HomeMy WebLinkAboutHearing - Draft Comp PlanDeschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
AGENDA REQUEST & STAFF REPORT
For Board Business Meeting of May 11, 2011
Please see directions for completing this document on the next page.
DATE: May 2, 2011
FROM: Terri Hansen Payne CDD 541-385-1404
TITLE OF AGENDA ITEM:
Continued public hearing and work session on the draft Comprehensive Plan.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS DATE? Yes, but note that the Board is still reviewing the draft
Comprehensive Plan and so a complete list of Board amendments to the draft Plan is not yet available.
Therefore, the hearing will be opened and continued to a date certain, likely May 31, 2011 at 6 p.m.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Public hearings on the draft Plan were held on March 29, March 31 and April 5. The hearing was
continued until May 11 at 10 a.m. in Bend. On April 18 and April 27 the Board held work sessions to
discuss potential amendments to the draft Plan for Chapters 1, 4 and 5 and part of Chapter 2. The draft
of those proposed changes can be found in the attached staff report.
The Board work session review of the remainder of Chapter 2 and all of Chapter 3 is scheduled to
continue May 4 and May 11 (after the hearing is continued). Proposed amendments will be provided
to the public as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
RECOMMENDATION & ACTION REQUESTED:
Open the public hearing and continue it until May 31, 2011 at 6 p.m.
Hold a work session on potential changes to the remainder of the Draft Comprehensive Plan.
ATTENDANCE: Nick Lelack, Planning Director
DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTS:
N/A
Community Development Department
Planning Division Building Safety Division Environmental Soils Division
117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend Oregon 97701-1925
(541)388-6575 FAX (541)385-1764
http://www.co.deschutes.or.us/cdd/
MEMORANDUM
TO: Deschutes Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Terri Hansen Payne, Senior Planner
MEMO DATE: May 2, 2011
MEETING DATE: May 11, 2011
SUBJECT: Hearing and Work Session: Comprehensive Plan Update
BACKGROUND
Deschutes County is revising its Comprehensive Plan (Plan), the document which guides land
use in the unincorporated areas of the County over a 20 -year timeframe. The Planning
Commission held four public hearings and voted to recommend that the Board of County
Commissioners (Board) adopt the draft Plan. The Board then held three public hearings on
March 29, March 31 and April 5, 2011 and continued the hearing until May 11, 2011.
SCHEDULED REVIEWS AND HEARINGS
The Board initiated review of the Plan, including public comments on the Plan, at two work
sessions on April 18 and 27. At the work sessions the Board provided direction on amendments
for Chapters 1, 4 and 5 and part of Chapter 2. The changes discussed so far are attached to
this memo. Where policies in a section were amended, the track changes version of all the
policies for that section has been provided. Where changes were made to the background text
the page showing the amendments has been provided. The review will continue at additional
work sessions scheduled for May 4 and May 11.
Because the Board is still reviewing the draft Plan, the May 11 hearing will be opened and
continued to May 31. The intent is to have a complete set of draft revisions available for public
to review before the next hearing date.
MORE INFORMATION
A copy of the draft Plan, as well as the findings, written testimony and other background
materials can be found at www.deschutes.orq/cdd under Comprehensive Plan Update. A hard
copy can be reviewed at the Community Development Department office and with 24 hours
notice, can be purchased for $10. Other formats may be available upon request.
Attachments:
1. Draft policy amendments as of April 27
2. Draft text amendments as of April 27
Quality Services Performed with Pride
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
sectio v11.3 La AA lase PLR LA,vavto PoL ci es
Goals and Policies (1 13 114 18-1 I)
Goal I Maintain an open and public land use process in which decisions
are based on the objective evaluation of facts.
Policy 1.3.1 Protect the limited amount of privately -owned land in Deschutes County
through consideration ofConsidcr private property rights and economic
impacts to property owners and the community when creating and
revising land use policies and regulations.
a. Evaluate tools such as transfer of development rights programs that
can be used to protect private property.
Policy 1.3.2 Consider sustainability and cumulative impacts when creating and revising
land use policies and regulations.
Involve the public when amending County Code.
Maintain public records which support the Comprehensive Plan and
other land use decisions.
Policy 1.3.3
Policy 1.3.4
Policy 1.3.5
Policy 1.3.6
Policy 1.3.7
Policy 1.3.8
Policy 1.3.9
Goal 2
issues.
Policy 1.3.4 I 0
Policy 1.3.1-01
Review the Comprehensive Plan every five years and update as needed,
in order to ensure it responds to current conditions, issues and
opportunities, as well as amended State Statute, Oregon Administrative
Rules and case law.
Maintain and enhance web -based property -specific information.
The Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan Map will be retained in
official replica form as an electronic map layer within the County
Geographic Information System and is adopted as part of this Plan.
Implement, as appropriate, recommendations in the Final Report from
the Oregon Task Force on Land Use Planning dated January 2009.
A list of actions to implement this Comprehensive Plan shall be created,
maintained and reviewed yearly by the Community Development
Department and the Board of County Commissioners.
Promote regional cooperation and partnerships on planning
Regularly review intergovernmental and urban management agreements,
and update as needed.
I Participate in and, where appropriate, coordinate regional
planning efforts.
a. Provide affected agencies, including Irrigation Districts, an
opportunity to comment and coordinate on land use policies or
actions that would impact their jurisdictions.
Page 1 rev 4-27-1 I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 1.3.4-I-12 Support implementation of the Deschutes County Greenprint and
incorporate, as appropriatc, elements from the Grccnprint into this Plan
non-profit or public acquisition of lands determined through an extensive
public process to have significant value to the community.
Policy 1.3.-1-213 {Support implementation of the Bend 2030 Plan and incorporate,
as appropriate, elements from the Bend 2030 Plan into this Plan.}
Goal 3 Manage County owned lands efficiently, effectively, flexibly and
in a manner that balances the needs of County residents.
Policy I.3.4-3--14 Where feasible, maintain and manage County owned properties
as follows:
a. Manage designated park lands to preserve the values defined in the
park designation;
b. Permit public access to County owned lands designated as parks
unless posted otherwise;
c. Encourage properties located along rivers, streams or creeks or
containing significant wildlife, scenic or open space values to be
designated as park land;
Page 2 rev 4-27-1I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Sect'ov .. 2.2 Ae r%cvLtu.ra L La vols PoLl-cit.;
Goals and Policies (1 13 111 27-11)
Goal I
Policy 2.2.1
Policy 2.2.2
Preserve and maintain agricultural lands and the agricultural
industry.
Retain agricultural lands through Exclusive Farm Use zoning.
Exclusive Farm Use sub -zones shall remain as described in the text of this
P1anI992 Farm Study and shown in the table below, unless adequate legal
findings for amending the sub -zones are adopted or an individual parcel is
rezoned as allowed by Policy 2.2.3.
Exclusive Farm Use Subzones
Subzone Name
Minimum
Acres
Profile
Lower Bridge
130
Irrigated field crops, hay and pasture
Sisters/Cloverdale
63
Irrigated alfalfa, hay and pasture, wooded grazing
and some field crops
Terrebonne
35
Irrigated hay and pasture
Tumalo/Redmond/Bend
23
Irrigated pasture and some hay
Alfalfa
36
Irrigated hay and pasture
La Pine
37
Riparian meadows, grazing and meadow hay
Horse Ridge East
320
Rangeland grazing
Policy 2.2.3
Policy 2.2.4
Policy 2.2.5
Policy 2.2.36
Policy 2.2.47
Policy 2.2.58
Allow comprehensive plan and zoning map amendments for individual
EFU parcels as allowed by State Statute, Oregon Administrative Rules and
this Comprehensive Plan.
Develop comprehensive policy criteria and code to provide clarity on
when and how EFU parcels can be converted to other designations.
Uses allowed in Exclusive Farm Use zones shall comply with State Statute
and Oregon Administrative Rule.
Regularly review farm regulations to ensure compliance with changes to
State Statute, Oregon Administrative Rules and case law.
Encourage water projects that benefit agriculture.
Support a variety of methods to preserve agricultural lands, such as:
a. Support the use of grant funds and other resources to assist local
farmers;
b. Work cooperatively with irrigation districts, public agencies and
representatives and land owners;
Page 3 rev 4-27- I I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
c. Encourage conservation easements, or purchase or transfer of
development rights programs;
d. Control noxious weeds;
e. fit -Encourage a food council or 'buy local' program.
Goal 2 Promote a diverse, sustainable, revenue -generating agricultural
sector.
Policy 2.2.6-9 Encourage farming by promoting the raising and selling of crops, livestock
and/or poultry.
Policy 2.2.7 10 Support stakeholders in studying and promoting economically viable
agricultural opportunities and practices.
Policy 2.2.8-11 Encourage small farming enterprises, including, but not limited to, niche
markets, organic farming, farm stands or value added products.
Policy 2.2.912 Review County Code and revise as needed to permit alternative and
supplemental farm activities that are compatible with farming, such as
agri-tourism or commercial renewable energy projects. When a
preferred alternative or supplemental use identified through a public
process is not permitted by State regulations, work with the State to
review and revise their regulations.
Goal 3 Ensure Exclusive Farm Use policies, classifications and codes
are consistent with local and emerging agricultural conditions
and markets.
Policy 2.2.1-013ldentify and retain accurately designated agricultural lands.
Policy 2.2.1-1-14 Explore new methods of identifying and classifying agricultural
lands.
a. Apply for grants to review and, if needed, update farmland
designations.
b. Study County agricultural designations considering elements such as
water availability, farm viability and economics, climatic conditions,
land use patterns, accepted farm practices, and impacts on public
services.
c. Lobby for changes to State Statute regarding agricultural definitions
specific to Deschutes County that would allow some reclassification of
agricultural lands.
Policy 2.2.1-215Address land use challenges in the Horse Ridge subzone, specifically:
a. The large number of platted lots not meeting the minimum acreage;
b. The need for non-farm dwellings and location requirements for farm
dwellings;
c. Concerns over the impact on private property from off-road vehicles,
facilities, and trails located on adjacent public lands.
Policy 2.2.1-316 Review County Code and revise as needed to permit farm
wer-ker-11-ausinWork with the State to review and revise accessory farm
dwelling requirements to address the needs of local farmers.
Page 4 rev 4-27-11
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 2.2.4417 Encourage coordination between fish/wildlife management
organizations and agricultural interests.
Page 5 rev 4-27-1 1
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Sect%ovt 2.3 Forest La vOs PoLLcies
Goals and Policies (9-30404 27-1 1)
Goal I Protect and maintain forest lands for multiple uses, including
forest products, watershed protection, conservation, recreation
and wildlife habitat protection.
Policy 2.3.1 Retain forest lands through Forest 1 and Forest 2 zoning.
Policy 2.3.2 To conserve and maintain unimpacted forest lands, retain Forest 1 zoning
for those lands with the following characteristics:
a. Consist predominantly of ownerships not developed by residences or
non -forest uses;
b. Consist predominantly of contiguous ownerships of 160 acres or
larger;
c. Consist predominantly of ownerships contiguous to other lands
utilized for commercial forest or commercial farm uses;
d. Are accessed by roads intended primarily for forest management; and
e. Are primarily under forest management.
Policy 2.3.3 To conserve and maintain impacted forest lands, retain Forest 2 zoning
for those lands with the following characteristics:
a. Consist predominantly of ownerships developed for residential or
non -forest uses;
b. Consist predominantly of ownerships less than 160 acres;
c. Consist of ownerships generally contiguous to tracts containing Tess
than 160 acres and residences, or adjacent to acknowledged exception
areas; and
d. Provide a level of public facilities and services, including roads,
intended primarily for direct services to rural residences.
Policy 2.3.4 Notwithstanding any other quasi-judicial plan or zone change criteria,
lands designated as Forest under this Plan and zoned Forest 2 may upon
application be redesignated and rezoned from Forest 2 to Exclusive Farm
Use if such lands:
a. Do not qualify under State Statute for forestland tax deferral,
b. Are not necessary to permit forest operations or practices on
adjoining lands and do not constitute forested lands that maintain soil,
air, water and fish and wildlife resources,
c. Have soils on the property that fall within the definition of agricultural
lands as set forth in Goal 3,
d. Are a tract of land 40 acres or less in size,
e. Do not qualify under State Statute and the terms of the Forest 2 zone
for a dwelling, and;
Page 6 rev 4-27- I I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 2.3.5
Policy 2.3.46
Policy 2.3.7
Policy 2.3.58
Policy 2.3.69
Policy 2.3.710
Policy 2.3.811
Policy 2.3.912
f. Were purchased by the property owner after January I, 1985 but
before November 4, 1993.
Such changes may be made regardless of the size of the resulting EFU
zoning district. Such changes shall be processed in the same manner as
other quasi-judicial plan or zoning map changes."
Uses allowed in Forest zones shall comply with State Statute and Oregon
Administrative Rule.
Coordinate and cooperate with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of
Land Management and other public agencies to promote sustainable
forest uses, including recreation, on public forest land, including:
a. Using the Deschutes National Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan, or its successor, as the basis for mutual coordination and
cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service;
b. Using the Prineville Bureau of Land Management Upper Deschutes
Resource Management Plan, or its successor, as the basis for mutual
coordination and cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management.
Notify affected agencies when approving development that could impact
Federal or State forest lands.
Support the maintenance of the Skyline Forest through theas a
Community Forest Authority.
Support economic development opportunities that promote forest
health.
Provide input on public forest plans that impact Deschutes County.
Apply for grants to review forest lands based on ORS 215.788-215.794
(2009 HB 2229).
Coordinate with stakeholders to support forest management projects
that:
a. Contribute to public safety;
b. Retain fish and wildlife habitat.
Goal 2 Adequately address impacts to public safety and wildlife when
allowing development on forest lands.
3 Review County Code and revise as needed to ensure
development in forest zones mitigates impacts, particularly impacts on
fish and wildlife habitat and public fire safety.
Policy 2.3.E I
Page 7 rev 4-27-1I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Secti-ovt 2.4 4oar, 5 ove'v(1ew PD%'GL.e.
Goals and Policies (9 30 101 27-11)
Goal I
Policy 2.4.I
Policy 2.2.2
Policy 2.4.2-3
Policy 2.4.4
Policy 2.4.35
Protect Goal 5 resources.
Initiate a review of all Goal 5 inventories and protection programs.
Until the County initiates amendments to the Goal 5 inventories and
programs, all existing Goal 5 inventories, ESEEs and programs are
retained and not repealed, except as noted in the findings for Ordinance
201 I -003.
Review Goal 5 resources when a new Goal 5 resource is verified, but at
least every 10 years.
Incorporate new information into the Goal 5 inventory as requested by
an applicant or as County staff resources allow.
As federal lands are sold to private owners, review the impacts to Goal 5
resources.
Page 8 rev 4-27- I 1
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
,sectiovu 4.2 tArba o,izatiovi, Policies
Goals and Policies (9 30 101 18-1 1)
Goal I Coordinate with cities, special districts and stakeholders to
support urban growth boundaries and urban reserve areas that
provide an orderly and efficient transition between urban and
rural lands.
Policy 4.2.1
Policy 4.2.2
Policy 4.2.3
Participate in the processes initiated by cities in Deschutes County to
create and/or amend their urban growth boundaries.
Promote and coordinate the use of urban reserve areas.
Review the idea of using rural reserves.
Goal 2 Coordinate with cities, special districts and stakeholders on
urban growth area zoning for lands inside urban growth
boundaries but outside city boundaries.
Use urban growth area zoning to coordinate land use decisions inside
urban growth boundaries but outside the incorporated cities.
Negotiate intergovernmental agreements to coordinate with cities on
land use inside urban growth boundaries and outside the incorporated
cities.
Policy 4.2.4
Policy 4.2.5
Policy 4.2.6
Policy 4.2.7
Goal 3
Policy 4.2.8
Develop urban growth area zoning with consideration of the type, timing
and location of public facilities and services provision consistent with city
plans.
Adopt by reference the comprehensive plans of Bend, La Pine, Redmond
and Sisters, as the policy basis for implementing land use plans and
ordinances in each city's urban growth boundary.
Coordinate with cities, special districts and stakeholders on
policies and zoning for lands outside urban growth boundaries
but inside urban reserve areas.
Designate the Redmond Urban Reserve Area on the County
Comprehensive Plan Map and regulate it through a Redmond Urban
Reserve Area (RURA) Combining Zone in Deschutes County Code, Title
18.
Policy 4.2.9 In cooperation with the City of Redmond adopt a RURA Agreement
consistent with their respective comprehensive plans and the
requirements of Oregon Administrative Rule 660-021-0050 or its
successor.
Page 9 rev 4-27- I I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 4.2.10 The following land use policies guide zoning in the RURA.
a. Plan and zone RURA lands for rural uses, in a manner that ensures the
orderly, economic and efficient provision of urban services as these
lands are brought into the urban growth boundary.
b. New parcels shall be a minimum of ten acres.
c. Until lands in the RURA are brought into the urban growth boundary,
zone changes or plan amendments shall not allow more intensive uses
or uses that generate more traffic, than were allowed prior to the
establishment of the RU RA.
d. For Exclusive Farm Use zones, partitions shall be allowed based on
state law and the County Zoning Ordinance.
e. New arterial and collector rights-of-way in the RURA shall meet the
right-of-way standards of Deschutes County or the City of Redmond,
whichever is greater, but be physically constructed to Deschutes
County standards.
f. Protect from development existing and future arterial and collector
rights-of-way, as designated on the County's Transportation System
Plan.
g. A single family dwelling on a legal parcel is permitted if that use was
permitted before the RURA designation.
Policy 4.2.1 1 Collaborate with the City of Redmond to assure that the County -owned
1,800 acres in the RURA is master planned before it is incorporated into
Redmond's urban growth boundary.
Page 10 rev 4-27- I 1
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
5ect%o1A, 4.7 R.esort Covu.vu.1%.0.1,tPol,%c%es
Goals and Policies (940-1--04 18- 11)
No goals have been defined for Black Butte Ranch or Inn of 7th Mountain /
Widgi Creek Resort Communities
General Resort Community Policies
Policy 4.7.1
Policy 4.7.2
Policy 4.7.3
Policy 4.7.4
Policy 4.7.5
Land use regulations shall conform to the requirements of OAR 660
Division 22 or any successor.
Designated open space and common area, unless otherwise zoned for
development, shall remain undeveloped except for community
rccr ation uscsamenities such as bike and pedestrian paths, park and
picnic areas. Areas developed as golf courses shall remain available for
that purpose or for open space/recreation uses.
The provisions of the Landscape Management Overlay Zone shall apply in
Resort Communities where the zone exists along Century Drive,
Highway 26 and the Deschutes River.
Residential minimum lot sizes and densities shall be determined by the
capacity of the water and sewer facilities to accommodate existing and
future development and growth.
The resort facility and resort recreation uses permitted in the zoning for
Black Butte Ranch and the Inn of the Seventh Mountain/Widgi Creek
shall serve the resort community.
Black Butte Ranch General Policies
Policy 4.7.6
Policy 4.7.7
Policy 4.7.8
Policy 4.7.9
County comprehensive plan policies and land use regulations shall ensure
that new uses authorized within the Black Butte Ranch Resort
Community do not adversely affect forest uses in the surrounding Forest
Use Zones.
The County supports the design review standards administered by the
Architectural Review Committee.
Residential, resort and utility uses shall continue to be developed in
accordance with the Master Design for Black Butte Ranch and the
respective Section Declarations.
Industrial activities, including surface mining, shall only occur in the area
zoned Black Butte Ranch Surface Mining, Limited Use Combining District
(Black Butte Ranch SM/LU) located in the northwest corner of Black
Butte Ranch.
Page 1 1 rev 4-27- I I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 4.7.10 Employee housing shall be located in the area zoned Black Butte Ranch-
Utility/Limited Use Combining District (Black Butte Ranch-U/LU).
Policy 4.7.1 1 Any amendment to the allowable use(s) in either the Resort Community
District or the Limited Use Combining District shall require an exception
in accordance with applicable statewide planning goal(s), OAR 660-04-
018/022 and DCC 18.112 or any successor.
Policy 4.7.12 The westerly 38 -acres zoned Black Butte Ranch Surface Mining, Limited
Use Combining District (Black Butte Ranch SM/LU) shall be used for the
mining and storage of aggregate resources. Uses that do not prevent the
future mining of these resources, such as disposal of reclaimed effluent
and woody debris disposal from thinning and other forest practices may
be allowed concurrently. Other resort maintenance, operational and
utility uses, such as a solid waste transfer station, maintenance facility or
equipment storage may be allowed only after mining and reclamation
have occurred.
Policy 4.7.13 The 18.5 acres zoned Black Butte Ranch-Utility/Limited Use Combining
District (Black Butte Ranch-U/LU) may be used for the disposal of
reclaimed sludge.
Policy 4.7.14 The area west of McCallister Road and east of the area zoned Black
Butte Ranch may be used for large equipment storage, general storage,
maintenance uses, RV storage, telephone communications, administration
offices, housekeeping facilities and employee housing.
Policy 4.7.15 Employee housing shall be set back at least 250 feet from the eastern
boundary of the area zoned Black Butte Ranch Surface Mining, Limited
Use Combining District (Black Butte Ranch SM/LU).
Policy 4.7.16 Surface mining within the Black Butte Ranch community boundary shall
adhere to the following Goal 5 ESEE "Program to Meet Goal"
requirements:
a. Only the western most 38 acres of the site shall continue to be mined.
b. Setbacks shall be required for potential conflicting residential and
other development. A minimum 50 -foot setback shall be maintained
from the perimeter of tax lot 202 for all surface mining activity.
c. Noise impact shall be mitigated by buffering and screening.
d. Hours of operation shall be limited to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
weekdays. No operations shall be allowed on weekends and holidays.
e. Processing shall be limited to 45 days in any one year, to be negotiated
with Deschutes County in the site plan process in consultation with
the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
f. The conditions set forth in the August 10, 1989, letter of ODFW shall
be adhered to.
Extraction at the site shall be limited to five acres at a time with on-
going incremental reclamation (subject to DOGAMI review and
approval).
g.
Page 12 rev 4-27- I I
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
h. Mining operations, siting of equipment, and trucking of product shall
be conducted in such a manner that applicable DEQ standards are met
and minimizes noise and dust.
i. DOGAMI requirements for a permit once mining affects more than
five acres outside the 8.6 -acre exemption area shall be met.
j. A conditional use permit shall be obtained from Deschutes County,
under the provisions of section 18.128.280. Surface mining of
resources exclusively for on-site personal, farm or forest use or
maintenance of irrigation canals, before mining activity affects more
than five acres outside the 8.6 -acre exempt area.
Black Butte Ranch Public Facility Policies
Policy 4.7.17
Policy 4.7.18
Policy 4.7.19
Policy 4.7.20
Policy 4.7.21
Policy 4.7.22
Police protection services shall be provided by the Black Butte Ranch
Police Services District.
The Black Butte Ranch Water Distribution Company and the Black Butte
Ranch Corporation shall confirm the water and sewer service,
respectively, can be provided for new uses or expansion of existing uses
that require land use approval.
The Black Butte Ranch Water Distribution Company shall provide water
service for the Black Butte Ranch Resort Community.
The Black Butte Ranch Corporation shall provide sewer service for Black
Butte Ranch.
The Black Butte Ranch Fire Protection District shall provide fire
protection services for Black Butte Ranch.
The roads and the bicycle/pedestrian path system within the Black Butte
Ranch Resort Community boundary shall be maintained by the Black
Butte Ranch Owners Association.
Inn of the 7th Mountain Widgi Creek General Policies
Policy 4.7.23 Any amendment to the allowable uses(s) in either the Resort Community
District or the Widgi Creek Residential District shall require an
exception in accordance with applicable statewide planning goal(s), OAR
660-04-018/022 or any successor, and DCC 18.112 or any successor
The County shall encourage and support land exchanges efforts by and
between private property owners, public agencies and public trusts for
the purpose of fostering public access to and protection of natural
resources, such as rivers, streams, caves, areas/features of historical
importance and other natural features.
Mountain/Widgi Creek Public Facility Policies
Police protection services shall be provided under contract with the
Deschutes County Sheriff.
Water service shall be supplied by on-site wells for the Inn/Widgi Resort
Community.
Policy 4.7.24
Inn of the 7`h
Policy 4.7.25/
Policy 4.7.26
Page 13
rev 4-27-11
Draft Policy Amendments to the Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 4.7.27
Policy 4.7.28
Policy 4.7.29
Policy 4.7.30
Policy 4.7.31
New uses or expansion of existing uses that require land use approval
shall be approved only upon confirmation from the City of Bend that
sewer service can be provided.
Fire protection services for the Inn/Widgi shall be provided through a
contract with the City of Bend until such time as Inn/Widgi develops
another plan to provide adequate fire protection.
The Resort Community, not Deschutes County, shall maintain roads in
the community.
The bicycle/pedestrian path system shall be maintained by the Inn/Widgi
Owners Association.
Emergency access between Widgi Creek and the Inn of the Seventh
Mountain shall be provided in accordance with the approved
development plan for the Elkai Woods town homes. The respective
resort property owners shall maintain emergency access between the Inn
and Widgi Creek.
Page 14 rev 4 -27 -II
Attachment 2
Draft Text Amendments
Chapters 1 and 5
Chapter 2, Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
Steering Committee Appointed
The Board of County Commissioners designated the seven -member Planning Commission as
the Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Plan. The Steering Committee hosted 12
informal public meetings to review and discuss chapters from Plan 2000. At each meeting the
discussion focused on a current Comprehensive Plan chapter, the state requirements and
current conditions. Some of these meetings included panel discussions with stakeholders and
experts.
Community Awareness
A flyer was sent to 42,500 households in the unincorporated
areas of the County with their annual 2008 tax bills
announcing upcoming Steering Committee meetings. This
flyer was also handed out at public meetings and events.
Additionally, a website was launched and continually updated
to reflect each community conversation and steering
committee meeting. Other media outreach with radio,
television, and the local newspaper, the Bulletin, maximized
awareness of the Plan update.
Stakeholder Outreach
What do you value about Deschutes County!
Deam..w Canny We^Y m awn
Letters were sent to more than 150 governmental/quasi-governmental agencies and local
organizations offering to meet with the agencies and organizations and/or conduct a
presentation for their members. The goal was to inform stakeholders about the Plan update
and discuss to any issues they would like the Plan update to address.
Community Outreach
Informal meetings were scheduled around the County to hear from the community. Staff
organized the County into seven management areas and held community listening sessions in
five areas with rural populations (two areas were unpopulated Federal lands). Additional
meetings were held in Terrebonne, Tumalo and Deschutes Junction. Planners staffed a booth at
the spring and fall 2009 Home and Garden Shows, to get input from members of the
community who traditionally do not attend land use meetings.
Draft Comprehensive Plan
On September 30, 2009 an updated draft Comprehensive Plan was released to the public. Ten
additional Steering Committee meetings and six open houses were scheduled in locations
around the County to gather public input on the draft Plan. The Planning Commission spent the
next twelve months reviewing and revising the draft goals and policies in depth. A revised draft
was completed in fall of 2010 and notice of the first evidentiary hearing was sent to the
Department of Land Conservation and Development on September 30, 2010. The draft Plan
was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on x x xx.
Hearings and Adoption
The Planning Commission held public hearings on November 18 December 2 and December 9,
2010 and continued the hearings to December 16, 2010. Deliberations took place starting on
December 16 and continued to January 6 and January 13, 2011, when they voted to forward to
6
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CHAPTER I COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION I.I INTRODUCTION
the Board of County Commissioners a recommendation to adopt the draft Comprehensive
Plan as modified.
The Board of County Commissioners held public hearings on the Planning Commission
recommended Plan on March 29, March 31 and April 5, 2011 and continued the hearing until
May 11, 2011. (To be continued)
Data Collection
Creating a comprehensive plan also requires an understanding of current conditions and
anticipated trends. County staff worked with various state and federal agencies to identify
updated information and policies. For many topics, detailed studies already existed. In other
areas, staff identified further research to be completed when resources become available.
Additionally, staff assembled reports relevant to the update. The primary documents and
websites used in gathering information for the updated Plan are referenced at the end of each
chapter.
As noted earlier, the Resource Element was adopted in 1979 to provide background
information on County lands and demographics. The Resource Element has been amended over
time, adding such studies as the Geothermal Element (January 1985) or the Deschutes
County/City of Bend River Study (April 1986).
Plan Organization
Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan 2030 is organized into five chapters:
Chapter I Comprehensive Planning
Chapter 2 Resource Management
Chapter 3 Rural Growth Management
Chapter 4 Urban Growth Management
Chapter 5 Supplemental Sections
Chapters 1-4 contain the following:
Background: Information providing context for the reason and process for including the goals
and policies.
Goals: A general description of what Deschutes County wants to achieve. The County will
direct resources and/or support partner agencies and organizations, to implement the goals
over the 20 -year Plan timeframe.
Policies: Statements of principles and guidelines to aid decision making by clarifying and providing
direction on meeting the Goals.
References: A list of resources used in the preparation of each chapter is included at the end of
each chapter.
Additionally, an action plan will be created to implement the Plan Goals and Policies and will be
adopted separately.
The land use Goals and Policies in this Plan are anticipated to be completed over the next 20
years.
DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2010 PC REV 1 134-1 I
CHAPTER I COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION
7
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Background
This section establishes the overall framework for the development and implementation of
plans and policies for land use within the County. Statewide planning guidelines require each
county to establish a land use planning process that is based on current issues and factual
information. The policies in this section assure that the County's land use policies are current,
fact -based, and responsive to change. The policies recognize the need for coordination between
the cities and the County and provide full public access to Plan documents and the information
upon which land use decisions are based.
As noted throughout this Plan, there are two important things to remember. First, the Oregon
land use system draws a bright line between rural and urban lands and promotes new growth
and infrastructure in urban areas. Growth on rural lands is limited in order to protect farms,
forests, open spaces and natural resources. Deschutes County is required to plan in compliance
with the State planning system in order to promote orderly and efficient growth and protect
the resources important to Oregonians.
Second, land use is often controversial because ultimately it reflects community values and
impacts private property rights. A property owner may choose to keep pigs, or start a day care
center or build a windmill. For each of those uses there may be impacts on the neighbors in the
form of odors, traffic or blocked views. Land use regulations attempt to achieve a balance
between giving property owners the freedom to use their property however they choose while
protecting livability for the neighborhood and wider community. This Plan recognizes the
tensions involved in creating land use policies.
Land Use
Statewide Planning Goal 2 Land Use Planning, requires a fact -based land use planning process
and policy framework to guide land use decisions. It requires comprehensive planning that
identifies issues and complies with Statewide Planning Goals. Goal 2 also addresses the process
to allow exceptions to Statewide Goals (see also Section 5.10).
In 1979 the County complied with the Statewide planning system by writing a Comprehensive
Plan. From 1988-2003 the County underwent State mandated Periodic Review to ensure the
Plan was still in compliance with changing State regulations. The 2008-2011 update was done
outside of Periodic Review, which is no longer required for Oregon counties. Instead, the
County recognized that to remain valid the Comprehensive Plan needed to be completely
rewritten and updated. For historic reference a copy of the Comprehensive Plan replaced by
this Plan will remain available on the County website.
This Plan is a policy document based on existing facts and community values. No specific land
use designation changes are included in the 2008-201 I Plan update. Instead, this Plan revisits
each Statewide Goal, existing Goals and Policies, community values and new issues requiring
policy direction. It lays out a blueprint for the future and defines what matters to County
residents and businesses through updated Goals and Policies.
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CHAPTER 1 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION 1.3 LAND USE
13
Note that the Comprehensive Plan is implemented primarily through zoning and the zoning
code must be regularly reviewed for compliance with the Plan. However, there are other tools
for implementation, such as capital improvement plans, partnerships or incentive programs. To
assure this Plan remains useful, an action plan identifying various ideas for implementing
Comprehensive Plan policies will be created. The action plan will be annually updated and
reviewed to identify and prioritize work plans for the coming year.
Land Ownership and Jurisdiction
When considering land use in Deschutes County two important factors are the amount of
public ownership and which lands are under County jurisdiction. Table 1.3.1 shows nearly 80%
of land in the County is publically owned. The implications of the large tracts of public land
range from the loss of tax revenue to having vast open lands available for recreation for both
tourists and residents.
Table 1.3.1 — Public Land in Deschutes County 2010
Ownership
Acres*
Percent
Total County Acres
1,913,482
100%
Federal Government
1,466,067
76.6%
State Government
53,051
2.8%
County Government
10,434
0.6%
Total Public Lands
1,529,552
79.9%
* Acres of parcels — does not include roads. richt-of-ways. lakes. rivers or other publicly -owned parcels such
as cities or park districts
Source: County Geographical Information System
Table 1.3.2 shows jurisdictional responsibilities. Note that the Federal Government, primarily
through the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, owns over 76% of the
land in the County. Federal lands are not required to conform to local regulations, such as
zoning. They rely on their own resource plans. This means a majority of lands in the County are
not under County jurisdiction. However, they remain in this Plan to encourage
intergovernmental policy coordination.
Table 1.3.2 — 2010 Land Jurisdiction in Deschutes County 2010
Jurisdiction
Acres*
Percent
Total County Acres
1,913,482
100%
Federal Government
1,466,067
76.6%
Bend Urban Growth Boundary
17,534
0.9%
La Pine Urban Growth Boundary
4,008
0.2%
Redmond Urban Growth Boundary
10,733
0.6%
Sisters Urban Growth Boundary
1,023
0.1%
Total Cities
33,298
1.7%
Total Other Jurisdiction
1,499,365
78.4%
* Acres of parcels — does not includes roads, right-of-ways, lakes and rivers
Source: County Geographical Information System
In addition to Federal lands, four cities have primary jurisdiction over less than 2% of lands in
the County. This includes lands outside the incorporated city boundaries, but inside urban
growth boundaries. The urban growth boundaries define a municipalities 20 -year land supply to
accommodate future growth. These lands are managed by the cities through intergovernmental
14
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CHAPTER 1 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION 1.3 LAND USE
agreements between the cities and the County. The bottom line is that the County has land use
jurisdiction over approximately 22% of the and base.
Comprehensive Plan Map Designations
The Comprehensive Plan Map (Map) illustrates the County's goals and policies. The Map
describes land use categories that provide for various types of development and conservation
for the rural area during the 20 -year planning period.
Each Comprehensive Plan map designation provides the land use framework for establishing
zoning districts. Zoning defines in detail what uses are allowed for each area. The Deschutes
County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Maps exist in official replica form as an electronic map
layer within the County Geographic Information System. Other maps illustrating various
Comprehensive Plan areas such as rural commercial properties, are available to the public for
informational purposes.
The Comprehensive Plan map designations are defined below.
Agriculture (AG): To preserve and maintain agricultural lands for farm use.
Airport Development (AD): To allow development compatible with airport use while mitigating
impacts on surrounding lands.
Destination Resort Combining Zone (DR): To show lands eligible for siting a destination resort.
Forest (F): To conserve forest lands for multiple forest uses.
Open Space and Conservation (OS&C): To protect natural and scenic open spaces, including areas
with fragile, unusual or unique qualities.
Rural Residential Exception Areas (RREA): To provide opportunities for rural residential living
outside urban growth boundaries and unincorporated communities, consistent with efficient
planning of public services.
Surface Mining (SM): To protect surface mining resources from development impacts while
protecting development from mining impacts.
Resort Community (ReC): To define rural areas with existing resort development that are not
classified as a destination resort, based on Oregon Administrative Rule 660-22 or its successor.
Rural Community (RuC): To define rural areas with limited existing urban -style development,
based on Oregon Administrative Rule 660-22 or its successor.
Rural Service Center (RSC): To define rural areas with minimal commercial development as well
as some residential uses, based on Oregon Administrative Rule 660-22 or its successor.
Urban Unincorporated Community (UUC): To define rural areas with existing urban development,
based on Oregon Administrative Rule 660-22 or its successor.
Rural Commercial (RC): To define existing areas of isolated rural commercial development that
do not fit under Oregon Administrative Rule 660-22.
Rural Industrial (RQ: To define existing areas of isolated rural industrial development that do not
fit under Oregon Administrative Rule 660-22.
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CHAPTER I COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION 1.3 LAND USE
I5
• Establishing Urban Reserve Areas
The County recognizes the importance of working closely and cooperatively with the cities of
Bend, La Pine, Redmond and Sisters, as well as special districts and state and federal agencies, to
ensure a coordinated approach to future growth and conservation.
Cooperative Agreements
Cities are required to enter into a cooperative agreement with each special district that
provides an urban service within a UGB. The appropriate city may also enter into a cooperative
agreement with any other special district operating within a UGB.
Urban Service Agreements
Deschutes County has the responsibility for negotiating urban service agreements with
representatives of all cities and special districts that provide, or declare an interest in providing,
urban services inside an Urban Growth Boundary. Urban service means:
• Sanitary sewers;
• Water;
• Fire protection;
• Parks;
• Open space;
• Recreation; and
• Streets, roads and mass transit.
• Special Districts
Special Districts
Special districts are defined in ORS 198.010 and are recognized as government bodies. Special
districts include the following.
Table 1.3.4 - Special Districts
Utility district
Rural fire protection district
Water supply district
Irrigation district
Cemetery maintenance district
Drainage district
Park and recreation district organized
Water improvement district
Mass transit district
Water control district
Metropolitan service district organized
Vector control district
Special road district
9-1-1 communications district
Road assessment district
Geothermal heating district
Highway lighting district
Transportation district
Health district
Library district
Sanitary district
Soil & water conservation district
Sanitary authority, water authority or joint
water and sanitary authority
Other Coordination
Besides intergovernmental coordination, Deschutes County generally supports coordination
and partnerships with non -profits and other organizations that are working with residents to
improve the quality of life in the County. There are groups working to address issues from
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CHAPTER 1 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION 1.3 LAND USE
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affordable housing to clean rivers, from economic development to fire -free neighborhoods.
Two examples of community projects that were completed from 2006-2010 are the Bend 2030
Plan and the Deschutes County Greenprint, both created after extensive public outreach. Note
that the nature and extent of the County's role will vary based on County priorities at any
given time and that coordination on a project does not ensure County support of every action
undertaken on that project. Still, partnering is an efficient and effective method of addressing
important issues.
County -Owned property
When considering land use it is important to consider County -owned lands, which are managed
through Deschutes County Code Title 11. As of 2009 there were nearly 700 individual parcels
owned by the County, totaling almost 8,000 acres. Management of these properties consists of
defining appropriate uses for different parcels, cleaning up illegal dumpsites, fire hazard
reduction and public auction. Many of these properties were acquired through foreclosure for
non-payment of property taxes. It is anticipated that the County will continue to acquire lands
through foreclosure.
Starting in 1994 the County began to designate certain sensitive properties along rivers, creeks
or streams or with wildlife, wetlands or other values, as park lands. The intent was not to
develop these lands for park use but rather to preserve lands with valuable resources for
eventual turn over to a park district. The park designation means that the lands would be
retained in public ownership unless there was a public hearing and the Board of County
Commissioners determined that selling was in the best interest of the public. ORS 275.330
governs the disposal of these lands, stating that if they are sold the proceeds must be dedicated
to park or recreation purposes. As of 2009, there were approximately 70 properties
designated as park lands under the following Orders.
Order #
94-138
96-071
97-147
97-151
98-127
2004-001
2004-037
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CHAPTER I COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION 1.3 LAND USE
Chapter 1 Pr%wt.arj Re ferewces
References'
1. Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. Goal 1: Citizen
Involvement. Oregon's Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines.
2. Putting the People in Planning: A Primer on Public Participation in Planning, produced by
Oregon's Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee — Third Edition — May 2008
3. Oregon. Department of Land Conservation and Development. Goal 2: Land Use Planning.
Oregon's Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines.
4. Oregon Task Force on Land Use Planning, Final Report to the 2009 Oregon Legislature,
January 2009
5. Oregon Revised Statute 197, particularly:
a. 197.173-197.200 Comprehensive Planning Responsibilities
b. 197.201-197.283 Goals Compliance
c. 197.610-197-651 Post -Acknowledgement Procedures
6. Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 660, particularly:
a. 660-003 Acknowledgement of Compliance
b. 660-004 Goal 2 Exceptions Process
c. 660-015 Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines
d. 660-018 Post -Acknowledgement Amendments
7. Bend 2030 at http://bend2030.org
8. Oregon's Playground Prepares for the Future: A Greenprint for Deschutes County. The
Trust for Public Land. 2010
The references listed are provided for the convenience of the public and are not legally adosted into this Plan.
DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN -2010 PC REV 1 13 114-1 I
CHAPTER I COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SECTION 1.3 LAND USE
21
separate agricultural areas were identified, each with minimum lot sizes. In general, non -urban,
non -forest, undeveloped and uncommitted lands were determined to be farm lands.
Despite designating many agricultural areas by default, the 1979 Resource Element noted that
based on agricultural determinants of soils, water, climate and economics, profitable farming in
the County remained difficult. The findings for protecting non-profitable agricultural land noted
the aesthetic value of farm land, the costs and hazards of allowing local development and the
economic importance of local natural beauty.
In 1992 a commercial farm study was completed as part of the State required periodic review
process. The study concluded that irrigation is the controlling variable for defining farm lands in
Deschutes County. Soil classifications improve when water is available. Seven new agricultural
subzones were identified based on the factual data provided in the 1992 study and minimum
acreages were defined based on the typical number of irrigated acres used by commercial farms
in that particular subzone (with the exception of the Horse Ridge subzone).
Like the 1979 Resource Element, the 1992 farm study noted the challenges of local commercial
farming. The high elevation (2700-3500 feet), short growing season (88-100 days), low rainfall
and distance to major markets hamper profitability. The 1992 study resulted in minimum lot
sizes that are smaller than the State requirement of 80 acres for farm land and 160 acres for
range land. These minimum lot sizes are unique in Oregon and were acknowledged as in
compliance with Goal 3 by the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission. In
general, County farm designations are effectively protecting farm lands while allowing limited
land divisions.
Deschutes County Agricultural Sub -Zones
As noted above, the County maintains a unique set of farm sub -zones based on the average
number of irrigated acres for each type of farm land as determined in the 1992 farm study.
Irrigated land divisions in each sub -zone must result in parcels that retain the acreages shown in
Table 2.2.1.
Table 2.2.1 - Exclusive Farm Use Subzones
Subzone Name
Minimum
Acres
Profile
Lower Bridge
130
Irrigated field crops, hay and pasture
Sisters/Cloverdale
63
Irrigated alfalfa, hay and pasture, wooded grazing
and some field crops
Terrebonne
35
Irrigated hay and pasture
Tumalo/Redmond/Bend
23
Irrigated pasture and some hay
Alfalfa
36
Irrigated hay and pasture
La Pine
37
Riparian meadows, grazing and meadow hay
Horse Ridge East
320
Rangeland grazing
ource: Deschutes County IYYL harm Study
Irrigation Districts
As shown in the 1992 farm study, irrigation and irrigation districts are instrumental factors for
Deschutes County agriculture. Irrigation districts in Oregon are organized as Special Districts
under ORS Chapter 545. The districts are created for the purpose of delivering water to their
patrons. As such they are effectively non-profit water user associations. In addition to
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CHAPTER 2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 2.2 AGRICULTURAL LANDS
irrigation, these districts also supply a number of other uses, including municipal, industrial, and
pond maintenance. However, by and large the districts exist for
the purposes of delivering irrigation.
Seven districts, which withdraw their water supply from the
Deschutes River Basin, have formed an intergovernmental unit
called a "board of control" under ORS 190.125. This
organizational structure allows the districts to work together as
a unit in implementing water conservation projects, providing
educational resources, utilizing equipment and for other joint
purposes. A key goal for the Deschutes Basin Board of Control
is to preserve agricultural uses in those areas where irrigation
improves soils to class VI or better.
The five six irrigation districts listed below, that serve Deschutes County residents or have
facilities within Deschutes County; are members of the Deschutes Basin Board of Control.
Arnold Irrigation District
The present Arnold Irrigation District was first organized as the Arnold Irrigation Company on
December 27, 1904 and became official on January 9, 1905. As of 2010 the district manages
approximately 65 miles of canals, ditches and pipes in an area of approximately 18,560 acres.
Central Oregon Irrigation District
The Central Oregon Irrigation District ("COID") was established in 1918. The District provides
water for approximately 45,000 acres within an 180,000 acre area in Central Oregon. More
than 700 miles of canals provide agricultural and industrial water to irrigated Terrebonne,
Redmond, Bend, Alfalfa and Powell Butte areas. In addition, COID provides water to the City
of Redmond and numerous subdivisions. In Bend, many parks and schools receive water
through the COID system. COID is also the managing partner in the operation of the 55,000
acre foot Crane Prairie Reservoir, located on the east side of the Central Cascades.
North Unit Irrigation District
The North Unit Irrigation District NUID) was organized in 1916. As part of the Reclamation
Act of 1902 Congress approved the Deschutes Project and in 1927 began construction of the
project under the direction of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The project was completed in
1949 allowing NUID to serve nearly 50,000 acres. Today NUID is the second largest irrigation
district in Oregon, serving approximately 59,000 acres in Jefferson County. NUID maintains
facilities in Deschutes County, including Wickiup Dam, Bend Headworks and the North Unit
Irrigation Canal. NUUID has a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as
part of the Deschutes Project.
Swalley Irrigation District
The Swalley Irrigation District was organized as the Deschutes Reclamation and Irrigation
Company (DRIC) in 1899. In 1994 the shareholders of the DRIC voted to incorporate as an
irrigation district and took the name of Swalley Irrigation District. The District has 28 miles of
canals and laterals providing water to 720-667 customers.
Three Sisters Irrigation District
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CHAPTER 2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 2.2 AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Farm Trends 2010
Whatever the challenges, agriculture is part of Deschutes County's culture and rural lifestyle.
During the public input process, various ideas were discussed on how to preserve agricultural
lands, open spaces and rural character of the County, while enabling landowners to make a
living. The following ideas identify current trends that could be promoted by the County in
conjunction with the local extension service and other agencies and organizations. It is
important to emphasize that new uses must conform to State regulations.
Alternative energy: Development of small alternative energy projects would promote local
energy self-sufficiency, using Central Oregon's sun, wind, thermal, hydropower and biomass
resources. Larger agricultural parcels could be used as commercial wind or solar farms to
provide renewable energy as well as income to landowners.
Alternative uses: There is interest in allowing non-farm uses on farm lands to take advantage of
agrarian lifestyles and Central Oregon's setting. Ideas being discussed include agri-tourism or
hosting weddings. Nonetheless, new non-farm uses must be evaluated to ensure they are
compatible with State Statute and Rules as well as existing land uses and zoning.
Local markets: Products from small farms are often sold to local markets. Additionally local
consumption saves on transportation and energy, allows better tracking of food sources
thereby increasing food safety and improves freshness and quality. Buying local is a current
trend that could benefit the County's many small farmers. Community Supported Agriculture is
one popular method, where farmers obtain paid subscriptions from customers, who then
receive fresh produce every week for the season. Farmers markets and farm stands are another
aspect of the local food movement.
Conservation easements: Many states are using programs to put permanent conservation
easements on farm lands. As an example of a program that is not yet available in Oregon is the
Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE). Funded by the federal government
and a combination of other sources, PACE purchases development rights from farmers.
Niche markets: Small quantities or specialized products can be raised to meet particular markets,
like organic products or peppermint oil.
Value-added products: Processing the crops raised can increase profitability. An example would
be making jam or jelly out of locally grown berries.
Farm Councils: Farm councils are being initiated around the country to promote local sustainable
food. The Central Oregon Food Policy Council (COFPC) formed in 2010 to lead the effort to a
sustainable and just food system. The COFPC is made up of 12-15 volunteers including
representatives from agricultural production public health government and others interested
in the local food system. The identified strategies include supporting access to local healthy
food, advocating for public policies that increase sustainable food production and connecting
stakeholders in the food systems field.
Big Look
In 2005 a task force was appointed by the Oregon Governor, Speaker of the House and Senate
President to review the current land use system. The Oregon Task Force on Land Use Planning
was a I0 -member group representing various perspectives, charged with conducting a
comprehensive review of the Oregon Statewide Planning Program. Called the Big Look Task
8
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CHAPTER 2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 2.2 AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Force, this group was asked to make recommendations for any needed changes to land -use
policy to the 2009 Legislature.
After three years of extensive input from experts and citizens throughout the State, the task
force developed its findings and recommendations. One of the primary conclusions reached
was that Oregon needs a more flexible land use system that responds to regional variations.
Two of the primary recommendations from the Task Force addressed agricultural and forest
lands, recommending:
• Counties be allowed to develop regional criteria for designating farm and forest lands, if
they also protect important natural areas and assure that development is sustainable.
• Counties be allowed to propose specialized rules to decide what lands are designated as
farm or forest land.
2009 Legislature / House Bill 2229
House Bill (HB) 2229 began as the vehicle for legislative recommendations for the Big Look
Task Force. However, by the time the Legislature adjourned, very little of the Task Force's
recommendations remained. HB 2229 does authorize counties to reevaluate resource lands
and amend their comprehensive plan designations for such lands consistent with definitions of
"agricultural land" and "forest land." For example, the County could add irrigated lands to the
regional definition of farm lands to acknowledge the results of the 1992 farm study. Anything
that does not qualify as farmland or forestland may be rezoned for non -resource use, subject
to conditions that development in the non -resource zones be rural in character, not
significantly conflict with surrounding farm and forest practices, and not have adverse affects on
such things as water quality, wildlife habitat, and fire safety. County rezoning activities must be
pursuant to a work plan approved by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and
Development. This effectively means the work will be done similar to periodic review with the
Land Conservation and Development Commission expressly given exclusive jurisdiction to
review a county decision.
Future of Deschutes County Farm Designations and Uses
Statewide Planning Goal 3 requires counties to preserve and maintain agricultural lands.
However, lin discussions on the future of agriculture in Deschutes County, there are still
differences of opinion over which lands should be designated farm lands and what uses should
be allowed on those lands. Farm lands contribute to the County in a number of ways.
Agriculture is part of the ongoing local economy. Wide-open farm lands offer a secondary
benefit by providing scenic open spaces that help attract tourist dollars. Farm lands also
contribute to the rural character that is often mentioned as important to residents. Finally, it
should be noted that agricultural lands are preserved through State policy because it is difficult
to predict what agricultural opportunities might arise, and once fragmented the opportunity to
farm may be lost.
On the other hand, there seems to be widespread agreement that much of the local farm land
is marginal, particularly without irrigation. The climate, especially the short growing season,
makes commercial farming challenging. Statewide Planning Goal 3 does not really account for
the conditions in Deschutes County and has resulted in agricultural zoning for land with no
history of farming and limited potential for profitable farming. The small size of agricultural
parcels adds to the challenges. It has been argued that preserving farm lands benefits the wider
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CHAPTER 2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 2.2 AGRICULTURAL LANDS
9
public at the expense of agricultural land owners. There is considerable pressure to convert
agricultural land to residential or other uses.
The debate is complicated because there are impacts to the farming community from
converting agricultural lands to other uses. It can be challenging for a farmer who has
residential neighbors because farming activities can have noise, odor or dust impacts.
The right -to -farm law discussed earlier offers some protection to farmers, but as
residential uses :row there is .ressure to convert additional lands leadin to a reater
loss of agricultural lands.
The goals and policies in this Section are intended to provide the basis for evaluating the
future of agriculture in the County over the next twenty years. They are intended to
provide, within State guidelines, flexibility to the farming community. County farm lands
will be preserved by ensuring a variety of alternative paths to profitability.
10
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CHAPTER 2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 2.2 AGRICULTURAL LANDS
defined and clarified in OAR 660-006. The following uses are becoming more prominent and
likely to gain in importance over the next 20 years.
Secondary forest products (forest operations): There is an increasing use of secondary forest
products, such as hog fuel (chipped wood) or wood slash, which can be used for everything
from animal bedding to presto logs to biomass fuel. There is some concern that those uses will
lead to increased logging and degradation of forests. However, there is considerable agreement
that the high build up of debris in local forests has increased the risk of forest fires. The
increasing use of secondary forest products may contribute to the health of the forest as well
as the local economy.
Recreation (environmental, agricultural and recreation uses): Thcrc is an ongoing incr ase in
recreation uscs on forest lands. The proximity of federal forests for hiking, mountain biking,
skiing, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation draws tourists and
residents alike. (see Section 2.6 for data on the economic impacts of wildlife tourism.)
Alternative energy (locationally dependent): Commercial alternative energy projects are often
locationally dependent. Forestry -related biomass plants and associated infrastructure are being
considered in Central Oregon.
Future of Forest Uses
Most of the forest land in Deschutes County is owned and managed by the Federal
Government under Federal regulations. Forest practices on State or private forest lands are
regulated by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The primary role of the County is to limit
the impacts of development on private property in forest zones.
Although most forest lands are not owned or managed by Deschutes County, forests
contribute immeasurably to County livability. Timber management and recreational tourism
provide economic benefits and employment. Forests provide an impressive diversity of
recreational opportunities. Forests also play a large role in maintaining clean air and water and
they provide scenic beauty and habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. It is important
for the County to work cooperatively with forest land owners, including public agencies, non-
profit organizations and private land owners.
Residential Development
The primary concern for the County over changing forest uses is that as timber becomes less
profitable, the pressure to develop forest lands for residential uses increases. State regulations
limit the development of housing in forest zones, recognizing that fragmenting forests decreases
their value as productive forests. The biggest challenge posed by residential fragmentation of
forests is the danger posed by wildfire in heavily wooded areas. Fire danger has increased as
dry conditions and disease have impacted the health of forest lands. Years of fire suppression
and limited logging have contributed to a build up of brush that can spread fires quickly. In
these conditions, residential uses in forests create conditions dangerous to homeowners and
firefighters. Section 3.4, Natural Hazards, has more information on wildfire prevention. The
second challenge posed by forest fragmentation is the threat to fish and wildlife. This is
addressed in the Water and Wildlife sections of this Chapter.
14 DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN -2010 PC REV 1-13-11
CHAPTER 2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 2.3 FOREST LANDS
Purpose of Goal 5
The purpose of identifying Goal 5 related lands is to effectively manage Deschutes County's
natural and cultural resources to meet the needs of today while retaining their value for future
generations. These resources are addressed in the following sections:
Natural Resources
• Water Resources
• Wildlife
• Open Spaces and Scenic Views and Sites
• Energy
Other Statewide Planning Goal 5 Resources
• Mining Resources
• Historic and Cultural Resources
Future Goal 5 Inventories
Although the 2008-2011 Plan update was not completed under periodic review and no updates
to the Goal 5 resources were made, the County recognizes the importance of revisiting its
Goal 5 resource list. To ensure the appropriate protection of Goal 5 resources, upon adoption
of this Plan the County will initiate a Goal 5 technical committee to review its existing
inventories and programs. The review will include consideration of existing inventories and
programs as well as the cumulative effects of growth on our Goal 5 programs. The complete
acknowledged Goal 5 inventory lists as of 2010 can be found in Chapter 5. An incomplete list
of County Goal 5 Ordinances can also be found in Chapter 5. Research will continue to identify
and list all adopted Goal 5 Ordinances.
Some issues for the Goal 5 review are listed below.
• There are some discrepancies between mapped and listed acknowledged Goal 5
inventories that need to be reconciled.
• Many Goal 5 resources, like wilderness areas, are located on Federal lands and are
protected by Federal programs.
• Unlike other Goal 5 resources, amendments to the mining and historic inventories are
generally initiated by property owners for specific sites.
• An inventory of Goal 5 wildlife resources was provided by an interagency team made up
of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management. This report was prepared at the request of staff and as
part of the Goal 5 review the updated inventories will be reviewed by a technical
committee and eventually be recommended for adoption.
• Consider the The Deschutes County Greenprint results data and community values will
be reviewed and incorporated as needed intowhen reviewing the Goal 5 inventories.
DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2010 PC REV I-13-1 I
CHAPTER 2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION 2.4 GOAL 5 OVERVIEW
19
Sectiov., 5.2 4ossa r j avid Acrovtu vus
Glossary
Note: Terms defined in Deschutes County Code 18.04 (Zoning Code) are not repeated here, but have
the same meaning as DCC 18.04.
"Agricultural -tourism" or "Agri -tourism" means a commercial enterprise at a working farm or
ranch, operated in conjunction with the primary farm or ranch use, conducted for the
enjoyment and/or education of visitors, that promotes successful agriculture, generates
supplemental income for the owner and complies with Oregon Statute and Rule.
"Aquifer" means a water -bearing rock, rock formation or a group of formations.
"Common Area" means `common property' as defined in the Oregon Planned Communities
Act at ORS 94.550(7).
"Community facilities" means 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.
"Comprehensive Plan" means a generalized, coordinated land use map and policy statement of
the governing body of a state agency, city, county or special district that interrelates all
functional and natural systems and activities relating to the use of lands, including but not
limited to sewer and water, transportation, educational and recreational systems and natural
resources and air and water quality management programs. "Comprehensive" means all-
inclusive, both in terms of the geographic area covered and functional and natural activities and
systems occurring in the area covered by the plan. "Generalized" mean a summary of policies
and proposals in broad categories and does not necessarily indicate specific locations of any
area, activity or use. A plan is "coordinated" when the needs of all levels of governments, semi-
public and private agencies and the citizens have been considered and accommodated as much
as possible. "Land" includes water, both surface and subsurface, and the air.
"Conservation" means limiting or minimizing the use or depletion of natural resources,
including such things as land, energy, water or wildlife habitat.
"Ecosystem" means the physical and biological components and processes occurring in a given
area, which interact to create a dynamic equilibrium.
"Findings" means a fact, determination or reason, based on existing information, which, by itself
or in conjunction with other findings, leads to a particular conclusion or course of action.
"Goal Exception" means a land use process through which a local jurisdiction justifies, based on
factual evidence, that a policy embodied in a particular statewide planning goal should not apply
to a particular property or set of properties.
"Green design" means design and construction practices that significantly reduce the negative
impacts of buildings on the environment and occupants.
DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2010 PC REV -1-1-34-1 1 3
CHAPTER 5 SUPPLEMENTAL SECTIONS SECTION 5.2 GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
Wetlands
Inventory: In 1992 Deschutes County Ordinance 92-045 adopted all wetlands identified on the
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory Maps as the Deschutes County
wetland inventory. As of 2010 a Local Wetlands Inventory was being prepared to provide more
detailed accurate information for south Deschutes County.
Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers
Inventory: The following segments of the Deschutes River have been designated as Federal
Recreation and Scenic rivers by the passage of the 1988 Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act of 1988. Congress mandates the US Forest Service to prepare a management plan
for these segments of the Deschutes River.
Table 5.3.6 Deschutes County Wild and Scenic River Segments
Waterway
Description
Upper Deschutes River
From Wickiup Dam to Fall River (22
Upper Deschutes River*
miles)
Middle Deschutes River
From Odin Falls to the upper end of Lake Billy ChinookFall River to N
Upper Deschutes River
boundary Sun River (20 miles)
Deschutes River
N boundary Sun River to Bend UGB (13 miles)
Whychus Creek (formerly
From its s urcc to USGS Gage 110750001ncludes all tributaries within the
Squaw Creek)
Three Sisters Wilderness, Soap Creek and the main stem from the
Upper Deschutes River
wilderness boundary to the stream flow gauge station
Source: ^tea o^., -m, 4e vieeCounty Ordinance 92-052
Oregon Scenic Waterways
Inventory: The following segments of the Deschutes River have been designated as State Scenic
Waterways by the State Legislature or a 1988 Ballot.
Table 5.3.7 Deschutes County Oregon Scenic Waterway Segments
Waterway
Description
Upper Deschutes River
From Little Lave Lake to Crane Prairie Reservoir (12 miles)
Upper Deschutes River*
From immediately below Wickiup Dam downstream to
the gaging station
General Patch Bridge (28 miles)
Upper Deschutes River
From Harper Bridge COID diversion 171
to the structure near river mile
(21 miles)
Upper Deschutes River*
From Robert Sawyer Park downstr to Tumalo State Park
am (5 miles)
Upper Deschutes River
From Upper Deschutes Market Road Bridge t• - - --
(excluding the Cline Falls hydroelectric facility near river mile 115) the
County line (28 miles)
Little Deschutes
12 miles
Source: 9regen Revised Statute 390:826County Ordinance 92-052
Groundwater Resources
Inventory: Groundwater in the Deschutes River Basin in Deschutes County connects with
surface water according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Landscape Management Rivers and Streams
Inventory: Please see Section 5.5 of this Plan for the list of Landscape Management Rivers and
Streams.
DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN -2010 PC REV 1-1-34-1 1 9
CHAPTER 5 SUPPLEMENTAL SECTIONS SECTION 5.3 WATER INVENTORIES
Spring River Rural Service Center — Ordinances 90-009, 1990; 90-010, 1990; 96-022, 1996; 96-045„
1996
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 14 to allow the establishment of the Spring River Rural
Service Center on residentially designated lands.
Burgess Road and Highway 97 — Ordinance 97-060, 1997
An exception was taken to Goal 4 to allow for road improvements.
Rural Industrial Zone — Ordinances 2010-030, 2010. 2009-007, 2009
Two separate ordinances for rural industrial uses. The 2009 exception included anAt3
irrevocably committed exception was taken to Goal 3 and a reasons exception was taken to
Goal 14 to allow rural industrial use with a Limited Use Combining Zone for storage, crushing,
processing, sale and distribution of minerals. The 2010 exception took a reasons exception to
Goal 14 with a Limited Use Combin_ Zone for stora_e crushin: .rocessin: sale and
distribution of minerals.
Prineville Railway — Ordinance 98-017
An exception was taken to Goal 3 to accommodate the relocation of the Redmond Railway
Depot and the use of the site for an historic structure to be utilized in conjunction with the
Crooked River Dinner Train operations.
Resort Communities — Ordinance 2001-047, 2001
An exception was taken to Goal 4 for Black Butte Ranch and Inn of the 7th Mountain/Widgi
Creek during the designation of those communities as Resort Communities under OAR 660-
22.
Barclay Meadows Business Park — Ordinance 2003-11, 2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 3 to include certain property within the Sisters Urban
Growth Boundary.
Sisters School District # 6 — Ordinance 2003-11, 2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 3 to include certain property within the Sisters Urban
Growth Boundary.
Sisters Organization of Activities and Recreation and Sisters School District 146 — Ordinance 2003-017,
2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goal 4 to include certain property within the Sisters Urban
Growth Boundary.
Oregon Water Wonderland Unit 2 Sewer District — Ordinances 2010-015, 2010; 2003-015, 2003
A reasons exception was taken to Goals 4 and 11 to allow uses approved by the Board of
County Commissioners in PA -02-5 and ZC-02-3 as amended by PA -09-4.
City of Bend Urban Growth Boundary Amendment (Juniper Ridge) — Ordinance 97-060. 1997
An exception was taken to Goal 3 to allow an amendment of the Bend Urban Growth
Boundary to incorporate 513 acres for industrial uses.
Joyce Coats Revocable Trust Johnson Road and Tumalo Reservoir Road Properties — Ordinance 2005-
015, 2005
An irrevocably committed exception was taken to Goal 3 to allow a change of comprehensive
plan designation from Surface Mining to Rural Residential Exception Area and zoning from
Surface Mining to Multiple Use Agriculture for Surface Mine Sites 306 and 307.
DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2010 PC REV I - 13-1 1
CHAPTER 5 SUPPLEMENTAL SECTIONS SECTION 5.10 GOAL EXCEPTION STATEMENTS
41
sect%ow 5.11 4o1i1, 5Aolupted. oroilAAA ,ces
As noted in Section 2.4 of this Plan ado ted and acknowled•ed Goal 5 inventories ESEEs and
programs are retained in this Plan. Generally the Goal 5 inventories and ESEEs were adopted
into the previous Comprehensive Plan or Resource Element and the Goal 5 programs were
adopted into the Zoning Code. The County does not have a complete listing of Goal 5
inventory and ESEE ordinances, but will continue to research those ordinances. The following
list is a start in listing all Goal 5 ordinances that are retained in this Plan.
• 80-203 Misc. Goal 5
• 85-001 Geothermal Resources
• 86-019 Deschutes River Corridor
• 90-025 Mining
• 90-028 Mining
• 90-029 Mining
• 92-018 Historic and Cultural
• 92-033 Open Space, LM
• 92-040 Fish and Wildlife
• 92-041 Fish and Wildlife (wetlands and riparian)
• 92-045 Wetlands RE
• 92-051 Misc. including Goal 5
• 92-052 Misc. Goal 5
• 92-067 Mining
• 93-003 Misc. Goal 5
• 94-003 Misc, Goal 5
• 94-006 Historic and Cultural
• 94-007 Wetlands and Riparian areas
• 94-050 Mining
• 95-038 Misc. Goal 5
• 95-041 Mining
• 96-076 Mining
• 99-019 Mining
• 99-028 Mining
• 2001-027 Mining
• 2001-038 Mining
• 2001-047 Mining
• 2001-018 Fish and Wildlife
• 2003-019 Mining
• 2005-025 Historic and Cultural
• 2005-031 Mining
• 2007-013 Mining
• 2008-001 Mining
DRAFT DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2010 PC REV I-13-1 I
CHAPTER 5 SUPPLEMENTAL SECTIONS SECTION 5.10 GOAL EXCEPTION STATEMENTS
43