites in Deschutes County. Located on
Camp Polk Cemetery Road. Site includes entire tax lots, listed as follows 14- 10-00 TL 2805 & 14-
10-34 TL 100, 300.
12. Cloverdale School: School building in Cloverdale, located near 68515 George Cyrus Road. First
building built in Cloverdale. 15-11-7 TL 600.
13. Eastern Star Grange: Grange hall for earliest grange organized in Deschutes County, located at
62850 Powell Butte Road. 17-13-19 TL 1900.
14. Enoch Cyrus Homestead Hay Station and Blacksmith Shop: The Enoch Cyrus Homestead was
the original homestead of Oscar Maxwell, built in 1892 and purchased in 1900 by Enoch Cyrus.
Important stage/store stop for early travelers. The homestead house, including a back porch and
cistern, and the Blacksmith Shop are designated. 15-11-10 TL 700.
15. Fremont Meadow: A small natural meadow on Tumalo Creek in Section 34, Township 17 South,
Range 11 East, lying within Shevlin Park. TL 5900. Campsite for 1843 Fremont expedition. 17-11-34
TL 5900.
16. Harper School: One-room schoolhouse, located west of South Century Drive, south of Sunriver,
moved halfway between the Allen Ranch and the Vandevert Ranch from the former townsite of
Harper. 20-11-17 TL 1200.
17. Improved Order of Redmond Cemetery: Historic cemetery used by residents of La Pine/Rosland
area. Located on Forest Road 4270, east of Highway 97. A 40-acre parcel described as: The
Southwest one-quarter of the Southeast one-quarter (SW-¼; SE-¼) Section 7, Township 22 south,
Range 11, East of the Willamette Meridian, Deschutes County, Oregon.
18. Laidlaw Bank and Trust: One of the few remaining commercial buildings from the community of
Laidlaw, located at 64697 Cook Avenue, Tumalo. 16-12-31A TL 2900.
19. La Pine Commercial Club: Building was built in 1912 as a community center, serving as a regular
meeting place for civic organizations and occasionally served as a church. One of the oldest and
continuously used buildings in La Pine. Located at 51518 Morrison Street, La Pine. 22-10-15AA TL
4600.
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20. Lynch and Roberts Store Advertisement: Ad advertising sign painted on a soft volcanic ash surface.
Only area example of early advertising on natural material. Lynch and Roberts established
mercantile in Redmond in 1913. Roberts Field near Redmond was named for J.R. Roberts. Site
includes the bluff. 14-12-00 TL 1501.
21. Maston Cemetery: One of the oldest cemeteries in County. Oldest grave marker is 1901. About
one-half mile from site of Maston Sawmill and Homestead. Site includes the gravestones and
memorials and the entire tax lot, identified as 22-09-00 TL 1800.
22. George Millican Ranch and Mill Site: Ranch established in 1886. Well dug at or near that date.
Remains of vast cattle ranching empire. 19-15-33 TLs 100, 300.
23. George Millican Townsite: Town established 1913. Site includes store and garage buildings, which
retain none of the architectural integrity from era. 19-15-33 TL 500.
24. Petersen Rock Gardens: The Petersen Rock Gardens consist of stone replicas and structures
erected by Rasmus Petersen. A residence house and museum are part of the site. The site has
been a tourist attraction for over 60 years. Located at 7930 SW 77th, Redmond. Site includes
entire tax lot. 16-12-11 TL 400.
25. Pickett’s Island: After originally settling in Crook County, Marsh Awbrey moved to Bend and then
homesteaded on this island in the Deschutes River south of Tumalo. The site was an early ford
for pioneers. Located in Deschutes River near Tumalo State Park. 17- 12-6 NE-¼ TL 100. Portion
between Deschutes River and Old Bend Road is designated.
26. Rease (Paulina Prairie) Cemetery: Historic cemetery on Elizabeth Victoria Castle Rease and Denison
Rease’s homestead. Earliest known grave is of their son, George Guy Rease, born in 1879, who was
also a homesteader on Paulina Prairie. George Guy Rease died of smallpox on the Caldwell Ranch
on May 2, 1903. Other known burials are William Henry Caldwell, 1841-October 15, 1910, died on
the Caldwell Ranch of injuries sustained on a cattle drive; Melvin Raper, 1892-1914, died in a tent
of tuberculosis; Addie Laura Caldwell, 1909-November 16, 1918, died of the Spanish influenza
epidemic; and Emma Nimtz Deedon, 1886-April 15, 1915, died of complications from a pregnancy.
There are several unmarked graves. The cemetery is a county-owned one-acre parcel on the north
edge of Paulina Prairie, two miles east of Highway 97. 210-11-29, SE-¼; NW-¼ TL 99.
27. Terrebonne Ladies Pioneer Club: The Club was organized in 1910. The building has been a
community-meeting place since 1911. Located at 8334 11th Street, Terrebonne. 14-13- 16DC TL
700.
28. Tetherow House and Crossing: Site is an excellent example of an early Deschutes River crossing.
Major route from Santiam Wagon Road to Prineville. Tetherow House was built in 1878. The
Tetherows operated a toll bridge, store and livery stable for travelers. Oldest house in County. Site
includes house and entire tax lot. 14-12-36A TL 4500.
29. Tumalo Creek – Diversion Dam The original headgate and diversion dam for the feed canal was
constructed in 1914. The feed canal’s purpose was to convey water from Tumalo Creek to the
reservoir. The original headworks were replaced and the original 94.2 ft low overflow weir dam
was partially removed in 2009/2010 to accommodate a new fish screen and fish ladder. The
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remaining original structure is a 90 foot (crest length) section of dam of reinforced concrete. Tax
Map 17-11-23, Tax Lot 800 & 1600.
30. Tumalo Community Church: The building is the oldest church in the County, built in 1905. It stands
in the former town of Laidlaw, laid out in 1904. Located at 64671 Bruce Avenue, Tumalo. 16-12-
31A TL 3900.
31. Tumalo Project Dam: Concrete core, earth-filled dam 75 feet high. First project by State of Oregon
to use State monies for reclamation project. On Tumalo Creek. 16-11-29.
32. William P. Vandevert Ranch Homestead House: The Vandevert Ranch House stands on the east
bank of the Little Deschutes River at 17600 Vandevert Road near Sunriver. The homestead was
established in 1892, and has been recently relocated and renovated. Vandevert family history in
the area spans 100 years. 20-11-18D TL 13800.
33. Kathryn Grace Clark Vandevert Grave: Kathryn Grace Vandevert, daughter of William P. Vandevert,
died of influenza during the epidemic of 1918. Her grave is located across a pasture due south
of the Vandevert House, 50 feet east of the Little Deschutes River. Site includes gravestone and
fenced gravesite measuring is approximately 15 feet by 25 feet. 20-11-00 TL 1900.
34. Young School: Built in 1928, it is an excellent example of a rural “one-room” school which served
homesteaders of the 1920s. Located on Butler Market Road. 17-13-19 TL 400.
35. Agnes Mae Allen Sottong and Henry J. Sottong House and Barn: House and barn are constructed
with lumber milled on the property in a portable sawmill run by the Pine Forest Lumber Company
in 1911. Henry was awarded homestead patent 7364 issued at The Dalles on Dec 1, 1904. Henry
was president of the Mountain States Fox Farm. A flume on the Arnold Irrigation District is named
the Sottong Flume. The structures are also associated with William Kuhn, a president of the Arnold
Irrigation District; Edward and Margaret Uffelman, who were part of the group that privatized
and developed the Hoo Doo Ski Resort; and Frank Rust Gilchrist, son of the founder of the town
of Gilchrist and Gilchrist Mill and president of the Gilchrist Timber Company from the time of his
father’s death in 1956 to 1988. Frank R. Gilchrist served on the Oregon Board of Forestry under
four governors and was appointed by the governors to serve as a member of the Oregon Parks
and Recreation Advisory Committee. He served on the Oregon State University’s Forest Products
Research Lab and was a director and president of the National Forest Products Association. T18
R12 Section 22, 00 Tax lot 01600.
Inventory note: Unless otherwise indicated the inventoried site includes only the designated structure. No
impact areas have been designated for any inventoried site or structure.
National Register Resources listed before February 23, 2017
36. Pilot Butte Canal: A gravity-flow irrigation canal constructed in 1904 that diverts 400 cubic feet of
Deschutes River water per second. The canal conveys water through a 225- miles-long distribution
system of successively narrower and shallower laterals and ditches on its way to those who
hold water rights, serving about 20,711 acres by 1922. The canal was built in an area that had a
population of 81 people when it was constructed. The historic district measures 7,435 feet long
and encompasses 50 feet on either side of the canal centerline to create a 100-foot corridor. The
district has a character-defining rocky, uneven bed, and highly irregular slopes, angles, cuts, and
embankments.
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37. Elk Lake Guard Station: A wagon road built in 1920 between Elk Lake and Bend sparked a wave
of tourism around the scenic waterfront. To protect natural resources of the Deschutes National
Forest and provide visitor information to guests, the Elk Lake Guard Station was constructed in
1929 to house a forest guard.
38. Deedon (Ed and Genvieve) Homestead: The homestead is located between the Deschutes River
and the Little Deschutes River. All of the buildings were constructed between 1914 and 1915.
39. Gerking, Jonathan N.B. Homestead: Jonathan N.8. Gerking, "Father of the Tumalo Irrigation
Project," played a crucial role in getting the project recognized and funded.
40. McKenzie Highway: The McKenzie Salt Springs and Deschutes Wagon Road, a predecessor to the
modern McKenzie Highway, was constructed in the 1860s and 1870s.
41. Paulina Lake Guard Station: The station typifies the construction projects undertaken by
the Civilian Conservation Corps and signifies the aid to the local community provided by the
emergency work-relief program through employment of youth and experienced craftsmen,
purchase of building materials and camp supplies, and personal expenditures of enrollees.
42. Paulina Lake I.O.O.F Organization Camp: The Paulina Lake I.0 .0 .F. Organization camp
was constructed during the depression era and are the result of cooperative efforts by
nonprofessional builders. Such camp buildings are important in Oregon's recreational history as
an unusual expression of both its rustic style and its vernacular traditions.
43. Petersen Rock Gardens: The Petersen Rock Gardens consist of stone replicas and structures
erected by Rasmus Petersen. The site has been a tourist attraction for over 60 years.
44. Rock O’ the Range Bridge: Rock O' The Range is the only covered span east of the Cascades
in Oregon. To gain access to his property, William Bowen instructed Maurice Olson – a local
contractor – to build a bridge inspired by Lane County's Goodpasture Bridge.
45. Skyliners Lodge: The Skyliners are a Bend-based mountaineering club organized in 1927. In 1935,
the group started building the Skyliners Lodge with help from the Deschutes National Forest, the
Economic Recovery Act and the City of Bend.
46. Santiam Wagon Road: The Santiam Wagon Road went from Sweet Home to Cache Creek Toll
Station. The road was conceived of in 1859 to create a route across the Cascades. By the 1890s,
the road had become a major trade route.
47. Wilson, William T.E. Homestead: This homestead house was built in 1903 and has an "American
Foursquare" architectural style.
National Register Resources listed on / after February 23, 2017
48. Central Oregon Canal: A gravity-flow irrigation canal constructed in 1905 and enlarged in 1907
and 1913. The canal retains its impressive historic open, trapezoidal shape, dimensions and
characteristics. It is characterized by the volcanic rock flows, native materials, rocky bed and sides,
and its hurried hand-hewn workmanship. The historic district is 3.4 miles long, crossing rural land
between the Ward Road Bridge on the western edge and the Gosney Road Bridge on the eastern
edge. In the historic district, the canal ranges in width from 34' to 78', averaging around 50', and
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its depth varies from 1' to 9', averaging around 4' deep, depending on the amount of volcanic lava
flows encountered, the terrain, and slope. The canal through the historic district carries nearly
the full amount of water diverted from the Deschutes River, 530 cubic feet per second during the
irrigation season, April through October. The historic district encompasses 50' on either side of the
canal centerline to create a 100' corridor that includes the whole of the easement held by COID,
and all the contributing resources. (Date listed: 03/18/2019)
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Section 5.10 Goal Exception Statements
Background
The purpose of this section is to identify the lands where Deschutes County demonstrated an
exception to meeting the requirements of the Statewide Planning Goals. The intent of goal exceptions
is to allow some flexibility in rural areas under strictly defined circumstances. Goal exceptions are
defined and regulated by Statewide Planning Goal 2 and Oregon Administrative Rule 660-004 (excerpt
below).
660-004-0000(2) An exception is a decision to exclude certain land from the requirements of
one or more applicable statewide goals in accordance with the process specified in Goal 2, Part
II, Exceptions. The documentation for an exception must be set forth in a local government’s
comprehensive plan. Such documentation must support a conclusion that the standards for an
exception have been met.
Statewide Planning Goals with Deschutes County Exceptions
• Goal 3 Agricultural Lands
• Goal 4 Forest Lands
• Goal 11 Public Facilities and Services
• Goal 14 Urbanization
Three types of exceptions are permitted by Oregon Administrative Rule 660-004
• Irrevocably committed
• Physically developed
• Reasons
The summary below identifies approved goal exceptions and identifies the adopting ordinance for
those interested in further information. The ordinances listed are incorporated by reference into this
Plan.
1979 Exceptions
Comprehensive Plan entire County – PL 20 - 1979
During the preparation of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan it was apparent that many rural lands had
already received substantial development and were committed to non-resource uses. Areas were
examined and identified where Goal 3 and 4 exceptions were taken. At this time exceptions to Goals
11 and 14 were not required.
The total area excepted was 41,556 acres. These lands were residentially developed, committed to
development or needed for rural service centers.
Additional Exceptions
Bend Municipal Airport – Ordinances 80-203, 1980 and 80-222, 1980
The Bend Municipal Airport received an exception to Goal 3 to allow for the necessary and expected
use of airport property.
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La Pine UUC Boundary – Ordinance 98-001, 1998
Exceptions to Goals 3, 11 and 14 were taken to allow lands to be included in the La Pine UUC
boundary and planned and zoned for commercial use.
Spring River Rural Service Center – Ordinances 90-009, 1990; 90-010, 1990; 96-022, 1996; 96-045,1996
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 14 to allow the establishment of the Spring River Rural Service
Center on residentially designated lands.
Burgess Road and Highway 97 – Ordinance 97-060, 1997
An exception was taken to Goal 4 to allow for road improvements.
Rural Industrial Zone – Ordinances 2010-030, 2010; 2009-007, 2009
Two separate ordinances for rural industrial uses. The 2009 exception included an irrevocably
committed exception to Goal 3 and a reasons exception to Goal 14 with a Limited Use Combining
Zone for storage, crushing, processing, sale and distribution of minerals. The 2010 exception took a
reasons exception to Goal 14 with a Limited Use Combing Zone for storage, crushing, processing, sale
and distribution of minerals.
Prineville Railway – Ordinance 98-017
An exception was taken to Goal 3 to accommodate the relocation of the Redmond Railway Depot and
the use of the site for an historic structure to be utilized in conjunction with the Crooked River Dinner
Train operations.
Resort Communities – Ordinance 2001-047, 2001
An exception was taken to Goal 4 for Black Butte Ranch and Inn of the 7th Mountain/Widgi Creek
during the designation of those communities as Resort Communities under OAR 660- 22.
Barclay Meadows Business Park – Ordinance 2003-11, 2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 3 to include certain property within the Sisters Urban Growth
Boundary.
Sisters School District # 6 – Ordinance 2003-11, 2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 3 to include certain property within the Sisters Urban Growth
Boundary.
Sisters Organization of Activities and Recreation and Sisters School District #6 – Ordinance 2003-017, 2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 4 to include certain property within the Sisters Urban Growth
Boundary.
Oregon Water Wonderland Unit 2 Sewer District – Ordinances 2010-015, 2010; 2003-015, 2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goals 4 and 11 to allow uses approved by the Board of County
Commissioners in PA-02-5 and ZC-02-3 as amended by PA-09-4.
City of Bend Urban Growth Boundary Amendment (Juniper Ridge) – Ordinance 97-060. 1997
An exception was taken to Goal 3 to allow an amendment of the Bend Urban Growth Boundary to
incorporate 513 acres for industrial uses.
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Joyce Coats Revocable Trust Johnson Road and Tumalo Reservoir Road Properties – Ordinance 2005- 015,
2005
An irrevocably committed exception was taken to Goal 3 to allow a change of comprehensive plan
designation from Surface Mining to Rural Residential Exception Area and zoning from Surface Mining
to Multiple Use Agriculture for Surface Mine Sites 306 and 307.
Watson/Generation Development inc – Ordinance 2005-015
An exception was taken to Goal 3 to include a portion of agricultural property.
Oregon Department of Transportation – Ordinance 2005-019, 2005
An exception was taken to Goal 3 to include a portion of agricultural property.
Conklin/Eady Property – Ordinance 2005-035, 2005
An exception was taken to Goal 3 to include a portion of agricultural property.
City of Sisters Property – Ordinance 2005-037, 2005
An exception was taken to Goal 4 to include a portion of forest property.
McKenzie Meadows Property – Ordinance 2005-039, 2005
An exception was taken to Goal 4 to include a portion of forest property.
Bend Metro Park and Recreation District Properties – Ordinance 2006-025
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 3 to include a portion of agricultural property.
Harris and Nancy Kimble Property and Portion of CLR, Inc Property A.K.A. the Klippel Pit Property –
Ordinance 2008-001, 2008
An irrevocably committed exception was taken to Goal 3 to allow reclassification and zoning from
Surface Mine to Rural Residential Exception Area and Rural Residential 10 acre for Surface Mine Site
294.
Sunriver Service District, Sunriver Fire Department – Ordinance 2014-021, 2014
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 4 to include a portion of forest property. To ensure that
the uses in the Sunriver Utility District Zone on the approximate 4.28 acre site of Tax Lot 102 on
Deschutes County Assessor’s Map 19-11-00 are limited in nature and scope to those justifying the
exception to Goal 4 for the site, the Sunriver Forest (SUF) zoning on the subject site shall be subject
to a Limited Use Combining Zone, which will limit the uses on the subject site to a fire training facility
and access road for the Sunriver Service District and Sunriver Fire Department.
Frances Ramsey Trust Property – Ordinance 2014-027, 2014
An “irrevocably committed” exception was taken to Goal 14 to allow for reclassification and rezoning
from agricultural property to Rural Industrial for a 2.65 acre portion of a parcel zoned EFU/RI.
E-44 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
Section 5.11 - Goal 5 Adopted Ordinances
As noted in Chapter 5 of this Plan, adopted and acknowledged Goal 5 inventories, ESEEs and
programs are retained in this Plan. Generally the Goal 5 inventories and ESEEs were adopted into the
previous Comprehensive Plan or Resource Element and the Goal 5 programs were adopted into the
Zoning Code. The County does not have a complete listing of Goal 5 inventory and ESEE ordinances,
but will continue to research those ordinances. The following list is a start in listing all Goal 5
ordinances that are retained in this Plan.
• 80-203 Misc. Goal 5
• 85-001 Geothermal Resources
• 86-019 Deschutes River Corridor
• 90-025 Mining
• 90-028 Mining
• 90-029 Mining
• 92-018 Historic and Cultural
• 92-033 Open Space, LM
• 92-040 Fish and Wildlife
• 92-041 Fish and Wildlife (wetlands and riparian)
• 92-045 Wetlands RE
• 92-051 Misc. including Goal 5
• 92-052 Misc. Goal 5
• 92-067 Mining
• 93-003 Misc. Goal 5
• 94-003 Misc. Goal 5
• 94-006 Historic and Cultural
• 94-007 Wetlands and Riparian areas
• 94-050 Mining
• 95-038 Misc. Goal 5
• 95-041 Mining
• 96-076 Mining
• 99-019 Mining
• 99-028 Mining
• 2001-027 Mining
• 2001-038 Mining
• 2001-047 Mining
• 2001-018 Fish and Wildlife
• 2003-019 Mining
• 2005-025 Historic and Cultural
• 2005-031 Mining
• 2007-013 Mining
• 2008-001 Mining
• 2011-008 South Deschutes County LWI
• 2011-014 Mining
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-45 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Section 5.12 - Legislative History
Background
This section contains the legislative history of this Comprehensive Plan.
Ordinance Date Adopted/ Effective Chapter/Section Amendment
2011-003 8-10-11/11-9-11 All, except Transportation,
Tumalo and Terrebonne
Community Plans,
Deschutes Junction,
Destination Resorts and
ordinances adopted in
2011
Comprehensive Plan update
2011-027 10-31-11/11-9-11 2.5, 2.6, 3.4, 3.10, 3.5,
4.6, 5.3, 5.8, 5.11, 23.40A,
23.40B, 23.40.065,
23.01.010
Housekeeping amendments to ensure a
smooth transition to the updated Plan
2012-005 8-20-12/11-19-12 23.60, 23.64 (repealed),
3.7 (revised), Appendix C
(added)
Updated Transportation System Plan
2012-012 8-20-12/8-20-12 4.1, 4.2 La Pine Urban Growth Boundary
2012-016 12-3-12/3-4-13 3.9 Housekeeping amendments to
Destination Resort Chapter
2013-002 1-7-13/1-7-13 4.2 Central Oregon Regional Large-lot
Employment Land Need Analysis
2013-009 2-6-13/5-8-13 1.3 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Rural Residential
Exception Area
2013-012 5-8-13/8-6-13 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
including certain property within City of
Bend Urban Growth Boundary
2013-007 5-29-13/8-27-13 3.10, 3.11 Newberry Country: A Plan for Southern
Deschutes County
2013-016 10-21-13/10-21-13 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
including certain property within City of
Sisters Urban Growth Boundary
2014-005 2-26-14/2-26-14 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
including certain property within City of
Bend Urban Growth Boundary
2014-012 4-2-14/7-1-14 3.10, 3.11 Housekeeping amendments to Title 23.
2014-021 8-27-14/11-25-14 23.01.010, 5.10 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Sunriver Urban Unincorporated
Community Forest to Sunriver Urban
Unincorporated Community Utility
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-46 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Ordinance Date Adopted/ Effective Chapter/Section Amendment
2014-021 8-27-14/11-25-14 23.01.010, 5.10 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Sunriver Urban Unincorporated
Community Forest to Sunriver Urban
Unincorporated Community Utility
2014-027 12-15-14/3-31-15 23.01.010, 5.10 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Rural Industrial
2015-021 11-9-15/2-22-16 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Surface Mining.
2015-029 11-23-15/11-30-15 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Tumalo Residential 5-Acre Minimum
to Tumalo Industrial
2015-018 12-9-15/3-27-16 23.01.010, 2.2, 4.3 Housekeeping Amendments to Title 23.
2015-010 12-2-15/12-2-15 2.6 Comprehensive Plan Text and Map
Amendment recognizing Greater Sage-
Grouse Habitat Inventories
2016-001 12-21-15/04-5-16 23.01.010; 5.10 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from, Agriculture to Rural Industrial
(exception area)
2016-007 2-10-16/5-10-16 23.01.010; 5.10 Comprehensive Plan Amendment to add
an exception to Statewide Planning Goal
11 to allow sewers in unincorporated
lands in Southern Deschutes County
2016-005 11-28-16/2-16-17 23.01.010, 2.2, 3.3 Comprehensive Plan Amendment
recognizing non- resource lands process
allowed under State law to change EFU
zoning
2016-022 9-28-16/11-14-16 23.01.010, 1.3, 4.2 Comprehensive plan Amendment,
including certain property within City of
Bend Urban Growth Boundary
2016-029 12-14-16/12/28/16 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from, Agriculture to Rural Industrial
2017-007 10-30-17/10-30-17 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Rural Residential
Exception Area
2018-002 1-3-18; 1-25-18 23.01, 2.6 Comprehensive Plan Amendment
permitting churches in the Wildlife Area
Combining Zone
2018-006 7-23-18/7-23-18 23.01.010, 5.8, 5.9 Housekeeping Amendments correcting
tax lot numbers in Non-Significant
Mining Mineral and Aggregate Inventory;
modifying Goal 5 Inventory of Cultural
and Historic Resources
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-47 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Ordinance Date Adopted/ Effective Chapter/Section Amendment
2018-011 9-12-18/12-11-18 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Rural Residential
Exception Area
2018-005 9-19-18/10-10-18 23.01.010, 2.5, Tumalo
Community Plan,
Newberry Country Plan
Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
removing Flood Plain Comprehensive
Plan Designation; Comprehensive
Plan Amendment adding Flood Plain
Combining Zone purpose statement.
2018-008 9-26-18/10-26-18 23.01.010, 3.4 Comprehensive Plan Amendment allowing
for the potential of new properties to be
designated as Rural Commercial or Rural
Industrial
2019-002 1-2-19/4-2-19 23.01.010, 5.8 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
changing designation of certain property
from Surface Mining to Rural Residential
Exception Area; Modifying Goal 5 Mineral
and Aggregate Inventory; Modifying Non-
Significant Mining Mineral and Aggregate
Inventory
2019-001 1-16-19/4-16-19 1.3, 3.3, 4.2, 5.10, 23.01 Comprehensive Plan and Text Amendment
to add a new zone to Title 19: Westside
Transect Zone.
2019-003 02-12-19/03-12-19 23.01.010, 4.2 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Redmond Urban
Growth Area for the Large Lot Industrial
Program
2019-004 02-12-19/03-12-19 23.01.010, 4.2 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Redmond Urban
Growth Area for the expansion of the
Deschutes County Fairgrounds and
relocation of Oregon Military Department
National Guard Armory.
2019-011 05-01-19/05-16/19 23.01.010, 4.2 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment to
adjust the Bend Urban Growth Boundary
to accommodate the refinement of the
Skyline Ranch Road alignment and the
refinement of the West Area Master
Plan Area 1 boundary. The ordinance
also amends the Comprehensive Plan
designation of Urban Area Reserve for
those lands leaving the UGB.
2019-006 03-13-19/06-11-19 23.01.010, Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture to Rural Residential
Exception Area
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-48 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Ordinance Date Adopted/ Effective Chapter/Section Amendment
2019-016 11-25-19/02-24-20 23.01.01, 2.5 Comprehensive Plan and Text
amendments incorporating language from
DLCD’s 2014 Model Flood Ordinance and
Establishing a purpose statement for the
Flood Plain Zone.
2019-019 12-11-19/12-11-19 23.01.01, 2.5 Comprehensive Plan and Text
amendments to provide procedures
related to the division of certain split
zoned properties containing Flood Plain
zoning and involving a former or piped
irrigation canal.
2020-001 1-8-20/4-20-20 23.01.01, 2.6, 3.5, 5.2 Comprehensive Plan and Text
amendments relating to Religious
Institutions to ensure compliance with
RLUIPA.
2020-002 2-26-20/5-26-20 23.01.01, 4.2, 5.2 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
to adjust the Redmond Urban Growth
Boundary through an equal exchange
of land to/from the Redmond UGB. The
exchange property is being offered to
better achieve land needs that were
detailed in the 2012 SB 1544 by providing
more development ready land within
the Redmond UGB. The ordinance
also amends the Comprehensive Plan
designation of Urban Area Reserve for
those lands leaving the UGB.
2020-003 02-26-20/05-26-20 23.01.01, 5.10 Comprehensive Plan Amendment with
exception to Statewide Planning Goal 11
(Public Facilities and Services) to allow
sewer on rural lands to serve the City of
Bend Outback Water Facility.
2020-008 06-24-20/09-22-20 23.01.010, Appendix C Comprehensive PlanTransportation
System Plan Amendment to add
roundabouts at US 20/Cook-O.B. Riley
and US 20/Old Bend-Redmond Hwy
intersections; amend Tables 5.3.T1 and
5.3.T2 and amend TSP text.
2020-007 07-29-20/10-27-20 23.01.010, 2.6 Housekeeping Amendments correcting
references to two Sage Grouse
ordinances.
2020-006 08-12-20/11-10-20 23.01.01, 2.11, 5.9 Comprehensive Plan and Text
amendments to update the County’s
Resource List and Historic Preservation
Ordinance to comply with the State
Historic Preservation Rule.
2020-009 08-19-20/11-17-20 23.01.010, Appendix C Comprehensive Plan Transportation
System Plan Amendment to add reference
to J turns on US 97 raised median
between Bend and Redmond; delete
language about disconnecting Vandevert
Road from US 97.
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-49 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Ordinance Date Adopted/ Effective Chapter/Section Amendment
2020-013 08-26-20/11/24/20 23.01.01, 5.8 Comprehensive Plan Text And Map
Designation for Certain Properties from
Surface Mine (SM) and Agriculture (AG)
To Rural Residential Exception Area
(RREA) and Remove Surface Mining Site
461 from the County's Goal 5 Inventory
of Significant Mineral and Aggregate
Resource Sites.
2021-002 01-27-21/04-27-21 23.01.01 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) To
Rural Industrial (RI)
2021-005 06-16-21/06-16-21 23.01.01, 4.2 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
Designation for Certain Property from
Agriculture (AG) To Redmond Urban
Growth Area (RUGA) and text
amendment 2021-008 06-30-21/09-28-21 23.01.01 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment
Designation for Certain Property Adding
Redmond Urban Growth Area (RUGA) and
Fixing Scrivener’s Error in Ord. 2020-022 2022-001 04-13-22/07-12-22 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture (AG) to Rural Residential
Exception Area (RREA) 2022-003 04-20-22/07-19-22 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Agriculture (AG) to Rural Residential
Exception Area (RREA) 2022-006 06-22-22/08-19-22 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Rural Residential Exception Area
(RREA) to Bend Urban Growth Area 2022-011 07-27-22/10-25-22
(superseded by Ord. 2023-
015)
23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) To
Rural Industrial (RI)
2023-001 03-01-23/05-30-23 23.01.010, 5.9 Housekeeping Amendments correcting
the location for the Lynch and Roberts
Store Advertisement, a designated
Cultural and Historic Resource 2023-007 04-26-23/6-25-23 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) to
Rural Residential Exception Area (RREA)
2023-010 06-21-23/9-17-23 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) to
Rural Residential Exception Area (RREA)
2023-018 08-30-23/11-28-23 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) to
Rural Residential Exception Area (RREA)
2023-015 9-13-23/12-12-23 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) to
Rural Industrial (RI)
2023-025 11-29-23/2-27-24 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Rural Residential Exception Area
(RREA) to Bend Urban Growth Area 2024-001 01-31-24/4-30-24
23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Rural Residential Exception Area
(RREA) to Bend Urban Growth Area
Appendix E - Goal 5 Supplemental Sections
E-50 | Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Ordinance Date Adopted/ Effective Chapter/Section Amendment
2023-016 5-8-24/8-6-24 23.01(BM) (added), 4.7
(amended), Appendix B
(replaced)
Updated Tumalo Community Plan
2023-017 3-20-24/6-20-24 23.01(D) (repealed),
23.01(BJ) (added), 3.7
(amended), Appendix C
(replaced)
Updated Transportation System Plan
2024-003 2-21-24/5-21-24 23.01.010, 5.8 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment,
changing designation of certain property
from Surface Mining (SM) to Rural
Residential Exception Area (RREA);
Modifying Goal 5 Mineral and Aggregate
Inventory
2024-007 10-02-24/12-31-24 23.01(A)(repealed)
23.01(BK) (added)
Repeal and Replacement of 2030
Comprehensive Plan with 2040
Comprehensive Plan
2024-010 10-16-24/01-14-25 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) to
Rural Residential Exception Area (RREA)
2024-011 11-18-24/02-17-25 23.01.010 Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) to
Redmond Urban Growth Area (RUGA)
2024-012 1-8-25/4-8-25 23.01.010
Comprehensive Plan Map Designation for
Certain Property from Agriculture (AG) to
Rural Residential Exception Area (RREA)