32-359-Ordinance No. PL-16 Recorded 10/3/1979. `yy. VOL 32, fAGE 359
IN THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE OF OREQ
FOR DESCHUTES COUNTY
OCT
In the Matter of an Ordinance )
Establishing the Sisters Urban )
Area Comprehensive Plan )
R~SFMAR 3 rg~9
ORDINANCE NO. PL-16 yP~~FRSp
n; CO C1-pRk
The Board of County Commissioners of Deschutes County, a political subdivision
of the State of Oregon, ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. The purpose of this Ordinance is to adopt the Sisters Urban Area
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Sisters.
SECTION 2. The Sisters Urban Area Comprehensive Plan is amended to the date
hereof (herein referred to as "The Plan"), and is adopted pursuant to Oregon Revised
Statutes as the Comprehensive Plan for the Sisters Area. A true copy of said Plan
is attached hereto as Exhibit "A," and incorporated herein by reference. The
map entitled, "Sisters Urban Area Comprehensive Plan," attached hereto as Exhibit
"B," and signed on the date hereof by the Sisters City Council and the Board of
County Commissioners (herein referred to as the "Governing Body"), is adopted as
the Comprehensive Plan for the lands shown thereon.
SECTION 3. Quasi-judicial amendments may be made to The Plan in accordance with
the procedures described in the Oregon Revised Statutes, Urban Growth Management
Agreement, County Procedural Ordinance PL-9, and subsequent amendments and revisions
thereof.
SECTION 4. The map referred to herein shall be maintained by the City Recorder
and County Clerk, and any quasi-judicial amendments thereto shall contain legal
descriptions of the affected areas, be filed in the Journals of the City Recorder
and Board of County Commissioners, and shall become effective upon the date signed
by the Governing Body. The Planning Director shall maintain a true copy of the
original map and draw thereon all quasi-judicial amendments to The Plan as they
are made. Failure to revise said map shall not affect the validity of any Plan
PAGE -1- ORDINANCE PL-16
r
VOL c lr" fAur
amendment. The Governing Belly may, from time to time, direct the Planning
Director by order to replace Exhibit "B" or a portion thereof with a map which
includes all lawful amendments to The Plan to the date of said order. Such
map, or portion thereof, shall bear the dated, authenticating signatures of the
Governing Body, and shall be filed as a replacement superseding Exhibit "B" with
the City Recorder and the County Clerk. Any map or portion thereof thereby re-
placed shall be retained in a separate file by the City Recorder and the County
Clerk.
SECTION 5. In that the Land Conservation and Development Commission of the State
of Oregon has required Deschutes County to adopt a Comprehensive Plan for the
Sisters Urban Area by September 1, 1979, in order to be in compliance with
Statewide Planning Goals affecting the health, safety and general welfare of the
public, an emergency is declared to exist, and this Ordinance, pursuant to
ORS 203.045(9), shall take effect upon adoption.
ADOPTED this ~QQ d of September, 1979.
a
ATT T:
R SEMARY-PA ER ON
Co t nC-J l
PAGE -2- ORDINANCE PL-16
, JR., Commissioner I
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER
~4 //1
&
CLAY C. SHE ARD, Chairman
v - VOL 32 FAUF361
URBAN GROWTH MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
1 L'
CITY OF SISTERS AND DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREapiDy" ~CT3 , O
SISTERS URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY 9RyP,q1)F 9~9
1114
d CO
WHEREAS, the City of Sisters and Deschutes County have '
jointly prepared and adopted the Sisters Urban Area
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the PLAN establishes an Urban Growth Boundary
and establishes policies for development; and
WHEREAS, the City and County have agreed that orderly
development and the efficient provision of public
facilities is in the public interest; and
WHEREAS, ORS 197.010 authorizes governmental units to
contract and enter into joint operational agreements
with one another; and
WHEREAS, THE Urban Growth Management Agreement for the
Sisters Urban Area is intended to foster the following
purposes;
1. To retain and enhance the character and quality of
the Sisters area as growth occurs.
2. To provide a sound basis for urbanization by establish-
ing proper relationships between residential, commercial,
industrial and open land uses.
3. To encourage City and County cooperation in the pro-
vision of urban services in order to bring about a more
orderly and efficient development pattern and thereby
avoid unnecessary tax burdens and excessive utility costs
usually associated with scattered, unrelated development.
4. To recognize and respect the unusual natural beauty
and character of the area so that the amenities of Central
Oregon can be retained within the community as growth occurs.
5. To significantly improve and protect the appearance of
the community as a means of enhancing the individual identity
of the Sisters area as the "Gateway to Cascades".
6. To provide a safe and coordinated transportation and cir-
culation system to bring about the best relationships between
places where people live, work, shop and play.
r vat 32 FACE 2
7. To bring about a general increase in population density
throughout the community in order to facilitate future
public transportation system as energy supplies diminish.
8. To retain and enhance desirable existing areas and
to revitalize or redevelop less desirable existing areas.
9. To continually strive for excellence in all private
developments and public services within the constraints of
economic reality. Economic reality should not be interpreted
as maximum services; but rather in terms of what is good
for the community as a whole.
10. To encourage and promote innovations in development
techniques in order to obtain maximum livability and
excellence in planning and design for all new developments.
11. To continually explore, within the limits of the
public health, safety and general welfare, innovations in
development and regulations in order to promote maximum
livability for the people of the community.
WHEREAS, the City of Sisters and the Deschutes County
Board of Commissioners hereby establishes this AGREEMENT
for urban growth planning and management which shall
serve as a basis for decisions pertaining to development
within the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary.
1) The Urban Growth Boundary as adopted or as hereafter amend-
ed will establish the limits of urban growth for the Sisters
Urban Area.
A. City annexation shall occur only within the officially
adopted urban growth boundary.
B. Specific annexation decisions shall be governed by
the official annexation policy of the City of Sisters.
The City will provide an opportunity for the County
to respond to annexation requests.
C. Establishment of the Urban Growth Boundary does not
imply that all land included within the boundary will
be annexed to the City.
D. Development of land for uses designated on the Com-
prehensive Plan will be encouraged to occur on undeveloped
lands adjacent to or encompassed by the existing City
Limits prior to the conversion of other lands within the
boundary.
E. Urban facilities and services must be adequate in con-
dition and capacity to accommmodate the additional
levels of growth, as allowed by the Comprehensive Plan,
prior to or concurrent with the land use actions.
. r VOL 32 FAUF 363
2) Deschutes County shall retain jurisdiction over land use
decisions within the unincorporated urbanizable area and all
land use actions shall conform to the following procedural
policies:
A. Recognizing that unincorporated areas within the urban
growth boundary could ultimately become part of the City
of Sisters, the City's recommendation will be con-
sidered. It is the intent of the County to administer
a mutually adopted City/County policy in the urbanizable
area until such time as the area is annexed.
B. The County shall submit to the City a copy of
all pending applications for land use actions -
within the unincorporated urbanizable areas. The City shall
have until its next scheduled meeting or thirty days to respond to the
County.
C. The City shall submit to the County a copy of
pending land use actions within the incorporated
area which affect lands under County jurisdiction.
The County shall have twenty days to respond to the
City.
3) All new subdivision and partitioning activity within the
unincorporated urbanizable area shall conform to urban standards
as set forth in the Sisters Ordinances.
4) The City, County and affected agencies shall coordinate
the expansion and development of all urban facilities and
services within the urbanizable area.
A. Provisions for urban facilities and services shall be
planned in a timely manner limiting duplication in an
effort to provide greater efficiency and economy of
operation.
B. A single urban facility and service extended to the
urbanizable area must be coordinated with the planned
future development of all other urban facilities and
services appropria_.°te to the area, and shall be provided
at levels necessary for expected uses as designated on
the Comprehensive Plan.
5) Long-range transportation planning for the urbanizable area
shall be a joint City/County process coordinated with all
affected transportation agencies.
6) It is the intention of the agreement to encourage develop-
ment consistent with the Sisters Urban Area Compresive Plan and
the Statewide goals.
VOL 32 FAu 354
7) Whenever the City oi County desires to make a change in the
Urban Growth Boundary or,the Sisters Urban Area Plan, its
governing body shall appi?ovO! a.discussion draft of the amendment
and forward the same to the other governing body. The other
governing body shall consult with its planning commission and
approve by order the discussion draft or any desired changes
in it. The draft shall then be sent to the initiating
governing body for approval or changes, and so on, until
agreement is reached on the text. The City and County
governing bodies shall then set a mutually acceptable date
for a joint hearing duly noticed in accordance with County
Ordinance PL-9. At the hearing, testimony shall be taken from
all interested persons on the proposed amendment, which shall
be read at the beginning of the joint hearing. The conduct
of the hearing insofar as the right to present and rebut evidence
is concerned shall be governed by County Ordinance PL-9. At
the conclusion of the taking of testimony, the City Council
and then the Board of County Commissioners, shall separately
vote on the proposal before the hearing. If any modifications
are passed by one governing body, such modification shall then
be voted upon by the other governing body. If the proposed
modification is passed by the other governing body, the
proposal as modified shall bind both the City and the County.
If the proposed modification is not passed by the other
governing body, neither governing body shall be bound by
its vote on the modifications, and both governing bodies
may continue negotiations and take votes following the
above procedure until the same set of proposals and modifications
are passed by both governing bodies. The joint hearing may be
adjounr-ed from time to time by a majority of the members present
and voting from each governing body.
Approved by the Sisters City Council this ,2;1 day of Sept. , 1979.
ATTEST: CITY COUNCIL:
City Recorder mayor - 2 o - 7-elk
Approved by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners this
d4L Y of ~2 mr, 1979.
ATTEST: BOAR D OF OUNTYCOMMISSIONERS
CHAIRMAN
iCunty-Clg k
COMMISSIONER
CO d IONE f
YCi t 32 PAG'E
F~
o~r~C C O
1919
SISTERS `M,,4An~~~"aER„
VABAm AREA
COMPREHENSIVE. PLAN
"The Western Town"
Sisters, Oregon
Deschutes County
July, Is"
W W N MCR~-,AN 4 ASSOCIATES
~ ppRE76E7NA1.AANNIW IV'DUL7AN13.__
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FnRFwnRD
SISTERS URBAN AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
VOL 32 rAUE366
The Sisters Urban Area Comprehensive Plan consists of seven parts which
are designed for easy reference, clarity and convenience to the general
public. The seven parts are:
Part I Introduction .
Part If Citizen Involvement
Part III General Goals and Objectives
Part IV Resource Inventory
Part V Comprehensive Plan Proposals -
Findings and Policies
Part IV Implementation Programs and Policies
Part VIII Appendixes
Parts 1 and 11 of the Plan include a statement of public purpose, planning
background information and citizen involvement program.
Part Ill includes a statement of general goals and objectives as they apply
to the Sisters Urban Area and Planning Area consistent with statewide
Planning Goals.
Part IV includes an inventory of existing physical, social and economic
conditions, programs and issues which provide the basis for developing
comprehensive plan policies and ordinances.
Part V includes the proposals and policies of the plan supported by adequate
findings.
Part VI describes implementation programs and policies for carrying out and
enforcing the comprehensive plan. It includes an urban growth management
agreement policy which will ensure city-county coordination. It also ex-
plains how the plan policies and maps are to be interpreted and includes
policies relating to annexations, zoning, subdivision, land partition and
standards for the design and construction of public improvements.
r Part VII includes definitions, a complete bibliography, existing land use map,
Comprehensive Plan Map and amendments.
32 . k,:r36"7
VOL
CONTENTS
Foreword
Part I INTRODUCTION 1
Statement of Purpose
1
Planning Background
3
Part II CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
6
Statewide
6
Deschutes County
7
Sisters Urban Area
8
Part III GENERAL GOALS AND
OBJECTIVES
9
Part IV RESOURCE INVENTORY
13
Historical Background
- Pre-Historical Era
13
- Early Exploration
14
- Early Settlement
16
- Camp Polk
16
- City of Sisters
17
Environmental Setting
- Area of Influence
20,21
- Planning Area Characteristics 21
- Urban Growth Boundary
24
Population
- Trends and Characteristics
26
- Population Projections
28
Housing
- Condition of Structures
30
- Buildable Lands
31
- Census Housing Data
31
- Housing Data Analysis
32
- Housing Issues
33
Economy
- Employment
34
- Projections
36
Land Use
- Residential
41,43
- Commercial
43
- Industrial
43
- Quasi-public
44
- Public
44
1
! VOL
32 PACE 368
- Parks and Recreation
45
- Transportation
45
- Agriculture
45
- Vacant Land
46
-Flood Plain
46
Public Facilities E
Services
- Governmental
46
- Fire Protection
47
- Law Enforcement
48
- Library
48
- Solid Waste
48
- Water Supply
48
- Schools
49
- Parks and Recreation
50
- Related Facilities and
Historical Sites
50
Transportation
- Air
53
- Major Streets
53
- Local Streets
55
- Transportation Issues
55
Part V COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PROPOSALS - FINDING AND
POLICIES
56
Land Use Element
- Open Lands
56
- Residentail Areas
57
- Commercial Areas
62
- Industrial Areas
63
Public Facilities and
- City Facilities and Services
65
Services Element
- Schools
67
- Parks and Recreation,
Historic Sites
68
- Utilities
Transportation Element
71
E
n
i
El
m
nt
75
co
om
c
e
e
Housing Element
78
Energy Conservation
86
'
Urbanization Element
89
Community Appearance
- Landscape Management
94
- 1880 Architectural Theme
95
VOL 32 FACE 369
Part VI IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
107
Coordination and Responsibility for Planning- CRS 197
107
Urban Growth Management Agreement
108
Comprehensive Plan Review, Adoption, Amendments
108
Interpretation of the Comprehensive Plan
109
Implementation Policies, Ordinances and Programs
109
- Annexation Policy
109
- Zoning Ordinance
110
- Subdivision Ordinance
110
- Capital Improvements
Programming
110
Intergovernmental Agency Program Coordination
111
Part VII APPENDIXES
113
Definitions
113
Bibliography
124
Existing Land Use Map
Comprehensive Plan Map
Amendments
NOL 32 FAcf 370
PART I IRTRODUCTIOR
NOL 32 PAGE 371
I PART I INTRODUCTION
!1 The Sisters Urban Area Comprehensive Plan includes the City of Sisters
and an area surrounding the city which is expected to become urbanized
by the year 2000. It is the official planning document for the Sisters
Urban Growth Area and contains resource information and recommendations
for the "planning area" which consists of approximately six square miles.
Statement of Purpose
The basic purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to guide future development
of the area within a framework of goals and objectives which are consistent
with the physical characteristics, attitudes and resources of the Sisters
community and to organize and coordinate complex interrelationships between
people, land, resources and facilities in a manner which will protect the
health, safety, welfare and convenience of its citizens.
The Comprehensive Plan provides a basis for coordinated action by enabling
various public and private interests to undertake specific projects with a
consistent understanding of community goals and objectives. The plan.
functions as a working frame of reference for government officials and ad-
ministrators by establishing community policies and by specifying methods
and standards for implementation of these policies. Public facilities, such
as schools, parks, streets, civic areas, libraries, and fire stations, can
be planned, and a program for land acquisition and construction can be
prepared in advance of need so that the services will be available when and
where they are needed.
These same community policies serve individual property owners and private
interest groups as a means of evaluating their individual decisions in light
of community objectives. They are able to determine how their individual
interests can best be served in a manner which is consistent with the plan.
They are assured by the plan that once they commit their investment to the
land, there will be a reasonable continuity of land policies which will protect
their interest. The plan also provides a guide to the various public and pri-
vate utilities charged with the responsibility of providing services to the
community. Future service demands can be anticipated and facilities planned
so that development can take place in the most economical and timely manner.
Each individual and organization participates in some way in the planning
process. The community planning process is the continuing effort to coordi-
nate short-range and long-range private and public actions towards the ful-
fillment of generally accepted overall community goals. The Comprehensive
I
VOL 32 FnE 372 1
Plan provides the foundation for the planning process by establishing long-
range goals and objectives and by providing, through its various elements,
an integrated view of future public and private development patterns in
the community. It is not the last word, nor is it the first. Rather, it is an
important tool to help the community identify problems and to take steps
necessary to solve them before the cost of desirable solutions is beyond the
community's economic capabilities to achieve.
The Planning process is in itself a means of constantly evaluating the general
plan. It is essential that the plan be adaptable but this must not be inter-
preted to permit piecemeal amendments that disregard the basic relationships
established by the original effort. Proposed changes must be carefully con-
sidered in terms of possible overall effects on the entire community. Ac-
commodation of a proposed development which appears very desirable on the
surface may, under a thorough investigation with reference to the plan,
prove costly to both the future public interests and to committed private in-
vestments. Adherence to the policies developed in the plan provides a means
of protecting existing public and private investments and values.
The Comprehensive Plan is not a zoning plan. However, zoning is one o`
the important legislative tolls required to implement the plan. Any changes
in zoning which occur are subject to a public hearing and a specific decision
by the governing body. The greatest single problem between the plan and
zoning activity is timing. Some areas suggested in the plan for different
kinds of land uses can only be justified at some time in the future when suf-
ficient population growth has occurred to warrant the development or when
public facilities are available to support that development. All zone changes
should be considered in relation to the general plan and this serves as one
of the continuing means of evaluating the plan. If zone changes are con-
templated which are contrary to the plan, the community should first evaluate
the policies and concepts in the plan. This process insures that each petition
for rezoning is considered in light of the best interests of the entire community.
The plan recommends appropriate uses for various areas and attempts to
provide a maximum range of choice in the urban area within the limits of
community living. If there is to be a choice, various areas must be guarded
against intrusion of other uses which will limit or destroy the privacy of
homes or the proper economic functioning of areas of commerce or other
special values. If there is to be choice which justifies a long-term investment
in homes or businesses, areas must be set aside for different types of uses.
If all uses are intermixed, there is, in fact, no safe choice for any individual
kind of use.
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NoL 32 PAGE 373
The plan must be implemented if it is to be of value to the community.
It requires public awareness and involves extensive daily contact with
public groups and individual citizens, the administration of appropriate
codes and ordinances which influence development, capital improvement
programing for the expenditure of local governmental funds, and the
continuing refinement of the plan in special circumstances such as the
central business district, park and recreation, community appearance, etc.
The efforts applied in the continuing planning process extend the plan
from the present to the future accomplishment of its goals and objectives.
The Comprehensive Plan provides basic guidelines with which the community
can chart a course for change with some assurance that the result will be
progress. The benefits of community living that we enjoy today are the
result of what was done yesterday, and the benefits for future generations
will result from what we do today.
Planning Background
Planning first began in 1966 following the repeal of county zoning, sub-
division and building codes. These ordinances were repealed primarily
because there was no comprehensive plan which would have set up public
policies on land use matters and how to implement them. In 1966,
Deschutes County alone, with the cities of Sisters, Redmond and Bend,
undertook a massive effort to reinstate the planning program and develop
a comprehensive plan. Since that time, planning has always been a joint
effort and the county's first comprehensive plan also included an urban
area plan for the Sisters area. After the adoption of that plan in 1970, the
city and county elected to update the plan with more detail in 1973. During
the final stages of updating the Plan, statewide planning legislation was
enacted (ORS 197-SB 100) and the Oregon Land Conservation and Development
Commission was created (LCDC). Statewide Planning Goals have not yet been
adopted before completion of the Sisters Comprehensive Plan update and
therefore making it necessary to update the plan again to comply with the
statewide planning goals.
Much of the information and materials used in updating the comprehensive plan
is contained in the following primary planning related studies. This background
material along with input from both the public and private sectors make it
possible to prepare the necessary findings for the plan.
t 1. "Background for Plannin -Deschutes County., Oregon"
Bureau of Municipal Research, University of Oregon.
March, 1966.
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VOL 32 fAGE~~`~
2. "Comprehensive Plan to 1990-Deschutes County, Oregon"
Grunwald, Crawford and Associates. June, 1970.
"Sisters Urban Area". 1970.
3. "Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Study-Deschutes County"
CHI M. December, 1970.
4. "General Soil Map with Soil Interpretations for Land Use
Planning-Deschutes County, Oregon"
Soil Conservation Service, USDA. February, 1973.
5. "Central Oregon Transportation Study" (Sisters Segment)
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. August, 1973.
6. "Multiple Use Plan-1970, Sisters Ranger District"
U.S. Forest Service, Deschutes National Forest. May, 1970.
7. "A Comprehensive Development Plan for the Sewerage Sys
Improvements, City of Sisters, Deschutes County, Ore or
R GE, Inc. May, 1972.
8. "A Comprehensive Plan for Water System Improvements"
HGE. 1975.
9. "Deschutes National Forest Classification and Ownershi
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1973 (Draft).
10. "Geology and Mineral Resources of Deschutes County, Oregon"
N. Peterson. 1976.
11. "Flood Plain Information, Squaw Creek, Sisters, Oregon"
Corps of Engineers. 1978.
12. "Final Report, Deschutes County Forest Lands CAC"
1978.
"
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13. "Deschutes County Overall Economic Development Plan"
Deschutes County Economic Development Committee. 1978.
14. "Central Oregon Open Space Recreation Study"
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. 1974.
15. "Comprehensive Plan, City of Sisters"
City of Sisters and Deschutes County. 1974.
These are the primary documents used for the background material. Other
reference material used in the preparation of the comprehensive plan is con-
tained in the Appendix section.
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PART 11 CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
VOL 32 rAGE 377
1 PART 11 CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
In order to understand the full perspective of citizen involvement it is
necessary to briefly recite the entire program on a statewide, county and
city level since all three are involved in the comprehensive planning process
for the urban area.
Statewide
Citizen involvement in land use planning has been mandatory statewide since
1973. Senate Bill 100 (ORS 197.160) requires each county governing body
to submit a program for citizen involvement in preparing, adopting and
revising comprehensive plans within the county. Each program must at least
contain provision for a citizen advisory committee broadly representative of
geographic areas and of interests relating to land use.
Pursuant to Senate Bill 100, the Land Conservation and Development Com-
mission (LCDC) developed a set of statewide planning goals. The number one
goal is citizen involvement, and is intended to insure the opportunity for
citizens to be involved in all phases of planning process. Each jurisdiction
must develop, publicize and adopt a program appropriate to the local level
of planning. Coal one further requires the incorporation into the planning
process of the following components in every citizen involvement program.
1 1. To provide for widespread citizen involvement.
2. To assure effective two-way communication with citizens.
3. To provide the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of
the planning process.
4. To assure that technical information is available in an understandable
form.-
1 5. To assure that citizens will receive a response from policy makers.
6. To assure funding for the citizen involvement program.
Further, the law requires that Federal, State and local agencies and special
districts coordinate their planning efforts with the governing body and make
use of existing local citizen involvement programs.
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VOL 32 FAGE 378 I
Finally, Oregon law requires a mechanism to be used for an evaluation of
the citizen involvement program to:
1. Assist the governing body in developing a citizen involvement
program.
2. Assist in implementing the program.
3. Evaluate the success of the program and new approaches.
Local citizens need to be a part of the decisions made about how their
unique area and resources are developed. An active program for citizen in-
put in the comprehensive plan process is a democratic opportunity to develop
an end product reflective of the local resources, activities and people.
Oregon law insures that opportunity.
Deschutes County
Citizen involvement has occurred in Deschutes County since 1968. But with
the advent of the LCDC goals and the project of updating the Deschutes
County Comprehensive Plan, the citizen involvement program took on an
exciting revival in 1978.
The revised and adopted program began with a well publicized educational
meeting at the local college to acquaint Deschutes County residents with
citizen involvement in land use planning and the upcoming opportunities
for participation. One hundred and fifty persons attended to view a state-
wide and local slide show on the goals, an explanation of the program, 'an
attitude survey (later compiled by local college students) and several hand-
outs. For a month thereafter people began to sign-up for advisory committee
membership.
In a year the Board of County Commissioners, effectively acting as the com-
mittee to evaluate the citizen involvement program, appointed eighteen
citizen's advisory committees with a total of 326 officially appointed members.
-and up to 300 additional persons indirectly involved.
The structure of the citizen involvement program was all-inclusive. The
County chose to have both urban area and community committees as well as
a number of specific subject committees.
The subject committees were set up to function as a small panel of technical
experts and. interested citizens. Coordination .with many local agencies
occurred at this level. The groups operated like a workshop. addressing
each major plan element in full detail. Each committee was given a general
I
"VOL 32 PAGE 3 ! 9
work program to collect inventory, identify needs and problems and pre-
pare justified recommendations. Committees met two to four times a month,
and ten to twenty times totally. Each group prepared a detailed and factual
preliminary report which was then presented to the Overall Citizen's
Advisory Committee for comment. Revisions to each report were made by
the committee and then submitted in a final version to the planning staff.
The work accomplished was tremendous. The initially weak data base
along with a demanding time schedule for plan completion was a handicap
the devoted citizenry chose to tackle themselves. Consequently, detailed
reports prepared by local citizens because the basis, often word for word,
for the new comprehensive plan.
' The unincorporated community committees involved all interested residents.
The program was outlined to address each planning goal and develop a list
of problems, needs and directions for future community growth. Community
residents were dedicated in preparing their concerns for review by the Overall
Citizen's Advisory Committee and eventually submitting the final review to the
planning staff.
' The three urban area advisory committees worked diligently to prepare tl-.eir
own comprehensive plans. The planning consultant for Redmond and Sisters
periodically reported to the Overall Citizen's Advisory Committee to assure
communication and coordination.
Sisters Urban Area
As part of the countywide citizen involvement program and pursuant to ORS
197.160, the Board of County Commissioners and the Sisters City Council
1 jointly appointed the Sisters Urban Area Advisory Committee to update the
Sisters Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. The committee has met bi-monthly
and sometimes weekly in the preparation of the plan. The City Planning
Commission which serves as the official Committee for Citizen Involvement
periodically reviews the functioning of the Advisory Committee. The CAC
is made up of an equal number of city and county residents. In accordance
with the overall program, periodic reports are made to the County Governing
Body to assure necessary communication and coordination.
The ongoing citizen involvement program will include a series of publicized .
meetings held annually to review and recommend any necessary plan amend-
ments. Utilizing the local weekly newspaper, Sisters Nugget and the Bend
Bulletin, comments form the general public will be solicited as a feedback
1 mechanism. The Planning Commission will adopt formal program for the
review and updating process to assure continued citizen involvement.
1
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t VOL 32 ?P'-f 3 So
PART III GENERAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
"VOL 32 PAGE 381
PART III GENERAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
' For planning proposals and programs to be meaningful to the Sisters Urban
Area, they must be based on fundamental concepts which are well-founded
in the community. To this end, the Citizen's Advisory Committee evaluated
community resources, examined issues and opportunities and outlined goals
and objectives upon which to base planning proposals for attaining the character
and quality of community environment expressed as being desirable for Sisters
and surrounding areas. The goals stated herein are consistant with Statewide
' Planning Goals.
Initial definition of planning goals and objectives was adopted by the Citizen's
Advisory Group on April 10, 1974. The following includes those goals and
the goals and objectives recommended by the Sisters Urban Area Advisory
Committee for the updating of the Comprehensive Plan.
' Position Orientation
1.
To recognize Sisters as the gateway to the Cascade Mountains
and Central Oregon Recreation Area.
2.
To recognize and promote Sisters as the service center for
commerce and public services in support of surrounding
recreational, recreation residential and agricultural demands.
I
City
Image and Visual Appearance
1.
To recognize Sisters as a Recreational-Retirement Community.
2.
To encourage the development of a central architectural and
sign theme based on Western and/or Frontier building
of the 1880's.
3
T
.
o improve, identify and emphasize the entrances to the City.
4.
To encourage maintenance of property and its value.
5.
To improve public street standards as a means of upgrading
City image and visual appearance.
6.
To encourage landscaping management practices.
VOL 32 PAuE 382
Environmental
1. To maintain the clear and clean quality of air and water.
2. To maintain an adequate program of solid waste management.
3. To maintain and expand the service capabilities of the muni-
cipal water system.
4. To encourage the development of adequate sewerage treatment
systems.
.5. To maintain the quality of space and openness inherent to
Central Oregon.
Social and Housing
1. To improve and expand leisure time offerings of the
community, particularly for the youth and elderly.
2. To provide a level of coordinated services which insures safe,
healthful and convenient conditions for all segments of the
population.
3. To encourage housing quality and diversity that is responsive
to community demands.
Forest Lands
1. To conserve forest lands for forest uses.
2. To protect forest lands from incompatible uses and encourage
landscape management practices along scenic routes.
Economic
1. To capitalize on recreation-tourist support functions.
2. To encourage improvement and up-grading of the central business
district in support of local population demands and the recreation-
tourist industry.
3. To encourage the provision of professional services now lacking
in the community.
4. To encourage development of light industrial activities of a clean
and non-offensive character.
-10-
32 %E383
I Transportation
1. To develop an acceptable transportation solution to the increasing
congestion introduced into the heart of the community via major
east-west highways.
1 2. To provide an orderly street network which offers safe and
convenient communications between the various areas of the
community.
' 3. To determine future needs and requirements for airport facilities.
Energy Conservation
1 To conserve energy.
2. To encourage and develop energy conservation programs.
Coordination and Inter-Agency Cooperation
' 1. To jointly establish an Urban Growth Management Agreement with
Deschutes County for the Sisters Urban Growth Boundary.
2. To establish an effective administrative procedure for coordination
between the Sisters Planning Commission and Deschutes County
Planning Commission for coordinating community expansion and re-
solving problems in the "Planning Area" of Sisters.
3. To initiate administrative programs between public agencies
responsible for programs which serve the coordinated needs of the
Planning Area.
Implementation
1. To maintain active citizen participation on a continuing basis for
continued citizen in-put in the continuing process of planning and
plan implementation.
2. To adopt procedural ordinances to carry out the planning process
and to adopt zoning and related development codes necessary to
implement the Comprehensive Plan.
3. To develop an initial long-range financial plan and capital improve-
. ments program.
-11-
32 Fni W
VOL
4. To adopt o Subdivision Ordinance on i en with the subdivision
standards of Deschutes County and the Sisters Zoning Ordinance.
5. To adopt standard specifications for Design and Construction of
Public Improvements.
t
u
-12- 1
VOL 32 PART IV RESOURCE INVENTORY
1 rVOL 32 PAGE 306
' PART IV RESOURCES INVENTORY
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Central Oregon's resources and environmental setting have been molded by
' the geological formation of the region. The endeavors of man, from the
original Indian cultures through the exploration, early settlement and
development by white men, have significantly altered the regional resources
and environment.
Sisters' existence is a result of the cultural evolution of man in Central
' Oregon. Current orientation toward the support of recreational and tourist
activities, can draw upon the history of the locale and region as a resource
in support of this interest.
Pre-Historical Era
Formation of the land base which is now Central Oregon, was preceded
' by an extensive period during which sea water covered the area.
Folding and upheaving of underlying land eventually displaced the
waters to form an inland plain. Marine fossils uncovered east of the
' Crooked River bear witness to this action and date the oldest formation
in Oregon some 225 million years ago during the Age of the Fishes.
Subsequently, initial volcanic action built up various mountains and
peaks and spilled lava throughout many deep valleys in the area.
It was during this period which geologists have named Clarno, that they
recorded the first mammal life in Oregon. Columbia lavas then spread
over the Pacific Northwest and covered much of inland Oregon, leaving
only older highland "islands". This action disrupted and blocked drain-
age of the area, resulting in formation of the high pre-historic lakes.
' Animal life continued to develop and the Cascade Mountains began to
emerge in the west.
Mountain-born glaciers now introduced an Age of Ice. The original
Cascades were significantly altered due to the movement of this ice.
Extensive ice coverage to the north shifted the weather pattern,
bringing storms .southward, with heavy rainfall. This rainfall indirectly
formed large South-Central Oregon lakes due to natural impoundment
of water.
Volcanic activity continued to shape the Central Oregon area up to
recent times. Some 6,000 years ago, Mt. Mazama to the south, erupted
-13-
I
VOL 32 FACE 387
violently forming Crater Lake and depositing a vast layer of ash
and pumice over the northwest. Indians are identified to have
been in this area through discovery of artifacts under Mazama ash
in the upper Deschutes basin. Approximately the same time that
Mazama was developing, Mt. Newberry in the Paulinas, formed near
the southern edge of the Deschutes plateau.
Newberry erupted, consumed its summit and eventually formed Paulina '
and East Lakes within its calders. Volcanic action continued in the
form of small cinder cones at the base of the mountain. From these '
cinder cones and cracks in the parent mountain, lava spread over the
surrounding area until approximately 1,000 years ago, signaling the
end of Central Oregon topographical change through volcanic activity. '
Through radio-carbon dating, the earliest identified habitation by man
is established around 9,000 years ago in the Fort Rock basin.
Early Exploration ,
During December of 1825, Peter Skene Ogden and a party of Hudson '
Bay Company trappers embarked from the Columbia River, at the
River of the Falls, the Deschutes of Central Oregon, to survey the
little known region of inland Oregon. This was the first recorded '
exploration of the Central Oregon area. At the same time Ogden left
the Columbia, Finan McDonald was sent east across the Cascades to
join up with Ogden along the River of the Falls. Upon joining up forces,
the group crossed the Deschutes above Madras, moved across the Agency '
Plains, making their first camp on the Crooked River. From this point,
the explorers continued eastward along the Crooked River into the
John Day area. Ogden made a second trip south from the Columbia
during 1826-27. He left his previous route at Dufur, went directly
to White River and followed the western tributary to the Deschutes for
a crossing at Sherars Falls. From here, the party continued into the ,
Malheur-Harney region. On his return trip, Ogden discovered East
and Paulina Lakes in Newberry Crater, before turning south to California.
Nathaniel J. Wyethe became the first white man to visit the present site ,
of Bend. During December of 1834, Wyeth and his party proceeded
through a heavy winter storm into the upper Deschutes River country.
Their travels along the river brought them into contact with Benham
and Pringle Falls. On his return trip, Wyeth paused at the head of
Squaw Creek, before reaching the Columbia in February of 1835.
-14- 1
VOL 32 I'ACE 388
1
Eight years later, during 1843, John C. Fremont, an officer in the
Topographic Engineers of the U.S. Army, guided by Kit Carson
and Billy Chinook, a Warm Springs Indian, made the next thrust
into the Deschutes country. Departing The Dalles in November,
they moved up the Deschutes to Tygh Valley, crossed the White
River, proceeded through the Warm Springs country and reached
the upper meadows of Tumalo Creek. Fremont's group then con-
tinued south into California.
The early pioneers associated with the first wagon train immigrants
I
to cross Central Oregon did not initially settle in the Deschutes
country. In 1845, the Blue Bucket Mine party from Missouri was the
first wagon train to cross the interior country. Upon leaving Ft. Boise,
the train left the Oregon trail and headed across relatively unknown
Central Oregon.. Legend states that somewhere in Malheur country,
gold nuggets were discovered when water was drawn from a stream in
a blue bucket . East of the John Day River, the train lost direction,
continued through the High Desert with all its adverse conditions,
eventually reached the Crooked River near Prineville and completed
their journey at The Dalles.
The second group of immigrants to cross Central Oregon was the Clark
Massacre Party in the fall of 1851. At the Snake River the group was
attacked by Indians, killing several of the party. West of the Snake,
the train departed from the Oregon Trail, approximating the route
taken by the Blue Bucket Mine group. Clark had been advised to
guide on three mountains (The Sisters) and to watch for a low volcanic
cone, called Red Butte (Pilot Butte), directly in front of The Sisters.
Here was located a good camping spot on the Deschutes River. The
.Clark Party rested along the Deschutes for several days, apparently
at the location of Bend's Pioneer Park, prior to moving north and
crossing the Barlow Pass to finally reach Cottage Grove.
The Elliot Cutoff Party followed in the fall of 1853, the largest of all
wagon trains to cross Central Oregon. The group became lost when
they mistook the Three Sisters for Diamond Peak, the mountain which
was to guide them to a new Cascade crossing. This pass near Diamond
Peak had previously been crossed by a road-viewing expedition from
Lane County. To save time, the Elliot Party headed west into the
Central Oregon high country. Due to extremely adverse conditions,
t
f 389 ~
VOL 32 ea _
the train broke off advance segments to try and find help for the
group. One group crossed the mountains west of Bend, between
two of the Sisters. The main train finally found its way to what is
now known as the Willamette Pass.
In 1855, Lt. Robert S. Williamson and Henry Larcom Abbot were as-
signed to the Pacific Survey, to find the most suitable and economic
route for a railroad from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean. Leaving
their ship in San Francisco, the group moved northward and entered
Oregon south of Klamath Falls and continued to the Upper Deschutes
country. Here Williamson scouted the eastern slopes of Trout Creek
and returned near the Sisters site to link up with Abbot. After
reaching Ft. Vancouver, Abbot reported that topographic barriers of
the Deschutes country would be almost impassable. This early engineering
reconnaissance was to be proven wrong.
Early Settlement
Due to trouble with the Indians, particularly Chief Paulina, the govern-
ment strongly discouraged settlement east of the Cascades. This w"s
expressed as an official order from August of 1856 to October 1859.
Despite the lifting of the order, there was not a significant movement
of settlers into Central Oregon, other than those in search of gold.
Around 1863, the first settlers began to appear in the Deschutes
country, primarily along the routes of travel from the Dalles to the
Upper Deschutes.
Constant harassment by Chief Paulina and his followers throughout
Central Oregon, prompted the Army to establish outposts and camps
for the protection of miners and settlers. One of these was Camp
Polk, just a short distance from Sisters.
Camp Polk
Camp Polk was established in 1865 adjacent to Squaw Creek, just
three miles northeast of the City of Sisters. The military detachment
which established the camp were men of Company A, 1st Oregon Volunteer
Infantry, commanded by Captain Charles La Follette.
Leaving Ft. Yamhill, this was the first military group to cross the
Cascades via the new Santiam Road. Upon arriving at the site adjacent
to Squaw Creek, Captain La Follette named the camp Polk after his
home country. Here the men prepared a parade ground, trimmed a
t
-16- 1
VOL 32 FACE 390
' tall tree for a flag pole and built eight cabins. Before winter operations
could be initiated against the Indians, word was received from the
Chief of the Army to muster out all volunteers. Subsequently, the
Camp Polk detachment remained in winter quarters and in the Spring
of 1866 returned to their home, thus ending the brief military history
of Camp Polk.
During 1879, the Camp Polk site was homesteaded by Samual M.W.
Hindman and his family. In 1875, Hindman established a post office
and a store and became the community's first postmaster. At this
' time, the area between the Cascades and the Deschutes River was
virtually uninhabited, but destined to bustle with the future movement
of cattle and sheep over the Santiam Pass.
r City of Sisters
' While Hindman was developing Camp Polk, the nearby Sisters site was
being transformed from a ranch to a town. During the 1880's, large
flocks of sheep were driven past the town site to summer pastures
in the high Cascades. Sisters was the last settlement between Prineville
and the mountains and consequently early entrepreneurs did a brisk
business in the summer months. The name Sisters was bestowed upon
the town by Jacob Quiberg, a farmer and stockman in the vicinity. This
name was chosen because of the proximity to the three imposing Cascade
peaks which overlook the town, The Three Sisters.
1 In 1888, the Camp Polk post office was moved to the village of Sisters
and given the name of its adopted town. This post office was located
on the homestead of John Smith, who had filed homestead rights in
1886 and received title in 1891. Smith was later to relocate the post
office within the present city limits where Sisters Market now stands.
During 1898, John Smith sold his holdings to Alex Smith, no relation,
and in 1900, Alex Smith sold one-half interest to his brother Robert.
On July 10, 1901, the Smith Brothers filed the original town plat which
comprised six city blocks bounded by Cascade Street on the south,
Adams on the north, Elm on the west and Larch to the east. Mail was
now being carried by stage from Shaniko, Prineville and Cline Falls,
as Redmond would not be established until 1906. This mail was taken
to Cascadia, where it was transferred to Pony Express for points west.
t
VOL 32 FADE 391
Sisters became a stopping place for travelers as it was the inter- ,
section of the Santiam and McKenzie Roads. Business and growth
increased with the movement of stock to the U.S. Forest Service
mountain pasture allotments. At the turn of the century, cattle raising
had become a vital industry around Sisters. This industry centered
around the vast holdings of the Black Butte Land and Livestock
Company, with one of its headquarters at Black Butte Ranch approxi-
mately eight miles northwest of Sisters. By 1908, the benefits of the
sheep traffic bound for mountain pasture dwindled.
Lumber also contributed to the activity and growth of the community.
Small mills were in operation as early as 1890 and a large mill was
built within the town site in 1912. Since then there have been many
other mills in the area, with the last one just north of the rodeo grounds
ceasing operations in 1965.
Sisters' first school was built around 1885 and located near the Lundy '
Ranch, two miles to the north. The school was then a part of District
No. 9, Crook County and accommodated thirty children. Around 1890
a second one-room school was constructed near the site of the present '
Park (Motel.
Fire struck the city a disasterous blow in 1923, destroying an entire '
block of business houses between Elm and Fir, south of Cascade.
Again in 1924, fire consumed buildings on both sides of Cascade from
Fir to Spruce. t
The first pipeline for distribution of water in the city was installed
in 1916. During the 1930's, electricity became available from the Lang-
man Electric Company, which was generated in a building next to the
Hitchcock.Mill. Central Electric Cooperative extended a line from
Redmond in 1941, replacing the private system. Street lights were in-
stalled in June of 1951 along Cascade, the principle business street of
the City.
A special election was held in 1946 and the people of Sisters voted 115
to 61 in favor of incorporating the town. Population of the city at this
time was approximately 700.
Sisters continues to enjoy its location at the junction of the Santiam
and McKenzie Highways, as service center for tourist traffic and the
-18 1
11
1
t
VOL 32 PAGE 392
vast recreational area within the adjacent U.S. National Forest lands of
the Cascade Range. The Sisters annual rodeo provides a major com-
munity attraction of each year, which has become known throughout
the state.
Climate, recreational resources and major highway linkages bring
continued activity to the community. Recent development of recreational
oriented land developments, such as Indian Ford Ranch, Black Butte
Ranch and Tollgate and Corssroads indicate continuing growth and change
for the city and its surrounding area.
VOL 32 PAGE39 I
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Sisters is located at the eastern base of the Cascade Mountain Range in
the westerly portion of the Central Oregon Area consisting of Deschutes,
Crook and Jefferson Counties. Its unique geographical setting clearly
identifies it as the gateway to the Cascades by the general public. The city,
the Urban Growth Boundary and the Planning Area are all within the
boundaries of the Deschutes National Forest.
Bend, the Deschutes County seat, lies 21 miles to the southeast, Redmond
20 miles to the east and the Santiam Junction, 20 miles to the northwest.
Within the City of Sisters, U.S. Highway 20 and Oregon 242 converge at
Cascade Street, with their respective beginnings at Newport and Florence
on the Oregon coast. Both of these highways continue eastward, inter-
secting with U.S. Highway 97, a north-south, intra-state highway, at
Redmond and Bend. Continuing eastward, these highways intersect with
Interstate Highway 80N, and east-west Trans-continental Highway and to
the west, they provide important connections with Willamette Valley urban
areas and markets, as they traverse Cascade Mountain public recreational
and scenic areas.
The western portion of the Central Oregon Area can be characterized as the '
meeting of the Central Oregon agricultural area and the eastern gateway to
the Cascade.Mbuntain Santiam Recreational Area. It is primarily an agri-
cultural area situated in and about national forest lands. MW
The area is in the process of change from what once primarily supported a
agricultural endeavors, to one which is more diversified through the intro-
duction of manufacturing, land subdivision and exploitation of the scenic
and recreational resources in the region. This change can be noted with
the development and expansion of the Bachelor Butte ski area, continued
development at Sunriver, Indian Ford Ranch development immediately north
of Sisters, Black Butte Ranch development approximately 8 miles to the
northwest and recreational subdivision development taking place immediately
to the west and in the Camp Sherman area.
The Central Oregon environment with its semi-arid, low rainfall and high
percentage of days with sunshine, provides a setting which is luring an
ever increasing number of people to live and/or spend their leisure time
in the region.
-20-
1 AREA OF INFLUENCE
vot 12, wn394
The Sisters area of influence is a major subregion of the larder Central
Oregon area and is probably the most diverse. Geographically, it contains ,
or borders on the highest mountain peaks, the deepest, steepest canyons,
and the best agricultural lands in Deschutes County. It is also the most
scenic and is heavily used for recreational purposes. The area of influence
is generally identifiable by geographical boundaries in most cases, which
do not fit jurisdictional boundaries. The northern geographical boundary
is the Metolius River Canyon, its western extension and Jefferson Creek
which marks the southern boundary of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.
The eastern boundary could easily be defined by the Deschutes River
Canyon. The southern boundary would run eastward from the summits of
Broken Top, Tam MacArthur Rim, Bearwallow Butte, and Triangle Butte.
From here the boundary is not easily definable by geographical description,
but would generally follow Bull Creek to Tumalo Reservoir, then along the
Columbia Southern Canal to the Deschutes River Canyon wall, north of the
Tumalo townsite. Most of the area of influence is within Deschutes County,
but a portion of Jefferson County is associated with Sisters because of
geographical conditions making access to the towns in Jefferson County
'
next to impossible. Whatever
occurs in that part of Jefferson County,
therefore, affects the town of Sisters.
t
1
Ll
The economic area for Sisters is substantially smaller however. On the
east, the economic area is diminished by the economic dominance of Bend
and Redmond, the two principal economic centers in the Central Oregon
area. For example, most forest resources harvested within the Sisters
geographical region are currently being transported to mills in either Bend
or Redmond, tying the area economically to those two larger economic
centers. Also, largely because of a lack of employment opportunity in or
near Sisters, many Sisters area residents commute to jobs in either Bend or
Redmond, making their employment output, and often their consumption, a
part of the economy for the larger community.
PLANNING AREA
The planning area has
of Sisters, the Urban
This approximates the
been defined as the incorporated limits of the City
Growth Boundary and an immediate surrounding area.
following area
_21-
. VOL 32 FACE 395
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SISTERS, OREGON
URBAN PLANNING
AREA
r1
s PLANNING AREA
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1 wOL 32 F 3.96
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Township 14 South, Range 10 East, Willamette Meridian
South of the Southeast of Section 33
South Z of the Southwest of Section 34
Township 15 South, Range 10 East, Willamette Meridian
West I of Section 3
All of Section 4
All of Section 5
All of Section 8
All of Section 9
West I of Section 10
This places the City of Sisters at the approximate center of the Planning
Area containing some 3,060 acres (4.78 square miles). See following
plate, Sisters, Oregon - Planning Area.
Terrain
The majority of the Planning Area is relatively flat. The terrain
slopes from the southwest corner of the Planning Area at approximately
1% to the northeast at the base of McKinney Butte, where it then rises
some 160 feet to the summit of the butte. The City of Sisters has a
U.S..Geological Survey bench mark elevation of 3,186 feet. Squaw
Creek, as it enters the Planning Area from the south, becomes the
most significant waterway in the area. It is joined by Indian Ford
Creek at the southwestern base of McKinney Butte and continues east-
ward to its jucture with the Deschutes River in Lake Billy Chinook
above Round Butte Dam. Squaw Creek is the source for irrigation
waters delivered by the Squaw Creek Irrigation District.
Vggetation
Native vegetation cover consists primarily of Ponderosa. Pine inter-
spersed with Juniper and contains ground cover consisting of Bitter-
brush, Manzanita, Idaho Fescue and Forbes.
Animal Life
Local animal species consist primarily of mule deer, coyote and a few
elk and black bear. Fur bearing animals identified by the U.S. Forest
Service are beaver, marten, otter and mink. (wail and sage grouse
-23-
I
VOL 32 Fmx 3`x'7 I
are to be found locally and bald eagle nesting areas have been identified
within U.S. Forest land. Local streams and surrounding lakes are
known for their trout fishing.
Soils
Soils within the Planning Area consist principally of Sisters Loamy Sand
and Wanoga Loamy Fine Sand. The Sisters soils are brown loamy sand
in color and texture at the surface with yellowish-brown loamy sand sub-
soil and a yellowish-brown gravelly loamy sand sub-stratum. Soil depth
is more than 60 inches with somewhat excessive natural drainage and
rapid permeability of from 6 to 20 inches per hour. The Wanoga soils
are grayish-brown loamy fine sand subsoil and a hardpan sub-stratum.
Soil depth is from 20-40 inches with good natural drainage and moderately
rapid permeability of from 2 to 6 inches per hour.
Climate
Central Oregon climate may be characterized as having cold, moist
winters and warm, dry summers. There are a high percentage of days
with sunshine each year. In Bend and Redmond, some twenty miles
southeast and east of Sisters respectively, there are approximately 130
clear days and 90 partly cloudy days. Most of the 145 cloudy days af-
ford some sunshine through thin cloudiness.
Sisters' weather provides annual precipitation ranging from 15 to 30
inches, with the majority falling in October through March. Annual
snowfall averages around three feet. The mean annual air temperature
ranges from 41 to 46, with lows of -20 and highs of over 100. Frost can
occur year around in the Sisters area as well as most of Deschutes County.
Winds are generally from the west to southwest, with an average velocity
at 10-12 miles per hour.
URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY I
The Urban Growth Boundary for Sisters consists mostly of the present city
limits, an expanded area to the west and a small area to the north and east.
- 24-
I~
von 32 PuE 398
The size of the boundary is based upon a 4.50 growth rate projection over
the next 20 years and is consistent with growth rate projections utilized
by Deschutes County. The growth rate is expected to fluctuate with
changing times but will be used for planning purposes as the Comprehensive
Plan is updated. The Urban Growth Boundary is described as follows:
Beginning at the northeast corner of Section 9, Township 15
South, Range 10 East, Willamette Meridian; thence running
southerly along the east line of said Section one-half (1) mile
to the one-quarter corner; thence westerly along the center
line of said Section 9 and extending to the center of Section
8 of said Township and Range; thence northerly to a point
200 feet south of the McKenzie Highway (Ore. 242); thence
westerly to the west line of Section 8; thence extending north-
erly to the west one-quarter corner of Section 5; thence ex-
tending easterly to and including Camp Polk Road; thence
southerly to the north line of Black Butte Street; thence
easterly to the east line of Section 4; thence southerly to the
point of beginning, containing 1,040 acres, more or less.
-25-
fl
val. 32 FACE 399 I
POPULATION
Population trends and characteristics are summarized from available published
data by the Center for Population Research and Census of Portland State
University. Future projections of population are derived from assumptions
based on trends and reasonable economic expectations that appear likely,
particularly tourist-recreational resources.
Trends and Characteristics
Since incorporation of the City in 1946, with an estimated population
of around 700, the community has shown a marked decline in total
population for census years 1960 and 1970. However, from 1970 to
1978, Sisters has experienced an increase of 394 persons, 57$ over
the 1970 census figure of 516. This has been attributed primarily
to the establishment of former second or retirement residences in the
community as a permanent residence, retirement immigration and in-
creased commercial activities. See Table No. 1, Comparative Population
,
Trends and Projections.
The Sisters area has experienced significant growth between 1960 4.id
'
1970, which is reflected in the surrounding developments of Black
Butte Ranch, Tollgate, Crossroads and Indian Ford Ranch develop-
ments. This is currently indicated by recent increases in school age
population from Black Butte and. Indian Ford Ranches.
Age distribution figures for comparative analysis and trend development
are not available. However, from existing data and Figure No. 1,
,
Population Age Distribution, the following characteristics are presented:
1. Analysis of school age population and School District '
No. 6 enrollment figures indicate that 34% of the school
population is derived from the District Service Area out-
side the city limits. Taking into account current
ment growth in surrounding developments, future school
loading may develop more rapidly outside the city limits.
2. The 0-19 age group, containing the majority of school
age population, represents 300 of the total city
population, some 7% less than the percentage
1
-26 1
`VOL 32 F41X90
AGE
Unknown
0 - 4
5 - 9
10 - 14
15-19
20-34
35-44.
45-59
6o-64
65 and over
POPULATION AGE DISTRUBUTION
Sisters, Oregon - 1978
395 415
(48.8%) (51.2%)
SOURCE: Portland State University
Center for Population Research and Census
October/November 1972
1979 Straight-Line Projection - May, 1979
-27-
TOTALS
2
.2)
58
7.2)
7%
58
( 7.2)
65
( 8.0)
130
( 16.0)
51
( 6.3)
159
( 19.6)
78
( 9.5)
148
( 18.4)
810
100.0%
VOL 32 PAGE 411 I
representation for the county. This reflects the
community's smaller family size, downward trends in
birth rate and general older age of the population.
3. Prime labor market population, age 20-59 (41.9%)
indicated depressed employment opportunities.
4. The 60 and over age group represents a little under
280 of the population expressing the retirement character-
istic of the community.
5. Sex distribution is about even, with a little over 2% more
females than males.
Population Projections
Projecting future population, particularly with regard to future points
in time, is not an exact science. Population growth in our nation has
historically been associated with economic opportunities attracting people
to centers of activity. These economic opportunities have generally
been related to localized resources, markets, transportation and change
in transportation mode and location of government facilities. Therefore,
in developing future estimates of population for Sisters, certain assumptions
are made based on trends, local resources and environmental desirability
of the area.
The factors which will probably effect significant growth of Sisters'
population is the realization of a public sewerage collection, trans-
mission and treatment system and an improved water distribution system,
coupled with immigration of retired and/or recreation oriented residents.
Annexation of adjacent housing units may also have an immediate impact
on the numerical population.
Table No. 1 , Comparative Population Trends and Projections, presents
population estimates to the year 2000. It is based on an accepted 4.5$.
annual growth rate which is used for Deschutes County as a whole in
the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan.
-28-
I
1
'l
r
11
11
'VOL 32 PAuE 402
TABLE NO. 1
COMPARATIVE POPULATION TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS
State of
Oregon
Tri-County
Region
Deschutes
County
City of
Sisters
1960
1970
1,768,687
2,091,385
+16.26%
+18.26%
39,669
48,975
+ 9.13%
+23.48%
23,106
30,422
+ 5.90%
+31.78%
602
516
1978 1980 1990 2000
49,700. 53,400
82,900
128,200
+75.53%
+55.24%
+54.64%
810 844,
1,373
2,135
+71,32%
+55.32%
+55.49%
-14.28%
Source: US Census and Portland State Center for Population Research and Census to 1978
1978-2000 population projections for Sisters and Deschutes County are based
on 4.5% annual growth rate - developed and adopted by the Deschutes County
Economic Advisory Committee June, 1978.
-29-
VOL 32 FACT 433
HOUSING
Nearly all the housing in the Sisters Planning Area is contained within
the city limits and future housing can be expected to be located within the
Sisters Urban Growth Boundary. It is important to keep in mind when
reviewing planning policy that most of the housing that supplies the
local labor force is located outside the Planning Area within recreation
residential areas. The following data and a review of the basic issues will
provide a basis for the housing element of the comprehensive plan.
Condition of Structures
A field survey was made in April, 1979 to update a previous Land Use
Survey conducted in January, 1974 which classified all residential units
by their general structural condition.
Table No. 2, Condition of Residential Structures - Sisters, Oregon,
presents a tabulation of housing structural conditions for the City.
Eighty-seven percent of Sister's housing inventory is of relatively
sound structural quality, with approximately 73% in relatively good
repair and over 14% in need of preventative maintenance or minor repair,
the majority of the later being conventional single-family dwellings. A
little over 6% of the housing units are in need of major structural repair,
primarily conventional single-family units. Dilapidated units make-up
over 4% of the inventory, all single-family units and over 2 of all units
may be considered of sub-standard construction.
TABLE NO. 2
CONDITION OF RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES - SISTERS, OREGON
Rating
Mobile
Single
Code
Totals
Home
Family
A
236
(74.2%)
114
109
B
46
(14.5%)
2
44
C
18
( 5.6%)
2
14
D
10
( 3.1%)
10
E
8
( 2.6%)
8
TOTALS
318
(100.0%)
118
185
- 30-
Multiple
Family
13
2
15
fl
I
r
r
r
I
I
I
1
J
Fva 32 rnn 404
A = Recent construction or good repair. D = Dilapidated.
B = Preventative maintenance and minor repair. E = Sub-standard.
C = Major repair.
1 Source: Land Use Survey, Field Inventory, January 1974
Updated Field Survey, April, 1979
Deschutes County Permit Records
Buildable Lands
A buildable lands inventory was conducted in May, 1979. The most
significant restraint to buildable lots within the City of Sisters is the
lack of a sewerage system which has recently been rejected by the
' voters. It is likely that development will have to take place on larger
parcels for some time in the future which will reflect on the size of the
Urban Growth Boundary. Original platted lots within the city are
not adequate to accommodate individual sewage systems and it is
' necessary to combine parcels in order to be able to build. The following
Table indicates the number of combined parcels that are buildable con-
sidering parcel size, sewage disposal limitations and flood hazard areas
' along Squaw Creek.
Vacant Vacant
Platted Lots Net Acreage
' Single Family 47 103
Multiple Family 5 10
' Commercial 17 6
Commercial occupied by Residential 12
Industrial and Heavy Commercial 29 32
Source: Field Survey from Land Use Inventory - May, 1979
Corps of Engineers Flood Map Survey - August, 1978
r
Census Housing Data
Detailed housing data from the 1970 Census of. Population and Housing
is not available for the City of Sisters. However, 1972 special
' enumeration conducted by the Center for Population Research and
Census' of Portland State University presents data on occupancy and
1 -31-
VOL 32 PAGE405
size of household . Housing occupancy data was updated from city
building permit records.
TABLE NO. 3
HOUSING OCCUPANCY - SISTERS, OREGON
1972-1978
Total Owner Renter
Year Units Occupied Occupied
1972 299 (100%) 220 (73.5%) 58 (19.4%)
1978 318 (100%) 238 (74.8%) 63 (19.8%)
TABLE NO. 4
SIZE OF HOUSEHOLD - SISTERS, OREGON
1972
Vacant
21 (7.1%)
17 (5.3%)
Number of
Number of
Persons
Units
1
63 (22.7%)
2
117 (42.7%)
,
3
36 (12.9%)
4
28 (10.1%)
5
22 ( 7.9%)
6
6 ( 2.1%)
7
3 ( 1.1%)
8
11
2 ( 0.7%)
( o.4%)
,
Housing Data Analvsis
From a resource standpoint, a little over 10% of Sisters' housing inventory
is in need of major corrective actions and 14% requires preventative
maintenance to maximize the longevity of that portion of existing housing
resources. This initial assessment of Sisters' housing indicates over 5%
-32-
wL 32 Th, 406
of the housing being dilapidated and sub-standard in construction.
The structural observation did not take into account internal environ-
mental conditions, nor exterior factors such as open space and its
maintenance, land use and traffic conflicts and level of support services
which all bear upon the total quality of housing. These factors should
be carefully considered in any programmatic approach to housing for
Sisters, particularly through the introduction of new units to the
inventory.
Occupancy data indicates that Sisters' housing is predominantly owner
occupied with limited rental Inventory. The curre► vacancy rate is
about 5%, most of which are rental units.
Household size is reflective of the retirement character of the community,
both in number of persons per household and the number of persons
sixty and older in the population age distribution. Just under 65% of
the households consist of two (42.1%) and one (22.7%) persons and
28% of the population is sixty years of age or older. This data reflects
the particular housing requirements of retired singles and couples, not
only as to specific spacial requirements and support facilities, but
also range of choice and financial ability.
Specific data on income by age group and family composition is not
available. However, with approximately 28% of the population being
sixty years or older, indicates potential for typical problems of limited
financial ability to secure decent and adequate housing for persons on
social security and/or modest pensions.
Summary of Housing Issues
1. Deterioration of existing housing inventory, with dilapidation
and sub-standard units.
2. Limited rental inventory.
3. Particular housing requirements for retired singles and
couples.
4. Individual financial ability to secure decent and adequate
housing.
-33-
VOL 32 PAGE 4 J7
1
ECONOMY
Sisters' Settlement, development, and initial economy was closely
tied to crossroads, transportation and agriculture, primarily cattle
and sheep raising. Today the general economic character of the
Sisters area is timber management and logging, recreational and
agricultural.
Agriculture is the smaller of the basic economy units in the Planning
Area. Economic conditions are generally not favorable for farmers in
Deschutes County, except in the most favorable of times. Specialized
livestock raising is the predominant agricultural activity in the.
Planning Area.
Logging, timber management, and other forest activities account for
the principal payroll of the Sisters general area. Contract logging
on both government managed and private forest lands harvests
'
approximately 75 million board feet of timber annually. The Sisters
District of the Deschutes National Forest is headquartered at Sisters
providing a significant payroll for the area, for both full-time and
'
seasonal personnel. The Oregon Department of Forestry, Central
Region, also maintains a staffed district office at Sisters.
Recreation is still a growing basic industry in the Sisters area. The
forest-generated recreation impact in the Sisters area in 1976 was
estimated at 713.3 M visitor days. Although not all of these generate
direct economic benefit for Sisters, the rapid development of tourist-
oriented businesses in the region attest to the economic impact
in the area.
Related to the recreation industry in the area is the land subdivision
business. Many of the farm, and privately-owned lands in the forest
areas, are rapidly being converted to residential, or recreation/
residential uses. Indian Ford Ranch, just one mile north of Sisters,
containing 1,700 acres, has been in the process of paced develop-
ment since the early 1960's, oriented toward rural western living.
Brooks Resources, the area's largest single private landowner, is
also developing land for residential and resort purposes. Three
developments within two miles of Sisters could accommodate approxi-
mately 1,500 home units. A fourth development six miles west of Sisters
could accommodate an additional 1,250 units.
Since 1973, significant growth in recreation service-oriented businesses
- 34-
VOL Jr- f ASE 08
' has occurred, and some professional services are becoming established.
A projected new shopping center complex just west of Sisters will
provide substantial development opportunity, and will tend to cause
' local payroll to remain in the Sisters area, since a large proportion
of personal income was being taken to Bend, Redmond, Eugene,
Salem or Portland for both consumer's and shopper's goods.
Employment
' Although economic information for the Sisters area is somewhat limited,
Table No. 5, Business Employment and Payroll, Sisters Area presents
the basic economic activities identified in the area and their relative
' importance. It will also indicate a substantial increase in employment
and payroll in 1978 over 1972/73. Most of this increase has developed
in the last two years.
' Due to Sisters' proximity to Redmond and Bend, the principal centers
for economic activities in Deschutes County, county employment
trends provide some insight to the Sisters area as a segment of county
activities.
I TABLE NO. 5
'
BUSINESS
EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL - SISTERS AREA
Approximate
Annual
Firm or Company
Employm
ent
Payroll
19Z2/73
1978 1972/73
-
-
1978
'
Barclay Logging Co.
05
$
75
1,-6015
$1,1 ,0
00
U.S. Forest Service
Sisters District
30
32
250,000
310,000
'
Brooks Resources
50
150
500,000
1,700,000
School District No.
6 24
36
193,000
364,000
City of Sisters
Motel, Hotels
6
6
16
8
32,000
18,000
144,000
23,000
Grocery Stores
16
24
48,000
84,000
Restaurants
30
63
100,000
215,000
1
Service Stations
12
16
70,000
130,000
Commercial Shops
n/a
68
n/a
n/a
Other Government
20
24
200,000
260,000
472
Source: 1973 Data,
1972 Data,
Firm or Company Disclosure
Western Bank, FDIC 6210/06
1978 Data,
Firm or Company
Disclosure
- Survey
-35-
C
Vol. 32 PAGE 499
Although Table No. 5 presents business employment data it does not '
reflect all of the employment conditions of the residents within the
Sisters Urban Area. Many people who work in Sisters reside in the '
outer rural or recreation /residential areas. Unpublished data does
indicate however that most of the commercial businesses identified in
Table No. 5 are employed by local residents. The Oregon State
Employment Division does not provide labor force data for small '
cities but has developed some labor force trends on a county-wide
basis. Table No. 6, Non-Agriculture Wage and Salary Employment,
identifies county-wide labor force trends as it might be compared
to Sisters. Table No. 7 identifies unemployment trends on a county-
wide basis which is probably comparable to Sisters.
Agricultural employment in the area effecting Sister'seconomy has
,
continuously shown a decline in the order of importance in the total
economic picture of Deschutes County. The continuing erosion of
agricultural viability on a commercial, full-time basis, and conversion
'
of commercial farm lands to hobby farms or non-farm uses will allow
the downward trend to continue. This trend can be seen in the
comparison of employment by major industry group in Table No. 8.
'
In Deschutes County as a whole, wholesale and retail is the leading
employment sector. The principal manufacturing activity is based on
wood products, for which the Sisters area presently supplies a sub-
stantial portion of the raw material. Contract logging based in Sisters
is heavily dependent on national lumber and wood products markets.
Non-wood products based manufacturing employment in Deschutes
,
County made up 28% of total manufacturing employment in 1972. It
had shown a 240% increase from 1961 to 1972, indicating that a strong
diversification trend from reliance on lumber and wood products
manufacturing was occurring. By 1978, wholesale and retail employ-
'
ment surpassed manufacturing as seen in Table No. 6. The table
shows that non-manufacturing employment has shown the most
significant growth. These non-manufacturing sectors continue to
grow and will stay strong so long as the recreation-based tourism
and construction industry stay strong.
Projections
Agriculture as a source of employment can be expected to continue to
decline due to the sub-marginal environment for traditional farming
methods in the area. Specialty high-value livestock type operations
are growing and doing well near Sisters. They are apparently the
,
only types of farming that can bear the extremely high land costs.
If this agricultural type does not become more important for farm
I
-36 1
0
Ll
. a 32 ra 410
output value, movement toward conversion of agricultural lands to
hobby farms or to non-farm uses could be expected to continue to
occur.
Local industrial development prospects of major industry appear dim,
due to limited resources. Established locations for the lumber and
wood products industries can be expected to remain in Bend and
Redmond. Brooks-Scanlon, the major wood product manufacturer
in the region is an extremely progressive lumber company and
would probably not consider a new plant in Sisters unless long-term
economic bases indicate that such would be a profitable move. Contract
logging in the area's timberlands should continue, dependant on even-
flow, sustained yield forest management on public as well as on private
timberlands. Management of public forest lands for other than timber
output will have an effect on the available timber supply. Large-
scale conversions of commercial forest land, on both public and private
lands to other, non-lumber oriented primary uses could adversely
affect the ared.s economy.
Light industrial activities oriented toward the support of recreation
demands may offer limited opportunities, even with the competition
presented by Bend and its broader base of support. Considering
the potential for increased recreational oriented activities and immigration
of retirees, there may be future opportunities for limited warehousing
and distribution of consumer goods. Building construction demands
brought about by increased development of recreational /retirement sub-
divisions will encourage continued activities in support of the construction
industry and local supply of building materials.
Population growth in the Sisters area will increase local demands for
a broader selection of consumer goods, and even perhaps some shopping
goods, in various retail categories. If expansion occurs, or continues
to occur, based on quality, the Sisters market, or economic area, may
enlarge, eroding some of the effect Bend or Redmond currently have
in the influence area.
Recent introduction of banking services, legal and eventually medical
services, veterinary and architectural services, and a proposed new
shopping center will lessen reliance on Bend or Redmond for these
services. Several realtors have located in the area,. keeping the
' potential for sales commissions in Sisters rather than wholly in Bend
or in Redmond. These trends should continue.
VOL
TABLE NO. 6
NON-AGRICULTURAL WAGE AND SALARY EMPLOYMENT
DESCHUTES COUNTY - 1970 and June 1979
(Numbers of People Employed)
32 PAGE 411
Percent
Category
1970
June 1979
Change
Change
Manufacturing
Lumber and Wood Products
1,620
2,840
1,220
75.3%
Food Products
110
110
0
0.0
Other Products
610
1,000
390
63.9
Total Manufacturing
2,340
3,950
1.610
68.8%
Non-Manufacturing-,
Contract Construction
480
1,570
1,090
227.1%
Transportation,
Communications and
Utilities
570
1,190
620
108.8
Wholesale and Retail Trade
2,230
4,930
2,700
121.1%
Finance, Insurance and
Real-Estate
710
2,080
1,370
192.9
Service and Misc.
1,510
3,840
2,330
154.3
Government
2,060
4,350
2,290
111.2
Total Non-Manufacturing
7,560
17,960
10,400
137.6%
TOTAL
~=g00
211810
.121010
121.3%
Source: Labor Force Trends, Employment Division, Department of
Human Resources, State of Oregon.
* Excludes self-employed and unpaid domestics.
-38-
1
TABLE NO. 7
COMPARISON OF EMPLOYMENT BY MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUP
DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON
I~
J
Agriculture
Non-Agriculture Self-Employed
Manufacturing
Contract Construction
Transportation, Comm. and Utilities
Wholesale and Retail Trade
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
Service and Miscellaneous
Government
VOL 32 FAE412
Rank
Rank
Rank
Rank
Rank
1961
1965
1970
1972
1978
5•
6
7
8
N/A
4
4
5
4
N/A
1
1
1
1
2
9
8
9
7
6
7
7
8
9
7
3
2
2
2
1
8
9
6
6
5
6
5
4
5
4
2
3
3
3
3
Source: State of Oregon, Employment Division.
Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan - 1978 Data.
-39-
J
VOL 32 FACE 413
TABLE NO. 8
UNEMPLOYMENT - DESCHUTES COUNTY
January 1976 to March 1978*
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
1976
12.2%
11.8
11.4
10.4
11.7
8.1
8.8
8.1
8.0
8.2
8.9
9.3
1977
11.0%
10.6
10.7
9.6
8.3
8.4
8.2
7.2
7.4
7.1
7.7
7.2
1978
6.6%
6.8
6.0
5.2
5.4
5.4
5.9
5.6
7.1
6.6
7.8
7.9
1979
Source: Resident Oregon Labor Force and Unemployment by Area,
Monthly Reports, State of Oregon, Employment Division,
Department of Human Resources.
* Unadjusted, percent of total labor force unemployed.
11.6%
11.6
10.1
8.1
7.9
-40-
va 32 P -414
LAND USE
Previous existing land use and ownership inventories were done in
January, 1974 for a planning area and the city limits. This data
may be obtained from the Sisters Area Comprehensive Plan adopted
in 1974. While the data may be of some value in veiwing a larger
area and land use changes within the city limits, it does not reflect
existing conditions of the Urban Growth Boundary. Tables No. 9
and 10 combine all available information and presents new data for
the Urban Growth Boundary which will provide the basis for compre-
hensive plan policies.
TABLE NO. 9
LAND TENURE - URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARY (UGB)
% of Gross
Ownership Acres UGB Area
Gross Area - UGB 880.0 100.0%
United States of America
Department of Agriculture 80.0 9.09
State of Oregon 17.1 1.94
Department of Forestry
Sisters State Park
Deschutes County 1.4 .16
School District No. 6 18.0 2.05
City of Sisters .7 .08
Public Right-of-Way 163.0 18.52
Total Public Ownership 280.2 31.84%
Source: Deschutes County Assessor Records and
Property Area computation from Land Use Survey
-41-
VOL 32 FAGE 415
TABLE NO. 10
LAND USE STATISTICS - CITY OF SISTERS
Number of
Units Acres
% of Gross
Area
100.0%
30.7
3.6
1.0
1.2
5.8
23.3
34.5
GROSS AREA
City Limits
Planning Area
NET AREA*
RESIDENTIAL
Mobile Home
Single-Family
Multi-Family
COMMERCIAL
Residential"
Retail
Service
INDUSTRIAL
Light
QUASI-PUBLIC
Church
Fraternal
PUBLIC
Government
School
Forest Service
TRANSPORTATION
Streets
VACANT LAND
Platted Lots
Vacant Land
384
(121)
(228)
90
( 37)
5
( 3)
( 2)
162
(162)
417
3,060
320
128
38)
77)
15
( 7)
( 2)
( 6)
4
5
( 4)
( 1)
24
( 1)
( 18)
( 3)
97
144
( 90)
( 54)
17 Motel Units, 10 Hotel Units and Mobile Home Park
* Note: Net Area = Gross Area less Streets
Source: Land Use Survey, Field Inventory, June 1978
-42-
t
7
Residential
32 q-41
1
Based on the land use inventory within the Urban Growth Boundary,
Table No. 10 and the current population of approximately 900,128
acres of residential land provides a population density of a little
over 7 persons per acre and represents 14.5% of the Urban Growth
Area.
Existing platted residential lots and vacant land suitable for residential
expansion within the city is limited. Of the 162 platted lots, approximately
55 may be available for residential purposes, plus 80-90 acres of vacant
land. Some of the smaller lots encounter problems in accommodating
a dwelling unit and sub-surface sewerage disposal system. Based on
current average household population, existing vacant platted lots and
acreage may be capable of accommodating an additional population of
700-800, providing problems are not encountered with sub-surface
sewerage disposal and the land is available to the market. To maximize
opportunities for choice of residential sites, in the event a public
sewerage system is not realized in the foreseeable future, it is reason-
able to expect that 250-300 acres of land may be required to accommodate
the population estimate by the year 2000. This would require an
additional 125 to 175 acres of land within the Urban Growth Boundary.
Commercial
Retail and commercial services for the Planning and the local market
areas are primarily concentrated within Sisters along Highway 20.
Approximately 14 acres of commercial land presently serves a market
population of around 5, 000 people, or 2.8 acres of commercial land
per 1,000 people.
Existing commercial lots are 114 feet deep and range in widths of
30, 40 and 60 feet, presenting definite limitations to development
flexibility due to off-street parking requirements and sub-surface
sewerage system leaching field area over which no development may
occur.
Due to current development standards, particularly sanitation, and
diverse small lot ownerships, there is a need for larger parcels and/or
acreage for commercial purposes; which are properly related to
the existing commercial area and afford development flexibility.
Industrial
Industrial development is limited primarily to the logging operations
-43-
VOL 32 FAGUE 417
maintenance facility, just west of the city and new light industrial
uses are beginning to develop within the newly-platted industrial
park. This area also provides for heavier commercial uses which
relieves the sanitation restrictions encountered in the downtown
area.
Community industrial interests and opportunities are centered around
'
non-offensive light industrial activities, which includes warehousing
and distribution, construction industry support facilities, light
manufacturing and logging industry support functions, such as
trucking terminals and maintenance facilities. There are ample sites
located within the Sisters Industrial Park to accommodate these needs.
Quasi-Public
'
Three churches and two fraternal organizations, utilizing 2 acres,
provide the only quasi-public facilities in the Planning Area.
'
Public
'
Government, to include the City Hall /Fire Station, Post Office, County
and a minor city ownership in the southwest corner of the Planning
Area, account for a little over 5 acres of the public land use.
'
School District No. 6 maintains its only school facility, adjacent to
the north side of Cascade Street (Highway 20), which is bisected
by the Camp Polk Loop Road.
The Oregon State Board of Forestry maintains the Central Oregon
State District offices on approximately two quarter city blocks, west
of Elm Street, on Washington and Hood Streets. South of Washington
,
and adjacent to Elm Street are two city blocks which formerly accommodated
District Offices of the U.S. Forest Service. Both of these properties
are indicated to be surplus to Federal needs and may become available
for re-use. The Oregon State Board of Forestry has indicated interest
in the block west of Elm for expansion of their operations.
De
h
sc
utes National Forest holding of the federal government comprises
the principal public land use in the Urban Growth Area, some 75 acres
or 8.5;. The principal intensive use within these lands is at the
junction of Highway. 20 and Pine Street. This area includes the Sisters
District Ranger Administrative Offices, eight single-family dwelling units,
4a ~
VOL 32 rAcE 418
warehousing and maintenance facilities. In addition the Oregon State
Highway Division operates a highway maintenance facility just north-
west of complex.
These National Forest holdings preclude community expansion to
the south and to the west, north of Highway 20. However, these
lands currently insure a sizeable public holding of open space adjacent
to and available for community use. It has been indicated that these
particular National Forest lands along with others that form the
'
periphery of federal holdings, may be subject to future exchange with
private land to consolidate National Forest lands. If such exchanges
should occur, there will be future implications to the City of Sisters
regarding land ownership /use conversion.
P
k
d R
ti
s an
on
ar
ecrea
The only park facility available to the community is the 16 acre Sisters
State Park, at the eastern end of the City, adjacent to Highway 20.
Park facilities with recreation opportunities for youth and the elderly
have been expressed as a community need.
Transportation
With the majority of streets in Sisters containing 80 feet of right-of-
way in conjunction with short blocks, the amount of land used for
street purposes is higher than normally experienced in other Oregon
communities. Over 28% of the City is devoted to public street right-
of-way. 08.5% of the Urban Growth Area)
The existing airport makes up the other major transportation use of
Planning area land. At present, the location of the field presents no
land use conflicts, however, expansion of the community will bring
land use compatibility into sharp focus.
i
A
riculture
g
Agricultural land use, primarily pasture, comprises some 17% of
the Urban Growth Area and is limited in any agricultural production.
These areas immediately abut the city limits and are classified as
'
"urban reserve" with the UGB to be held for future urban expansion.
The area north of the city has ceased to operate as a viable economic
unit and is somewhat fragmented by the airport and lesser private
holdings. Taking into account gravity sewer service and a general
land slope to the northeast, this area provides an opportunity for
orderly community expansion into this area in the future.
oL 32 FADE 419 I
v
The limited agricultural area to the southwest is in two major land
holdings, with the exception of some smaller holdings in the northeast
corner. This area offers an additional opportunity for orderly com-
munity expansion and is best located for domestic water service
expansion.
Vacant Land
Vacant land consists of 21.7% of the city limits which includes 162
platted lots. The remainder of the vacant land is concentrated in
the east and southeast section of the city, across Squaw Creek,
directly west of the city. Major vacant holdings in the Urban Area
outside the city, center around the old Brooks-Scanlon Camp
between the McKenzie and Santiam Highways.
Flood Plain
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed a flood hazard
inventory on Squaw Creek which runs through the southern portion
of the urban area. Approximately 20 acres of land will be subject
to flood plain zoning along both sides of the channel which will '
prohibit building construction.
Public Facilities and Services
Public Facilities are those areas and improvements which accommodate
or provide various government services to the people of the community.
These include schools, parks, fire stations and other facilities such
as public buildings, shop areas, solid waste disposal sites, sewer and
water systems, etc. Adequate public facilities are essential to
orderly growth and community life, sustaining and enhancing the
health, safety, educational and recreational aspects of urban living.
In many ways, the adequacy, character and the quality of public
facilities express the community's collective opinion of itself and its
environment.
Governmental
The City of Sisters is organized under the mayor-council form of
municipal government. The mayor and four members of the council
conduct the business of the City at a regularly-scheduled meeting
held on the second Thursday of each month.
-46-
I
I t.
. VOL 32 FACE 42o
A seven member Planning Commission, appointed under the provisions
of ORS 227.020, is responsible to the council for matters pertaining
to City planning and development. At present, two members of the
commission are also on the city council. The commission is responsible
for the administration of the Sisters Zoning Ordinance.
The city comes under the new Oregon State Building Code which.
provides for minimum construction standards within the community.
The City Hall located on Fir Street, just north of Cascade, supports
the majority of city governmental functions. This 2,860 square
foot building houses the fire department, provides limited joint-use
space for the police department and city. recorder, city planner,
water and street department storage and a general purpose meeting
room for city meetings, municipal court and use by the public.
Space is limited and presents problems as related to functional
arrangement and privacy. A new fire hall proposal was recently
defeated by the voters which will require further study of alternatives.
I Fire Protection
Sisters maintains a 30-man volunteer fire department which presently
maintains a fire insurance rating of 6. The department provides
contract services to a rural district of approximately 14 square, miles
surrounding the city. Mutual assistance arrangements are currently
' in force with Redmond, Bend, Cloverdale, Black Butte Ranch and
Camp Sherman.
' The department utilized approximately 35% of the City Hall space,
which accommodates a salvage van, two pumper trucks and related
storage. Facilities are limited and crowded and lacks a tower for
proper drying of hoses. Drills and training are conducted one evening
weekly to maintain operational proficiency of the department.
Fire control and suppression of a non-structural type are also
' provided by fire crews of the Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S.
Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. These crews are
summer seasonal, coincidental. with the highest risks for forest or range
fires.
Law Enforcement
' The city currently maintains a three man police department. Support
,
VOL 32 FACE 421
facilities are limited. Separate and secure facilities are not available
for booking or evidence storage and all detention must be accomplished
by use of facilities in Redmond and Bend, providing space is avail-
able.
'
The Deschutes County Sheriffs Department is responsible for law
e
f
n
orcement functions for the area surrounding Sisters.
'
Library
City library services are provided by 2,520 volume collection, maintained
in a converted residence on Cascade Street. A librarian is provided
under the Central Library Program of Deschutes County and additional
book resources are available from the main library in Bend through
a continuing program of book rotation.
The library building lacks plumbing and therefore is deficient to
the extent that there are no public restrooms or water available in
support of operations.
Solid Waste
The City of Sisters currently operates a solid waste collection program
under ordinance authority, providing service to all residents within
,
the City of Sisters at established rates. Collected wastes are currently
disposed of in a county operated sanitary landfill on Fryrear Road,
s
m
f
il
o
e
ive m
es east of the city. It is anticipated that a new disposal
'
site will be required in approximately 2-3 years. The city will need to
rely on Deschutes County to provide an adequate disposal site in the
future.
Water Supply
The city provides municipal water service, utilizing Pole Creek as ,
a source from which the city has been allocated a water right of
1.25 cubic feet per second (CFS) and may allocate up to a maximum
of 3.55 CFS. The city maintains a 3-million gallon impoundment
reservoir at the point of diversion and supplies the city distribution
system via a 12 inch diameter asbestos cement transmission main.
Chloronation treatment of the water is accomplished around midpoint
of the transmission line.
A 1970 county-wide engineering study of both water and sewerage '
requirements indicates sufficient storage capacity and adequate
transmission capacity to meet a maximum daily demand plus a 1,000
- 48-
VOL 32 PA-GE 422
GPM fire flow for a population of 750 persons, which at the time of
the study, was projected for 1990. Currently the population of the
city exceeds that figure and it is further exceeded by virtue of
service to customers outside the city limits. A new comprehensive
water system study should be accomplished in the near future to
determine the water system needs to accommodate the projected
' population for the year 2000.
The present system is vunerable to outage should the transmission
main become damaged and serious problems have been encountered at
the Pole Creek source due to freezing and the inability to maintain
water flow to the impoundment reservoir. This latter problem reached
almost disasterous proportions during February 1974. At present,
the city has a new well in the vicinity of Squaw Creek and Elm Street
to provide emergency water supply in the event of problems at the
source or within the transmission main.
' The transmission system is not metered from the impoundment reservoir,
nor are the customers who receive service, with the exception of some
' commercial accounts and customers outside the city limits. This makes
it impossible to determine system efficiency on an input-output basis
or assess line losses. It has been indicated by city maintenance
' personnel that line loss is a problem, particularly in old sections of
the distribution system utilizing steel pipe.
Past practices of supplying customers outside the city limits with
small capacity lines, present problems of being able to provide
adequate service from these sub-standard facilities. In addition,
future annexation of the city is not a consideration for supply of city
water service outside the city limits.
Schools
' School District No. 6 services the City of Sisters, north to include
Indian Ford Ranch, easterly approximately 8 miles along the Bend
.Highway, south along Three Creek Road and west to Black Butte
' Ranch and along the McKenzie Highway.
All school facilities are located in Sisters along Camp Polk Loop
' Road and support a K-8 educational program. Grades 9 through 12
are transported to Redmond High School under contractual arrange-
ments with the Redmond District.
-49-
vol. 32 FADE 423
District voters recently approved a bond levy for a new school
facility which is under construction. The facility is expected to
accommodate enrollment requirements for about 5 years at which time '
additional facilities will be needed. It will become necessary at that
time, if not sooner, to replace or relocate the existing building west
of Locust Street.
Use of school facilities in support of total community educational,
social and recreational needs is actively supported by both the
school board and administration. This is reflected in such uses as
programs for the elderly, youth, Sisters Community School and major
community functions requiring assembly space which can be provided
only by the school gymnasium. School playground areas also support
community needs for organized field activities, in addition to two r
tennis courts.
Central Oregon Community College, located in Bend, has recently
appointed a coordinator for Sisters, to provide a General Education and
Development Program for the Sisters area. Course work is initiated
based on interests in the community, utilizing local facilities such as '
school classrooms and gymnasium and instructional staff is drawn from
community resources.
Parks and Recreation ,
The city does not provide nor maintain municipal recreation facilities.
Existing school facilities meet some of the field recreation requirements
of the community and Sisters State Park at the eastern city limits
supports the community. Table No. 11, Improved Recreational Sites,
lists available public recreational sites in the immediate vicinity of the
city.
Related Facilities and Historical Sites '
Within a twenty mile radius, the Deschutes National Forest provides
numerous recreational facilities ranging from recreational sites and
points of interest, to major tourist attractions such as Suttle and Blue ,
Lakes, which are operated in conjunction with private enterprise.
Some of the identified historical sites within the Sisters area are '
presented in Table No. 12, Historical Sites and Major Points of
Interest, in Table No. 13, Points of Interest.
-5U
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
32 PAcE 424
VOL
TABLE NO.
11
IMPROVED
RECREATIONAL SIT
ES - SISTERS
AREA
Tent
Trailer
Picnic
Name
Sites
Sites
Sites
Water
Activities
Location
Sisters State Park
10
0
13
Pi
Picnicing/
East City
Rest Stop
limits on
Highway 20
Cold Springs (NFS)
5
22
0
St
Hunting/
West 4 miles
Fishing
on Hwy 242
Indian Ford (NFS)
17
15
5
Pi
Hunting/
Northwest 5
Fishing
miles on Hwy
20
(NFS) National Forest Service
Pi Piped
St Stream
TABLE NO. 12
HISTORICAL SITES - SISTERS AREA
Name Facilities
Camp Polk Site Historical Marker
Coache Creek Toll Told Station site on
Station Old Santiam Wagon Road
Lost Trapper Cabin Cabin built around 1905
Site 00' x 161)
Sisters Hotel
(proposed)
-51-
Location
Northeast 3 miles
via Locust Street
Northwest 111 miles
via Old Santiam Wagon
Road
West of Three
Creek Meadow
V01 L 32 FAuE 425
TABLE NO. 13
POINTS OF INTEREST
Name Facilities Location
Dee Wright Observatory Geological observatory West 15 miles via
with interpretations McKenzie Highway
at McKenzie Pass
Head of the Metolius Origin of Metolius Northwest 14 miles
Rives at base of via Highway 20 and
Black Butte Camp Sherman Road
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l
VOL 32 FACE 426
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is the means by which to move goods and services
as well as to move tourist and local consumer traffic. The transportation
impact on Sisters plays a key role in its identity and economic structure
since nearly all traffic to and from the west must travel through the
city.
Air
Commercial air service is provided at Roberts Field in Redmond, 20
miles to the east via Highway 126. Air West provides two daily jet
flights, one northbound and one southbound. In addition,
general aviation support facilities are available through the fixed
base operator to include charter flights, flight training and aircraft.
maintenance and service.
Sisters Airport (a private airfield) provides a 3,5501 x 50' paved
and unlighted runway (2-20). The airport is unattended and does
not offer fuel nor provide any services. The airport supports local[)
based aircraft and primarily accommodates recreation oriented traffic.
Continued development of recreation oriented developments, principally
Black Butte and Indian Ford Ranches, will place increased demands
on airport support functions.
The airport has certain operational limitations, which are associated
with runway orientation and prevailing winds and high elevation
terrain some 2,000 feet northeast of Runway 2.
'
Major Highways
U.S. 20 (Santiam Highway), a primary State Highway, intersects
with U.S. Highway 126 (McKenzie Highway) at the western city limits
and continues eastward through the City, as the principal business
street. East of the city limits, opposite Sisters State Park, the highway
sprits into U.S. Highway 28 (Redmond Highway) and U.S. Highway 20
'
(Bend Highway).
These highways are two-lane uncontrolled access systems, with on-
street parking on both sides of Cascade Street, within the city
limits. The western uncontrolled intersection of Highways 20 and
126, due to the actue angle of intersection, presents a safety problem
for merging traffic, particularly eastbound traffic on Highway 20.
'
The eastern intersection of Highways 20 and 28 presents problems in
approach alignment, sight distance and interchange of traffic in
both east and west directions.
'
-53-
V r
~3L 32 iaUE 427 11
Due to the State Highway Division policy of closing the McKenzie
Pass Highway (126) during the winter period because of snowfall,
this route is only open 4-6 months out of the year. This highway
functions primarily as a summer scenic route and is not destined to
become a principal carrier of inter-state traffic.
Average daily traffic (ADT) volume over a five year period has
increased significantly on the Santiam Highway west of the city
limits, the McKenzie Highway, along Cascade Street and along the
Redmond and Bend Highways to the east. See, Table No. 14.
Due to on-street parking and the lack of refuge lanes for turning
movements on Cascade Street, traffic congestion is becoming a
problem, particularly on weekends during the summer season or when
a major activity occurs in the community. For the most part, the
existing highway accommodates traffic during the remainder of the
time.
TABLE NO. 14
MAJOR H IGHWAY AVERAGE DA ILY TRAFFIC
McKenzie Hiahwav - US 126
1963 ADT
70
40o
1967ADT
150
680
1972 ADT
190
770
1977 ADT
410
790
.01 miles east
.02 miles west
U.S. Hwy 20/Santiam Hwy/Ore 26
.30 miles north of McKenzie Hwy
.02 miles east of McKenzie Hwy
.01 miles east of Elm Street
.02 miles east of Locust Street
.01 miles southeast of Ore 126
1,600
11900
2,950
4,150
1,900
2,600
3,400
4,250
2,400
2,900
4,000
4,900
1,950
2,700
3,550
4,350
1,300
1,500
1,950
2,450
Redmond Highway - Ore 126
.01 miles east of Bend Hwy 700 750 1,350
Source: Oregon Department of Transportation, Highway Division
1,650
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1
d
vol. 32 ('ASE 428
Local Streets
The majority of the street rights-of-way in the central section of the
communtiy is 80 feet and surfaced with a 20 to 22 foot wide asphaltic
paving. Curbs, gutters, drainage system and sidewalks are not
provided. For appropriate streets, this wide right-of-way provides
ample opportunity for relatively easy expansion of traffic carrying
capacity, increased on-street parking capabilities through street
widening incorporating diagonal parking and street beautification
through landscaping of park strips.
Traffic volume data is not available for the city street network,
however, county figures are provided for Three Creeks Lake Road
(Elm Street and Forest Service Route 1534) at the junction of
Brooks logging road approximately one-half mile south of the city
limits. The 1971 ADT was 112 vehicles.
Other significant regional roads are the Camp Polk Loop Road
(Locust Street) providing access to the airport, Indian Ford Ranch
and general access northward and Squaw Back Road (Pine Street),
also providing access northward.
Vehicular Transportation Issues
1, Short and long-term solutions to increasing major highway
traffic volume in the business section of the community
add associated problems of on-street parking and turning
movements.
2. Ordering of city system of arterial and collector streets
to move traffic efficiently and conveniently to and from all
functional areas of the city and provide the base for orderly
expansion to new growth areas.
-55-
vot ;J2 fAa 429
PART V COMPRESESSIVE PLAN PROPOSALS - FINDING AND POLICIES
1 vaL 32 ma 4 30
PART V COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROPOSALS, FINDINGS AND POLICIES
The Comprehensive Plan policies are based on the established general
goals and objectives described in Part III and are supported by adequate
'
findings developed from updated and new resource data. The Plan maps
and text are intended as a statement of public policy encompassing
development objectives of and for the urbanizing area of Sisters. Each
'
of the following comprehensive plan elements include a goal summary,
a list of supportive findings and plan policies.
'
LAND USE ELEMENT
Goal: To encourage a harmonious relationship between residential,
'
commercial and industrial development and to encourage a balanced
quantity of land use typed in a manner consistent with the carrying
capacity of the land.
'
OPEN LANDS
Open lands within the Urban Growth Boundary consist of open grazing
lands, forest areas and open apace.
Findings
1. Agriculture: Agricultural land within the Urban Growth
Boundary is limited to grazing and is considered marginal
and uneconomical for general agricultural production. Such
'
lands are located adjacent to the present city limits. These
areas will be held in "urban reserve" according to established
urbanization policies.
2. Open Space: The Sisters State Park together with an abundance
of open space throughout the area of influence along with
forest lands within the planning area provide ample open space
'
for the Sisters area residents. Open space along the highway
entrances to the city is an important asset to the well-being
of the community as well as open space along the flood plain
of Squaw Creek.
3. Forest Lands: Forest lands within the Planning Area does not
have commercial timber value but does have scenic value along
'
transportation routes which are protected by landscape manage-
ment practices of the U.S. Forest Service. Other forest lands
within the Urban Growth Boundary are suitable for urban
development at such time as the extension of urban facilities are
needed to facilitate orderly urban expansion.
-56-
Vol 32 FAGS 431
Policies
1. Agricultural lands within the Urban Growth Boundary shall be
maintained and used as "urban reserve" areas until such
time as needed for urban expansion pursuant to established
urbanization policies.
2. Sisters State Park shall continue to serve as a public park.
3. Open and forest lands along the highway entrances to the city
shall be protected as scenic corridors with landscape manage-
ment programs developed and implemented by the County,
State and U.S. Forest Service.
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
The. residential section of the Comprehensive Plan includes a variety
of housing types at varying densities and is based on the following
Findings
1. Residential development in Sisters is held at relatively low
density because of the lack of public sewers and limited
water supply.
2. Most of the city consists of older housing units, many of which
are being replaced in commercial zones and thereby reducing
the number of available lots in the city.
3. There is not a sufficient amount of buildable lots available
within Sisters to accommodate the projected growth. An
additional 280 acres of residential land will be needed by the
year 2000.,
4. Mobile homes comprise about one-half of the housing market
in Sisters and are recognized as an acceptable form of housing
at more affordable prices.
5. The originally platted 30 and 40 foot wide lots in Sisters
are not adequate to accommodate new residential units and
it is necessary to combine them reducing the total number of
vacant buildable lots.
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1 6. There are currently no sidewalks in residential areas.
VOL 32 PACE 432
7.
There is a shortage of apartment units in Sisters which is
partly due to the lack of public sewers and an adequate water
system .
8.
There is no program to provide for any low income housing in
Sisters although the City has acknowledged the Central Oregon
Housing Authority to help provide such housing.
i
Policies
1.
Housing density shall be the basic and most important deve-
lopment criteria for residential areas.
2.
Residential densities indicated on the Comprehensive Plan shall
be respected and reflected in city and county codes, ordinances
1
and development policies. The intent of the plan is to indicate
housing density rather than type of building construction
1
permitted within various density areas.
3.
All residential developments shall respect the physical char-
acteristics of the site relating to soils, slope, geology,
erosion, flooding and natural vegetation.
4.
In all residential areas, consideration should be given to
designing areas for living rather than directing the major
effort to a development which is simple and economical to build.
1
5.
In areas without community services, housing densities shall
be determined by the physical capabilities of the soils to
accommodate individual sub-surface disposal systems and to
provide adequate area for future subdivision.
1
6.
All residential areas developed to urban densities on lots of
less than five acres shall require community water service.
7.
New lots without community sewer service should have a
minimum of 14,000 square feet and shall provide for further
segregation to the density designated on the Comprehensive
Plan.
8.
Residential development standards within the Urban Growth
I
Boundary shall be the same for areas of similar densities or
topographic conditions, both inside and outside the city.
-58-
I
vol. 32 FACE 433
9. Medium and high-density residential developments should
be located where they have good access to arterial streets
and are near commerical services or public open space.
10. Higher density residential areas should be concentrated ad-
jacent to commercial services.
11. Higher density residential uses should be concentrated in
closer-in areas to downtown to provide maximum convenience
to highest concentrations of population.
12. Mobile homes shall be considered as a type of residential
development and be subject to the same density standards
as other residential areas.
13.
Mobile homes located on individual lots other than planned
unit developments shall be subject to special siting standards.
14.
Mobile homes shall be permitted as part of a mobile home
park, or part of a planned unit development, or on individual
lots in areas designated by city and county zoning regulations.
15.
Mobile homes shall not be permitted on individual lots in
areas already developed with conventional housing at urban
densities unless mobile homes were part of the original develop-
ment concept.
16.
Certain private and public non-residential uses are necessary
and should be permitted within residential areas for the con-
venience and safety of the people.
17.
All non-residential uses should recognize and respect the
character and quality of the residential area in which they
are located and be so designed.
I
18. In many cases, home occupations are a legitimate use within
residential areas and shall be permitted provided that the
use displays no outward manifestations of a business and is
approved by the Planning Commission as to location.
19. Of necessity, non--residential uses will have to abut residential
areas in different parts of the community and in these instances,
any non-residential use shall be subject to special development
standards in terms of setbacks, landscaping, sign regulations
and building height.
1
32 r4M
va
'
ermitted
should be
f
iliti
i
l
20.
p
ac
es
e storage
Recreational veh
c
in residential areas and these facilities should be improved,
landscaped and screened from adjacent residential uses.
21.
Certain private recreational uses such as riding stables
should be permitted in residential areas provided the location,
design and operation are compatible with surrounding residential
developments.
22.
Schools and parks should be distributed throughout the resi-
dential sections of the community and every dwelling unit in
the area should be within walking distance of a school or a park.
23.
Because schools and parks can encourage or direct residential
development, their location shall be subject to the approval
of the city or county.
id
24.
e
All new residential development shall be encouraged to prov
public, semi-public and/or private open space as part of the
1
development.
25.
Area dedicated or provided as public, semi-public or private
open space as part of a residential development shall be counted
as part of the total area when computing residential densities
for any given development.
1
26.
Fire stations are necessary in residential areas and their
location and design should be compatible with their surroundings.
27.
Community buildings including community recreation buildings
or health and social service buildings could be permitted in
residential areas where those services are necessary or desirable
and such facilities should be compatible with surrounding with
surrounding developments and their appearance should enhance
the area.
28.
Except for major and collector streets, street patterns in
residential areas shall be designed to provide convenience access
to each living unit but not encourage through traffic.
11
29.. Major and collector streets, particularly rights-of-way, should
be secured as development proceeds so that a reasonable
circulation pattern will result within residential areas.
30. Streets should be designed to carry anticipated traffic volumes
and to provide space for an adequate planting strip and
sidewalks or bikeways.
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VOL 32 FADE 435 1
31. Sidewalks shall be required on both sides of all residential
streets unless the developer plans, dedicates and improves
an alternate system of walkways and trails to provide adequate
pedestrian circulation within the residential area.
32. Bikeways shall be considered as both a circulation and
recreation element in the plan and adequate facilities shall
be required for this purpose.
33. Efforts shall be made to extend trails, pedestrian ways and
bikeways through existing residential areas.
34. All on and off-site improvements in residential areas should
add to the character and quality of the areas as a place for
people to live.
35. Efforts should be made over a sustained period of time to
place utility lines underground in existing residential areas.
36. All public utility facilities such as power, telephone and
cable TV should be located underground in new developments.
37. Above-ground installations such as power transformer yards
or natural gas pumping stations should be designed to recognize
the character of the area in which they are located.
38. Water and sewer pumping facilities and other above-ground
installations shall be designed to blend with the residential
areas in which they are located.
39. Street lighting should be provided in all new subdivisions
developed at urban densities and ornamental street lights
approved by the city or county should be installed at the
time of development.
40. Street signs of a type approved by the city or county shall be
provided for each new residential development.
41. Street trees shall be those which are suitable to the climate
of the Sisters area, add color and beauty to the community
and have a root system which does not interfere with under-
ground utilities, curbs and sidewalks.
-61-
1
1
I Vai 32 fa 4"6
42. Natural tree cover shall be retained along streets in new
developments insofar as possible to retain the natural
character within the urban area as the community grows.
43. Efforts should be made to design a tree planting plan for
the existing areas of the community and to plant approved
trees.
44. All residential development shall respect the natural ground
cover of the area insofar as possible and all existing and
mature trees within the community should be preserved.
COMMERCIAL AREAS
There are three commercial areas contained in the plan. The first is
the "General Commercial" area within the city along Hood, Cascade and
Main Streets. The second is the "Highway Commercial" area located
west of the city along U.S. Hwy. 20. The third area is within the light
industrial park which permist certain heavy commercial uses and uses
that are more compatible with industrial type uses that cannot find
adequate land area in the downtown area.
Findings
1.
Commercial activity in. Sisters has increased rapidly over
the past two years due to increased demands of area
recreational and residential development.
2.
Sisters is expected to continue as the commercial center
for an immediate trade area consisting of approximately 5,000
full and part-time residents.
3.
The lack of a public sewer system makes it impossible to
develop certain commercial uses in the downtown area.
4.
Off-street parking in the downtown commercial area can be
partially provided within existing 80 foot rights-of-ways.
5.
There is insufficient land area available downtown to satisfy
the long-range anticipated commercial requirements for the
1
Sisters area.
6.
Existing parcel sizes are inadequate to accommodate sewage
requirements making it necessary to combine parcels for
future development.
7.
All commercial development in Sisters is subject to the western
architectural theme contained in current Comprehensive Plan
adopted in 1975.
-62-
VOL 32 FACE 43'7
Policies
1. Strip commercial developments shown on the plan along high-
ways shall not be extended.
2. No new strip commercial development shall be permitted along
major or secondary streets within the Sisters Planning Area
other than those areas shown on the Plan.
3. Commercial uses along major streets and highways shall be
subject to special development standards relating to land-
scaping, setbacks, signs and median strips.
4. Care shall be taken to control the size of shopping centers
so that excessive zoning does not require the addition of
other kinds of uses which would generate traffic from well
beyond the service area.
5. Commercial shopping centers shall be subject to special
development standards relating to setbacks, landscaping,
physical buffers, screening, access, signs, building heights
and design review and shall comply with the adopted western
architectural theme.
6. Commercial developments which abut residential zones or
residential uses shall be subject to special setback and screening
provisions.
7. In all commercial areas, sign standards shall be adopted in
harmony with the western architectural theme.
8. A concerted effort shall be made in the central business
district to develop areas for off-street parking.
9. Buildings in the downtown commercial areas shall be limited
to three stories in height to retain the character of the area
and shall comply with the western architectural theme.
INDUSTRIAL AREAS
Findings
1. The 37-acre Sisters Industrial Park should adequately serve
the industrial needs of the area for the planning period.
2. The industrial area is within the approach area of the Sisters
airport. There are no adopted approach zone standards.
-63-
1
ua a38
Policies
1. Development standards shall be adopted to control building
hei ghts and uses within the airport approach area. This
area should contian only low intensity uses.
2. A buffer of open space and landscaping shall be maintained
around the industrial area.
3. Non-polluting industries and heavy non-tourist related
commercial uses should be allowed in the industrial park.
AIR, WATER AND LAND RESOURCE QUALITY
Findings
1. At present, there are no known. air and water quality
problems in the Sisters area. There is no community
sewer system however and policies have been developed in
the Plan to promote the development of a community sewerage
system.
2. The various elements of the Plan contain policies relating to
the protection of the air, water and land quality of the area.
Policies
1. The city and county shall work together in implementing
Plan policies relating to air, water and land quality of the
Sisters area.
2. All development shall comply with State and Federal Air and
Water Quality Standards.
-64-
Vol 32 PAvE 439
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ELEMENTS
The projected growth for the Sisters Urban Growth Area will require
a corresponding expansion of public facilities and services. Planning
policies governing the manner in which public facilities are expanded
will help direct the location and intensity of future land use. In
addition to shaping the form of urban expansion, public facilities
such as parks and open spaces can preserve significant natural
features and open spaces while meeting the leisure needs of the
residents of the area.
The following findings and policies address the general issues concerning
the city facilities and services, schools, parks and recreation, historic
sites and utilities.
CITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
City facilities and services dealt with include city hall facilities,
sewer and water, police, fire, library and solid waste services.
Findings
1. City Hall : The city hallbuilding houses all administerial
functions, fire equipment and courtroom and is overcrowded
at present. The building contains 2,860 square feet of floor
space and based on the projected growth, approximately
5,000 square feet would be needed in the future. Conflicting
uses of the single meeting room creates problems affecting
the public as well as city administrative functions.
2. Sewer System: There is no sewer system in the city. Lack
o public sewers restricts development to large parcels with
individual sewer systems. It is expected that this trend
will continue for some time due to voter defeat of bond elections.
The city's comprehensive sewer plan will need to be updated
to reflect the location of the Urban Growth Boundary. The
lack of public sewers will have an adverse effect on the economic
extension of other public facilities and services because
densities will be spread out over a larger area.
3. Water Supply : The capacity of the city's water system is
adequate only to supply 750 people. The capacity is exceeded
by the current population of 810 and will not be adequate to
supply the projected population. The present system is,
vunerable°to outage. The system is not metered which reduces
efficiency.
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4. Law Enforcement: The city maintains a 3-man police force.
The city has a higher percentage of reported crimes than
Bend, Redmond and Deschutes County. Inadequate and
substandard facilities force the police department to use
facilities at Bend and Redmond.
5. Fire Protection: The city maintains a 30-man volunteer fire
department. The department services the Rural Fire Pro-
tection District which consists of approximately 14 square
miles. Fire equipment and facilities are not adequate to
accommodate the projected growth.
6. Library: The city library is small and overcrowded. It
has no plumbing or public restroom facilities which restricts
its operation.
7. Solid Waste: The solid waste collection program of the city
appears adequate for the foreseeable future. DEQ has in-
dicated there are not plans at this point to terminate the
Fryrear land fill site.
Policies
1. The city should prepare and adopt a plan for expanding city
hall in its present location or alternate sites.
2. The city should continue to work toward the development of
a public sewer system.
3. Urban expansion shall be based on whether or not public
facilities can be provided.
4. Urban expansion above the city's water service level shall
be prohibited unless the city distribution system is improved.
5. The city shall maintain its policy to assess new development
for the additional costs of public services it creates.
6. The city shall update its water supply plan to reflect the
projected growth and the Urban Growth Boundary.
7. Police protection services should be maintained at levels con-
sistent with the crime rate as the population and tourism
increases.
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VOL 32 FACE 441
8.. Plans for expansion of city hall should include the relocation
of the library.
9. The city should encourage a program for recycling in con-
junction with its solid waste program. Such a program should
be developed jointly with Deschutes County.
10. The city shall continue to utilize the existing sanitary land
fill for garbage disposal and shall cooperate with Deschutes
County in location alternate sites in the event Fryrear Pit
should be discontinued.
11. The city, in conjuction with the county should develop an
adequately funded capital improvement program.
SCHOOLS
Planning for school facilities in Sisters will be based on the following
findings and policies.
Findings
1. The new elementary school being constructed will accommodate
550 students and is adequate to serve the current population
of the district but at the current growth rate it will soon be
to capacity.
2. The existing school will not support the projected growth.
The year 2000 population projection would indicate that at
least one additional elementary school and a high school
will be needed.
3. The school and playground areas provide multi-purpose
uses to the public.
4. The location of the existing school will not adequately
serve the eventual development of the west side of the urban
growth boundary and busing would be necessary unless a
school is located to serve that area.
Policies
1. Sisters School District should continue to make available its
facilities for multiple uses to the public.
2. Sisters School District should make early efforts to acquire
additional school sites in accordance with the land use plan
to avoid high future land costs.
3. New schools should be planned for the joint park and recreational
use of its playgrounds.
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4, The community should support the continuing General
Education and Development Program offered by Central
Oregon Community College.
PARKS AND RECREATION - HISTORIC SITES
3 M 2
Planning for parks and recreation, and historic sites, will be based
on the following findings and policies.
Findings
1. The city had no parks and recreation program. The Sisters
School provides some facilities, however.
2. The community has expressed a need to provide a parks and
recreation program and with the expected growth, the need
will become more evident.
3. The Sisters State Park serves primarily as a picnicking area
and rest stop for tourists. It also provides for tent camping.
The park will not satisfy long-range park and recreational
needs due to its location in relation to future growth areas
and due to the projected growth rate. It also provides a
different function than a neighborhood park would provide.
4. Deschutes County also has no park program for the Sisters
area.
5. Early acquisition of land will prevent having to acquire future
sites at a much higher cost.
6. The trend toward more leisure time, combined with a growing
need to conserve resources increases the requirements for
recreational opportunities.
7. Squaw Creek provides an opportunity for a connecting trail
and bikeway system.
Policies
1. The city and county should work toward developing a park
and recreation program for the Sisters Urban Area. If
such a program were to become a reality, it should adhere
to the policies stated herein.
2. Work from. the wishes of the people as a basis for developing
park and recreation systems and programs.
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3. Facilities and programs should be kept abreast of growth
and change.
4.
The community should provide leadership in beautification
by example of park and recreation facilities.
5.
Neighborhood interests shall be considered in the process
of designing neighborhood parks..
6.
Park facilities shall be provided first where population
is concentrated rather than in outlying areas.
-7.
Neighborhood parks will provide the foundation of a
system for services to the people.
'
8.
A neighborhood park should be developed within walking
distance of all residents of the district.
9.
Neighborhood parks shall be of sufficient size to accommodate
the population growth.
,
10.
Park sites should be acquired in advance of need so that they
can be reserved for community use before the costs of
acquisition becomes prohibitive.
11.
Parks should be centrally located and as easily accessible
as possible to areas they are intended to serve.
12.
Opportunities may occur for development of small parks
not shown on the plan and they should be acquired if they
are determined to be useful.
13. A trail system for bicycle, pedestrian and, in some cases,
equestrian use should be developed and wherever possible ,
interconnect shcools, parks and open spaces.
14. Trails should be developed along Squaw Creek so that these
features can be retained as an asset in the local environment.
15. Local codes and ordinances shall be amended so that park
land can be acquired through the subdivision process and
a fee in lieu of land dedication established as a policy of
local government.
16. The community should develop a program to review and
select certain buildings and sites within the urban growth
area that may have historical value. A Historical Sites
Ordinance shall be adopted to aid in the implementation of
this policy.
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VOL 32 FAcE 444
UTILITIES
Electric power to the area is provided by Central Electric Cooperative.
Telephone service is provided by United Telephone Company.
Findings
1. Scattered development and low densities results in higher
utility costs which is eventually borne by the consumer.
2. Energy conservation practices tend to reduce the overall
costs by spreading the utilization of power over a larger
number of people.
Policies
1. New developments shall be planned at the highest density
possible for the more efficient extension of utilities within
the urban area.
2. Development should be located close together for the more
economical extension of utility lines.
3. Utility companies should assist in implementing these
policies by reviewing preliminary development plans prior
to their approval.
4. The city, county and utility companies shall work together
in developing energy conservation policies and programs.
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TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
Transportation is a crucial element of the comprehensive plan for
Sisters since all east-west bound traffic via the Santiam and McKenzie
Passes must go through Sisters.
Goal: To provide and encourage a safe , convenient and economic
transportation system.
To consider alternative transportation modes and needs
in terms of environmental impacts, public costs, social
consequences, energy conservation and impact on the local
economy.
To develop short and long-term solutions to the ever increasing
,
major highway traffic volume in the business section of the
community and the associated problems of on-street parking
and turning movements.
To develop an urban area system of arterial and collector
streets to move traffic efficiently to and from all functional
areas of the city and provide for their logical extension to
,
future development areas.
Findings
1. The present transportation system for the Sisters Urban
Area is inadequate for local as well as through traffic. '
2. The timing, location and expansion of the transportation
system are important factors affecting future urbanization. ,
3. The majority of the community's future movement will occur
over street rights-of-way, whatever the mix of transportation
modes. The private motor vehicle will be the major mode of ,
transportation over the planning period. The second major
mode of transportation will be the bicycle.
4. A major concern of the community regarding the transportation
system is the need to maintain and improve the livability of
residential areas in the face of increasing population and
transportation requirements.
5. Traffic conjestion on Cascade Street is a critical problem.
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6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
va
The needs of those people who, because of age, economic
status, or physical or mental disability have limited trans-
portation choices require special consideration in the planning
of the transportation system.
Transportation is a major consumer of increasingly scarce
energy resources.
On-street parking along Cascade Street results in major
traffic conflicts with local cross traffic and through traffic.
A one-way traffic couplet would reduce traffic conjestion.
Side streets having 80 feet rights-of-ways provide good
potential parking areas for the commercial areas.
The Oregon State Highway Department maintains Cascade
Street between the face of the curbs. The City of Sisters
is responsible for the Cascade Street from the curb face
to the right-of-way line.
The city does not have an adequate maintenance program
for repair of streets and sidewalks.
The city does not have a storm drain system to dispose of
snow melt ponding and storm run-off.
Existing major streets and most local streets do not meet
current adopted urban standards.
Cascade Street will not be capable of accommodating the
projected traffic for the planning period.
There is not mass transit services available for the Sisters
area other than through bus lines.
There are no bicycle or pedestrian lanes or trails in the
Sisters urban area.
Barclay Field serves as a landing strip for local business
and recreational purposes.
Commercial air service is provided by Roberts Field in
Redmond.
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Policies
1. In order to reduce or eliminate congestion on Cascade Street,
the City and State Highway Departments should develop a
program to separate directional traffic utilizing Hood Street
for eastbound traffic, and Cascade or Main Street for west-
bound traffic.
2. Major arterial streets will be Camp Polk Road, Three Creeks
Lake Road, U.S. Hwy. 20, Oregon Hwys. 126 and 212.
These major arterials should be connected by a "beltline"
collector system.
3. A path/trail system shall be developed,. with non-motorized
traffic separated from motorized traffic along jamor arterials
and collectors.
4. All development proposals adjacent to arterials within the
Urban Area shall have turnouts for school busses and for
heavy ingress and egress traffic. Turnouts should be pro-
vided by County and State departments at particularly
scenic areas.
5. Access shall be limited on arterials, for improving traffic
flow and safety with appropriate traffic control facilities.
6. Off-street parking shall be provided in and near all commercial,
professional, industrial, institutional areas except where
required parking can be developed with 80 ft. rights-of-ways.
7. The city shall adopt a capital improvement program.
8. A trail for recreational /historical significance should be
developed along the route of the Old Santiam Highway, at
least to the Cache Mtn. Toll Station for non-motorized use.
9. Trails and paths for non-motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and
horses shall be considered as part of development plans for
new residential development with planned connections to all
parts of the community.
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10. The City of Sisters along with the School District, county
and other agencies shall work together with schools, groups
and individuals for development of a "mass-tansit" system,
with connections between residential areas, schools, shopping,
open space, parks and government facilities within the Urban
Area.
11. Citizens should be -encouraged to utilize methods of travel
other than the automobile as much as possible to facilitate
energy conservation.
12. An airport master plan should be developed for Barclay
Field which will govern airport related activities and pre-
scribe development standards for surrounding development
compatible with air approach criteria.
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VO
ECONOMIC ELEMENT '
The economy of Sisters is unique in comparison with most other parts
of Central Oregon as discussed in Part IV. Statistical employment
and income data on a countywide basis may not accurately identify
economic conditions in Sisters. However, from the updated data
that is available for the Sisters area, the following findings and '
policies make-up the economic element of the plan.
Goal: To diversify and improve the economy of the area. '
To guide growth in a manner which will result in a balance
between economic and environmental interests.
Findings '
1. Recreational oriented tourism and recreational (full and part- ,
time) residential uses within the Sisters influence area pro-
vide the basic industry of the area making retail trade the
major employer of Sisters.
2. Sisters provides for most of the industrial and commercial '
activity within the influence area creating a need for more
land area than would normally be found in a small community. '
3. There are approximately 45 acres of commercial zoning within
the Sisters Urban Area which is consistent with the 1974 '
Comprehensive Plan and is expected to be adequate to serve
the projected population for the planning period. Approx-
imately 15 acres of commercial property is developed. '
4. There are 37 acres of industrial zoning in the city which is
consistent with the 1974 Comprehensive Plan and is expected
to be adequate to serve the projected labor force of the '
area.
5. While Deschutes County's overall economic welfare is somewhat '
limited because of its geographic location and transportation
restraints, Sisters' economy in recent years is enhanced by
and increasing dependency of area residents of Black Butte
Ranch, Indian Ford, Camp Sherman, Tollgate and Crossroads ,
developments.
6. The population of the Sisters urban area has increased signifi-
cantly in recent years to coincide with that of Deschutes County.
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7. The per capita income for Deschutes County as a whole
increased from $4,641 to $6,061 for a 31% increase. The
per capita income of the City of Sisters is lower due to the
higher number of retired age persons with fixed incomes,
thus reducing the buying power of many local residents.
8. The lack of public sewers and an inadequate water system
within the central business district is a deterrent to economic
development of Sisters creating necessary developments
outside the CBD.
9. The comparable cost of living data for the typical Central
Oregon family released by the Bureau of Labor for the Central
Oregon area entitled "Autum 1977 Urban Family Budgets and
Comparative Indexes for Selected Urban Areas" can be
compared in the following tables:
Low Intermediate
Selected Area Income Income
High
Income
U.S. Average
$10,481
$17,106
$25,202
San Francisco
11,601
18,519
27,418
Central Oregon
10,453
15,334
21,703
The following table
indexes
the comparative budget costs
for the three
income levels. The
U.S. average is expressed as 100%.
Low
Intermediate
High
Selected Area
Income
Income
Income
U.S. Average
100%
100%
100%
San Francisco
111
108
109
Central Oregon
100
90
86
' From the foregoing, it appears that the budget costs for a low income
family residing in Central Oregon are roughly the same as for the
average U.S. low income family. However, for the middle and upper
income levels, average living standards can be maintained in Central
Oregon on substantially lower income levels.
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Policies
1. The community shall continue to support tourist trade as
the basic catalyst to the economy of Sisters.
2. Continued efforts shall be made to implement the transportation
policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
3. Commercial and industrial zoned land shall be maintained as
presently adopted.
4. The community shall support the development of an improved
water system.
5. The community should support the development of a public
sewer system.
6. Utilization of the Sister's Industrial Park shall be encouraged
to enhance employment opportunities, thereby attracting
needed professional and personal services.
7. Zoning for the various land uses shall be done in a timely
manner to assure proper balance of economic growth and
residential development and the provision of public facilities
and services.
8. The community shall continue to support the western motif
theme for all commercial areas.
9. A capital improvement program shall be completed to enhance
economic development in a more timely manner.
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HOUSING
VOL 32 FAvE 452
The housing element of the comprehensive plan is based upon the
housing issues identified and the following findings and policies.
Goal: To provide adequate numbers of housing units at price ranges
and rent levels which are commensurate with the financial
capabilities of households. To allow for flexibility of housing
location, type and density within the Sisters Urban Growth
Boundary consistent with Statewide Planning Goal No. 10.
Findings
1. There are 318 households in the Sisters urban area of which
approximately 14% are in need of preventive maintenance or
minor repairs. Approximately 6% are in need of major repairs.
The majority of the housing (236 units) is in good condition.
2. There is an inadequate number of rental units available in
the Sisters area. Additional rental units are needed to
accommodate retired singles and couples.
3. Increased commercial and industrial employment in Sisters
will help the financial ability to better afford moderate
'
housing for the working age group. It will not assist the
28% retired age group however.
4. The projected population. for the Sisters urban growth
area is 2,135 which reflects a 4.5%annual growth rate.
'
5. Household Size
Over the years, the number of persons in a household has
declined. In 1960, the average Oregon household size
was 3.09 persons per household. In 1970, that figure de-
clined to 2.94 people in the household. According to the
1970 U.S. Census of Population, Deschutes County registered
3.0 persons per occupied housing unit (3.1 owner occupied,
2.8 renter occupied). Table No. 4 indicates that in 1972
the household size in Sisters was less due to a higher per-
centage of retired age persons.
A 1976 Bonneville Power Administration forecast estimates
'
that the Deschutes County average 1980 occupied housing
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size will be 2.77 persons and 2.51 persons in the year 2000.
Approximately 10 percent of the Deschutes County housing
stock is vacant yearround because of the high number of
recreation and secondary residences. If a persons per
housing unit formula is applied, then the B.P.A. forecast
would reflect 2.52 persons per hosuing unit in 1980 and 2.32
persons in 2000.
A household population based on occupied units is a much
better indicator of housing need. The following chart
represents estimated household sizes for occupied units and
total units broken down in five year interval ranges from
1980 to 2000.
FUTURE HOUSEHOLD SIZE '
Year
Occupied Units
Total Housing Units
1975
2.89
2.62
1980
2.77
2.52
1985
2.67
2.44
1990
2.60
2.39
1995
2.55
2.35
2000
2.51
2.32
Pacific Northwest Bell has published Population and Household Trends, '
1975-1990, wherein the average estimated household size for occupied
housing units is slightly lower than the estimates projected by B.P.A.
Year Average Household Size for Occupied Units
1975 2.79
1980 2.69
1985 2.62
1990 2.57
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6. Households
vol_ 32 r 454
On a countywide basis, 990 of the County's 1975 population
lived in households, with the remaining one percent living
in group quarters, such as nursing homes, correctional
settings and dormitories. Given the 1975 average household
size of 2.6 persons, it is not unexpected that over 50%
of the households were composed of either two or three
persons. The rural nature of the County is exemplified
in that approximately a third of the county's households
were composed of four or more persons and that the larger
households occured most frequently in unincorporated areas
while approximately 65% of the single-person household
resided in the incorporated communities. The following table
shows these statistics are different for Sisters.
NO. OF HOUSEHOLDS OF SELECTED SIZE CATEGORY - 1975
7
Ave.
1 2-3 4-6 or more H
ouse-
Total Person Person Person Persons
holds
Deschutes Co. 15,581 2,587 77 4,660 517
2.6
Bend 6,058 1,199 2,988 1,705 166
2.6
Redmond 1.697 359 827 458 53
2.7
Sisters 263 63 144 48 8
2.9
Source: County. Assessor, 1970 U.S. Census, PSU 1975 Reports
7. Household Income
The county's average employee earnings is $9,468; 8% less
than the State average of $10,233. This rather low reported
earnings, in relation to the State, could be function of the
proportionately high number of jobs in the lower paying
tourism, recreation and service related industries; a factor
which is expected to be more applicable to the Bend area
than the Redmond area.
The Oregon State Department of Commerce currently extimates
the County's median family income to be $15,779. Comparatively,
the State's median family income is estimated at $16,768, and
the national level at $16,946. Relative to the Effective Buying
Income for the region at $10,529, with Jefferson County at
$10,266 and Crook County the lowest at $9,740.
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Many of today's households have multiple incomes in excess
of $10,000. It is therefore little wonder that recent housing
construction has been of the medium to higher type, and that
the disparity of low-income families is often overshadowed by
the relative affluence of others.
In 1970, more than 10% of the County's 8, 337 families, and
more than 39% of the 2,208 unrelated individuals had incomes
below the poverty level. Of the persons 65 and over, 26.9%
had BPL incomes. The Center for Population Research and
Census, P. S. U. , estimates that the number of residents age
65 and over in 1`975 had an increase of 315 persons age 65
and over with BPL incomes.
Of the total of 1,036 renter households in the County in 1975,
30% are reported to have paid 250 or more of their income for
rent. Of these, more than 84% had gross incomes of less
than $5,000 per year. In 1970, it was reported that 10%
of all homeowners were financially burdened by excessive
high monthly housing expenses. Unfortunately, a number of
factors combines to make it virtually impossible to determine
the current exact number of households burdened with ex-
cessive monthly housing costs. Further, while the incomes
of area households have increased since the 1970 Census,
housing costs have increased at a far more rapid pace. As
long as the current factors of excessive housing costs, material
increases, land and development costs, decreasing housing
purchasing power, and a higher than average unemployment
rate prevails, area. low and moderate income households will
find it increasingly difficult to acquire decent, affordable
housing.
8. Housing Stock
Comparable housing stock date for Sisters is indicated in
Table No. 3. Like population increases, the percentage of
increase in total housing units between 1972 and 1978 exceeds
the State rate. Of 318 total units, 238 (74..8%) are owner
occupied, 63 (19.8%) are renter occupied and 17 (5.30) are
vacant.
Table No. 2 and the following table shows comparable numbers
of housing units by type of housing for the county and its
three incorporated cities.
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VOL 32994516
TYPE AND NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS
1 Unit 2+ Unit +GRP Quarters Mobile Home
County
12,996
2,897
3,827
Bend
4,813
1,920
230
Redmond
1,622
638
215
Sisters
185
17
118
Source:
1970 Census updated with
1970-77 Oregon Building
Summary
and Mobile . Home Report -
Housing Division', Dept.
of
Commerce, Salem, Oregon
9. The average number of people per household has decreased,
and it expected to continue to decrease, over the next 22
years. Computations include a combination of B.P.A. and
Pacific Northwest Bell's average number of persons per house-
hold forecast estimates.
10. The occupancy rate is the reciprocal of the vacancy rate.
A five percent vacancy rate is generally indicative of a
healthy and stable housing market. Therefore, the reciprocal
of a 5% as a constant occupancy rate is used to project
housing requirements for the Sisters Urban Area.
11. Required Number of Units
The number of units required for any given year is equal to
the population divided by the average household size for
that given year. e.g. 2000 estimated population @ 4.5%
annual growth rate = 2,135/2.32 = 920 total units.
The following Table No. 15 projects the total number of
housing units needed for the Sisters Urban Area at 10
year intervals, plus a 5% vacancy factor.
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TABLE NO.
15
PROJECTED
HOUSING NEEDS -
SISTERS
URBAN AREA
Household
5% Vacancy
Total
Year
Population
Size
Factor
Required Units
1980
884
+ 2.52 =
351 1
.95
= 370
1990
1,373
+ 2.39 =
574
.95
= 604
2000
2,135
+ 2.32 =
920
.95
= 968
12. Buildable Lands - Projected Requirements
There are presently 113 gross acres -of inventoried lands
suitable for residential development within the city
limits.
There are presently 384 units on 128 acres. Of this,
44 units and 12 acres are commercially zoned and are ex-
pected to be eliminated by the year 2000. Therefore, with
340 units on 116 acres within the.projected urban growth
boundary, an additional 628 new units will be needed by
the year 2000.
Without public sewers, it is anticipated that the overall
household density will be approximately 2.25 units/acre.
This average includes both single-family and multiple-
family units. With 628 new units required, 280 additional
acres will be needed within the urban Growth boundary.
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VOL 32 ? 458
L
B
ild
d
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13.
an
s
Non-
e
u
ab
Non-buildable lands within the Sisters Urban Growth
Boundary include the flood-prone areas along Squaw Creek
(as identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers),
open spaces and buffer zones along the incoming scenic
highways, lands occupied by commercial, industrial, public
facilities, transportation routes, electricity, water, sewage
and public open space.
14.
There are a substantial number of older homes in Sisters,
many of which are occupied by low-income persons or families.
Such homes were built prior to the adoption of a building code
and many lack adequate plumbing and winterization.
15.
Although there are building and subdivision codes now for
Sisters, the city and county has no housing code to deal
with inadequate housing conditions.
16.
The City of Sisters has no program for low-income or
elderly housing.
17.
The City of Sisters has authorized the Central Oregon
Housing Authority to operate within the city.
18.
Economic restraints include a relatively high percentage
of retired persons on fixed incomes along with unemployment
and/or high cost of living which diminishes the purchasing
power for housing.
P
li
i
o
c
es
1.
Development codes and programs for housing shall be con-
sistent with the Residential Policies contained in the Land
Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
2.
Zoning standards shall encourage high density development
in appropriate areas to minimize the cost of public facilities
and services and facilitate energy conservation.
3.
The Land Use Plan shall provide a sufficient amount of land
for the various housing types. The amount of land allocated
shall be consistent with the findings for housing needs.
1
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32 FA
v
Vfli.
4. Because transportation for low-income families is a problem,
it is important that more low-income housing be provided
inside the Sisters Urban Area, and that such housing be
provided in close proximity to commercial service areas.
5. Based on the housing issues and findings presented, the
City and County shall undertake the following:
a. Codes and Ordinances: Work toward the adoption of
necessary and desirable city codes and ordinances that
insure adequate development guidance for the pro-
vision and maintenance of housing.
b. Preventative Maintenance: Work toward the development
of a city-wide educational program of preventative
maintenance and rehabilitation to assist in maintaining
and extending the useful life of the existing housing
inventory and for correcting serious physical deficiencies.
c. Elderly/Low-income Housing: Enlist necessary public
support and assistance in making available to the city
i
and county, housing programs for elderly/low-income
indivuduals and families.
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VOL 32 FACE 460
I ENERGY CONSERVATION
Most of the area's energy conservation findings and policies involve the
county and the two larger cities of Bend and Redmond. Basic considerations
that involve the urban growth area of Sisters are identified in this plan
and are consistent with county and state objectives and programs.
Goal: To manage land uses in a manner to maximize the conservation
of all forms of energy, based upon sound economic principles.
Findings
1. There are no public or private sponsored energy conserva-
tion programs within the Sisters Urban Area.
2. There are no known natural sources of energy within the
Sisters Urban Area other than wind and solar.
3. A high degree of energy consumption in proportion to the
size of the city is due to its geographic location in relation
to major transportation routes, extensive commercial service
area requirements and scattered low density developments in
the outlying rural areas that depend on Sisters for goods
'
and services.
4. Solar energy uses are highly feasible in the area as well
as Central Oregon in general due to the high degree of
sun exposure.
t
5. Low density and/or scattered development is not energy
efficient
.
6. Energy-wise construction can be gw-eatly encouraged and
simplified by carefully choosing neighborhood arrangements
and lot orientations to provide critical sunlight access.
7. Transportation accounts for 36% of total state-wide energy
use. Personal transportation accounts for 56% of an average
household's energy use.
t
8. Reduction of motorized transportation significantly reduces.
energy use, reduces pollution, is more economical and
reduces traffic congestion.
t
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VOL 32 FAuE 461
9. Continuing public awareness of the reasons and the need
for energy conservation is important in executing an energy
effective land use plan.
10. Recycling is an effective energy conservation technique.
For example, aluminum when reclaimed takes only 50 of the
energy required to process raw ore, including handling
and transportation costs. Recycled copper requires only 11%
of the energy needed to obtain the metal from raw ores.
11. Energy conservation considerations in construction standards
appears in the Uniform Building Code.
12. Thermal rating of new dwellings creates energy efficient
floor plans and orientation more desirable to the public.
Thermal rating in the long run provides incentive to home-
owners to increase the value of their units without increased
materials or labor.
13. Presently in Oregon, utilities are required to provide energy
conservation inspection advice to homeowners in terms of beat
loss analysis. If such records were kept on file by the
City and County, owners of well-weatherized houses would
benefit as well as the house-buying public.
Policies.
1. The City of Sisters and Deschutes County shall encourage
programs to conserve energy resources and promote energy
efficiency.
2. Solar energy shall be encouraged in new development. Con-
version of conventional electrical heating systems shall be
encouraged.
3. Wind energy methods should be explored.
4. Wood waste from logging operations should be made available
for firewood to reduce household use of electrical heat.
S. Winterization programs shall be encouraged for existing older
homes with inadequate or substandard insulation.
6. Energy efficient transportation systems shall be promoted and
reflected in the transportation plan. Methods of travel
other than the automobile should be encouraged
i
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VOL 32 FACE 462
'
7.
The City shall join with Deschutes County in its projected
recycling program requirements outlined in the County's
Comprehensive Plan.
8.
In addition to lot orientation considerations, new development
shall not be governed by covenants which prevent energy
conservation.
9.
To eliminate energy waste in the provision of public services
(school bus, fire protection, utilities, and transportation),
development within the urban growth boundary must be
orderly and "leapfrogging" shall be avoided where possible.
10.
To minimize transportation needs, higher densities shall be
located near urban centers and along major transportation
corridors.
11.
New developments shall provide paths for non-motorized
traffic separate from roadways. These. paths shall be laid
out to provide convenient access to places of education,'
'
recreation, shopping and to connecting routes outside of
the development.
12.
Major consumers of energy, such as commerce and industry,
should be located whenever possible near established energy
distribution centers.
13.
The City and County shall seek to minimize unnecessary road
construction and add more capacity to existing energy
delivery corridors.
14.
Energy delivery transmission routes should gy y utes shou d be established
as soon as planneed population densities are decided. .
15.
Since energy loss is greater in the transmission of lower
voltage electrical power, areas should be set aside for sub-
stations near load centers.
16.
The City and County should develop a program for public
awareness and education of the reasons and need for
i
energy conservation.
VCi 32 FADE 463
URBANIZATION
Goal: To provide for an orderly and efficient transition from rural
to urban land use.
To assure that planning and implementation of the plan for
the Sisters Urban Area is consistent with the best interests
of both city residents and county residents in terms of both
short and long-term effects.
To retain and enhance the character and quality of the Sisters
Urban Area as growth occurs. To recognize and respect the
unusual natural beauty and character of the area.
To provide sound basis for urbanization by establishing proper
relationships between residential, commercial, industrial and
open land uses.
To encourage city and county cooperation in the provision
of urban services in order to bring about a more orderly
development pattern.
To provide a safe and cooodinated transportation and circulation
system.
To retain and enhance desirable existing areas and to revitalize,
rehabilitate or redevelop less desirable existing areas. To
encourage and promote innovations in development techniques
in order to obtain maximum livability and excellence in planning
and design for development.
To assure that the timing for growth is commensurate with the
ability of the community to provide public services.
Findings
The following findings are derived from the various applicable compre-
hensive plan elements, particularly the housing element, and are
applied to the seven factors of the Urbanization Goal No. 14 which pro-
vides the basis for establishing the Urban Growth Boundary.
1. . Demonstrated Need to Accommodate Long-Range Urban
Population Growth Requirements Consistent with LCDC Goals
-89-
32 FAGS 464
vii
The present size of the city is not adequate to accommodate
the projected growth requirements for the year 2000. The
current population of 810 is projected to increase to 2,135
by the year 2000. There are 113 gross acres of buildable
residentail lands within the city limits. Existing land use
inventory indicates 384 dwelling units on 128 acres. This
area includes 44 dwelling units on 12 gross acres which are
commercially zoned and are expected to be eliminated during
the planning period. From Table 15, the projected housing
needs for the area indicates that 968 total units will be re-
quired by the year 2000. Subtracting the 340 existing units,
an additional 628 new dwelling units will be needed to satisfy
the future housing needs of the Sisters urban area. Without
public sewers (which has continued to fail at the polls), it is
estimated the overall unit density of the Sisters growth area
will be 2.25 dwelling units /acre. This average includes both
single and multiple family units. With 628 new units required,
an additional 280 acres of buildable lands will be needed with-
in the urban growth boundary.
r
There are 37 acres of zoned industrial lands of which 32
acres are presently vacant and buildable. No additional
industrial lands are needed for the projected growth.
There are 45 acres of zoned commercial lands within the
current urban area plan. No additional commercial lands
are needed for the projected growth.
2. Need for Housing, Employment Opportunities and Livability
From the foregoing findings it is concluded that additional
lands outside the present city limits will be needed to pro-
vide adequate housing lifestyles for the future citizens of
Sisters. Documented housing market and structural con-
ditions support the need for additional housing at various
price ranges. Moderate to low income housing is a higher
priority of need for Sisters due to a high retirement age
population on fixed incomes and lack of employment oppor-
tunities. Employment opportunities will increase with the
development of the Sisters Industrial Park and new commercial
'
activities indicated on the Plan.
3. Orderly and Economic Provision of Public Facilities and Services
Current levels of public facilities and services are not
adequate to accommodate new growth beyond the city limits of
1 - 90
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VOL 32 FACE 465
Sisters. Developments occuring outside the urban area are
creating additional demands on city services. Policies
have been developed to help offset some of the additional
public costs created by new development, such as a Systems
Development charge. The primary use of such funds is to
upgrade the city's outdated water system.
The city, in cooperation with the County and State Highway
Division, is actively involved in upgrading the city's sub-
standard street system with limited funds.
The city has no sewer system which has created a relatively
low density development pattern. The Department of Environ-
mental Quality has not considered Sisters as a health hazard
area and sufficient funds have not been available. Attempts
have been made by the city to obtain public acceptance. A
sewer plan was prepared and hearings were held but funding
was overwhelmingly defeated by the voters.
The critical area of need is within the commercial core area
where certain needed commercial services are limited due to
the lack of land area for drainfields. A sewer system is
being planned for the downtown area which will have to be
funded by the commercial property owners. The significant
and unique problem in Sisters is that most all of the com-
mercial property owners do not live in the city and therefore
cannot participate in elections.
The community, as well as the Citizens Advisory Committee,
have repeatedly expressed that it does not want a sewer
system (except for the commercial area) and the size of the
urban growth boundary is based upon an overall projected
density of 2.25 dwelling units /acre.
4. Maximum Efficiency of Land Uses within and on the Fringe
of the Existing Urban Area
The Comprehensive Plan required phasing of development to
the highest density possible under sanitation limitations with
no public sewerage system. Plan policies will result in a
growth from the core area outward in a manner commensurate
with the ability to provide public facilities and services. This
will be accomplished under the annexation, zoning, subdivision
and urbanization policies and regulations.
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I VOL 32 FAGE 466
r 5. Environmental, Energy, Economic and Social Consequences
The present community of Sisters is very compact and is
limited to some degree for urban expansion areas. A mix-
ture of U.S. Forest Service, open grazing and flood plain
immediately adjacent to the city limits make it impossible to
expand the city limits without some inclusion of these areas.
The compactness of the area does facilitate energy conservation
and the economic extension of uses and facilities, even though
the density of development will be lower without a public
sewer system. The environmental quality of the area is
depicted by the vast open space and natural amenities which .
run far beyond the Urban Growth Boundary thereby minimizing
the effects of conversion of a minimum of rural lands adjacent
to the city to urban use.
The Urban Growth Boundary represents the minimum area
needed to satisfy the projected growth. As a result, it will
result in the down zoning of over 1 , 000 acres of county resi-
dential zoning located within the Planning Area but outside
the Urban Growth Boundary.
6. Retention of Agricultural Lands
'
The Urban Growth Boundary as justified by the foregoing
includes 147 acres of irrigated grazing land adjacent to the
city limits. The SCS has not classified soils in the Sisters
area but it is estimated the soils would fall between Class IV
and Class VI. The geographical nature of the Sisters area
as described in item No. 4 and 5 make it necessary to include
these areas as "urban reserve" areas which would be retained
for limited agricultural use until at least 750 of the city is
developed first. These areas have been considered to be
economically unfeasible for agricultural production. Forest
lands and other private wooded areas will consist of the remaining
area required-for future urbanization.
7. Compatibility with Proposed Urban Uses and Nearby Agricultural
Activities
Development pressure on agricultural land will be minimized by
factors outlined in item No. 6 and the fact that over 1, 000
acres of agricultural land will be down-zoned outside the
Urban Growth Boundary. The grazing lands included in the UGB
1
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VOL 32 FAcF 467
are already adjacent to urban development and are expected
to be the logical extension of future urban uses and public
facilities and services.
Policies
The following policies are developed in support of the foregoing
Urbanization factors of Urban Growth Boundary consideration.
1. The urban growth boundary shall be used as the official
area for which to plan all public facilities, annexations
and future land use for the year 2000.
2. The urban growth boundary shall not be considered for
amendment unless it is determined that the carrying
capacity of the current UGB has reached its maximum
with adequate findings of fact.
3. In order to assure the economic provision and utilization
of future public facilities and services, the present city
shall develop to 75% capacity before expanding into the
"urban reserve" areas.
4. Marginal agricultural lands within the urban growth
boundary shall be classified as "urban reserve", to be used
for limited agricultural purposes until such time as other
non-agricultural lands develop first or until a demonstrated
public need, consistent with these policies, can be shown
to exist.
5. All additional public costs created by a development shall
be paid for by the developer as deemed necessary by the
governing body.
6. The city and county should make continued efforts to gain
public support for fire protection, police protection, water
system, etc. to help implement urbanization policies and
facilitate energy conservation.
7. An urban growth management plan shall be jointly adopted
and implemented by the city and the county to carry out the
comprehensive plan policies.
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1
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VOL 32 ram
COMMUNITY APPEARANCE
Goal: To maintain the high quality visual appearance of the Sisters
Urban Area consistent with the General Goals and Objectives
outlined in Part III.
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
Landscape management is a tool used to protect natural qualities of
the area and to assure that new development makes adequate provisions
for additional landscaping to enhance the visual appearance.
Findings
1. A policy for landscape management has been contained in
2.
3.
4.
Policies
1.
2.
the City and County Comprehensive Plan since 1970. Specific
standards however have not been developed.
The city and county can, under existing ordinances, require
landscaping in new developments requiring site plan review.
All State Highways entering the city are officially classified
as "Scenic Highways" at the State, Federal and local level.
Landscaping improves and compliments the overall aesthetic
acceptability of the area and in turn enhances the economic
health of the community.
Sisters Urban Area ordinances shall include sufficient
standards to preserve and enhance the integrity of the
scenic highways entering the city.
Sisters Urban Area ordinances shall include necessary
criteria for landscaping of commercial and industrial areas.
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VOL 32 FACE 469
1880 ARCH ITECTURAL.THEME
The concept of a central architectural and sign theme based on Western
and/or Frontier building styles of the 1880's has been initiated in the
business sector of the city. This is presently expressed through several
store fronts remodeled in this style and many new commercial developments
in the downtown area.
The result of this interest and endeavor has been adoption of a community
development objective to "encourage the development of a central archi-
tectural and sign theme based on Western and/or Frontier building styles
of the 18801s." This particular goal is concerned with city image, visual
appearance, a tourist oriented economy and has been prompted by the
desire to establish city identity, interest and attraction of visitors and
tourists in support of a significant community economic activity.
Legislative mandate of architectural design and construction is for the
most part a difficult and controversial task by virtue of choce limitation
and subjective interpretation of design style expressions. Therefore,
encouragement for goal attainment should be initiated through a com-
munity expression of resolve and a subsequent adoption of a policy s7LJte-
ment by the Council in resolution form. Particular emphasis and application
should in turn be directed to community commercial endeavors and
related tourist-recreation support activities. Additional encouragement
and results may also be fostered through the local Chamber of Commerce in
the form of a policy statement by the business community and a continuing
program of business community education and support.
Such a central architectural theme may also be encouraged and realized
through options available within a contemporary design approach
utilizing current materials and methods of construction, with particular
attention being goven to scale, form, exterior materials, color and signing.
One significant factor bearing on the majority of construction materials
presently utilized and also during that period, wood-frame construction,
is fire and life safety. This will necessitate attention to fire-restive
construction for building separations and general protection of life and
property.
To provide the basis for developing this central architectural and signing
theme, the following data regarding architectural styles, materials, methods
of construction, color and miscellaneous features of the 1880's are presented
for development guidance. It is not intended as a precise interpretation of
the architectural design and building philosophy in its purest form, but
as a methodology of approaching an overall period expression of architectural
style.
1
1
fl
r
u
_95- 1
I
r
UZ11.. 3Z m
Principal features of the period's architectural style revolve around the
renaissance or rebirth of the elements of classical architectural orders,
expressed in period building materials and methods of construction,
with the presentation of an impressive rectangular false store front. In
'
relation to Western and/or Frontier towns, with their explosive boom
and unusual economic "bust," this was principally carried out in light
wood frame and bearing wall masonry (brick) construction. Light wood
frame construction predominates the majority of Western towns in this
category, however there are substantial exceptions as exemplified by
Jacksonville, Oregon; Virginia City, Nevada and Granite City, Montana.
The following numbered sections are keyed to subsequent illustrations
to exemplify methodology of use of materials and construction techniques.
1.00 Materials
1.10 Structure: Light wood framing, post and beam and masonry bearing
walls are typical structural systems. Light wood framing may be
achieved through current construction practices utilizing Ballon
Framing and/or Western or Platform Framing with light -wood framing
details, up to two and three stories in height. Here attention will
have to be given to building code requirements for fire-resistive
construction and building separation. Masonry bearing wall con-
struction, particularly in brick, provides an alternative with inherent
fire-
rotective ben
fit
p
e
s.
1.20 Roof: Roof systems may be supported by a standard rafter system
'
or pre-fabricated light wood trusses. Typical roof coverings may
be realized with shingles or shakes at a minimum slope of four
inches in one foot. Alternative coverings are metal withstanding or
'
batton /ribbed seams or ashpaltic shingles.
1.30 Exterior Finishes: Typical materials are varities of horizontal wood
drop siding, vertical board and batten (rough sawn or surfaced
four sides) and cedar shingles, with the latter particularly applicable
to ornamental patterns on residential structures and brick masonry.
' 1.40 Windows: Wood sash windows are typical, to include double hung,
casement, horizontal sliding and fixed sash. Availability of currently
manufactured stock in styles keeping with the period, is limited
as to capturing the period window style. This is particularly
true for large expanses of glass in commercial store fronts and will
undoubtedly require special fabrication.
1.50 Doors: Combination glass and wood panel doors are typical and are
available in certain standard types in single and divided glass
lights. To approach the variety of period door styles will require
' modification of standard door types, particularly in arrangement of
glass lights or necessitate special manufacture.
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VOL 32 PAGE 471
1.60 Ornamentation and Trim: The principal features of period orna-
mentation are concerned with the revival of elements of classical
architectural orders. This primarily concerns the entablature or
the upper section of wall or story that is usually supported on
'
columns or pilasters and consists of the architrave, the lowest
division of the entablature resting immediately on the capital or
top of the column and the molding around a door or other rectan-
gular wall opening; frieze or the part of the entablature between
the architrave and cornice (top), the richly ornamented band; and
the cornice or the molding and projecting horizontal member that
crowns the architectural composition. In addition, this revival
was manifest in the use of wood columns supporting the porch
or covered entrance along the front of a building, reminisant of
the classical portico or colonnaded building entrance. This archi-
tectural embellishment also embraced the use of balustrade or
"fence" between columns and at the periphery of second story
porches.
'
1.70 Exterior Surface Finishes: Depending upon the intended longe-
vity of a particular structure and the quality of exterior finish
materials, period structures present variety within the basic
,
construction practices of the era.
Rough sawn or milled board and batten surfaces were unfinished to
oiled and/or stained to protect the surface materials. This is
'
practical with the use of Cedar or Redwood which both contain
natural oils that protect the wood. As a practical matter for ex-
tended protection of any board and batten surface, the use of
a sealer or oil base or solid color stain is warranted. The same
is true of vertical surfaces finished with Cedar shingles.
Horizontal wood drop siding was normally finished with paint,
however in many instances, no finish applied. Here a sealer or
stain would be appropriate, in lieu of a painted surface.
In consideration of providing boardwalks in lieu of concrete sidewalks,
'
only pressure treated wood members should be used.
1.80 Color: Rough sawn or milled board and batten, particularly Cedar
'
and Redwood, may be retained in a natural finish which ultimately
weathers to silver-gray in color.
During the period, there was a lack of high glass finishes, therefore
'
color applications were generally flat in nature. To duplicate this
character flat or low gloss products currently on the market should
be utilized.
,
Applied surface colors were predominantly flat white for most buildings,
particularly the exposed surfaces of porches or covered walkways and
ornamentation attached to brick masonry buildings. Large area surface
'
colors other than white, were primarily flat earthy ochers, yellows,
browns and reds. These colors are generally contrasted with white
trim at the cornice, vertical corner trim of the building, windows and
doors, porch and balustrade.
'
- 97-
. ,
32 X472
'
Modern interpretation of color application has tended toward a
broader color selection in keeping with the white-dark contrast,
by adding deep blues, blue-greens and red-orange.
'
Color availability and selection for stains is readily obtained
from product manufacturers. One example of such product used
extensively in the Northwest is Olympic stain, particularly the
solid color stains. These stains offer a fairly broad range of
color selection and provide a flat, deep colored finish in keeping
with the period.
'
Latex base paints also produce a flat finish color and low-gloss
oil base enamels offer additional applications for colored finishes.
Color selection samples are readily available from paint manufacturers
'
such as Glidden, Sherman-Williams, Fuller or Pittsburg.
2.00 Methods of Construction
'
2.10
General: Adherance to presently accepted methods of construction
and compliance with applicable building codes and development or-
dinances is recommended as the minimum standards. Fire and life
safety are of particular concern.
As the majority of new construction and existing building renovation
is adjacent to public walkways, attention to good construction safety
'
practices is necessary. This is particularly true in the more con-
gested commercial areas.
2.20
Standard False Front Commercial Structure: The following graphic
illustrations keyed to this numbered sub-section illustrate standard
approaches to the construction of this element.
r
2.30
Construction Details: See the following graphic illustrations for
various details.
'
2.40
Ornamentation: See the following graphic illustrations for examples.
3.00 Miscellaneous
3.10
Fences: See the following graphic illustrations for examples.
'
3.20
Gates: See the following graphic illustrations for examples.
F1
3.30 Signs: Signing was generally handled by painting the sign directly
on the facade of the building either directly on the finish material
or on a sign board which was subsequently affixed to the building.
Ornamentation is achieved at the edge of the sign board by its
particular shape and the application of edge molding or individually
cut raised letters utilized for relief and contrast.
Other signing methods include projecting double faced boards affixed
high on the facade of the building and structurally supported by wires.
-98-
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VOL V F+r NE 4
Free hanging sign boards attached under covered porches were
also utilized.
Lettering was generally ornamental and/or shaded and painted in
contrasting colors on flat white surfaces. Examples of lettering are
provided in the following graphic illustrations keyed to this sub-
section. Individual cut-out letters applied to the sign surface and
routed lettering provide additional acceptable techniques for
signing.
EXAMPLES OF 1880 ARCHITECTURAL TECHNIQUES
STORE BUILDING - CROOK CITY,
Dakota Territory
(1877)
Cornice
(1.60)
Board $ Batten
(1.30)
Double-Hung
Window
(1.40)
S i g n ---j
(3.30)
Fixed-Sash
Window
(1.40)
-.99-
Shingle Roof
(1.20)
False Store Frort
(2.20)
OLD MOLSON BANK
Molson, Washington (1908)
Doors
(1.50)
Shingle Roof
(1.20)
Horizontal Drop Siding
Exterior Finish
(1.30)
Standard False Store
Front (2.20)
.E- Architrave
(1.60)
Fixed Sash Windows
(1.40)
False Columns
(1.60)
- Sign
(3.30)
Board Walk (1.70)
100
VOL 32 FAcE 474
Cornice
,l'~~ (1 .60)
VOL 32 Fgr 475
STORE FRONT - UNION, OREGON
(c. 1880)
Cornice
(1,60)
CV
Frieze
(1.60)
Horizontal Drop Siding
(1 .30)
Projecting Sign Base
(3.30)
l''~ I
I, ~ I l
( I I
I I li
1 i II
al I I
Ll Y1.1
False Front
(2.20)
101
u
10
(1.30)
I,
i
WINDOW DETAIL
SILVER CITY, NEVADA
(1892) (1.40)
STRAP HINGE
(1.50 & 3.20)
VOL 2 All 4%
Cornice
(1.60)
r_.
Lea -T, Ro f 11-io)
SECTION
PORCH COLUMN $
ORNAMENTATION
102
COLUMBUS HOTEL
WADSWORTH, NEVADA
(c. 1868-78)
Vlnuniciu
F(2.40)
Chomfered
Column
(1.60)
Board Walk or
Porch (1.70)
VOL 32 PAGE 477
TYPICAL HORIZONTAL WOOD DROP SIDING (1.30)
VERTICAL BOARD & BATTEN SIDING (1.30)
EXTERIOR CORNER DETAIL
(2.30)
30)
COLUMN DETAIL AT PORCH ROOF
BLOOMFIELD'S GENERAL STORE
BLOOMFIELD, CALIF. (c.1351-84)
(1.60)
103
vn 32 X478
Ornamentation
(1.60 & 2.40)
Drop Siding
(1.30)
FALSE FRONT CORNICE DETAIL
(1.10, 1.20, 1.301 2.20, 2.30
& 2.40)
loo
Ornamentation
(1.60 & 2.40)
VOL 32 FA'E 477
Building Face
Roof (1.20) -
Balustrade
(1.60)
t
TURNED COLUMN & BALUSTER
GOLD HILL BAR & HOTEL
GOLD HILL, NEVADA (1863-88)
FENCE DETAIL
105 (3.10)
Call umn
(1.60)
COLUt,ANED PORCH
BANK CF CALIFORNIA
GOLD HILL, NEVADA
(C.18c?i
3 ;wff 480
AB
I rW;,
~~.~ydnllll~l (It M re 7in1l.-I rill' IN. Y ' P ~
LETTzas VAIRM Due -1184 11 -9
Al m N
- Rl-
' TYPICAL 1880 LETTERING (3.30)
io6
'I ,mi 481
PART VI IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
a 32 w 482
I PART VI IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
The Comprehensive Plan for the Sisters Urban Area has value only to
the extent that it is supported by the community and its citizens, as
a policy statement for the general guidance of future development
actions which work toward attainment of community goals and objectives.
Realization of community goals and orbjectives through the Comprehensive
Plan is dependent on adoption of the general proposals of the Plan,
its specific policies and the tools for implementation.
Coordination and Responsibility for Planning ORS 197
'
ORS Chapter 197 effectuates state-wide policy with respect to the
authorized governmental planning function, Comprehensive Plan pre-
paration. These policies state that Comprehensive Plans (1) must be
adopted by the governing body, (2) are expressions of public policy,
i.e., policy statements, generalized maps, standards and guidelines,
(3) shall be the basis for fules, regulations and ordinances which
implement the plan, (4) shall be prepared to assure that all public actions
are consistent and coordinated within the plan, and (5) shall be regu arty
reviewed and modified to meet changing needs and desires of the citizens
the plan serves.
Both the cit
nd th
l
f
y a
e county are responsib
e
or preparing and adopting
a comprehensive plan for the Sisters Urban Area. The Comprehensive
Plan must be consistent with state-wide planning goals approved by the
'
Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC). Zoning,
subdivision and other ordinances or regulations must be enacted to
implement the Comprehensive Plan. Deschutes County through its
governing body is responsible for coordination of this planning activity
and all activities affecting land use within the County.
'
LCDC is charged with the responsibility of making sure that state-wide
planning goals are compiled within preparing, adopting, revising and
implementing existing and future Comprehensive Plans. LCDC is
authorized to review plan provisions, ordinances and regulations if
petitioned by (1) City or County when land conservation
d d
l
an
eve
opment
action taken by a governmental unit is in conflict with state-wide planning
goals, (2) a county governing body, when a comprehensive plan or
ordinance adopted by a governing body is in conflict with state-wide planning
goals, (3) a governing body when the action of the county governing body
is considered outside the authority vested in the county body, and (4) any
person or group of persons whose interests are substantially affected, a
i
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comprehensive plan provision or any ordinance alleged to be in violation
of state-wide planning goals.
Urban Growth Management Agreement
In order to assure proper city-county coordination for land use actions
within the Sisters Planning Area, an Urban Growth Management Agree-
ment shall be jointly prepared and adopted by the City and County
governing bodies. The agreement shall include a joint committment to
comply with the urbanization goals and policies of the Comprehensive '
Plan and shall include a review procedure for the Planning Area, Urban
Growth Boundary and city limits.
Comprehensive Plan Review Adoption, Amendments ,
After the Citizens Advisory Committee has completed its work on the
Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances, the Planning Commissions of the
city and county are responsible for reviewing and maing recommendations
to their respective governing bodies. The governing bodies (City
Council and Board of County Commissioners) shall adopt the Plan and
Ordinances and any subsequent amendments after holding a public hearing.
Plan Amendments will be necessary as time passes and conditions change. '
The plan is intended to be a guide for the future growth of the community.
It should be subject to periodic review ane should'be flexible, but not
so flexible as to be meaningless as a statement of community policy. Changes
in the plan should be made in light of considerations relating to all or '
part of the community rather than to who owns the property.
The plan shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission every year to '
whatever degree is nessary to insure that it is continuing to function as a
guide for community growth. The Planning Commission shall make a written
report of its review to the Governing Body by January 1st of eacy year.
In addition, it should be possible for individuals to petition for changes ,
or amendments to the plan in a manner similar to that for zone changes.
There must be a public hearing before the Planning Commission and the
Governing Body prior to making any changes. Any changes should be con- '
sistent with the goals, objectives, policies and statements of intent of the
plan or these guidelines should first be changer or amended to reflect the
new policies. This should be true of both changes resulting from periodic
Planning Commission review and from individual petitions. Hearings on
plan amendments shall follow the amendment procedures set forth in the
ordinance adopting the Plan.
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3 A84
VQL
I Interpretation of the Comprehensive Plan
Administration and interpretation of the Comprehensive Plan is a
continuing process and for this purpose the material contained in this
report and supplemental large scale Plan Maps identical to the one
published herein, constitute the Comprehensive Plan. Full under-
standing and interpretation of proposals contained on the maps may be
accomplished only through proper reference to the descriptive analysis,
policies and proposals contained in this report.
The Comprehensive Plan documents imply overall agreement on major
issues. It implies variation while working toward the achievement of
basic community goals and it provides for adjustment or modification
'
of policies and proposals as changing conditions dictate. Proper ad-
ministration of the Plan demands flexibility, variation and adjustment,
however, such changes in policy or proposals must come from careful
independent study of broadly based issues and not be dictated by
"issues of the moment," such as controversial zoning requests,
momentary fiscal problems or the inadequacy to public facilities.
Necessary changes which may be required through the years, should
normally be accomplished during the annual review proces. If a change
should become necessary prior to this event, a formal process of study,
review and public hearings must be followed in the manner of initial
'
plan development and adoption.
Implementation Policies, Ordinances and Programs
t
The following implementation measures are essential to the functional
success of the Comprehensive Plan.
Annexation Policy
To insure continuity, coordination and adequacy of all city
'
services, the following annexation policy is necessary:
1. Areas to be considered for annexation to the City of Sisters
shall have boundaries contiguous to the then existing city
'
limits.
2. Annexation of property within the Urban Growth Boundary
to the city shall be made prior to the provision of any city
services. Consent to such annexation to thecity shall be
governed by the Oregon Revised Statutes and the following
criteria:
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VOL 32 FAGE'485
A. Utility systems, streets and appurtenances thereto
shall. be constructed to city standards and specifications
by the property owner(s) prior to the area being
annexed.
B. That the city is fully capable of providing a full '
range and level of city services to the proposed an-
nexation area that is then currently enjoyed within
the city.
C. Or, that the proposed annexation area is within the '
service capabilities of programmed 'expansion and such
services can be provided within a reasonable and/or
mutually agreed upon period of time.
Zoning Ordinance
Modifications and amendments to the existing city zoning ordinance have
been made to bring the ordinance into conformance with provisions of
the Comprehensive Plan and to provide the city with a more effective
implementation tool. The ordinance is contained in a separate document
in conformance with the land use policies set forth in the Land Use
Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Upon adoption of the Comprehensive
'
Plan, the Revised Official Zoning Map may be adopted as provided for
under the new Zoning ordinance.
For that portion of the Urban Growth Area that is outside the corporate
boundaries of the City, zoning actions must be coordinated with and
by the County and accomplished in general conformance with the Compre-
hensive Plan upon demonstration of need.
Subdivision Ordinance
A proposed subdivision and land partition ordinance has been prepared
'
as a separate document supplemental to this report. The ordinance
has been fashioned after the format, organization and terminology of
the Deschutes County Ordinance to minimize public confusion and
foster coordinated administration of subdivision guidance.
Capital Improvement Programming
Capital improvement programming is an important process in the implementation
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VOL 32 PAa 486
'
of the general plan. It consists of three basic elements listing of
necessary public improvements, determination of priorities, and a financial
analysis. A listing of all capital improvements that will be needed in
'
the foreseeable future is first established. Based on evaluation of the
projects and their relative urgency, a priority is assigned to each
project based on the apparent need. A financial analysis is prepared
to determine existing and anticipated future sources of revenue which
'
can be applied to the capital improvement programs. From these pro-
jections, it is possible to estimate the amount of revenue available
annually for capital expenditures and to allocate these funds to approp-
riate projects. Capital improvement programs are usually prepared on
an overall basis for 20 years in five-year increments, and they are
revised annually as funds are expended and priorities change. De-
veloping a realistic capital improvement program and applying it to
the city and county budgeting processes can be one of the most signi-
ficant and beneficial steps which the community can take to guide its
growth in an orderly manner. There are many federal and state programs
'
which can be applied to the community's capital improvement requirements.
These programs cover a wide variety of problems and these sources of
assistance should be fully explored and used as necessary to implement
the plan
.
Intergovernmental Program Coordination
'
Responsibility for the provision of necessary public programs and support
facilities to maintain the desired level of public services for the City of
Sisters is vested in all levels of government. These include the City
'
of Sisters with its existing and projected range of program services;
Deschutes County, particularly in roads, health and sanitation and building;
School District No. 6, U.S. Forest Service for public use of forest lands;
'
Oregon State Department of Transportation, for highways and airport
facilities' State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality; State of
Oregon Department of Commerce in the housing program area; and elements
of the Federal Government for surplus federal properties and financial
'
grant and aid programs. This results in a broad range of program concern
and intensity, project priority, authorization and funding and implementation
'
timing.
Authority and responsibility vested in city legislative powers does not
include the ability to compel other levels of government . to comply with
'
rind/or coordinate their program activities with those of the city.
consequently, it is imperative that the city establish lines of communication
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VOL 32 FACE 487
with related governmental agencies whereby positive influence may be
exercised toward coordination of programs and facilities which are the
responsibility of more than one level of government or a specific project
is inter-related to other governmental programs and facilities. This
action may consist of (1) identifying the responsible segment of involved
governmental agencies with which to establish effective lines of com-
munication and coordination, (2) define agency responsibilities as to
roles and committment in the implementation of specific programs and/or
projects, (3) coordinate the priority, timing and funding of involved
levels of government in realizing a well integrated program or facility
and (4) referral of program and project proposals to related governmental
agencies prior to execution.
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PART VII APPENDICES
I VOL 32 GaGE489
n
1. Access or Access Way: Is the place, means, or way by which
pedestrians and vehicles shall have safe, adequate and usable
ingress and egress to a property or use.
2. Annexation: To add or join to, append or attach, especially
to a larger, or more significant thing. To incorporate into
a county, state or city. Annexation is the process by which
usually contiguous fringe territory is added to an existing
municipality.
3. Architectural Control : Regulations and procedures requiring
structures to be suitable, harmonious, and in keeping with
the general appearance, historical character and style of
1880 western theme.
' 4. Average: A number that typifies a set of numbers of which
it is a function. The arithmetic mean.
5. Bonuses (also known as incentive zoning) : The awarding of
bonus credits to a development in the form of allowing more
intensive use of the land if such public benefits as greater than
the minimum open spaces are preserved, special provision for
' low and moderate-income housing are made, or public plazas
and courts are provided at ground level,
6. Buffer Zone: A strip of land created to separate and protect
one type of land use from another; for example, as a screen
of planting or fencing to insulate the surrounding from the
' noise, smoke, or visual aspects of an industrial zone or junk-
yard. In other instances a greater width of land to separate
and protect farm production from more dense, urban land use.
I
7. Capital Improvement Program: A governmental timetable of
permanent improvements budgeted to fit its fiscal capability
some years into the future.
"
8. Cluster Development: Is the same as and replaces
planned
unit development;" is intended to concentrate improvements
within the density allowed overall and to preserve and protect
open land; should be consistent with the public facilities and
services policies; and should require a minimum of 80 percent
'
for improvements (excluding fencing) of the contiguous land
under the same ownership.
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PART VIII
APPENDIXES
DEFINITIONS
1
E90
VOL 32 Fn
9. Community Facilities: Public or privately owned facilities used
by the public, such as streets, schools, libraries, parks and
playgrounds; also facilities owned and operated by non-profit '
private agencies such as churches, settlement houses and
neighborhood associations.
10. Commuter: A person who travels regularly from one place to
another, as from a suburb to city and back.
11. 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 systems, transporta-
tion systems, educational systems, 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 all functional and natural activities and systems
occuring in the area covered by the plan. "General nature" means.
a summary of policies and proposals in broad catagories 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 of Oregon have been considered and accommodated as
'
much as possible. "Land" includes water, both surface and
subsurface, and the air.
,
12. Conditional Use: A use that may locate in certain zoning
districts provided it will not be detrimental to the public health,
morals, and welfare and will not impair the integrity and character
of the zoned district. Examples of conditional use permitted in a
commercial, industrial, or agricultural zone are temporary carnivals,
religious revivals, and rock concerts. The duty of the commission
approving such applications is to condition the use so that it will
,
not be unsuitable to the surrounding area or community at large.
13. Conservation Easement: A tool for acquiring open space with ,
less than full-fee purchase; the public agency buys only certain
specific rights from the owner. These may be positive rights,
giving the public rights to hunt, fish, hike or ride over the land,
or they may be restricted rights limiting the uses to which the
owner may put his land in the future. Scenic easements allow the
public agency to use the owner's land for scenic enhancement such
as roadside landscaping and vista point preservation.
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14. Dedication: A turning over of private land for a public use
by an owner or developer, and its acceptance for such use
by the governmental agency in charge of the public function
for which it will be used. Dedications for roads, parks, school
sites or other public uses are often made conditions for the
approval of a development by a planning commission.
'
15. Dedication, Payment in Lieu of: Cash payments required as a
substitute for a dedication of land by an owner or developer,
usually at so many dollars per lot. This overcomes the two
principal problems of land-dedication requirements by applying
the extractions on development more equitably and by allowing
purchase of sites at the best locations rather than merely in
'
places where the development is large enough to be required to
dedicate a school or park.
16. Density: The number or residential dwelling units per acre of
and/or the amount of land area expressed in square feet of land
assignable to each dwelling unit in a residential development,
including, but not limited to, one house on one lot, shall be
computed as follows: The gross area of land within the develop-
ment, less the total aggregate area dedicated for streets, schools
or other public facilities, but not including public or private
parks and recreation facilities dedicated or created as an integral
part of the development; divided by the total number of dwelling
units in the proposed development, equals the density.
'
17
Densit
Transf
A t
h
i
f
i
i
e
.
y
er:
ec
n
que o
reta
n
ng op
n space by
concentrating residential densities, usually in compact areas ad-
jacent to existing urbanization and utilities, with outlying areas
being left open, so that the residential density of the entire
community will average out at the same number of dwelling units
as if the community were developed from end to end with large
lots. A variation of this involves allowing density transfers by
private developers who buy the development rights of outlying
properties that are publicly desirable for open space and
adding the additional density to the 'base number of units per-
mitted in the zone in which they propose to develop.
' -115-
VOL 32 FADE X492
18. Easement: A right afforded a person to make limited use of
another's real property, as the right-of-way.
19. Ecology: The study of the mutual relationships between
organisms and their environment. An ecosystem is an ecological
community. ,
20. Eminent Domain: The right of a government to make a taking of
private property for public use or benefit upon payment of just
compensation to the owner. The terms "eminent domain" and
"condemnation" are often used interchangeably, although
condemnation may also mean the demolition by public authority
of an unsafe structure where no compensation is paid to the
owner and the condemmned property does not become public
land. "Inverse condemnation" is a condition in which the govern-
mental use of police power to regulate the use of land is so '
severe that it represents a de facto taking of private property
for public benefit or use without just compensation.
21. Environmental Impact: An assessment of a proposed project or
,
activity to determine whether it will have significant environ-
mental effects on the natural and manmade environments. When
no significant environmental impact will result, a "negative
declaration" is submitted instead of the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) which is the detailed report on how the project
will affect the environment. Significant environmental effects are
associated with those actions which:
enerall
'
y
g
1. Alter existing environmental components such as air and
water quality, wildlife habitats and food chains.
'
2. Disrupt neighborhood or community structure (i.e., dis-
place low-income people).
3. Further threaten rare or endangered plant or animal
species.
'
4. Alter or substantially disrupt the appearance of surround-
ings of a scenic, recreational, historical, or archaeological
site.
'
5. Induce secondary effects such as changes in land use,
unplanned growth, or traffic congestion.
F
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VOL 32 PA A%,
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22.
Erosion: To erode is to wear away by or as if by abrasion,
dissolution, transportation, weathering and corrosion. The
removal, loosening or dissolution of earthy or rock material
form any part of the earth's surface.
23.
Exception (also called variance) : The official provision of an
exemption from compliance with the terms or conditions of a
building or zoning regulation by a local board or administrator
vested with the power to authorize it. It is usually granted
if there are practical difficulties in meeting the existing re-
quirements literally, or if the deviation or exception would not
have a detrimental impact on adjacent properties or affect sub-
stantial compliance with the regulations. While an exception
'
(or variance or special use) is a departure from the standard
application of the zoning ordinance, it is provided for within the
ordinance. A day care center, for example, might not ordinarily
be permitted in an area zoned exclusively residential, yet since
'
this might be a perfectly desirable and acceptable place for
the care of preschool children, allowance for anexception, subject
to conditioning of how the operation will be conducted, will be
'
pre-established in the text of the zoning ordinance.
24.
Goals: Mean the mandatory statewide planning standards adopted
'
by the Land Conservation and Development Commission pursuant
to ORS 197.005 to 197.430.
25.
Groundwater: Water beneath the earth's surface between saturated
'
soil and rock that supplies wells and springs.
26.
Guidelines: Mean suggested approaches designed to aid cities
and counties in the preparation, adoption and implementation
of comprehensive plans in compliance with the goals and to aid
state agencies and special districts in the preparation, adoption,
and implementation of plans, programs and regulations in com-
pliance with the goals. Guidelines shall be advisory and shall
not limit state agencies, cities and counties, and special districts
to a single approach.
27.
Improved Land: Raw land that has been improved with basic
'
facilities such as roads, sewers, water lines, and other public
infrastructure facilities in preparation for meeting development
-
standards. It sometimes refers to land with buildings as well,
but usually land with buildings and utilities would be called a
developed area, while the term "improved land" more often
1
describes vacant land with utilities only.
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VOL 32 FAGF X94
28. Incorporated: To merge or unite with an existing entity of
legal corporation. Bend, Redmond and Sisters are incorporated
cities in Deschutes County.
29. In-filling: The use of undeveloped lands already in areas of
existing housing and high densities.
30. Land Use Plan: A basic element of a comprehensive plan, it
designates the future use or reuse of the land within a given
jurisdiction's planning area, and the policies and reasoning
used in arriving at the decisions in the plan. The land use
plan serves as a guide to official decisions in regard to the
distribution and intensity of private development, as well as
public decisions on the location of future public facilities and
open spaces. It is also a basic guide to the structuring of
zoning and subdivision controls, urban renewal and capital
improvement programs.
31. LCDC: The Land Conservation and Development Commission of
the State of Oregon.
32. Leapfrog Development: Development that occurs well beyond
the existing limits of urban development and thus leaves inter-
vening vacant land behind. This bypassing of the next-in-line
lands at the urban fringe results in the haphazard shotgun
pattern of urbanization known as "sprawl."
33. Median: The middle value in a distribution, above or below
which lies an equal number of values.
34. Mobile Home (trailer) : A factory-built home, equipped with all
of the basic amenities of a conventional home (bath, kitchen,
electricity) , which can be moved to its site by attaching it
whole or in sections to an automobile or truck. (A trailer is
a much smaller mobile shelter, usually used for camping and
outings rather than as a permanent dwelling.) Prefabricated
modular units currently come complete with built-in furnishings,
appliances, porches, and other extras. "Double-wides" and
-118-
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i
F
1
1
F
Ll
I
L~
l
"triple wides" are units connected together to form a single
structure of size and roof design similar to that of a conven-
tional home built on a foundation on site. Mobile home parks
rent spaces with utility hookups to mobile home owners; some-
times they also rent the mobile homes. The parks range in
size from a few parking spaces equipped with plumbing and
electrical connections to elaborate mobile home communities
with swimming pools and community centers. About a quarter
of the single-family home sales since 1968 have been captured
by mobile homes.
35. Moratorium: In planning, a freeze on all new development
pending the completion and adoption of a comprehensive plan.
In recent years building moratoriums have also been insti-
tuted by water and sewer agencies when sewage treatment
facilities are inadequate or when water shortages are threatened.
They have alos been voted into being by residents of communi-
ties whose schools and other public facilities have been over-
whelmed by rapid growth.
36. Open Land: Is land without tree cover, land which has been
or is now being irrigated or which has been supported or now
supports an irrigation water right; land which is exposed,
land without cover except grass, brush and sparse or im-
mature trees; land or topography which are not such as
reasonably to conceal structures, improvements and personal
property.
37. Open Space: That part of the countryside which has not been
developed and which is desirable for preservation in its natural
state for ecological, historical or recreational purposes, or in its
cultivated state to preserve agricultural, forest or urban green-
belt areas.
Open space also consists of any land area that would, if
preserved and continued in its present use:
a. Conserve and enhance natural or scenic resources;
b. Protect air or streams or water supply;
C. Promote conservation of soils and wet lands;
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VOL 3 2 PAGE 496
d. Conserve landscaped areas, that reduce air pollution
and enhance the value of abutting or neighboring
property; ,
e. Enhance the value to the public of abutting or neigh-
boring parks, forests, wildlife areas or other open
space;
f. Enhance recreation opportunities;
P
rv
hi
t
ic site
g.
or
rese
e
s
s;
h. Promote orderly urban development.
38. Parcel: Means a nit of land that is created by a partitioning
of land.
39. Partition: Means either an act of partitioning land or an
area or tract of land partitioned as defined below:
"
"
means to divide an area or tract
Partitioned land
of land into two or three parcels within a calendar
year when such area or tract of land exists as a unit
or contiguous units of land under a single ownership
'
at the beginning of such year (ORS 92.010).
40. Peak Hour: For any given highway, the sixty-minute period
of the day during which it carries its highest volume of traffic.
Usually this occurs during the morning or evening rush, when
the majority of people attempt to get to or from.work.
41.. Performance Standards: Zoning regulations providing specific
criteria limiting the operations of certain industries, land uses,
and buildings to acceptable levels of noise, air pollution emmis-
sions, odors, vibration, dust, dirt, glare, heat, fire hazards,
wastes, traffic generation and visual impact. This type of
zoning may not bar an industry or use by specified type,
'
but admits any use that can meet the particular standards of
operation set for admission. Instead of classifying industries
in districts under the headings "light," "heavy" or "un-
restricted," it established measurable technical standards and
classifies the industries in terms of their probable environmental
impact. Terms such as "limited," "substantial," and "objection-
able" determine the overall acceptability rating of a particular use.
'
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VOL CAI f 497
42.
Planned-community: Is a fully self-contained complex of resi-
dential, commercial and industrial areas, transportation
facilities, utilities, public facilities and recreation areas.
43.
Planned Unit Development (PUD) : A self-contained development,
often with a mixture of housing types and densities, in which
the subdivision and zoning controls are applied to the project
as a whole rather than to individual lots as in most subdivisions.
Therefore, densities are calculated for the entire development,
usually permitting a trade-off between clustering of houses
I
and provision of common open space.
'
44.
Plat: Includes a map, diagram, drawing or replat or other
writing containing all the descriptions, locations, specifications,
dedications, provisions and information concerning a subdivision.
45.
Police Power: The inherent right of a government to restrict
an individual's conduct or his use of his property in order to
protect the health, safety, welfare, and morals of the community.
In the U.S. this power must relate reasonably to these ends
I
and must follow due processes of the law; but unlike the
exercise of the state's power of eminent domain, no compensation
need be paid for losses incurred as a result of police power
'
regulation.
46.
Right-of-way: The right of passage over the property of
another. The public may acquire it through implied dedication-
accepted access over a period of time to a beach or lake shore-
line, for example. More commonly, it refers to the land on which
a road or railroad is located. The pathways over which utilities
(
and drainage ways run are usually referred to as easements.
47.
Road Types:
Arterial: Roads designed for through access between
major traffic generators. Arterials should provide
I
primarily the traffic mobility needs.
Collector: Roads which gather the traffic from the
local roads between arterials. These roads should
I
provide a balance between the needs of land access and
traffic mobility.
I
I
t -121-
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vas 32 FADE 498 i I
Local: Roads designed for land access serving
local traffic only.
48. Rural Lands: Are those Lands outside the Urban Growth
Boundary which are non-urban uses with no or hardly any
public services. Manufacturing, industrial, commercial
and urban residential uses are not appropriate on rural
lands.
49. Septic Tank: A tank plus a leaching field or trenches in
which the sewage is purified by bacterial action. It is
distinct from a cesspool, which is merely a perforated buried
tank that allows the liquid effluent to seep into the surrounding
soils but retains most of the soils and must be periodically
pumped out.
50. Sewage System: A facility designed for the collection, removal,
treatment, and disposal of waterborne sewage generated with-
in a given service area. It usually consists of a collection net-
work of pipelines and a treatment facility to purify and dis-
charge the treated wastes.
51. Special District: Means any unit of local government, other
than a city or county, authorized and regulated by statute
and includes, but is not limited to: water control districts,
irrigation districts, port districts, regional air quality control
authorities, fire districts, hospital districts, mass transit
districts and sanitary districts.
52. Spot Zoning: The awarding of a use classification to an
isolated parcel of land which is detrimental or incompatible
with the uses of the surrounding area, particularly when such
an act favors a particular owner. Such zoning has been held
to be illegal by the courts on the grounds that it is unreason-
able and capricious. A general plan or special circumstance
such as historical value, environmental importance, or scenic
value would justify special zoning for a small area.
53. Strip Zone: A melange of development, usually commercial,
extending along a major street leading out of the center of
a city. Usually a strip zone is a mixture of auto-oriented
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VOL 32 PALE 499
'
enterprises (e.g., gas stations, motels, and food stands),
truck-dependent wholesaling and light industrial enterprises,
along with the once-rural homes and farms overtaken by the
haphazard leapfrogging of unplanned sprawl. Strip develop-
ment, with its incessant turning movements in and out of each
enterprises's driveway, has so reduced the traffic-carrying
'
capacity of major highways leading out of urban centers that
the postwar limited-access freeway networks have become a
'
necessity. In zoning terms, a strip zone may refer to a
district consisting of a ribbon of highway commercial uses
fronting a major arterial road.
54.
Subdivide: To divide a part of parts of land parcels into
'
at least four smaller parts of lots. A subdivision is the
process of laying out a parcel of raw land into lots, blocks,
streets and public areas. Its purpose is the transformation
of raw land into building sites.
55.
Urban Fringe: An area at the edge of an urban area usually
made up of mixed agricultural and urban land uses. Where
leapfrogging or sprawl is the predominant pattern, this mix-
ture of urban and rural may persist for several decades until
the process of urbanization is completed.
56.
Urban Growth Boundary: Is an established line identifying
'
an area which contains land lying within and adjacent to
the incorporated city and which is determined to be necessary
and suitable for future urban uses capable of being served by
urban facilities and services.
57.
Urbanizable Lands: Are those lands within the urban growth
boundaries and which can be served by urban services and
facilities and which are necessary and suitable for future
expansion of an urban area.
58.
Urban Reserve: Those rural open lands lying immediately
adjacent to the city limits that are needed for eventual urban
expansion before the year 2000 but not unit) at least 75% of
r
the present (1979) city limits has developed.
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BIBLIOGR
APHY
1.
Oregon Revised Statutes, Volumes 1 and 2.
Chapter 92: Plats and Subdivisions, Enabling Legislation
for Establishing a Public Platting and Sub-
division Review Board and its Permissive
Functions.
,
Chapter 197: Comprehensive Planning Coordination.
Chapter 215: County Planning.
Chapter 222: City Boundary Changes; Mergers and Consolidations.
Chapter 227: City Planning and Zoning, Enabling Legislation
Permitting the Formation of City Planning Com-
missions, Commission Organization and Planning and
Zoning Functions.
2.
State of Oregon Structural Specialty Code and Fire and Life
Safety Code, 1973 Edition, Uniform Building Code, Amended by
_
Department of Commerce. Building Codes Division, Salem, Oregon.
3.
"701" Comprehensive Planning Assistance Grant Application,
Sisters, Oregon, 17 May 1973.
'
4.
East of the Cascaded, by Phil F. Brogan, Binford and Mort
Publishers, Portland, Oregon 1964.
5.
The History of Sisters, written by Mrs. Tillie Wilson and Mrs.
Alice Scott, Sisters, Oregon, 1973.
6.
Background for Planning, Deschutes County, Oregon, Bureau
of Municipal Research and Services, University of Oregon, Eugene,
Oregon, March 1966.
7.
Comprehensive Plan to 1990 - Deschutes County, Oregon, Grunwald,
Crawford and Associates, January 1971.
8.
Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Study - Deschutes County,
Oregon, Cornell, Howland, Hayes and Merryfield, December. 1970.
(Sisters Segment)
9.
General Soil Map with Soil Interpretations for Land Use Planning -
Deschutes County, Oregon, Soil Conservation Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture in cooperation with Oregon Agriculture
Experiment Station, February 1973.
10.
Central Oregon Transportation Study, Central Oregon Intergovern-
mental Council, 31 August 1973. (Sisters Segment)
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VO
11.
Multiple Use Plan - 1970, Sisters Ranger District, Deschutes
National Forest, U.S. Forest Service, Sisters Ranger District,
Deschutes National Forest, 15 May 1970.
12.
A Comprehensive Development Plan for Sewerage System Improve-
ments, City of Sisters, Deschutes County, Oregon, HGE, Inc. ,
May 1972.
13.
Deschutes National Forest, Classification and Land Ownership
I
Study (In Progress), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Preliminary Draft, 1973.
'
14.
City of Sisters, Center for Population Research and Census,
Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.
15.
Economic Data, Western Bank, Sisters Branch Charter Application,
1973.
16.
Labor Force in Deschutes County, State of Oregon Employment
Division
De
artment of Human Re
o
,
p
s
urces.
17.
Labor Force Trends, Bend Local Office, State of Oregon
Employment Division, Research and Statistics Division, January
1974.
18. 1973 Survey of Buying Power, Sales Management Magazine, 1973.
19. Traffic Volume Tables for 1963 and 1972, Oregon State Highway
Division.
I 20. Traffic Volume Tables for 1978, Oregon State Highway Division.
(Updated)
21. Deschutes County, Subdivision Ordinance No. PL-2.
22. Zoning Ordinance of the City of Sisters, Oregon, April 1973.
23. Planning Design Criteria, Joseph DeChiara and Lee Koppelman,
in cooperation with the School of Architecture - Pratt Institute,
Van Nostrant Reinhold Co., New York, 1969.
24. Standard Drawings for Public Works Construction, prepared by
Oregon Chapter American Public Works Construction, 1972.
25. The Settlers West, Martin F. Schmitt and Dee Brown, Bonanza
Books, New York, 1955.
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26. Ghost Town of the West, William Carter, Lane Magazine and
Book Co., Menlo Park, California, 1971.
27. Ghost Town El Dorado, Lambert Florin, Superior Publishing '
Co., Seattle, Washington, 1968.
28. Ghost Towns of the Northwest, Norman D. Weis, Caxton
Printers, Ltd. , Caldwell, Idaho, 1972.
29. Decorative Alphabets and Initials, edited by Alexander Nesbitt,
Dover Publications, Inc., New York, 1959.
30. General Soil Map with Soil Interpretations for Land Use Planning _
Deschutes County, Oregon, Soil Conservation Service, USDA,
February, 1973.
31. Geology and Mineral Resources of Deschutes County, Oregon,
N. Peterson, 1976.
32. Flood Plain Information, Squaw Creek, Sisters, Oregon, Corps
of Engineers, 1978.
33. Final Report, Deschutes County Forest Lands CAC, 1978.
34. Deschutes County Overall Economic Development Plan, Deschutes
County Economic Development Committee, 1978.
35. Central Oregon Open Space Recreation Study, Central Oregon
Intergovernmental Council, 1974.
36. Comprehensive Plan, City of Sisters, City of Sisters and
Deschutes County, 1974.
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