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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCP Policies 062212 South County Policies Note: The following goals and policies compliment those cited in the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan. They are specifically tailored to address South County’s regional issues and perspectives. Community Involvement and Partnerships Goal 1 Involve and engage the South County community in land use planning. Policy 1.1 At minimum, annually host one each of the following in South County: a. Board of County Commissioner meeting; b. Planning Commission meeting; and c. Community Development Department community meeting. Policy 1.2 Through a public process, reassess the South County Plan as needed, but at least every three-five years, and analyze, at a minimum: a. Population growth; b. Changes in local conditions; c. Effectiveness of plan implementation; and d. New issues or emerging opportunities. Policy 1.3 Ensure citizen involvement on regionally significant issues such as by establishing technical and citizen advisory committees. Goal 2 Connect, promote, and support alliances with and between agencies, organizations and individuals that have interests in South County. Policy 2.1 Foster a sense of shared identity and pride in South County through encouraging community-led partnerships and projects. Policy 2.2 Encourage alliances and partnerships between private and non-profit organizations to collectively address local land use and natural resource issues and minimize, to the extent possible, government involvement. Policy 2.3 Collaborate with homeowner organizations, road districts, community groups, government agencies and non-profits on regional issues. Policy 2.4 Encourage La Pine and Sunriver Chambers of Commerce, Central Oregon Visitors Association and similar organizations to maintain and enhance webpages highlighting South County’s regional amenities and community resources. Policy 2.5 Provide education materials for residents moving into the region about rural lifestyles and lower levels of public services. Policy 2.6 Collaborate with Lake and Klamath counties on regional issues, such as the environment or transportation, that affect Central and Southeastern Oregon. Land Use Goal 3 Coordinate land use planning issues that impact South County. South County Plan Policies: 6-21-12 -2- Policy 3.1 Collaborate as needed with the City of La Pine on issues such as: a. A 24-hour health care facility; b. Community greenhouses; c. Affordable senior housing and/or aging in place programs; d. Trail development; e. Public transportation; and f. La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area development. Policy 3.2 Partner as needed with the community, community organizations, the City of La Pine, and Central Oregon Community College to open a La Pine branch offering programs such as: a. Post-high school education; b. Employment retraining; c. Adult learning; and d. Vocational training. Policy 3.3 Coordinate with homeowner associations on neighborhood issues such as code enforcement and defensible space. Goal 4 Manage County-owned lands to meet community objectives. Policy 4.1 Evaluate County-owned lands and manage as follows: a. If a property meets the County criteria for park lands, request the Board of County Commissioners to designate it as such; b. If a property is recognized in a park master plan, consider it for park designation; c. If a property does not meet the criteria for park lands, include it in the next County auction to place it back on the tax rolls. Policy 4.2 Coordinate with the La Pine Parks and Recreation District to transfer County designated park lands in South County into their ownership, as described in State Statue regarding County park lands (ORS 275.330). Policy 4.3 Continue to use the proceeds derived from the La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area only to protect the groundwater in south Deschutes County. Policy 4.4 In conjunction with the City of La Pine, evaluate the Transfer of Development Credit and Pollution Reduction Credit programs and reform as needed by considering at a minimum the following: a. Reconvene the Transfer of Development Credit Advisory Committee; b. Analyze the results of the program so far; c. Understand existing market trends and land development constraints in the rural area and La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area; and d. Explore, if necessary, different alternatives for developing the La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area that maximize revenues from the sale of property to fund groundwater protection efforts. Goal 5 Address land use issues unique to South County. Policy 5.1 Develop a work plan to determine the future development and conservation potential of approximately 1,500 high groundwater lots. Note: The work plan South County Plan Policies: 6-21-12 -3- will need to incorporate the possibility that an unknown number of lots may be served by centralized sewer collection in the future (See Goal 9), which would open up lots for development where that possibility may not currently exist. The work plan should, at minimum: a. Analyze the impact of the newly permitted development on roads, services and the rural community; or b. Analyze options such as purchase of the lots, land swaps or other ideas. Policy 5.2 Develop a work plan to address zoning designations and development standards for Section 36. Policy 5.3 Support strategies to address survey errors such as those in the Lechner Estates area. Economic Development Goal 6 Foster a healthy economic and employment base in South County. Policy 6.1 Promote La Pine as a regional commercial and employment center, through concepts such as: a. Maintain and support La Pine’s representation on Economic Development for Central Oregon’s (EDCO) Board; b. Coordinate as needed with EDCO, La Pine and Sunriver Chambers of Commerce, Sunriver, the City of La Pine, and others to promote economic development opportunities; and c. Support City of La Pine’s interest to attract businesses to its commercial areas, including another grocery store and movie theater. Policy 6.2 Promote South County tourism amenities. a. Support Travel Oregon, Central Oregon Visitors Association, La Pine and Sunriver Chambers of Commerce and similar organization’s efforts to promote South County as a specific tourist destination. b. Promote tourism opportunities on the Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes rivers that highlight low-impact activities such as fishing or canoeing. Goal 7 Grow a strong and vibrant rural economy in compliance with State land use regulations and the region’s unique rural character. Policy 7.1 Adopt zoning for small destination resorts, as defined in ORS 197.445. Policy 7.2 Encourage the development of high-speed internet access to support home- based employment opportunities. Policy 7.3 Audit and amend if necessary, Deschutes County Code to encourage and support economic development, such as reviewing height limitations for industrial uses. Policy 7.4 Evaluate potential locations for local-serving commercial development. Public Facilities Goal 8 Ensure public facilities and services appropriate to South County’s unique development pattern and natural amenities. South County Plan Policies: 6-21-12 -4- Policy 8.1 Maintain and improve public safety on public and private lands by supporting federal, state and local law enforcement and fire protection agencies. Policy 8.2 Support the Sunriver Area and La Pine branches of the Deschutes Public Library, Bend-La Pine School District, and La Pine Park and Recreation District’s missions to provide: a. Services and programs for the community; and b. Meeting spaces and educational resources. Goal 9 Support the Department of Environmental Quality in working with the community to address groundwater protection issues. Policy 9.1 Evaluate, and if consensus is reached, pursue an exception to Goal 11 to allow centralized sewer collection as an option throughout the region. Policy 9.2 Upon declaration by the Department of Environmental Quality or the Department of Human Services that a health hazard exists and that there is no practicable alternative to centralized sewer collection within a defined subdivision or specific geographic area, prepare findings that Goal 11 has been addressed within that subdivision or geographic area. Policy 9.3 Support the Department of Environmental Quality’s efforts to evaluate the costs and benefits of centralized wastewater systems and sewer district formation, and consider pilot projects or potential case studies to demonstrate real-world costs and benefits examples. Transportation Goal 10 Expand public transit. Policy 10.1 Support the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council efforts to: a. Expand regional public transit options for residents living in Sunriver, La Pine and outlying rural neighborhoods; b. Expand park and ride lots where there is an identified need; c. Explore commute options such as private ride share or shuttles and long- term, passenger rail; d. Expand mobility options for persons with disabilities; and e. Involve user groups such as students, elderly or disabled residents in public transit discussions. Policy 10.2 Create a regional trail plan in coordination with stakeholders such as the City of La Pine, the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, special road districts, and homeowner associations, considering at minimum: a. Adequate right of way; b. Appropriate locations and designs to provide connectivity; c. Public safety; d. Access to schools, parks, employment and other popular destinations; and e. Funding sources, including bicycle licenses. Goal 11 Maintain and improve the public road system. Policy 11.1 Support special road district formation. South County Plan Policies: 6-21-12 -5- Policy 11.2 Partner with special road districts, the County Road Department and neighborhood associations to maintain roads that provide primary thoroughfares or emergency egress. Policy 11.3 Explore partnerships and funding options for road maintenance. Goal 12 Partner with Oregon Department of Transportation, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Sunriver and La Pine to address regional transportation issues Policy 12.1 Support the Forest Service efforts to improve Highway 41 from Sunriver to the Inn of the 7 th Mountain. Policy 12.2 Coordinate pedestrian and vehicle crossing solutions for Hwy 97. Policy 12.3 Evaluate a north-south alternative to Highway 97 on the western edge of South County, extending from Burgess Road to Spring River Road. Natural Hazards Goal 13 Minimize the threat of wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface. Policy 13.1 Assist fire districts and community organizations in fire prevention activities, such as: a. FireFree spring and fall events; b. Debris clearing; c. Ladder fuel reductions; and d. Maintenance of existing Community Wildfire Protection Plans. Policy 13.2 Encourage neighbors and residents to become Firewise, a national recognition for fire adapted communities. Policy 13.3 Keep property owners informed of fire prevention efforts. Policy 13.4 Amend County Code to require absentee landowners to maintain defensible space. Policy 13.5 Work with homeowners, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to ensure all subdivisions have adequate evacuation routes. Policy 13.6 Encourage the formation of an organization within the La Pine Community Wildfire Protection Plan area with a fire fighting and river corridor protection focus similar to the Upper Deschutes River Coalition. Policy 13.7 Support the productive use of materials removed during fuel reduction efforts. Goal 14 Encourage self-sufficiency. Policy 14.1 Promote personal responsibility in preparing for natural or man-made disasters. Policy 14.2 Support projects that increase the local food supply. Natural Resources Goal 15 Protect the natural environment. South County Plan Policies: 6-21-12 -6- Policy 15.1 Coordinate with non-profit organizations that have technical expertise and an active presence in South County such as Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, Deschutes River Conservancy, Deschutes Watershed Council, and Trout Unlimited. Policy 15.2 Work with government agencies on regional issues that have the potential to impact the natural environment, such as pesticide/herbicide use or geothermal energy development. Policy 15.3 Support the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District’s interest to be a clearinghouse on local environmental issues. Policy 15.4 As South County grows, evaluate the air quality impacts from dusty, unpaved roads. Policy 15.5 Support agencies and organizations that provide environmental outreach materials. Policy 15.6 Encourage partnerships on alternative energy initiatives that recognize South County’s potential for geothermal, biomass and solar energy opportunities. Policy 15.7 Maintain a South County representative on the Weed Control District Board. Policy 15.8 Support efforts to expand recycling locations, including woody debris disposal sites. Policy 15.9 Encourage local garbage companies to provide curbside recycling. Policy 15.10 Encourage the formation of a South County wetlands mitigation bank. Policy 15.11 Coordinate with federal and state agencies on fishery and wildlife issues, including Oregon spotted frog. Policy 15.12 Collaborate with federal and state agencies to protect significant natural resources, such as wetlands and wildlife habitat. Recreation Goal 16 Encourage a variety of parks, trails and recreation options for South County residents. Policy 16.1 Support parks and recreation programs throughout South County either through the expansion of the La Pine Parks and Recreation district or through other methods. Policy 16.2 Collaborate with the La Pine Park and Recreation District, community organizations, Sunriver and La Pine to provide safe and convenient river access, including: a. Improving existing sites including those at or near Harper Bridge and Maxwell Veterans Memorial Bridge; and b. Assessing options for new private or public river access locations. Policy 16.3 Coordinate with Federal agencies regarding access to federal lands. Policy 16.4 Support the expansion of outdoor amenities, such as campgrounds. South County Plan Policies: 6-21-12 -7- Policy 16.5 Support agencies, schools and organizations such as the La Pine Park and Recreation district, that provide a variety of facilities and programs for youth. Policy 16.6 Support multi-use and specialized recreational trails, considering emerging opportunities that include: a. Partnerships with other public trail planning processes and trail development groups with technical trail experience; b. River corridor trails or river trails such as the Deschutes Paddle Trail; and c. A regional rail connecting La Pine through Sunriver to Bend.