HomeMy WebLinkAboutLa Pine Comp Plan
Page 1
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine
Comprehensive Plan
March 2010
Page 2
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Special Thanks & Acknowledgements
The City of La Pine Comprehensive Plan could not have been completed without the
assistance of our citizens. Their participation was invaluable to the success of the
document and was instrumental to developing the values, goals, and policies that are
needed to shape the future of La Pine. Various public bodies and agencies also
participated in the process and deserve special recognition for their efforts to refine the
document. They are listed as follows:
City of La Pine:
City Council
City Planning Commission
City Staff
Deschutes County:
Board of County Commissioners
County Planning Commission
County Staff
State of Oregon:
Department of Land Conservation and Development
Department of Transportation
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Department of Community Development and Economic Development
Department of Employment and Analysis
Federal Government:
Bureau of Land Management
US Forest Service
Corps of Engineers
Agencies:
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
La Pine Water and Sewer District
La Pine Park District
La Pine Rural Fire Protection District
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Private Groups:
Economic Development for Central Oregon
La Pine Chamber of Commerce
Housing Works
La Pine Industrial Group
Special Recognition:
Special recognition and gratitude goes to DLCD Representative Mark Radabaugh for his
continued assistance in providing guidance to the City on urban and rural interface
Page 3
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
issues. The dedication, professionalism, and overall helpfulness was essential in the
development of our first, independent, Comprehensive Plan implementing the Statewide
Planning Goals. Small cities, like La Pine, could not effectively complete comprehensive
land use planning without assistance from DLCD. To that end, we are also thankful for
the grant assistance and consideration of the Salem DLCD staff, Larry French, from
which funding was provided for this task, and several other key projects.
Page 4
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Table of Contents
ELEMENT P A G E
I n t r o d u c t i o n 5
Chapter 1 – Community Characteristics 16
Chapter 2 – Citizen Involvement Program 17
Chapter 3 – Agricultural Lands 25
Chapter 4 – Forest Lands 28
Chapter 5 - Natural Resources and Environment 32
Chapter 6 – Parks, Recreation and Open Space 40
Chapter 7 – Public Facilities and Services 47
Chapter 8 – Transportation 60
Chapter 9 – Economy 72
Chapter 10 – Housing 107
Chapter 11- Energy 129
Chapter 12 – Urbanization 133
Appendices 134
T a b l e s
F i g u r e s
Page 5
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan
I. Introduction
Incorporation:
The City of La Pine was incorporated in 2006 after a vote of citizens acknowledged the
desire for La Pine to become a self governing community. Population growth,
challenging development issues, and a strong sense of personal independence of residents
of the region led to the community making a governmental break from Deschutes
County. Although brand new in its self-governance, the community is meeting the
challenges of being a newly incorporated municipality head on. Aside from fulfilling the
day to day obligations of managing City business affairs, this Comprehensive Plan is the
first effort at directing long term community growth according to the vision of the City
residents.
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
• A Comprehensive Plan is a blueprint for community land use decision making to
ensure that the needs of the community are met as growth occurs over the term
of the planning period
- During the creation of the Comprehensive Plan, three fundamental
questions were kept in mind, these are: Where are we now? Where do we
want to be? How will we get there?
- Although the document is primarily intended to provide a basis of how
land will be utilized and developed, it has far reaching affects on many
day to day issues such as: provision of public/emergency services
(police/fire); economic development/jobs; land values; schools; parks;
and, transportation.
- A Comprehensive Plan helps define a community and puts into a single
document the goals and policies that ensure that the desired character and
quality of life within the community is maintained as the community
grows.
• Elements of a Comprehensive Plan
- A Comprehensive Plan is comprised of separate chapters each addressing
fundamental factors in community development. In Oregon the basis for
the Plan is established by the Statewide Planning Goals – these Goals
require that the following issues be addressed and planned for:
- agricultural and forest lands
- natural resources/historic resources
- the quality of air, water and land resources
- natural hazards
- recreational needs
- economic development
- housing needs
Page 6
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
- public facilities and services
- transportation
- energy conservation
- Comprehensive Plans must also include provisions for regular updating to
allow for changes in community direction and needs over time.
- Provisions for implementation of the goals and policies contained within
the Plan must be established. These include defining “programs” to fulfill
tasks and meet obligations, the adoption of a Zoning Code, and adoption
of subsequent specialized Code texts that have the effect of law.
- A corresponding map identifies long term land use designations and
accompanies the textual document.
• Reasons for a Comprehensive Plan
- Compliance with State of Oregon Land Use requirements for all municipal
jurisdictions.
- Provides the legal basis for the communities land use regulations (laws)
and land use decisions.
- Helps identify and prioritize issues that are important to the community
and plan for change.
- Ensures that adequate public facilities and services are provided and
maintained to meet citizen needs
- Provides a degree of certainty and protection for citizens regarding land
uses, values and rights in their community.
- And, most importantly, a Comprehensive Plan ensures that the citizens of
the La Pine have a say in the development of their community.
Summary of Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals:
Oregon’s statewide goals are achieved through local comprehensive planning. State law
requires each city and county to adopt a comprehensive plan and the zoning and land-
division ordinances needed to put the plan into effect. The local comprehensive plans
must be consistent with the Statewide Planning Goals. The State’s Land Conservation
and Development Commission (LCDC) review plans for such consistency. When the
State Department of Land Conservation and Development officially approves a local
government’s plan, the plan is said to be ´acknowledged. ´ After acknowledgement, the
Plan becomes the controlling guide for implementing ordinances – the laws that bring the
plan to life. Oregon’s planning laws apply not only to local governments but also to
special districts and state agencies. The laws strongly emphasize coordination between
such agencies and special districts - keeping plans and programs consistent with each
other, with the goals, and with acknowledged local plans. The following is a summary of
the Oregon Statewide Planning Goals and the issues that must be addressed in the Plan.
GOAL 1
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT Goal 1 calls for "the opportunity for citizens to be
involved in all phases of the planning process." It requires each city and county to have a
citizen involvement program containing six components specified in the goal. It also
Page 7
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
requires local governments to have a committee for citizen involvement (CCI) to monitor
and encourage public participation in planning.
GOAL 2
LAND USE PLANNING Goal 2 outlines the basic procedures of Oregon's statewide
planning program. It says that land use decisions are to be made in accordance with a
comprehensive plan, and that suitable "implementation ordinances" to put the plan's
policies into effect must be adopted. It requires that plans be based on "factual
information"; that local plans and ordinances be coordinated with those of other
jurisdictions and agencies; and that plans be reviewed periodically and amended as
needed. Goal 2 also contains standards for taking exceptions to statewide goals. An
exception may be taken when a statewide goal cannot or should not be applied to a
particular area or situation.
GOAL 3
AGRICULTURAL LANDS Goal 3 defines "agricultural lands." It then requires
counties to inventory such lands and to "preserve and maintain" them through farm
zoning. Details on the uses allowed in farm zones are found in ORS Chapter 215 and in
Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 660, and Division 33.
GOAL 4
FOREST LANDS This goal defines forest lands and requires counties to inventory them
and adopt policies and ordinances that will "conserve forest lands for forest uses."
GOAL 5
OPEN SPACES, SCENIC AND HISTORIC AREAS AND NATURAL
RESOURCES Goal 5 covers more than a dozen natural and cultural resources such as
wildlife habitats and wetlands. It establishes a process for each resource to be inventoried
and evaluated. If a resource or site is found to be significant, a local government has three
policy choices: preserve the resource, allow proposed uses that conflict with it, or strike
some sort of a balance between the resource and the uses that would conflict with it.
GOAL 6
AIR, WATER AND LAND RESOURCES QUALITY This goal requires local
comprehensive plans and implementing measures to be consistent with state and federal
regulations on matters such as groundwater pollution.
GOAL 7
AREAS SUBJECT TO NATURAL DISASTERS AND HAZARDS Goal 7 deals with
development in places subject to natural hazards such as floods or landslides. It requires
that jurisdictions apply "appropriate safeguards" (floodplain zoning, for example) when
planning for development there.
Page 8
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
GOAL 8
RECREATION NEEDS This goal calls for each community to evaluate its areas and
facilities for recreation and develop plans to deal with the projected demand for them. It
also sets forth detailed standards for expedited siting of destination resorts.
GOAL 9
ECONOMY OF THE STATE Goal 9 calls for diversification and improvement of the
economy. It asks communities to inventory commercial and industrial lands, project
future needs for such lands, and plan and zone enough land to meet those needs.
GOAL 10
HOUSING This goal specifies that each city must plan for and accommodate needed
housing types, such as multifamily and manufactured housing. It requires each city to
inventory its buildable residential lands, project future needs for such lands, and plan and
zone enough buildable land to meet those needs. It also prohibits local plans from
discriminating against needed housing types.
GOAL 11
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES Goal 11 calls for efficient planning of public
services such as sewers, water, law enforcement, and fire protection. The goal's central
concept is that public services should to be planned in accordance with a community's
needs and capacities rather than be forced to respond to development as it occurs.
GOAL 12
TRANSPORTATION The goal aims to provide "a safe, convenient and economic
transportation system." It requires communities to address the needs of the
"transportation disadvantaged."
GOAL 13
ENERGY Goal 13 requires that "land and uses developed on the land shall be managed
and controlled so as to maximize the conservation of all forms of energy, based upon
sound economic principles."
GOAL 14
URBANIZATION This goal requires cities to estimate future growth and needs for land
and then plan and zone enough land to meet those needs. It calls for each city to establish
an "urban growth boundary" (UGB) to "identify and separate urbanizable land from rural
land." It specifies seven factors that must be considered in drawing up a UGB. It also
lists four criteria to be applied when undeveloped land within a UGB is to be converted to
urban uses.
GOAL 15
WILLAMETTE GREENWAY Goal 15 sets forth procedures for administering the 300
miles of greenway that protects the Willamette River. This goal does not apply to land
within the La Pine UGB.
Page 9
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
GOAL 16
ESTUARINE RESOURCES This goal requires local governments to classify Oregon's
22 major estuaries in four categories: natural, conservation, shallow-draft development
and deep-draft development. It then describes types of land uses and activities that are
permissible in those "management units." This goal does not apply to land within the La
Pine UGB.
GOAL 17
COASTAL SHORELANDS The goal defines a planning area bounded by the ocean
beaches on the west and the coast highway (State Route 101) on the east. It specifies how
certain types of land and resources there are to be managed: major marshes, for example,
are to be protected. Sites best suited for unique coastal land uses (port facilities, for
example) are reserved for "water-dependent" or "water related" uses. This goal does not
apply to land within the La Pine UGB.
GOAL 18
BEACHES AND DUNES Goal 18 sets planning standards for development on various
types of dunes. It prohibits residential development on beaches and active foredunes, but
allows some other types of development if they meet key criteria. The goal also deals
with dune grading, groundwater drawdown in dunal aquifers and the breaching of
foredunes. This goal does not apply to land within the La Pine UGB.
GOAL 19
OCEAN RESOURCES Goal 19 aims "to conserve the long-term values, benefits, and
natural resources of the near shore, ocean and the continental shelf." It deals with matters
such as dumping of dredge spoils and discharging of waste products into the open sea.
Goal 19's main requirements are for state agencies rather than cities and counties. This
goal does not apply to land within the La Pine UGB.
Throughout the course of the 20-year planning period that comprises the Comprehensive
Plan timeline, the La Pine City Council and Planning Commission, as well as the citizens
of La Pine, will use the Plan to guide decisions about La Pine’s physical, social, and
economic development.
II. Purpose and Intent
As a newly incorporated city, La Pine is required by State Law to develop a
Comprehensive Plan that is consistent with the Statewide Planning Goals – the Goals
express the State’s policies on land use and planning for community growth. The La Pine
Comprehensive Plan was developed for the purpose of providing a guide to incorporating
the specific community direction concerning future growth with the State mandated
programs to the greatest degree practicable. The intent was to allow for as much local
control and guidance concerning future growth as possible, while maintaining
efficiencies and effective delivery of public facilities and services and future use of land.
Overall, it is a generalized long-range policy guide and land use map that provides the
Page 10
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
basis for decisions on the physical, social, and economic development of La Pine. The
goals and policies included in this plan are based on coordination with local and regional
agencies that provide public services to the community, and the best information
available. The Plan strives to address the interrelationship between all factors which
influence community growth and not isolate them as unique facets to be looked
individually. The connections between all elements inherent in community development
are taken into consideration in all regards from public facilities planning to the
arrangement of land uses to avoid conflict. The main objectives of this Comprehensive
Plan are:
• To respect the past land use patterns in the community while preventing future
conflicts with and between new land use activities;
• To provide elected officials, public agencies, and citizens of La Pine with an
objective basis for participation in land use decisions;
• To provide an information document which serves as benchmark for the existing
conditions and characteristics of the community;
• To identify the direction and nature of changes and future development which may be
expected within the community; and,
• To provide a better understanding of specific goals, policies, actions, programs and
regulations which affect the future growth of the community.
III. Process and Methodology
Planning Process
Planning is a continual, ongoing process that requires extensive public input to accurately
capture the desires of the community. Over the past 10-years in central Oregon we have
heard about growth creating unwelcome or unanticipated changes that cause anger and
frustration within the community. This has been especially true for La Pine, which,
until its recent incorporation, had many of the characteristics of a full-fledged
municipality, but little of the local control. Many of the residents felt that they were
under-represented by the Deschutes County government and that their individual
concerns were being ignored. This Plan seeks to resolve some of those issues and the
inevitable issues related to growth by providing clear policies on what the built
environment should look like and how it should operate, and incorporating the wishes of
the local Citizens. In order to accomplish these tasks, a significant amount of meaningful
public involvement is required.
Goal 1 of the Statewide Planning Goals requires a strong commitment to Public
Involvement at all levels of land use planning. Thus, since the Comprehensive Plan is the
basis for all future land use decisions and provides direction for growth of the community
through the 20-year planning period, it was not only a necessity from a legal standpoint to
make sure the public was involved in its creation, but it was also a necessity from a
community ownership standpoint. Without the Citizen input into the Plan, the Plan is
lifeless and does not ensure that the local community desires are met. It was with the
help of the Citizens of La Pine, including their long-term vision, that this document was
Page 11
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
created. To those ends, all of the citizens o La Pine who participated in the
Comprehensive Planning process are to be thanked – especially City Councilors,
Planning Commissioners, City Staff, agency participants and those members of the
general public who diligently participated in the public meetings. The on-going
participation of the local citizenry will be an important part of the community
development process to ensure that the Plan is fulfilled and ultimately leads to the
community that the citizens have envisioned.
Local Values
An overall sentiment that became apparent early in the planning process was that the
Citizens wanted to maintain their small-town feel and retain the rural lifestyle, while at
the same time increasing the degree of basic public services and amenities for their
everyday needs. These include better access to health care/hospital, increased
employment opportunities, enhancement of recreational opportunities, and other elements
common to everyday life. The desire was for slow, graduated change that respected the
ideals of the current Citizens and historical lifestyle of the area. The focus of this Plan is
to make sure that the growth and redevelopment of the community adheres to these ideals
and values, and that the vision as expressed by the Citizens.
In April, 2000 the La Pine Community Action Team sponsored the La Pine Community
Design Charrette – with the help of professional at the Rocky Mountain Institute, a
charrette process was completed and a report identifying the desires of the community
was produced. The primary accomplishments of the charrette were the identification of
specific projects that the citizens of La Pine see as desirable and beneficial to their
community, as well as considering specific design, size and locational requirements for
each. The previous Design Charrette was utilized as a basis for discussion to help
identify and create the Vision for La Pine.
The following are the primary projects identified by participants in the process (with a
brief description of what was desired). However, there was an acknowledgment that the
prospective projects may not be built for a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, these items
were deemed by citizens to be of future importance to the fabric of the community.
1. Performing Arts Center – An auditorium of 12,000 square feet with 400 seats
2. Community Health Center – A 24-hour emergency facility and rural hospital of
10,000 to 20,000 square feet.
3. Skate Park – Would require about 9,000 square feet of land
4. Safe House – A short-term residence for 1 to 5 victims of domestic violence.
5. Civic Center – A 5,000 square foot building to provide a variety of City and
County services.
6. Senior Center – A 9,500 square foot building on 4-acres with parking for 100
vehicles. This would provide a variety of senior services.
7. Community Park – Large enough to accommodate many large scale recreational
needs for the community and region.
Page 12
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
8. Community Fairgrounds – A multi-use recreational and educational facility
requiring 40 to 50 acres consisting of rodeo grounds, community building,
administrative offices, etc.
9. Airport – On approximately 300 acres, this facility would include hangars, light
industrial businesses, RV park, etc.
The following projects were also identified during the charrette process, but were less
specific as to size, location and design.
• Central Oregon Community College south campus
• New schools and school expansions
• Neighborhood parks
• Senior Housing
• Swimming pool
• Information kiosks
• Affordable housing
• City, County and State public works yard
• Open space
• Trails for equestrians, bikers, snowmobilers and skiers
Another major discussion point of the process was the opportunity to create an
identifiable Town Center as a hub of community activity. The Town Center would be a
compact area that is centrally located and planned for easy walking access. The uses
would be comprised of a mixture of commercial businesses, civic buildings and other
community uses.
Visioning as an overview
“Visioning” (as a planning term) is a process by which community values are weighed
and a community identity is created. Key elements that need to be understood and
defined in any community visioning process are:
• Where are we now?
• Where are we going?
• Where do we want to be?
• How do we get there?
Community involvement and participation from a broad spectrum is necessary to create a
true community identity. A full scale, independent Visioning process results in a plan
that does the following:
• Identifies primary community issues and desires
• Investigates the physical, cultural, economic and social fabric of a
community
• Establishes community goals
• Develops strategies for meeting goals
Page 13
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• Creates an implementation plan
A key understanding of participants in the process is that not all desires of individual
citizens will be viewed by others as a “community” need – there must be prioritization
during the Visioning process. Key factors that must be kept in mind during the Visioning
process are:
• What are the necessities versus aspirations?
• Fiscal, legal and procedural requirements to achieve the goals
• Who is responsible for moving goals forward (i.e. government, private business,
other agencies)?
• Is the plan sustainable over the long term?
The intended result is a definitive community direction that is aimed at empowering
citizens to work in a cohesive fashion to build a better community. Successful
implementation of a Vision plan requires the establishment of benchmarks so that
successes and accomplishments of the plan can be weighed. Ultimately, the plan should
be used to guide decisions on issues that have community wide implications.
Creating a Vision for the Future
In developing a vision for the future and creating this Comprehensive Plan the following
steps were taken and questions were asked:
- Define what “makes up” the community – Is the community of La Pine comprised
of only those properties and residents within the City boundary, or does the “community”
also include outlying residents who rely of City services and businesses for their
everyday needs?
- Identification of available community resources – This process was both
quantitative and qualitative in its efforts. It consisted of documenting the availability of
public facilities and services, service agencies, private businesses and all other
community resources that provide everyday service needs to the community.
- Creation of an Action Plan – An action plan is a prioritized set of specific tasks
(these are the Programs listed within each chapter of the Comprehensive Plan) aimed at
meeting the long term goals of the community. Other agencies, special districts and
groups who have participated in the development of the community vision have been
encouraged to develop individual operation plans that contribute to the overall
community vision and action plan for La Pine.
- Implementation – The tasks identified in the action plan should be assigned to
individuals, groups, civic organizations and local government entities as appropriate.
Completion of tasks should be lauded in a public fashion with benchmarks established.
Page 14
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Visioning for La Pine
Visioning for La Pine occurred throughout the Comprehensive Planning process – the
visioning included continual development of Goals and Polices for the operation and
direction of the City as a jurisdictional organization (as listed throughout this Plan), as
well as creating an action plan (the Programs listed throughout this Plan). After review
of the points identified in the past charrette process, the discussions with the community
opened up toward new ideas. The primary points raised by citizens were:
- Economy – how to create and generate jobs in La Pine
- Desire to maintain the “rural feel” of the community
- Transportation – Highway 97 bisects the city and creates physical and
perceivable obstacles – need for a traffic signal at 1st Street
- Livability – a “slow degree of change” – not aggressive tactics to change the
community quickly
- Establish design protocol for new development/buildings in La Pine by
focusing on the “Complete Community” and “Complete Neighborhoods”
concepts.
- Concern over the newest residential neighborhood within City boundaries that
was reviewed/approved by Deschutes County under County development
standards
Desired Outcome of Visioning Process
At the end of any visioning process there is a document that includes goals, policies and
programs all aimed at fulfilling the community visioning statement – in this case, it is this
Comprehensive Plan. This Plan is the document that can be looked to by the community
to provide direction to all groups who provide services to community member.
Notwithstanding, the Plan is a dynamic document and must include a process for
updating – it must be realized that the planning process is continual. As the community
and surrounding influential circumstances change, the community must review the Plan
for accuracy toward community desires. Continual adaptation of the plan to current
circumstances is important in maintaining its relevance as guidance to community
livability.
IV. Summary of the Plan and Recommendations
The La Pine Comprehensive Plan is a compilation of the vision and existing needs of the
Citizens of La Pine, with goals, policies and programs that give direction to bringing the
vision to fruition and meeting the identified needs. Ultimately, this Plan is a useful
planning tool that will help shape the City’s development regulations, capital
improvement programming and budgeting, and other legal and regulatory actions
necessary to manage La Pine’s physical, social, and environmental character. Aside from
acting as a guide for the aspirations and current needs identified by Citizens, the Plan also
includes goals and polices aimed at meeting State initiated programs – such as
preservation of natural resources; providing a multi-modal transportation system;
providing a variety of housing types; establishing an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB);
Page 15
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
and, planning for future UGB expansion. The challenge in developing this plan was to
balance the needs and vision identified by the Citizens of La Pine with the State
mandated planning requirements – in some instances these were in conflict. In trying to
achieve the balance, the overarching goal was to embody as much of the local sentiment
into the State requirements as was legally possible – all in all, the plan must strike this
balance so that it is consistent with State law.
The primary direction of the Plan includes:
• Continual coordination with partner agencies and service districts for the effective
and efficient delivery of services that are consistent with the community direction for
future growth as outlined in the goals and polices of this Plan;
• Efficient utilization of land resources within the City to provide a variety of housing
types, employment opportunities, transportation options and recreational activities for
citizens;
• Increasing opportunities for the transition of the provision of public facilities and
services to the City when economically feasible;
• Meeting the near term requirements for basic citizen needs;
• Improving opportunities for business development and creation of new jobs;
• Preservation of the local lifestyle and character of the community including the
designation of the Complete Neighborhoods and Complete Community concepts;
Complete Neighborhoods is a concept whereby neighborhoods should be designed to
have adequate lands for the development of a full range of housing choices, schools,
transportation, open spaces, areas for energy production, commercial services, and
employment lands. The goal is that if a neighborhood is complete it will create a more
walkable and sustainable community that reduces reliance limited energy sources.
In La Pine, there are 3 primary neighborhood areas. Each need various zones and other
land use elements over the planning period to make them complete. The Comprehensive
Plan shows how the proposed land uses will help to encourage complete neighborhoods.
The Complete Community concept is the collection of the La Pine Complete
Neighborhoods. Thus, a Complete Community includes a system of complete
neighborhoods by interlinking all components.
• Creating new methods for funding necessary public services and infrastructure other
than new taxes – such as the adoption of System Development Charges for
transportation, etc 1;
• Recognizing that La Pine as a large number of acres within the incorporated city
limits and this permits creative opportunities for the transition of lands from rural to
urban uses, and,
1 The Special Districts already utilize SDC’s for water and sewer facilities
Page 16
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• Furthering the ability for the City to become successful at creating its own destiny
through prioritization of issues important to La Pine and local decision making in this
regard.
Proposed Comprehensive Plan Map and How it Relates to the Current
Deschutes County Zoning/Comprehensive Plan Map
The text of this Comprehensive Plan is accompanied by a land use map showing how La
Pine’s land uses will be arranged for the 20-year planning period. This will be La Pine’s
Comprehensive Plan Map and the map will include the urban growth boundary, which is
the same boundary as the current city limits. The new La Pine Comprehensive Plan Map
will replace the County Comprehensive Plan Map designations for La Pine.
After adoption of the La Pine Comprehensive Plan, the City will have its own
Comprehensive Plan map but the current County zoning map will remain the same until
the City adopts its own zoning regulations and a new zoning map. It is a goal of this plan
that La Pine will develop a one-map system using the proposed Comprehensive Plan
Map. This approach will require a future legislative process and will support economic
development objectives to reduce barriers to development.
V. Amendments to the Plan
Amendments to the La Pine Comprehensive Plan may be necessary from time to time to
reflect changing community conditions, needs and desires, to correct mistakes, add newer
information, or to address changes in the law. An amendment or revision to the Plan may
be initiated by the La Pine City Council, the La Pine Planning Commission, or the owner
of the land which is the subject of the proposed amendment or revision. In the case of a
Council or Planning Commission initiated change, the change must be found to be
consistent with all applicable State of Oregon requirements, including Oregon Revised
Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules. In the case of an owner initiated amendment
to the Plan, the owner must, in addition to compliance with State laws, demonstrate that:
1. There was a mistake when the Plan designation was applied to the subject
property; or,
2. The proposed change would result in a public need and benefit, and/or would
result in a more efficient use of land.
VII. Aspirational Goals and Directives
The word “Shall” occurs frequently in this Plan. The wording is intended to direct
intensity of effort when planning for La Pine’s future. However, all tasks directed by this
Plan are subject to the availability of City funding. Such funding will vary from year to
year and in response to City Council priorities.
Page 17
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 1
Community Characteristics
I. Community History
La Pine was originally founded in the mid-1800s and was formally designated as a town
site around 1900, The history of the original settlement was based on the fur trapping
trade when trappers headed through the area from the Willamette and Columbia River
valleys and followed the Deschutes River. Here they found rich trapping grounds and
natural resources from which money could be made. Prior to settlement and influence
from outside explorers to the region, the area was historically occupied by Native
American Indian tribes. Much of the settlement of the area, by either Native Americans
or European settlers, was based on the proximity to the natural resources of the area –
rivers, lakes, forests and what is now called the Newberry Crater.
In the early 1900’s the area became more heavily populated due to the logging industry
and the national demand for timber. The resulting development led to a variety of
everyday services – banks, school, hardware store, livery, newspaper, etc, to support the
burgeoning population. The logging industry and services related thereto were aided by
the recognition of the surrounding natural resources which made the area ripe for tourism
even in the early part of the 20th century.
The past century has seen the development of US Highway 97 through the community –
this has opened up access to the area from points north to Washington and south to
California. Recently though, the area has seen growth related to the tourism and second
home industry – primarily in areas outlying what currently comprises the incorporated
community. The development and population growth has aided the service industry of
the area – typical businesses such as retail stores and services to the traveling public are
common. After the decline of the timber industry over the last 20 years, the area has
experienced and economic stagnation with very few new industries locating in the
community.
Over the past 10-15 years, progressive changes have come to La Pine. The City was
incorporated by vote in 2006. Additionally, separate Park and Recreation, and Water and
Sewer Districts have been created. These have brought an increased sense of awareness
to La Pine as a community that has appropriate public facilities and services and is ripe
for new economic development and thus, greater sustainability.
Future challenges will include increasing economic development in the community, job
creation and providing additional services to meet everyday needs. Some of these will
come naturally and will develop according to market demand. Others will take
cooperation among agency and community groups. Increased citizen participation in
these as well as governmental efforts will bring a greater independence and identity to La
Pine over the next 20-years.
Page 18
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
The community-based La Pine Industrial Group (LIGI) benefits the community. Efforts
by LIGI have helped to provide land to develop three county-owned parcels east of the
highway into industrial and business park sites. This is opening eyes in the Central
Oregon business community. As development spreads from rapidly growing Bend
outward, the newly incorporated La Pine is high on the list of communities ripe for
investment and development opportunities. Water and sewer districts have brought
municipal services to the community core. In 2008 the City of La Pine was designated as
an enterprise zone by the State of Oregon. This allows qualified companies to forego
paying property taxes for 3 to 5 years.
The City was recently incorporated and by vote of the people contains an abundant
supply of land need to support planned growth for more than 20 years. While the
capacity of the City in terms of acreage is large, the land is planned to be filled with a
variety of uses including a significant amount of industrial/employment land infill.
Transitional uses for some of the employment lands is a necessary technique for proper
management of lands within the city limits. The city limits is also the proposed urban
growth boundary.
Existing land uses within the city are characterized with strip commercial development
along the highway and major streets with residential development scattered across the
community; a significant portion of this is in the outlying areas of the city. Industrial
development areas are located at the northeast and southeast corners of the City. Most
residential areas contain detached single family homes and multi-family homes as a
percentage of all residential units is very low, approximately 3 percent. Today, access to
most employment and commercial services requires vehicular travel – even for quick
services and grocery shopping. Pedestrian opportunities and multi-modal travel options
are limited. These historic types of land uses are do not currently support sustainability
and reduction of vehicular travel. During the citizen meetings that were instrumental in
shaping the Plan, it became clear that the community has 3 neighborhood areas that have
various supplies of employment, commercial service, industrial, parks/open space and
residential lands. None of the 3 neighborhood areas contain adequate supplies or balance
of uses to qualify as a Complete Neighborhood now. Citizens want to correct this
imbalance and improve their neighborhoods with features that include:
• Better access and pedestrian ways that connect people to open spaces, parks,
and recreational lands closer to where they live
• Additional employment and commercial service nodes closer within
neighborhood areas so that people do not have to drive long distances to get “a
gallon of milk” or other daily consumable items.
• Schools that are within shorter walking distances from residential areas
• Improved information technologies closer to neighborhoods
• Better access to medical care including a critical need for 24 hour emergency
care
• Planned growth with commensurate infill policies that permit increased density
but recognize that compatibility is an essential feature of maintaining and
improving La Pine’s livablilty
Page 19
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• Opportunities for additional tourism support services and activities
• Reduce reliance on energy consumption in an effort to make the community
energy neutral.
• Improve alternate energy options such as use of solar, bio-mass, high efficiency
building techniques, and other forms of alternate energy as they are developed.
• Opportunities for using large acreages within the City limits as transition areas
accommodating: alternate energy production, wildfire interface and natural
resource protection areas, temporary employment lands, recreational uses, etc.
until needed for urbanization or employment.
Page 20
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2
Citizen Involvement Program
I. State Planning Goal 1, Citizen Involvement
Oregon State Planning Goal 1 requires a citizen involvement program to be inherent in all
aspects of land use planning, and that insures the opportunity for all citizens to be
involved in all phases of the planning process. Local governing bodies must clearly
define the public involvement process and develop a process that is appropriate to the
scale of the planning effort being undertaken. Additionally, all information must be
presented in a manner that enable citizens to identify and comprehend the issues. Each
local government must create a citizen based committee, typically the Planning
Commission, which is comprised of broad based representation. Not only does the
citizen involvement process have to disseminate information to the public, it must also be
available to receive comment and weigh public testimony appropriately. In conjunction
with his Comprehensive Planning process, a series of public meetings were held, a
Technical Advisory Committee was created, and City Council input was sought. A
formal Planning Commission was not available until the end of the initial planning
process, but was available for review of the final draft document and to take public
testimony before making a recommendation to the City Council.
II. Purpose and Intent
The provisions of this chapter provide a citizen involvement program to insure the
opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process. This chapter
defines the procedures by which the public will be involved in the ongoing land use
process and to provide for a continuity of citizen participation and transmittal of
information.
III. Issues and Goals
City leaders have made it a goal to improve communications and, a new City like La
Pine, will benefit a formal public involvement program.
IV. Policies and Programs
It will be necessary to develop a program that includes effective two-way communication
with all citizens of La Pine. The basic elements of the program should include the
following tasks:
Page 21
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
The City shall:
1. Establish a process to involve a cross section of affected citizens, ensure effective
communication between citizens and elected officials, and assure citizens will receive a
response from policy makers.
2. Assure compliance with all state requirements for open meetings and open records, as
well as defining the process for standing for advisory committees in La Pine land use
actions.
3. Provide two bodies for assisting in citizen involvement in La Pine:
a. The Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI) shall be an advisory body to the City
Council to assure that the intent and purposes of this chapter are met.
b. Citizen Advisory Committees (CAC’s) shall insure plan amendments are developed in
accordance with an overall City plan and advise the Council on individual land use
matters. The La Pine Planning Commission is one example of such an advisory
committee.
The Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI)
1. Creation and Composition
The Committee for Citizen Involvement will act as a liaison between the City Council
and the various Citizen Advisory Committees and citizens of La Pine. The Committee
shall be composed of a member from each active CAC including one representative of
the La Pine Planning Commission. The Planning Commission shall designate one of their
members to serve as the Planning Commission Representative on the Committee for
Citizen Involvement. The Planning Commission Representative shall serve on the
Committee for a term of one year. With the exception of the Planning Commission
representative, members shall also be appointed to serve on a Citizen Advisory
Committee. Members shall represent a cross section of affected citizens, as well as all
geographic areas and interests related to land use and land use decisions, and chosen by
the City Council after a publicized and open selection process. Members of the
Committee for Citizen Involvement will receive no compensation.
2. Tenure and Removal
a. Members shall serve for terms of three years; provided, however, that the initial
membership of the Committee shall be on staggered terms so that each year no less than
two, nor more than three, members may be appointed.
b. A member of the Committee may be reappointed by the City Council to serve
additional terms.
Page 22
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
c. Members of the Committee may be removed by the City Council for cause, which
include, but is not limited to, neglect or inattention to duty, failure to attend meetings and
failure to implement the policy and purpose of this program.
d. A member of the Committee may resign at any time by submitting such resignation to
the City Council.
3. Responsibilities
a. The Committee for Citizen Involvement shall be responsible to the
City Council City Council for implementing and revising the La Pine Citizen
Involvement Program, to promote and enhance citizen involvement in land use planning,
further assisting in implementation of that Citizen Involvement Program and evaluation
of the process used for citizen involvement.
b. The Committee for Citizen Involvement shall be the designated agency for receipt and
evaluation of communications from citizens regarding the citizen involvement process in
La Pine and shall report periodically to the Council on the state of the program.
c. The CCI shall be authorized to designate alternate members of their respective CAC’s
to attend CCI meetings in their absence.
The Citizen Advisory Committees (CAC’s)
1. The City Council shall have the authority to establish and dissolve Citizen Advisory
Committees, subject to the provisions of this chapter.
2. The City Council shall have the authority to establish, modify and abolish the
boundaries in which Citizen Advisory Committees shall exercise their functions.
3. The City Council may undertake the activities listed in this section by City Council
order only after consultation with the Committee for Citizen Involvement. Until such
time, however, the Citizen Advisory Committees as composed on the effective date of
this ordinance and the boundaries of each Citizen Advisory Committee are hereby ratified
and affirmed.
Membership Requirements
1. Each Citizen Advisory Committee shall have five, seven or nine positions as
designated by the City Council upon an order creating or modifying such committee. A
CAC may exceed the designated positions temporarily, because of CAC boundary or
issue change.
2. Members of each Citizen Advisory Committee shall be residents of the area served by
such committee or a represent an issue connected to the subject matter.
3. Membership of each Citizen Advisory Committee shall be representative of a broad
cross section of the citizens living in the area served by the Citizen Advisory Committee
or represent an issue that relates to the committee function.
Applications and Appointments
1. All persons residing in each Citizen Advisory Committee Area are eligible to apply for
membership on the committee of that district or in the case of special issues, be
representative on that issue.
Page 23
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
2. Applications for appointments to Citizen Advisory Committees shall be submitted to
the City Council, Committee for Citizen Involvement or the Planning Director on forms
provided by the Director.
3. Applications received for committee membership shall be treated as follows:
a. If no vacancy exists on a Citizen Advisory Committee, such application shall be held
by the Planning Director for at least one year for consideration by the Committee for
Citizen Involvement and the City Council when vacancies occur. The applicant shall be
notified of the fact that no vacancy exists and that the application will be held for one
year.
b. Where a vacancy on a Citizen Advisory Committee does exist, the application shall be
referred to the Committee for Citizen Involvement for review. The Committee shall
advise the City Council as to their recommendations on disposition of outstanding
applications according to the following criteria:
(1) Whether there is sufficient number of applications to provide a reasonable choice
among applicants, consistent with the overall goal of providing for an effective cross
section of citizen involvement in the Advisory Committee area. If the Committee does
not feel that there are a sufficient number of applications, it may recommend to the City
Council that action be deferred until the Committee has undertaken to seek out an
additional number of applicants. The City Council may, on its own motion, also
undertake such recruitment.
(2) If the Committee be satisfied that appointment of one or more applicants would
provide for a balance of representation on a Citizen Advisory Committee, based upon
interests, occupation and geographic location, it shall recommend to the City Council that
one or more of the applicants be appointed.
c. Applications for Citizen Advisory Committee membership shall be forwarded to the
City Council, together with recommendations from the Committee, not less than 30 days
after the Committee is notified of an existing vacancy, unless the Committee or the City
Council undertakes additional active recruiting.
d. From the list of applicants submitted to the Committee for its recommendations, the
City Council shall consider the recommendations of the Committee and fill the vacancy
or vacancies from a list supplied by the Committee. If the City Council finds all names
submitted by the Committee unacceptable, it shall return the list to the Committee with
their reason for rejection and request additional lists of selections. The Committee shall,
within a reasonable time of return of the list, submit to the City Council a new list for
action by the City Council.
Term of Appointment
1. The term of membership on a Citizen Advisory Committee shall be three years from
the date of appointment, except as otherwise provided for in this chapter.
2. A member may be reappointed by the City Council for additional terms.
3. When a vacancy occurs prior to the end of the three-year term, the City Council shall
appoint a member to serve the portions of a Citizen Advisory Committee member's term.
Removal and Resignation
Page 24
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
1. The City Council may remove a member of a Citizen Advisory Committee only after
receiving a recommendation from the Committee for Citizen Involvement, if the City
Council finds that the policies of this chapter or the Comprehensive Plan are not met, or
for the particular reasons set forth in this section. The City Council will also request that
the Committee for Citizen Involvement undertake an investigation with respect to the
grounds for removal or to respond to any complaints brought against any member of any
Citizen Advisory Committee, or any Committee as a whole. The investigation shall
include a Fact Finding Meeting to which all involved parties will receive a written
invitation at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Statements will be taken, findings
prepared and a recommendation for action made to the City Council.
2. The City Council may remove a member of a Citizen Advisory Committee for failure
to participate actively or failure to perform adequately the duties and responsibilities of
such membership. A CAC member's failure to attend three
or more consecutive meetings, without explanation, shall be considered justification for
removal. In all cases, the City Council shall request the recommendation of the
Committee for Citizen Involvement prior to taking
action.
3. A member of a Citizen Advisory Committee may resign at any time by submitting
such resignation to the City.
Liability
1. Citizen Advisory Committee members shall be considered agents of the
City within the coverage of ORS 30.260 to 30.330 in any actions taken by a Citizen
Advisory Committee in performance of the duties, responsibilities and functions as set
forth in this chapter.
2. La Pine shall not indemnify CAC members for legal fees, judgments or other costs
associated with legal suits or actions filed against any Citizen Advisory Committee or
members thereof for any action taken outside of the scope of the duties, responsibilities,
and functions of the Citizen Advisory Committee.
3. Upon recommendation from the Committee for Citizen Involvement, the
City Council may waive the provisions of this section if the City Council finds it is
necessary to undertake such action to protect citizen involvement in La Pine and the
action is consistent with ORS 30.287(1).
4. No provision of this section shall be construed to diminish or deny any rights of CAC
members under ORS 30.260 to 30.330, when such CAC members are acting as agents of
the City.
Duties, Responsibilities and Functions of Citizen Advisory Committee Members
1. Each Citizen Advisory Committee shall elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and
secretary at the first regular meeting of the calendar year.
a. The chairperson shall call meetings of the Citizen Advisory Committee as necessary
and appropriate to discuss and respond to planning program issues.
b. The vice chairperson shall act as chairperson pro-tem in the absence of the chairperson.
c. The secretary shall take minutes of such Committee meetings.
2. Each Committee shall comply with all provisions of the Oregon Public
Page 25
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Meeting Law (ORS 192.610 to 192.990).
a. All meetings of the advisory committees shall be open to the public and all persons
shall be permitted to attend any such meeting. A committee shall have no authority to
conduct executive sessions under ORS 192.660.
b. Each Citizen Advisory Committee shall provide notice of the time, place and subject
matter of its meetings either to the Planning Director or to the Citizen Involvement
Coordinator during business hours at the Planning Department. The Citizen Involvement
Coordinator shall be responsible for providing notice to the media in time for them to
publish the notice at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
c. The CAC secretary shall take minutes which shall include:
1. the names of all CAC members present;
2. all motions and their disposition;
3. the results of all votes and the vote of each member, by name;
4. the substance of any document discussed;
5. reference to any document discussed.
CAC minutes should also contain the date, time, and location of the meeting, the names
of any guests present, and land use application references such as the applicant's name
and the Planning Department file number.
The CAC minutes shall be submitted to the Planning Director no more than ten
days after the meeting.
3. The Citizen Advisory Committees shall participate in the development of
the La Pine Comprehensive Plan, and amendments and revisions thereto, and shall advise
the City Council with regard to any concerns or comments the advisory committee may
have with respect to such Plan, amendments or revisions.
a. The Planning Director shall submit proposals for Comprehensive Plans, or
amendments or revisions thereto, at least 15 days in advance of the expected date of
Citizen Advisory Committee comments; provided, however, that this paragraph shall not
apply to amendments or revisions to Comprehensive Plans changed at public hearings
before the Planning Commission or the City Council, if the subject matter of such plans,
amendments or revisions were submitted previously to the Planning Advisory
Committees.
b. Each Citizen Advisory Committee shall have the authority to conduct meetings to
review and evaluate such Plans, or amendments or revisions thereto, and may comment
in writing by submitting their responses to the Planning Director, Planning Commission
or City Council, or comment orally at hearings held on such Plans, revisions or
amendments.
c. Each Citizen Advisory Committee shall allow interested persons to participate in the
review and evaluation of such Plans, revisions or amendments thereto, by means of oral
or written testimony.
d. Citizen Advisory Committee members are encouraged to participate in the workshops
and regional meetings held on Comprehensive Plans or revisions thereto.
Page 26
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
e. Upon completion of Comprehensive Plan Elements, or revisions thereto, each Citizen
Advisory Committee shall participate in the review of land use maps for its area or region
of the City.
f. Citizen Advisory Committee members shall be entitled to participate in regional
workshop meetings dealing with selection of preferred map alternatives to be submitted
to the Planning Commission and City Council in conjunction with the adoption or
revision of a Comprehensive Plan.
4. Each Citizen Advisory Committee may participate in advising the Hearings
Officer, Commission, or City Council with respect to quasi-judicial land use applications
which lie within, or immediately affect land within, territory of the Citizen Advisory
Committee.
a. Each Citizen Advisory Committee is entitled to become a party at hearings involving
quasijudicial land use applications.
b. The Planning Director shall provide notice of hearings to the appropriate Citizen
Advisory Committee, within the time limitations as provided. The CAC may respond to
the notice as it deems appropriate.
c. No response to such notices shall be transmitted to the Planning Director,
Hearings Officer, Commission or City Council except after a properly conducted meeting
and affirmative vote of a quorum of such committee.
d. All such responses shall be in written form and shall contain the following
information:
(1) Name of the Citizen Advisory Committee;
(2) A statement as to whether such committee desires standing as a party;
(3) A statement as to the reason for supporting or opposing the proposal; and
(4) A statement indicating whether the Citizen Advisory Committee wishes to be heard
further, i.e., other than such written notice.
5. Citizen Advisory Committees may also advise the City on areas of community
interests or concerns which the advisory committee feels are of importance to their area,
the City, or planning activities.
Implementation Measures
Citizen Advisory Committees shall be entitled to participate in the formulation,
amendment, revision or repeal of all measures implementing Comprehensive Plans for La
Pine in the same manner as that provided for in the adoption, amendment or revision of
Comprehensive Plans for the City.
Planning Director Responsibilities for Citizen Participation and Coordination
1. The Planning Director shall be responsible for assuring that the citizen involvement
provisions of this chapter are implemented. To that end, the Director shall consult
periodically with the Committee for Citizen Involvement and may make such
recommendations as are necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter and LCDC
Goal 1. The Planning Director may delegate his duties to a Citizen Involvement
Coordinator; however, he/she shall reserve the authority to overrule such coordinator to
assure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
2. The Planning Director shall assure coordination between federal, state and regional
agencies and special purpose districts to coordinate their planning efforts with La Pine
Page 27
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
and shall make use of local citizen involvement programs established by other entities,
where such programs affect La Pine.
3. The Planning Director shall provide such information to the Planning Advisory
Committees as is necessary for those Committees, and the general public, to identify and
comprehend planning and plan implementation issues. All information supplied by any
department or agency of La Pine in planning or plan implementation matters shall be in
simplified, understandable form and shall be coordinated through the Planning Director.
4. The Planning Director shall act as liaison between the citizens of La Pine and
the City Council and shall respond to citizen comments on planning or plan
implementation issues directly, or by referring the same to the appropriate agency for
response. All departments and agencies of La Pine shall cooperate with the Planning
Director in assuring effective two-way communication between citizens and their
government.
5. The Planning Director shall make available to all Citizen Advisory Committees a copy
of all proposed elements of any La Pine Comprehensive Plan, or amendments or
revisions thereto, all implementing ordinances, or amendments or revisions thereto, and
any studies, reports or background information, if any, necessary to understand such
proposal, at least ten days prior to action by the City Council. Such proposals and
background information shall be provided to the La Pine City Hall and at such other
facilities the Planning Director may deem necessary to provide for an informed citizenry.
6. The Planning Director shall provide, in each annual budget request to the City Council,
for sufficient financial support to insure adequate funding of a citizen involvement
program to meet the purposes of this chapter.
7. The responsibilities of the Planning Director, under this section, shall continue, even
after acknowledgement of the La Pine Comprehensive Plan and Implementing
Ordinances by the Land Conservation and Development Commission.
Proposed CAC’s
1. Planning Commission
2. Public Utility/Infrastructure Committee
3. Economic Development Committee
4. Public Service/Volunteer Committee
5. Code Enforcement Committee
6. Residential Committee
7. Industrial/Commercial Committee
Page 28
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 3
Agricultural Lands
I. State Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands
Oregon State Planning Goal 3 defines “agricultural lands” and requires Counties to
inventory such lands. Counties are required “to preserve and maintain agricultural lands”
by comprehensively planning and applying implementing zoning regulations. However,
pursuant to ORS Chapter 215 and OAR, Chapter 660, Division 33, the planning for
agricultural lands within cities is not required. Nonetheless, the Deschutes County
Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations have historically applied agricultural
designations and zoning regulations to areas identified as Agricultural lands prior to their
inclusion within the area incorporated as the City of La Pine. Because the Deschutes
County comprehensive plan and zoning designations applied within the city limits (by
intergovernmental agreement between Deschutes County and the City of La Pine during
the transition of governmental responsibility), there are still areas within the incorporated
City of La Pine that are designated Agriculture and Exclusive Farm Use on the County
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning maps.
II. Purpose and Intent
As stated above, the City of La Pine is not required to plan for Agricultural lands within
the City limits. However, there have been and continue to be agricultural uses of some
areas within the City Limits. Historically, such uses have been limited in activity and
have been concentrated in areas along the wetlands and floodplain of the Little Deschutes
River. These have been the only areas where there has been ample moisture in the soils
to allow forage growth that would sustain cattle grazing. Due to climatological
conditions, the growing season in La Pine is too short to sustain active crop production.
Overall, the areas historically used for agricultural purposes in La Pine have resulted
from the limited physical ability to use the land for other purposes.
It is expected that as the City grows, the wetland and flood plain factors will limit the use
of the agriculturally used lands for many other urban purposes. Nonetheless, it is the
intent of this plan to recognize then potential transition of such lands to other uses more
appropriate within an incorporated community. Such uses may include residential or
economic lands (traditional land use designations within Cities) as land needs dictate and
public facilities and services allow. However, agricultural lands may also transition to
designated natural areas, open spaces, wilderness areas and wildlife habitat due to the
limited uses that could be accommodated in the wetlands and flood plains. The link
between agricultural lands and the natural environment will be important to define and
plan for as La Pine transitions to an urban environment. This element is explored in
greater detail in the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Page 29
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
III. Issues
The City of La Pine is heavily influenced by the Little Deschutes River and areas of high
ground water resulting in wetlands and flood plains – particularly along the city’s western
and southern edges. These areas have historically remained undeveloped and were used
for cattle grazing by early residents. The agricultural/farming uses of these areas has
declined in past years as the land uses within the City limits (even prior to incorporation)
have transitioned from rural to urban as La Pine became the service area for the southern
portion of Deschutes County. Although the use of such areas is receiving pressure from
surrounding land uses, such as residential and commercial development adjacent to such
lands, there has been very little change to the physical properties of the agriculturally
designated areas. It is expected that the transition for uses of many of the agricultural
lands will be best planned for as natural resources (State Planning Goal 5) to serve as
natural areas, wetlands, wildlife habitat, parklands and buffer areas to development.
These are addressed in Chapter 5, Natural Resources.
IV. Goals and Policies
Goal #1: To plan for the appropriate transition of Agricultural lands within La Pine to
urban uses (residential, commercial and industrial uses).
Policies
• Owners of lands that have been historically employed in agricultural uses or that
remain designated for agricultural uses through this Comprehensive Planning
process, shall not be prevented from using such lands for farming purposes; such
rights shall be protected until such lands are re-designated for urban uses through
future amendments to the Comprehensive Plan or zoning code.
• All lands designated Agriculture shall be reviewed for their potential to be utilized
for urban land uses – including the ability to be utilized in conjunction with
adjacent residential, commercial and industrial land uses, as well as the ability to
provide urban services and facilities to such lands.
Goal #2: Recognize the unique physical characteristics and development limitations of
Agricultural lands within La Pine and plan for the enhancement of those elements within
the surrounding urban environment.
Policies
• All lands with historic use for agricultural purposes, whether designated
Agriculture or not, that have wetlands or flood plain, shall be reviewed for their
Page 30
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
potential to be utilized as natural areas, parklands and buffers between and among
areas designated for traditional urban development.
• For the purpose of identifying wetlands, flood plain and historic agricultural use,
the City shall rely upon the Federal Emergency management Agency’s adopted
floodplain maps and the National Wetlands Inventory maps, and Deschutes
County Tax Assessors data unless more specific data can be supplied.
• Encourage property owner protection and enhancement of environmentally
sensitive areas that have been and continue to be used for agricultural purposes
such as livestock grazing, including the implementation of specific zoning
regulations for such purposes.
• The City shall work with the La Pine Park and Recreation Department to look for
opportunities to acquire agricultural lands that can be utilized for recreational
purposes.
• The City shall work with the Bureau of Land Management and other federal
agencies to seek transfers of federally owned agricultural lands within and
adjacent t the City to be utilized as open space, buffer lands and other amenities to
serve the urban environment.
V. Programs
The City shall complete the following:
1. Create an inventory of flood plain and wetland areas for all lands designated
Agriculture.
2. Work with local, State and Federal Agencies in identifying long term land uses
for lands under their ownership within the City limits that are designated as Agricultural
lands.
3. Coordinate and map the current park and open space system with potential or
proposed open space linkages on current agricultural lands.
Page 31
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 4
Forest Lands
I. State Planning Goal 4, Forest Lands
Oregon State Planning Goal 4 defines “forest lands” and requires Counties to inventory
such lands. Counties are required “to conserve forest lands by maintaining the forest land
base and to protect the state’s forest economy” through efficient use of forest lands that
balance forest practices with sound environmental practices. However, pursuant to
Oregon Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules, the planning for forest lands within
cities is not required. Nonetheless, the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan and
zoning regulations have historically applied forest designations and zoning regulations to
areas identified as Forest lands prior to their inclusion within the area incorporated as the
City of La Pine. Because the Deschutes County comprehensive plan and zoning
designations applied within the city limits (by intergovernmental agreement between
Deschutes County and the City of La Pine during the transition of governmental
responsibility), there are still areas within the incorporated City of La Pine that are
designated Forest on the County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning maps. This will
change upon completion of the implementing ordinances for the Plan.
II. Purpose and Intent
As stated above, the City of La Pine is not required to plan for Forest lands within the
City limits. However, there have been and continue to be Forest uses of some areas
within the City Limits. Historically, such uses have been the basis for the surrounding
economy, with lands currently inside the City limits used for actual timber harvest, as
well as timber processing to varying degrees. However, in the recent past, forest/timber
activities have been limited on those lands designated as Forest within the City due to the
immaturity of the existing timber stands and the availability of Industrial lands for
processing operations. The areas designated as Forest include large tracts along the entire
eastern edge of the city, in the area east of Highway 97 between what was historically
referred to as Wickiup Junction and La Pine.
Although some of the lands designated Forest within La Pine are privately owned, the
majority of Forest designated lands are under federal (Bureau of Land Management -
BLM) ownership. Through the Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan adopted by
the BLM, it is recognized that the forest lands within the City limits will someday be
subject to community expansion. Thus, there is an acknowledgment by the BLM that
such lands will most likely transfer ownership at some point in the future and that the
long term use of the property will transition from forest to other urban uses.
It is expected that as the City grows, the forest lands will be converted to many other
urban purposes. It is the intent of this plan to recognize then potential transition of such
Page 32
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
lands to other uses more appropriate within an incorporated community. Such uses may
include residential or economic lands (traditional land use designations within Cities) as
land needs dictate and public facilities and services allow. However, due to the rural
nature of the community, and the desire for the residents to retain this character, forest
lands may also transition to designated natural areas, open spaces, wilderness areas and
wildlife habitat. The link between forest lands and the natural environment will be
important to define and plan for as La Pine transitions to an urban environment. This
element is explored in greater detail in the Natural Resources Chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan.
III. Issues
The City of La Pine is heavily influenced by the thick coniferous forest that extends from
inside City limits to areas surrounding the community is all directions. These areas have
historically remained undeveloped where federal ownership is in place - large tracts of
private land have been continuously used for forest practices, as prospective yields will
allow. It is assumed that forest practices will continue to be an important part of the
economy and lifestyle of the La Pine area, and will influence the overall land
development pattern, especially in transition areas along the community edge. Although
the use of such areas is receiving pressure from urbanizing land uses, such as residential,
commercial and industrial development adjacent to such lands, there has been very little
change to the physical properties of the designated forest areas. It is expected that the
transition of use for some of the forest lands will be best planned for as natural resources
(State Planning Goal 5) to serve as natural areas, wildlife habitat, parklands and buffer
areas in and among planned development, while some areas are designated specifically
for conversion to urban uses. However, the timing of such conversion will be dependent
upon the land need within La Pine and the ability to access the designated forest areas
with transportation facilities and utilities.
IV. Goals and Policies
Goal #1: To plan for the appropriate transition of Forest lands within La Pine to urban
uses (residential, commercial and industrial uses).
Policies
• Owners of lands that have been historically employed in forest uses or that remain
designated for forest uses through this Comprehensive Planning process, shall not
be prevented from using such lands for forest and timber harvest purposes; such
rights shall be protected until such lands are re-designated for urban uses through
future amendments to the Comprehensive Plan or zoning code.
• All lands designated Forest shall be reviewed for their potential to be utilized for
urban land uses – including the ability to be utilized in conjunction with adjacent
Page 33
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
residential, commercial and industrial land uses, as well as the ability to provide
urban services and facilities to such lands.
• The Forest lands east of the BNSF railroad tracks shall be reviewed for transition
to urban uses dependent upon and at such time as the ability to provide adequate
transportation connections.
• The City of La Pine shall coordinate any transition of Forest lands to urban uses
with the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, State Department of Forestry and La Pine Fire
District as applicable to ensure adherence with the forest practices act and the
adopted management plans of each agency.
Goal #2: Recognize the unique physical characteristics and cultural importance of Forest
lands within La Pine and plan for the enhancement of those elements within the
surrounding urban environment.
Policies
• Forest lands within the City, shall be reviewed for their potential to be utilized as
large lot employment or industrial uses, natural areas, parklands and buffers
between and among areas designated for traditional urban development.
• Encourage property owner protection and enhancement of environmentally
sensitive areas that have been and continue to be used for forest practices,
including the implementation of specific zoning regulations for such purposes.
• Recognize the importance of the forested areas as crucial migration corridors and
winter range for wildlife; forested areas shall be reviewed for the retention of such
corridors as urbanization occurs.
• The City shall work with the La Pine Park and Recreation Department to look for
opportunities to acquire forest lands that can be utilized for recreational purposes.
• The City shall work with the Bureau of Land Management and other federal
agencies to seek transfers of federally owned forest lands within and adjacent to
the City to be utilized as large lot employment or industrial uses, open space,
buffer lands and other amenities to serve the urban environment.
Goal #3: To reduce wildfire hazard on forested lands within the City and coordinate
wildfire hazard reduction with adjacent federal forested lands.
Policies
• Implement the Greater La Pine Community Wildfire Protection Plan within the
City of La Pine through local development codes and regulations – work with all
Page 34
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
appropriate local, state and federal agencies to coordinate efforts in wildfire
hazard reduction through local regulations.
• Create a Fire Protection Overlay Zone on the forested lands at the City edges to
implement fire protection standards.
V. Programs
The City shall complete the following:
1. Work with local, State and Federal Agencies in identifying long term land uses
for lands under their ownership within the City limits that are designated as Forest lands.
2. Continually participate with local, State and Federal Agencies on developing and
implementing management plans (i.e. use, fire protection, etc.) for forest lands inside
City limits, as well as the transition areas along the City boundary.
3. Coordinate with emergency services agencies and plan for the development and
recognition of fire zone interface areas and supportive land management techniques.
Page 35
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan - Chapter 5
Natural Resources and Environment
I. State Planning Goals 5, Natural Resources, Scenic and Historic
Areas, and Open Spaces; 6, Air, Water and Land Resources
Quality; and, 7, Natural Hazards.
Oregon State Planning Goals 5, 6 and 7 are interrelated in their intent to protect the
important natural resource and environmental elements intrinsic to Oregon’s heritage.
The three separate purpose statements of these Goals are:
Goal 5: To protect natural resources and conserve scenic and historic areas and open
spaces;
Goal 6: To maintain and improve the quality of the air, water and land resources of the
state; and,
Goal 7: To protect people and property from natural hazards.
These goals together protect the basic fabric of what the citizens of La Pine have deemed
the underlying foundation of the community. Clean air, water and the forest environment
within the urban area have been long standing attractions for residents of the community.
The preservation of the natural environment within the urban area to the greatest extent
practicable and its ties to the future growth of the community is of the utmost importance
in long range planning for La Pine.
II. Purpose and Intent
The future of La Pine will be shaped by how the community decides to accommodate
growth and balance that against preservation of various elements of the natural
environment. The State of Oregon Goal 5 Guidelines require the following resources to
be inventoried:
• Riparian Corridors, including water and riparian areas and fish habitat;
• Wetlands;
• Wildlife Habitat;
• Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers;
• State Scenic Waterways;
• Groundwater Resources;
• Approved Oregon Recreation Trails;
• Natural Areas;
• Wilderness Areas;
• Mineral and Aggregate Resources;
• Energy Sources; and,
• Cultural Areas.
Page 36
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Local governments and state agencies are encouraged but not required to maintain current
inventories of the following resources:
• Historic Resources;
• Open Space; and,
• Scenic Views and Sites.
The procedures, standards, and definitions contained in State Department of Land
Conservation and Development rules, provide that local governments shall determine
significant sites for inventoried resources as listed above, and develop programs to
achieve the goals for protection. Many of the resources listed above do not occur within
the urban area of La Pine, but do occur nearby in the outlying rural area. Also, since La
Pine was just recently incorporated (2006), many of the inventories and subsequent
policies and programs to protect the resources were prepared by Deschutes County when
La Pine was under their jurisdiction. Those inventories, policies and programs are
utilized herein as a basis for identifying appropriate policies and programs within the La
Pine urban area.
III. Issues
The City of La Pine and the surrounding area lie in an arid plateau of thick coniferous
forests, volcanic geological formations and forest resource lands. Area residents have
quick and convenient vehicle access to a variety of rural areas, forests, reservoirs,
recreational areas, rivers, creeks, and other open spaces. Some of these areas, such as the
Deschutes River, the Little Deschutes River, the Cascade Mountains, high lakes, and
State and Federal public lands are close by, but do not extend within the city limits.
Nonetheless, the forested areas within the City limits have been identified by residents as
a primary source of community identity and important to preserve as the city grows -
preservation and enhancement of the surrounding natural environmental system is a vital
aspect of the community. Providing trails and alternate mode access to these special
areas is necessary to avoid capacity issues, encourage healthy lifestyles, and to encourage
safe access by children and adults. Protection of these special areas offers more than just
aesthetic benefits; they can preserve the community’s natural beauty without sacrificing
economic development.
Natural Resources:
A historic and primary natural resource of the region has been timber. The forested lands
of Lodgepole Pine within and around La Pine have been a direct source of the regions
economy through timber production, as well as a draw for tourism. The U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management have responsibility for regulating use of
federally-owned forest lands pursuant to their own respective management plans. The
BLM currently owns large tracts of forested land on the City’s east side – the BLM has
recently been in discussions with the City of La Pine and Deschutes County regarding
transfer of some of these lands for future expansion of the La Pine Sewer District’s
sewage treatment facility. The US Forest Service maintains jurisdiction over much of the
forested lands surrounding the City (Deschutes National Forest). Continued coordination
Page 37
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
with these agencies regarding decisions and actions they take regarding forested lands
will continue to have, major effects on the economic, social and natural environment of
the City of La Pine. Specific goals and policies related to management of urban forested
lands are contained in Chapter 4.
Wildlife is another primary natural resource of the region. The citizens of La Pine have
identified wildlife protection, including trails for migration corridors, as a primary
component of the community. Within the urban area, the primary habitat is located
within the floodplain/riparian corridor along the Little Deschutes River to the west of the
City, and the large tracts of forested land to the east. Such areas provide year-round
habitat for big game, such as dear and elk, as well as for smaller animals and game, and
birds. Various routes have been identified through La Pine as deer and elk migration
corridors between summer grounds to the west and winter grounds to the east. Deschutes
County has created an inventory of wildlife native to the region, including La Pine, as
well as habitat and special protection areas. As state above, such areas have been
mapped and migration corridors run through the City.
There have not been any aggregate or other resources natural resources identified within
the urban area.
Scenic Resources:
Scenic resources common to all areas of La Pine are related to the natural environment –
views of the Three Sisters and surrounding mountains; the Little Deschutes River and
associated riparian areas; and the surrounding National Forest. There are no canyons,
rimrock or other significant geologic formations within the urban area that have been
identified for scenic protection
Historic Resources:
Add in Pat’s data and community comments
Air Quality:
Air quality within the area is generally very good. La Pine is not within an air quality
maintenance area as designated by the EPA – such areas exceed established Sate and
Federal air quality standards. Notwithstanding the above factor, air quality can become a
concern on rare occasions of atmospheric inversion during winter months where smoke
from domestic wood burning fireplaces and stoves can trap smoke at the surface in a
stagnant situation.
Water Quality:
Although La Pine has a domestic water system, many residences still utilize wells
constructed prior to the establishment of the water system. Some wells are very shallow
and draw water from an aquifer that is associated with evidence of contamination in the
recent past. Over the past 10 years, through their Regional Problem Solving effort,
Deschutes County has found that groundwater in and around the La Pine area is at risk
for groundwater contamination due to the amount of nitrates found in samples taken from
around the region – the cause it thought to be from the large number or on-site septic
Page 38
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
systems that discharge to the ground, in combination with the high water table.
Typically, wells from shallow sources have shown such evidence of contamination while
deeper wells have not. As a result of the concern Deschutes County has worked jointly
with the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality and the US Geological Survey to study, map and find solutions to this problem –
this effort is called the La Pine Demonstration Project. Overall, the primary solution to
such contamination and the provision of clean water within the urban area will be the
expansion of the La Pine Water and Sewer Systems (the water and Sewer Systems are
discussed in the Public Facilities and Services Chapter).
Land Resources:
The primary concern for land resources is the preservation of adequate land on the City’s
east side for an expansion of the La Pine Sewer Districts sewage treatment facility. A
goal of the City of La Pine is to have all residences within the City eventually connect to
the sewer system, including a requirement for all new construction to connect to connect
to the sewer system. Thus, based on the information provided in the La Pine Sewer
Districts Capital Facilities Plan, a major expansion will be necessary in order to provide
capacity for the anticipated growth. For cost effectiveness and efficiency, expansion on
vacant land adjacent to the existing treatment facility will be necessary. For this reason,
the City of La Pine and Deschutes County have been working with the BLM to acquire
and preserve land (via a land transfer) for such expansion.
Natural Hazards:
The two most prominent natural hazard threats in La Pine are wildfire and flooding – a
floodplain of the Little Deschutes River runs partially within the western boundary of the
City.
Each year, multiple forest fires occur in the southern portion of Deschutes County. Some
are nature-caused (lightning) but many are man-caused. The subdivisions scattered
throughout the timbered areas, particularly in the Lodgepole Pine area of southern
Deschutes County, increase not only the risk of people being hurt or killed but also
increase the likelihood of a fire. Many of these rural development areas lie on the
northeast side of La Pine and pose threats for expansion into the City if fire should occur.
Flooding along the Little Deschutes River has caused damage in the past where
development has been allowed to occur within the established 100-year floodplain.
However, past controls by Deschutes County over development within the floodplain
have limited such occurrences.
Summary:
Overall, La Pine’s tie to the natural environment and small town charm are inseparably
linked with the surrounding forests, mountains, river corridors, flora and fauna, and their
extension across city limit boundaries. This has been continually restated by residents of
the community. Thus, La Pine will need to adopt development regulations to protect
critical areas, including wildlife habitat, flood plains, urban forests and groundwater
quality. Policies and regulations should be balanced with local values and in
Page 39
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
conformance with state law. Efforts to protect the natural environment should focus on
maintaining a balance between the economy and ecology of the area while enhancing the
aesthetic and livability ideals of the community.
Local area livability can be enhanced and growth can occur in and around special areas if
development regulations take the following issues into consideration:
• Preservation of the natural environment in open space protection areas and
requiring preservation of natural features with new development when and where
appropriate
• Opportunities for trail connections between existing and planned development
areas and open space/natural areas, and other recreational activities
• Implementing development ordinance regulations related to natural hazards such
as flooding, wildfire, etc.
• Inventory and analysis of important wildlife habitat and migration areas
• Enhancement of the urban forest
• Work with County, State, Federal agencies and La Pine Water and Sewer
District’s to monitor water quality
• Protection of local values regarding the social and ecological benefits of
maintaining the natural environment
IV. Goals and Policies
Goal # 1: Protect and enhance identified Goal 5 resources and other features of the
natural environment using a variety of methods and strategies.
Policies
• The City shall coordinate with the BLM and Forest Service for the preservation of
the natural forest environment on lands under their respective jurisdictions that
are within and adjacent to the City, including transitions from urban to rural
environments.
• Programs are needed to address the protection of the natural environment in a
balanced and fair fashion given the urban development goals of the City.
• The City shall coordinate efforts with and among the La Pine Water and Sewer
District, and Deschutes County to ensure appropriate provisions for connections
to the La Pine sewer system for new and existing development in order to
maintain safe groundwater.
• Riparian, floodplain and wetland areas along the Little Deschutes River support
important wildlife and ecological habitat and should be retained and enhanced to
the greatest extend possible. Wildlife habitat associated with rivers, creeks and
wetlands will be protected by maintaining and enhancing riparian vegetation
Page 40
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
within significant riparian corridors.
• As part of creating zoning and development regulations, the City shall delineate
wildlife migration corridors standards to allow migrating deer and elk to safely
cross US Highway 97.
• The City shall coordinate with Deschutes County for the protection of Historic
Resources.
• The City shall adopt floodplain protection regulations to incorporate a “no net loss
of flood storage capacity” standard. Significant riparian corridors and wetlands
within the 100-year floodplain will have a high level of protection.
• The City shall coordinate wildfire protection plans with the La Pine Rural Fire
protection District and shall implement wildfire protection regulations for new
development.
• Because the local water table is high in the La Pine urban area the City shall
coordinate efforts, as needed, with the La Pine Water District to protect
inventoried groundwater resources. The District is currently working on a well-
head protection program with the Oregon Association of Water Utilities
(OAWU).
• The open spaces and natural areas within the community need to be inventoried
and networks of open space within the community shall be maintained and
enhanced, including wildlife habitat corridors, storm water management areas,
trails and other sensitive areas. La Pine will maintain updated inventories of Goal
5 natural resource and Goal 7 hazard areas.
• Because the local urban forest helps to create shade, improve respite areas,
enhance drainage ways, and beautiful the community, the City shall develop
regulations that promote the retention of trees and natural landscapes with all new
development.
• Citizens should have convenient access to natural areas when practical and as
long as sensitive areas are not diminished by such access.
• Children and other citizens will benefit from learning about and understanding the
special characteristics of urban wildlife and natural habitats.
• The City desires continual review and expansion of the Historic Resources
program, including additional historic resource designation and protection for
qualifying sites within the City.
Page 41
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
V. Programs
The City shall:
1. Create an inventory of Goal 5 resources and natural areas that require special
protection and new regulations and zoning regulations are developed.
2. Coordinate with the La Pine Park and Recreation District to develop an
inventory of open spaces that can complement the system of parks and other
recreational spaces.
3. Develop a system of linking open spaces, cultural/historic areas, natural areas,
recreational areas, and public parks in coordination with the La Pine Park and
Recreation District and other affected agencies.
4. Create an educational program that better informs the community about the
importance of natural systems, cultural/historic areas, and open spaces.
5. Support and collaborate with the La Pine Park and Recreation District to keep
the community Parks and Recreation Plan comprehensive and updated,
regarding current and future requirements for open space and related Goal 5
resources within the City limits.
6. Work with surrounding jurisdictions, including Deschutes County, the BLM and
Forest Service, to develop and implement a regional system of Goal 5 and open
space corridors.
7. Develop new regulations (as part of the Zoning/Development Code) regarding
riparian setbacks, flood plain protection, enhancement and development
mitigation.
8. Encourage corridor development for riparian protection, pedestrian use, and
wildlife routes.
9. Re-evaluate street design guidelines to include provisions for street trees, paths
as alternatives to sidewalks, and plantings that provide shade and a variety of
drainage controls.
10. Encourage revenue-producing activities in sensitive areas, resource land, and
park and recreation development opportunities if they help protect natural
features.
11. Leverage funding for habitat improvements by applying for grants to develop
and protect natural areas, build trails, and sustain wildlife as appropriate.
Page 42
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
12. Develop focused donation programs to help manage identified sensitive areas,
naming of open spaces, riparian corridors, respite areas, waysides, trail
segments, and other programs that can count toward grant match programs.
13. Encourage provision of open space with new development by providing
developer incentives in addition to minimum standards in regulations.
14. Create design guidelines to include provisions for critical areas and natural
resource lands that minimize fragmentation of species and habitat due to
development.
Page 43
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan - Chapter 6
Parks, Recreation and Open Space
I. State Planning Goal 8, Recreational Needs
Oregon State Planning Goal 8 intends to satisfy the recreational needs of the citizens of
the state and visitors and, where appropriate, to provide for the siting of necessary
recreational facilities including destination resorts. The requirement for meeting these
needs fall to local governmental agencies, in coordination with private enterprise, and
must be done so in appropriate proportions and in such quantity, quality and locations as
is consistent with the availability of the resources to meet such requirements. In doing
so, the local and regional recreational needs must be coordinated with state and federal
recreation plans. Included in recreational planning needs are developed recreational
facilities as well as open space, including the retention of natural areas and linkages
between developed and natural areas where appropriate.
II. Purpose and Intent
As stated above, the State of Oregon requires that local governments manage and operate
adequate facilities for recreation and open space. Open space responsibilities also
overlap with Goal 5 issues (as discussed in Chapter 5 of this Comprehensive Plan) but
the emphasis for utilization and preservation remains the same. Thus, this chapter
discusses how the City of La Pine intends to recognize and strengthen the City’s parks
and recreation opportunities through land use strategies and inter-agency cooperation
with the La Pine Park and Recreation District, as well as Deschutes County, and state and
federal agencies who own open space lands within and surrounding La Pine. An
important element to the quality of life to citizens in the community is based upon the
location and function of the area parks, natural areas, and open space. The opportunity
for multiple forms of and interconnectivity between passive and active recreation creates
solid community connections and promotes healthier lifestyles for residents.
III. Issues
The City of La Pine, within the City limits has not seen rapid growth in the recent past.
However, the surrounding area, primarily to the north and west, has seen rapid growth as
existing rural residential lots have been developed en masse over the last 15 years.
Citizens and visitors alike are attracted to La Pine’s forested character and rural setting.
The community is also very close to many other recreational activities and open spaces in
the nearby forests, lakes and rivers. Fishing, hunting, camping, boating, ATV riding and
wildlife observation in the surrounding rural areas are the primary activities that are
enjoyed by many of the residents (much of the reason why they moved to the area)
visitors alike. Much of these activities occur on the surrounding undeveloped county,
state, and federal lands.
Page 44
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
The specific goals and objectives for meeting the City’s open space and recreational
requirements are based on identified needs, desires, and other issues as specified by the
citizens and conveyed through the La Pine Park and Recreation District (LPRD). The
chapter also strives to identify the services, programs, and future preservation and
enhancement of recreational and community facilities, including parks, ball fields, trails,
community centers and historic places as development occurs within the city, all
coordinated with the LPRD. However, the LPRD jurisdiction and responsibility goes
beyond the La Pine city limits. This chapter will focus on those amenities within the city,
but will also address the transition between urban and rural areas, as well as surrounding
County, State and Federal programs.
The La Pine community is fortunate to have existing natural and manmade features that
provide open space and recreational opportunities within and adjacent to the urban area.
Some of these are under the control of the City, County, State and Federal Government
and others are under the control of the LPRD. The policies and programs contained in
this chapter are a “guide” for the City and local agencies, and provide a basis for helping
to resolve issues and set a strategic course for physical improvements.
LPRD PLANNING:
The LPRD, which was established as a special service district in 1990, has a
Comprehensive Plan for the area within their district boundary (which extends beyond
the La Pine City limits) which identifies the primary services, facilities, programs and
direction provided by the District. The Plan was adopted in 2005 and is intended to focus
on the operation, planning and management for a five-year period (Five Year Action
Plan), as well as a master plan to guide the acquisition and development of park and
recreation facilities for the next 20-years (Park and Facility Master Plan).
Notwithstanding, since the inception of the District, the District has struggled financially
with six failed tax measures for a fixed tax base. Thus, the Districts ability to provide
facilities and services has been severely limited in past years. However, in May, 2009,
the voters approved a tax rate of $0.30 for every $1000 of assessed value for properties
within the District. This reliable source of funding will allow the LPRD to move forward
the goals identified in their Comprehensive Plan.
Per the 2005 Comprehensive Plan, the primary mission of the LPRD is to: find reliable
funding sources; maintain existing parks and facilities; plan for future parks and facilities;
improve existing recreation programs; and, plan for future recreation programs. At this
time, the LPRD manages a number of facilities designed to provide varied recreational
opportunities for the community. Although they are all within the District boundary,
those located within the City of La Pine include:
LPRD FACILITIES:
White School Park Complex: This site is home to the District office. It includes a
variety of uses such as the White School Park Building (Gymnasium), John C. Johnson
Center, etc. Greater detail can be found in the LPRD Comprehensive Plan.
Finley Butte Road Park Complex: This 10 acre park site is developed with a recreation
meeting hall, three baseball fields, t-ball field, undeveloped athletic fields/open areas,
Page 45
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
bathrooms and associated recreational; facilities. This facility is the focal area for active
sports within the community and future formal skate park.
Vacant Land: The District also owns a vacant, unimproved 5-acre parcel near the La
Pine High School. There are currently no formal plans for the use of this site although
the district plans include a future swimming pool.
Planned: Although not yet developed, the master plan for the Newberry Neighborhood
in central La Pine, west of Huntington Road, includes areas for the development of
formal parks to serve residents within near/walking distance of the planned residences. A
timeline for establishment of these parks is not yet known and will be dependent upon
development of the surrounding residential subdivision.
Rosland Park contains day use areas, 11 campsites, historical Forest Service Ranger
Station, river frontages and play grounds. The Park will need to be zoned specifically for
park uses and related facilities. There has been a desire to develop a nature center and
other uses here and this should be permitted outright.
LPRD PROGRAMS:
With limited funding and resources since its inception, the type and number of programs
provided by LPRD has been limited. The primary focus of programs that are offered has
been oriented toward children’s activities and community/holiday events and tourism.
These include joint efforts with the South Central Little League and youth sports such as
baseball, softball, soccer and flag/tackle football, and community events such as Frontier
Days (4th of July), Holiday Bazaar and Crab Feed. The LPRD comprehensive plan
contains greater detail on each activity, etc.
PRIVATE RECREATION PROGRAMS:
There are various sources of private recreation programs in La Pine that provided by
churches, youth organizations and special purpose organizations. These include: La Pine
Little League; the La Pine Rodeo Association; 4-H; Boy/Girl Scouts; an, the La Pine
Senior Center.
Other open space and recreation areas include local schools, public areas such as riparian
areas/floodplain areas in public ownership, public facilities and surrounding BLM/Forest
Service properties, etc. Additionally, there several private campgrounds in the areas
surrounding La Pine. The LPPRD, City, County, and State are collaborating on a new
rodeo and Frontier Days activity area. This may be located on BLM land that is slated
for potential transfer to the City of La Pine.
STATE AMENITIES:
Although not included within the City limits, the La Pine State Park is a large
campground and recreation area approximately 5 miles north of La Pine, adjacent to the
Deschutes River. The Park provides camping (both tent and RV) opportunities as well as
access to the River for boating and fishing opportunities. Although not within the City of
La Pine (access/entrance road is approximately 5 miles north of La Pine on US Highway
Page 46
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
97), the monument is a large attraction for visitors to the region. Thus, it has a great
affect of the local tourism economy of La Pine.
FEDERAL AMENITIES:
The BLM manages a large number of acres within and around the UGB. Additionally,
much of the land surrounding La Pine is within the Deschutes National Forest. These
public lands have historically been a primary attraction for residents living in and moving
to the community. The opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, nature
watching and ATV and snowmobile use are convenient for all residents. At public
meetings held for the Comprehensive Planning process, some residents explained that
hunting is currently taking place on the BLM lands on the City’s east side; they expressed
an interest in maintaining these opportunities within the City limits. While some of the
aforementioned activities may be appropriate, hunting and discharge of firearms within
City limits is typically not compatible with urban development and is prohibited by State
law.
The BLM lands, located within the city limits, may be transferred to the City for public
uses. This action would improve the City’s desire for cohesive planning and control of
urban land uses. The size of the BLM lands is quite large and abuts the City’s waste
water treatment plant on the east side of the community. The BLM lands would provide
needed area for long term treatment capacity. Opportunities for other transitional uses
are likely to occur until the land is actually needed for treatment purposes. Current
recreational uses (not hunting), industrial infill, and opportunities for alternate energy
production (solar fields, bio-mass storage, etc. )are appropriate uses on these large
acreages. The large number of acres of the BLM parcels helps to provide good buffers
between rural and urban uses including wildfire/wildlife control areas too.
Newberry Crater National Monument – Paulina and East Lakes: The Newberry National
Monument is a federally designated recreation area that preserves a key local component
of Oregon’s volcanic history. The monument contains two large lakes, campgrounds, a
lodge and amenity rentals. Although not within the City of La Pine (access/entrance road
is approximately 5 miles north of La Pine on US Highway 97), the monument is a large
attraction for visitors to the region. Thus, it has a great affect of the local tourism
economy of La Pine.
Further away, but also having a direct affect on the quality of life in La Pine are the
Cascade Mountains and the high lakes approximately 25 miles to the west. The
mountains and lakes within the Deschutes National Forest provide a variety of
recreational opportunities such as skiing, hunting, fishing hiking, snowmobiling and
wildlife watching. Since La Pine is one of the closest centers where urban services are
provided, residents, recreationists and tourists regularly utilize La Pine as a point of
gathering for such activities.
FUTURE:
The biggest challenge for the City will be to coordinate and sustain a beneficial strategy
for parks, open space, and recreation for the urban area. While the primary responsibility
Page 47
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
to develop parks will be with LPRD, the City must work hand in hand with the District to
implement an overall plan for determining actual need and key linkages between the
various open space and recreational uses. The existing and future demand by citizens and
visitors for recreations areas, facilities and opportunities must be continually refined
within the District’s Comprehensive Plan and implementation strategy that is based upon
continuing analysis of public need and desires.
IV. Goals and Policies
Goal # 1: Create a system of parks, recreational facilities, and open space areas that
provide quality active and passive recreational experiences for all urban area residents.
Policies
• The City shall coordinate the development of new parks and recreation
opportunities, and programs with the La Pine Park and Recreation District.
• The City shall explore the creation of Park System Development Charges (SDC’s)
as a means of providing a funding base for new park and recreation facilities to
serve anticipated growth.
• The City shall encourage the continual involvement of private recreation
providers to citizens.
• The City shall acknowledge the importance of the ties between the recreational
opportunities provided by the natural environment and the developed portion of
the community.
• The City shall encourage recreational opportunities within the community to
acknowledge and encourage use by visitors and tourists to the community.
• The City shall continue its coordination with County, Sate and Federal agencies to
seek land and recreation opportunities (both active and passive) within the City
limits.
• Given the various agencies involved in providing open space, parks, trails, and
recreational opportunities – a high level of coordination and planning will be
required in order to maximize efficiency and reduce duplication.
• The addition of new parks and recreational opportunities shall be sought in the
most cost effective way possible, including land grants from County, State and
Federal agencies.
Page 48
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• Continual updating of the LPRD Comprehensive Plan will allow the City and the
District to determine if the recreation needs of the community re being met.
• Local parks and recreational opportunities tend to be distributed throughout the
community without connecting links other than streets; La Pine’s citizens desire
to connect existing and future parks and recreation facilities by sidewalks, trails,
and other mechanisms. Such connections provide greater opportunities for
citizens, particularly children, to safely access parks without vehicle use.
• Open space and/or recreational areas should be available to residents within ¼
mile of their homes unless an exception is granted by the City as new
development occurs.
• New parks, linkages, and recreational facilities should be incorporated into new
developments as a way to distribute resources throughout the community and
reduce vehicle miles traveled.
• Older neighborhoods and redevelopment areas should consider incorporating
parks, trails, and other recreational facilities as a way to enhance the community.
• New parks to serve new residents should be developed without community
subsidy, while new trails and regional community recreational facilities may
require additional funding through those sources available to the City and LPRD.
• The Bend-La Pine School District should participate in the discussion about new
parks and be willing to link school resources to the community/LPRD park
system as a way to leverage open space opportunities.
• When adopted, local development codes should require an analysis of new
resident impacts as it relates to the need for parks and recreation facilities beyond
the collection of LPRD SDC’s (if and when SDC’s are adopted). Such codes
should require open space, parks, and recreational opportunities where justifiable
and appropriate.
• New trails are important elements that link open spaces and parks.
• Riparian habitats and other natural areas may be used for recreational and open
space opportunities.
• Land use processes for the development of parks and related facilities shall be
expedited and any costs for application processing not greater that actual cost of
service or free whenever possible.
Page 49
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
V. Programs
The City shall:
1. Develop a mechanism to coordinate the efforts of local (public and private) and
other agency groups as it relates to the development of open spaces, parks, and
recreation opportunities within the UGB and develop intra-agency agreements as
necessary to further foster and control the acquisition and development of such
elements.
2. The City shall work with the Parks and Recreation District, as appropriate to
stabilize and increase its tax base to include all potential users of LPRD facilities.
3. Defer the parks and recreation Comprehensive Planning efforts to the LPRD as
appropriate.
4. Inventory all current open space, trail, active and passive recreational
opportunities.
5. Develop land use regulations to better manage the acquisition, development, and
maintenance of open spaces, parks, and recreation opportunities within the UGB,
as coordinated with the LPRD.
6. Encourage the LPRD to upgrade existing parks, as necessary, through renovation
to provide quality services as designated for that particular park space.
7. Encourage new residential development to provide additional resources to satisfy
additional recreational demand generated by growth.
8 Require that compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
accessibility requirements be part of new and upgraded facilities where
appropriate. Law requires that ADA accessibility deficiencies be rectified
whenever a LPRD facility is substantially upgraded. If suitable funding becomes
available sooner, any existing ADA deficiencies must be rectified.
References:
1. La Pine Park and Recreation District Comprehensive Plan, Summer 2005 – (GEL
Oregon and J.T. Atkins & Company PC)
Page 50
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 7
Public Facilities and Services
I. State Planning Goal 11, Public Facilities and Services
Oregon State Planning Goal 11 requires local governments “to plan and develop a timely,
orderly and efficient arrangement of public facilities and services to serve as a framework
for urban and rural development.” As defined in the Goal, “A Timely, Orderly, and
Efficient Arrangement – refers to a system or plan that coordinates the type, locations and
delivery of public facilities and services in a manner that best supports the existing and
proposed land uses.” As part of the Comprehensive Planning process for La Pine, the
existing public facilities and services will be assessed in order to evaluate the necessary
improvements required to support the anticipated population growth over the 20-year
planning period.
II. Purpose and Intent
As Oregon’s newest City, La Pine does not provide a full array of public services and
facilities under its own jurisdiction. Although such services and facilities are available to
residents, they are typically provided by Deschutes County (through inter-governmental
agreement/contract), private businesses, or Special Districts, which are government
entities formed under and authorized by state statute. This chapter catalogs the existing
facilities and utilities that serve the businesses and residents of La Pine. The intent of the
chapter is to identify the current service and facilities, the provider of such services and
facilities, and any future improvements, projects, costs, and sources for funding in order
to plan and develop a timely, orderly and efficient arrangement of public facilities and
services to serve as a framework for urban development. The public services currently
available within the city limits and UGB include:
• Community governmental services
• Emergency response services (Deschutes County
Sheriff/La Pine Fire District)
• Land use planning and zoning control (Deschutes County
Community Development Department))
• Health services (Deschutes County Health Department)
• Recreation facilities and services (La Pine Park and
Recreation District)
• Public streets and maintenance (City of La Pine, ODOT
and Deschutes County)
• Public water source, distribution, and maintenance (La Pine
Water District)
• Public sewer treatment, delivery, and maintenance (La Pine
Sewer District)
Page 51
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• Public Schools – Bend-La Pine School District
• Library - Deschutes County
• Solid waste collection and disposal – Deschutes County
• Electric power (Mid-State Electric Co-op)
• Natural gas (Cascade natural Gas)
• Telephone and internet services
• Television, radio, cable and fiber-optic services
Community Governmental Services
La Pine operates through a City Manager-Council form of government. The City Council
hires the City Manager, creates policy and programs, and adopts a city budget supporting
various municipal functions. The City Manager is responsible for hiring staff, responds
to Council requirements, and manages the day-to-day functions of the local government
and services, and plans for the future needs of the community. However, the City does
contract with Deschutes County, and outside consultants and service providers for some
basic and required community functions – such as planning/zoning, law enforcement,
administration and legal counsel. This is due to the newness of the City and the limited
staffing/resources currently available.
Emergency Response Services
The City of La Pine contracts for law enforcement with the Deschutes County Sheriffs
Department. Fire protection is funded by a separate Fire District budget – the La Pine
Fire District. Services are provided to citizens throughout the urban area. The
departments are consulted on new land use applications (via Deschutes County
Community Development Department), which are examined in the context of services
needed to support new development.
Land Use Planning, Building and Zoning Control
The City of La Pine does not have its own Community Development Department that
serves the incorporated area and UGB. Rather, the City coordinates planning and
building activities in the City through an intergovernmental agreement with Deschutes
County. Thus, the County Zoning Map will serve as the City map until such time as a
Zoning Code and corresponding map are adopted by the City.
Health Services
The City of La Pine is served by a satellite office of the Deschutes County health
Department, primarily mental health and children’s and community services, as well as a
private clinic. The City and surrounding area do not have a hospital or emergency
medical services – the nearest such services are in Bend, approximately 30-miles to the
north. Medical uses are permitted in the local commercial zones.
Recreation Facilities and Services
The City of La Pine is served by the La Pine Park and Recreation District. The District
provides services to the City of La Pine and surrounding rural residential area. The
District has an adopted Comprehensive Plan that anticipates community needs and
Page 52
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
anticipated growth of the area. The District is funded by a newly voter approved tax
base, as well as grants and other sources of private funding.
Public Street Systems
The City of La Pine, Deschutes County and the State of Oregon Department of
Transportation (ODOT) provide and maintain various streets throughout the City and
outlying area (as such streets interconnect). However, the City of La Pine currently has
limited funds for street improvements and/or maintenance. Deschutes County maintains
some streets via intergovernmental agreement with the City and ODOT maintains U.S.
Highway 97 that bisects the City. La Pine does not have a Transportation System Plans
(TSP). The Deschutes County TSP, which includes the area within City limits, currently
serves as the City Transportation Plan and will continue to do so until the City adopts a
separate TSP.
Public Water Systems
The City of La Pine does not provide a municipal owned and run water system. Rather,
the La Pine Water District provides water source, disinfection, distribution and
maintenance of a water delivery system to approximately 650 customers. The service
area includes most, but not all of the area within the City limits. The District does have
plans for expansion of the system to serve all of the urban area, dependent upon adequate
funding sources. Their plan identifies existing community needs, how to accommodate
anticipated growth, reduction in private well heads, aquifer protection, land acquisition
for new municipal well heads, reservoir siting and land needed for treatment and storage.
Additional resource information from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
can be found in the appendix. This information shows the City source in relationship to
distance from other sources and the relationship of water compared to time travel from
the source and/or other influences.
Public Sewer Systems
The City of La Pine does not provide a municipal owned and run sewer system. Rather,
the La Pine Sewer District provides collection and treatment to more than 650 customers.
The service area includes most, but not all of the area within the City limits. The District
does have plans for expansion of the system to serve all of the urban area, dependent
upon adequate funding sources. Their plan identifies existing community needs,
necessary capital improvements, funding and implementation, accommodation of new
growth, reduction in septic fields, new connections and future land needs for the
community treatment plant. Many developed residential lots outside of the City limits
and UGB surround the City. It is anticipated that these lots, (more than 3,000) will
need to be connected to municipal sewer services. Because La Pine has the closest
treatment plant and anticipates obtaining additional lands from the BLM, it is likely that
collections lines will need to be extended to the outlying areas. This action, when
determined to be needed, may require special approval from the State of Oregon.
Note: The City is currently investigating the ways and means of incorporating the water
and sewer district into the local government operations.
Page 53
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Public Schools – Bend-La Pine School District
The Bend-La Pine School District currently operates La Pine High School, La Pine
Middle School and La Pine Elementary. There are plans for a new elementary school to
be built on the south side of Burgess Road in the Newberry Neighborhood as the
develops over time (this was anticipated to be built for half enrollment (300 students) in
2010, with completion for a total enrollment of 600 students by 2015. Overall, the
enrollment of the La Pine schools has grown, mostly as a result of residential
development and growth in the outlying rural area between La Pine and Sunriver to the
north. La Pine Elementary serves kindergarten through 4th grade with an enrollment of
approximately 475 students. La Pine Middle School serves 5th through 8th grades with an
enrollment of approximately 520 students. La Pine High School serves 9th through 12th
grades with an enrollment of approximately 540 students.
Library
The La Pine Public Library is a relatively new structure, which opened in November,
2000. This is a full service library with on-site book collections ranging from children’s
through adult sources. The library also has internet connection with on-site PC’s
available to the public. The library is part of the Deschutes Public Library System
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal
La Pine’s citizens have access to waste disposal service via Wilderness Garbage
Company or self service at the Deschutes County Transfer Station, north of the city
limits.
Storm Water Collection and Distribution
The City of La Pine does not have any municipally maintained storm water facilities.
Storm runoff, including significant snowmelt, is accommodated in roadside drainage
ditches and allowed to percolate into the soil. However, new development on private
property is required to meet all DEQ standards for storm water retention, treatment, and
dispersal. The development of new, paved streets in new subdivisions are required to
install storm water retention facilities in the form of drywells that also meet DEQ
standards.
Electric Power
Electric power in La Pine is provided by Mid-State Electric Co-op. The City provides
access to right of way and franchise availability to these service providers. Mid-State
utilizes a master plan for determining new substation areas and other elements necessary
to accommodate anticipated growth.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is provided to urban area residents by Cascade Natural Gas. The City
provides access to right of way and franchise availability for new extensions. Cascade
Natural Gas utilizes a master plan for determining new substation areas and other
elements necessary to accommodate anticipated growth. Propane is supplied by multiple
private entities that serve Central Oregon.
Page 54
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Telecommunications, Phone and Internet Services
Qwest and a variety of private wireless phone and internet providers primarily serve the
community. Deregulation of the telephone service, satellite access and other advances in
telecommunications allow La Pine residents a wide range of phone and Internet
connection choices. Wireless access will also be expanding to serve local citizens.
Television, Radio, Cable and Fiber Optic Services
Cable TV service provides access to premium and nationwide broadcasts. Radio stations
include a variety of local AM/FM stations that provide news and entertainment. Fiber
optic access is expanding throughout the community and of particular importance for
public, commercial and industrial users.
III. Issues
State law and Goal 11, Public Facilities and Services, requires that cities plan and
develop a timely, orderly and efficient arrangement of public facilities and services to
serve as a framework for urban and rural development.
Excerpt from Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals & Guidelines GOAL 11:
“Urban and rural development shall be guided and supported by types and levels of urban and rural public
facilities and services appropriate for, but limited to, the needs and requirements of the urban, urbanizable,
and rural areas to be served. A provision for key facilities shall be included in each plan. Cities or counties
shall develop and adopt a public facility plan for areas within an urban growth boundary containing a
population greater than 2,500 persons. To meet current and long-range needs, a provision for solid waste
disposal sites, including sites for inert waste, shall be included in each plan.”
The City of La Pine does not currently have a population exceeding 2,500 persons
(current population is approximately 1,662). However, during the 20-year
comprehensive planning period La Pine’s population growth is expected to result in an
urban area population that exceeds the 2,500 threshold requiring a public facility plan.
Thus, even though a formal public facility plan is not required, extensive planning for the
provision of such services has been considered as part of the Comprehensive Planning
effort.
As described herein, key public facilities are typically described as transportation
systems; water supply; emergency services; sanitary facilities; storm drainage facilities;
planning, zoning and subdivision control; health services; recreation facilities and
services; solid waste collection and processing; energy and communication services;
schools; and, community governmental services. While the City and other local
providers offer a wide range of services, the key elements are essential to accommodating
growth and maintaining public health and safety. Likewise, the City is preparing and
maintaining planning tools that make sure adequate levels of key services are available
and not stressed beyond their carrying capacities.
Page 55
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
As described above, the City of La Pine does not manage many of the key facilities that
will affect the overall growth and development of the community – a primary goal of the
City though is to acquire the responsibility for such services and facilities over time.
Services such as planning/zoning, law enforcement, fire protection. health, certain
elements of recreation, solid waste collection and processing, building permitting,
schools, energy, and communication services are provided by other entities. Other City
services are funded through a combination of resources and General Fund programs. The
City budget process occurs every fiscal year and describes how services will be funded.
The basics… transportation, water and sewer
Basic infrastructure - transportation, water and sewer systems - are carefully planned,
monitored, studied, and provided to citizens by the City or the Special Districts. The City
Planning Commission and City Council will eventually review and approve public
facility plans (The La Pine Water and Sewer Districts retain control over their programs
at this time) that are developed to support and accommodate growth. These documents,
in addition to local regulations, implement the goals of the Plan.
The appendix of the Plan contains the public facility plans and current implementing
regulations. The facility plans describe the water, sewer and transportation facilities,
which support the land uses designated in the UGB. Likewise, capital facilities funding
is included in the plans to ensure that implementation keeps pace with growth, and that
such growth can be accommodated as required by law. The development patterns
envisioned by the Plan and the commensurate level of maintenance necessary for each
system is also part of each facility plan. The overall goal is to maintain and improve the
quality of life for existing and future development by establishing and maintaining
standards for the level-of-service of facilities.
Transportation
The City of La Pine currently does not have a Transportation Systems Plan (TSP). As a
new City, a TSP that identifies long term needs and recommends a priority system for
implementation of new streets and possible funding sources will be created soon after the
adoption of this Comprehensive Plan. The TSP elements will be master planned to match
the land needs of the community over the planning horizon; typically 20 years to match
the Comprehensive Plan. The State requires cities to provide adequate lands for growth
matched with adequate supporting transportation facilities over the planning horizon.
Currently the City of La Pine has streets classified by type and function under the
Deschutes County TSP. The existing street system, to a great degree, is based on previous
subdivision design and has local streets that are oriented in a grid fashion. However,
some arterials and collectors, such as Huntington Road, are influenced by topography and
geographic influences – such as wetlands and the Little Deschutes River to the west.
U.S. Highway 97, which bisects the community, is under the jurisdiction of the Oregon
Department of Transportation (ODOT). Efforts to signalize the highway/arterial
intersections to provide access to the City’s industrial and commercial areas are currently
Page 56
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
in the discussion stages. The City and the La Pine Industrial Group are working with
ODOT to fund and sponsor a highway corridor study that will lay the groundwork for the
necessary intersection improvements over the planning period. Once this work is
complete, it will be a major component of the future La Pine Transportation System Plan.
Future funding for new streets, street upgrades and street maintenance comes from a
variety of sources. A primary source for new street needs that is being explored by the
City is the collection of system development charges (SDC’s). The establishment of
SDC’s is an adopted goal of the City council for 2009-2010. Other street needs,
maintenance, and operation are funded from the General Fund and/or a combination of
alternate funding (grants, etc.) if and when available. In very limited instances, new
development has instigated street improvements necessary to mitigate the impact of that
development. However, new streets have been limited to those within recently developed
residential subdivisions. Because demands upon the General Fund are expected to
increase as a variety of City needs all compete for scarce dollars, it is expected that new
streets and street maintenance will rely on new development for funding and actual
construction.
Water
The La Pine Water District has a water system capital facilities and water management
and conservation plan adopted in 2009. The plan identifies the current status of water
service in La Pine and also addresses needs for the next 20-years. Currently the District
maintains two wells, a 1.2 million gallon reservoir, a 250k gallon reservoir and pump
stations. The series of service lines provide service to 446 residential connections, 168
commercial connections and 17 industrial connections within the service area boundary.
However, this does not include connections to all potential users within the boundary.
The District utilizes groundwater to serve residents and maintains a system of water
rights and permits necessary for additional sources. Future growth needs are identified to
the 2033 horizon. It is anticipated that additional water rights, wells and water storage
facilities will be necessary to provide service to all existing unserved properties, as well
as to meet projected growth for planned development areas within the City. The HGE
Inc. study includes three levels of prioritized capital improvements necessary to provide
adequate water service to the community for the next 20-years and slightly beyond.
Currently user rates are charged to those who affect the water system and these fees are
used to maintain and upgrade the water system. System Development Charges (SDC’s)
are collected and help offset the cost of master planned improvements. Lastly, loans
could be made available from a variety of sources and can be paid back from the fees and
SDC payments. However, such sources of funding can be limited and should not be
relied upon for all necessary improvements.
Sewer
The sewer collection system in La Pine was initiated in the 1980’s with a significant
expansion in 2004 to serve the areas of Wickiup Junction and the Newberry
neighborhood (now both within the boundaries of La Pine) The system is comprised of a
Page 57
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
combination of gravity and pressure lines that deliver sewage to the treatment plant on
the City’s east side. Storm drainage is not collected in the sewer system.
In a wastewater system capital facilities plan adopted in 2006, the primary needs for
expansion and adequate operation of the system were identified. The primary need was
for an area to develop additional treatment facilities, including an area for effluent
disposal, adjacent to the existing wastewater treatment plant. Such plans were based on
projected growth of the community for the next 20-years.
Currently, user rates are charged to those who use the sewer system and these fees are
used to maintain and upgrade the system as necessary. The collection of water SDC
charges help offset the cost of master planned capital improvements. Lastly, loans and
grants could be possible to obtain from a variety of sources and can be paid back from the
fees and SDC payments. However, such sources of funding can be limited and should
not be relied upon for all necessary improvements.
Growth and Facility Demand
The anticipated growth is La Pine is approximately 1,000 persons over the next 20-years.
Existing water and sewer within the community will require expansion of facilities as
stated in the above referenced studies provided by the Special Districts. Based on those
studies though, it appears that the necessary improvements will not be outpaced by
growth demands in the community. However, new funding sources for the water and
sewer districts may be necessary. Additionally, it is essential that growth pay its own
way in order to avoid unnecessary impacts upon existing residents and quality of life.
Existing residents and those lands reserved and designated for public, commercial and
industrial development should be given priority for service over new residential uses.
This means that new development may need to supply an array of services ahead of the
City/County/State/Special District schedule and at their own cost, subject to City
approval and authorization before development.
IV. Goals and Policies
Goal # 1: Coordinate intra-agency efforts, including coordination with private service
and Special District providers, and create a system of public facilities for the planning
horizon.
Policies
• Continued coordination with Deschutes County for the provision of certain public
services, such as law enforcement, waste management and zoning/building
services, shall continue until such time as services can be converted to City
jurisdiction.
• The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District shall continue to provide fire protection
service within the City of La Pine.
Page 58
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• The City of La Pine shall actively coordinate with the Bend La Pine School
District and Central Oregon Community College on the need and options for
providing locations for new school facilities. Such coordination shall be a high
priority. This includes potential for reservation of public/private lands for future
school sites, and active coordination regarding the impact of new development
upon school capacity. The land use process for the development approval of
public schools shall be a priority and expedited to the greatest extent possible.
• Local public and private plans for providing urban levels of services to all land with the
UGB must be comprehensive.
• Although many of the public facilities and services are not currently provided by
the City, the City shall taken an active role in coordinating and ensuring that such
services are adequate for existing residents and businesses without adverse effects
from anticipated future growth.
• The City shall explore the creation of water, sewer, and street Systems
Development Charges to help fund necessary master planned capital
improvements. This will require in-depth review and coordination with the
Special Districts as it relate to water and sewer SDC’s.
• Schools shall not be charged City System Development Charges for any new or
expanded school or college construction.
• The City shall explore the conversion of privately owned services and facilities to
public ownership as necessary and economically viable to ensure long term
service and availability to the community.
• Providing needed services in an economically viable and effective manner is good
business and a good growth management tool.
• Plans providing for public facilities and services should be coordinated with plans
for designation of urban boundaries, land use and zoning designations,
surrounding urbanizable land and rural uses, and for the transition of rural land to
urban uses.
• Service providers other than the City of La Pine may be allowed to use the
surface, subsurface and air above City right of ways to provide necessary public
services provided that all applicable rules and regulations are adhered to. In no
event, shall these entities create a situation whereby the City must subsidize
activity or repair damage caused by other service providers.
• Public facility and service plans in the urban area should be developed to meet the
projected growth levels for the community.
Page 59
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• Public facilities and services should be provided at levels necessary and suitable
for existing uses. The provision for future public facilities and services should be
based upon: (1) the time required to provide the service; (2) reliability of service;
(3) financial cost; (4) levels of service needed and desired; and (5) economic
benefit to the community.
• All utility lines and facilities should be located on or adjacent to existing public or
private rights-of-way. Other locations may be approved if they are part of a
planned development or master plan.
• Plans providing for public facilities and services should consider as a major
determinant the carrying capacity of the air, land and water resources of the
planning area. The land conservation and development action provided for by
such plans should not exceed the carrying capacity of such resources.
• Because the area surrounding the City of La Pine is densely populated and
without sewer services, the expansion and use of the La Pine Sewer District sewer
collection and treatment facilities for such areas shall be pursued when State law
so permits.
Goal # 2: Create a system of conservation practices for public resources, services, and
related facilities.
Policies
• Conservation practices and other techniques for sustaining limited resources and
facilities are good for the community.
• Natural resources, such as clean air and water, energy sources, timber sources,
aggregate sources are limited in quality and supply.
• Alternative energy sources should be explored as a complement to existing
resources and industries and as a way for the City to reach an energy consumption
neutral status. Alternate energy sources may be developed on lots that are
already developed or on vacant lands that are being planned for other future
purposes such as the BLM land that is expected to be transferred to the City. This
land is anticipated to be used for wastewater treatment as the community grows.
La Pine is in an advantageous position as compared to other cities that do not
have an opportunity to plan long term for sewer expansion. Moreover, because
the City is interested in encouraging multiple uses/transitional uses on lands there
are greater efficiencies that can be derived from the large vacant acreages until it
is needed for wastewater treatment. For example, the BLM transfer land adjacent
to the wastewater plant could accommodate solar field arrays that create energy
Page 60
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
for the community. And, because the land would need to be cleared anyway, this
also provides fuel reductions in the wildfire interface zone and needed materials
for bio-mass plants or other wood-based industries.
• Services such as public sewer collection facilities, public water sources, solid
waste disposal, other point of contact public services, and services related to
emergency response will need to be carefully managed to ensure supply and
duration.
• In order to sustain local services and resources over the life of the Plan, and
beyond, there should be a continued focus on improving efficiency.
• Land use regulations for new development and long range land use planning have
a direct connection to preserving and enhancing livability and the efficient
delivery of all public facilities and services.
• The La Pine community understands that making growth pay its own way is one
of many techniques that can sustain limited resources without resulting in
unnecessary subsidy from tax dollars.
• Local government and other agencies should set examples for the community by
adopting and utilizing sustainability practices.
• The La Pine community expects the local school and or college district and City
Planning officials will coordinate the location of new school/college sites and
implement strategies for multiple use spaces. The opportunity for reduced vehicle
usage at school/college campuses should be evaluated and implemented.
• Even with prudent management and careful sustainability of resources, the La
Pine community understands that property taxes and current service fees
(including private district fees) may not be sufficient to provide the service levels
desired by the community. In some cases, new funding strategies, including the
establishment of new System Development Charges (the Special Districts already
implement water and sewer SDC programs) may be necessary.
V. PROGRAMS
The City shall:
1. Work with partner agencies in regularly updating the primary transportation,
sewer, and water master plans within the City. These master plans must examine
the desired service levels, infrastructure needs of the urban area, funding, and
implementation strategies. Additionally, the City shall work with public and
private agencies as applicable to establish and maintain level of service standards
for the following areas:
Page 61
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• Law Enforcement
• Fire Protection
• Emergency Medical Service
• Transportation
• Parks and Recreation
• Natural Open Space
• Public Buildings
• Water System
• Sewer System
• Storm water System
• Solid Waste Management
• Schools/Colleges
• Utilities
• Libraries
2. Provide the leadership in coordination efforts among the various agencies and
entities that provide public services to the community. This may require the
imposition of franchise agreements and special protocols and fees for using public
right of ways.
3. Identify specific capital facilities projects for the City and for other agencies that
may benefit from coordinating with the City. Prioritize capital improvement
projects based on a series of criteria; identify project costs and likely funding
sources; relate projected improvements to forecast demand on services; identify
current and proposed levels of service for each public service; and, establish a
siting process for the location of essential public facilities, including property
acquisition needs.
4. Develop a concurrency requirement that new development demonstrate the
adequate provision of public services or provide for impact mitigation, including
providing appropriate infrastructure and public services as a condition of
development.
5. Encourage communication and cooperation between the school/college district,
developers, and the public. The local development codes and regulations shall
require the development of neighborhoods in close proximity to school locations.
6. Develop methods to support the addition of alternate energy sources within the
community.
Conservation:
1. Develop a sustainability program for all City functions, services, and products.
The plan shall identify goals and levels of conservation necessary for the planning
Page 62
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
horizon. Such goals shall have measurable outcomes and be monitored on a
regular basis to insure proper management and effectiveness.
2. Adopt land use regulations (with a new Development Code) that require citizens
to conserve water and reduce excessive irrigation of plant materials.
3. Develop air quality standards and monitor all air emissions into the community.
4. Develop an energy source and use evaluation plan. Implement measures to
reduce energy consumption and unnecessary lighting.
5. Promote the creation of energy efficient structures and sustainable building
practices. Requirements on specific architectural styles and materials may be
necessary in order to reduce heating and cooling costs; a major part of local
energy output.
6. Coordinate with Deschutes County on the supply and anticipated life of aggregate
resources necessary to support development. Regulations to permit onsite rock
crushing and extraction may be necessary to properly implement such programs.
7. Develop a study to monitor non-sewage infiltration of the community sewage
system. Industrial discharge permits may be needed to adequately reduce
negative effects of large volume discharges into the sewer system.
8. Storm drainage plans shall not permit drainage to enter the sewage system to the
greatest extent practical.
9. Institute recycling program requirements aimed at reuse and reduction of solid
waste. This may require implementation of, and changes to local garbage hauler
franchise or license agreements.
10. Coordinate landfill needs and other operations with Deschutes County.
11. Examine and develop strategies for maximizing capacity of transportation
systems before street widening.
12. Examine the actual cost of service for each service provided to the public. A
cost/benefit analysis shall be developed in order to ascertain proper allocation of
funding resources and or reduction/expansion of City services and programs.
13. Examine emergency service needs and funding necessary to provide adequate
services levels throughout the community over the planning horizon. Land use
regulations that examine potential for efficient delivery of emergency services
will need to be incorporated into implementation codes.
Page 63
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
14. Recognize that community development services are necessary to implement
local land use regulations and long term planning needs. The City shall examine
the potential for a partially fee supported current development department and
General Fund support for long range planning functions.
References:
1. Wastewater System capital Facilities Plan, La Pine Special Sewer District,
Deschutes County, Oregon - January 2006 (HGE Inc.)
2. Water System Capital facilities Plan and Water Management and
Conservation Plan, La Pine Water District, Deschutes County, Oregon –
January 2009 – Draft (HGE Inc.)
3. La Pine Park and Recreation District Comprehensive Plan - Summer 2005
(GEL Oregon Inc.; J.T Atkins & Company PC)
4. Bend-La Pine Schools 2005 Sites and Facilities Plan – December 5, 2005
5. Greater La Pine Community Wildfire Protection Plan – December 13, 2005
(Kate Lighthall)
Page 64
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 8
Transportation
I. State Planning Goal 12, Transportation
Oregon State Planning Goal 12 requires local governments “to provide and encourage a
safe, convenient and economic transportation system.” When referring to “transportation
system” the goal requires that all modes of transportation be considered – including mass
transit, air, water, pipeline, rail, highway, bicycle and pedestrian. Further, the goal
requires that the local, regional and state transportation needs be considered and that they
be done so through appropriate combinations of the modes listed above rather than
reliance on any one particular method of transportation. Transportation systems must be
coordinated with local Comprehensive Plans – including the development of a specific
Transportation System Plan (TSP) that is in conformance with the State Transportation
Planning Rule (TPR) – Oregon Administrative Rule 660-012. As part of the
transportation planning process for La Pine, all modes listed above will be considered and
addressed, but not all are applicable at this time. Eventually, a separate TSP which goes
beyond the goals and policies listed herein and addresses all requirements of the TPR will
be developed and added to this Comprehensive Plan. The TSP will more specifically
address the requirements of capital facilities planning for transportation amenities and
funding.
II. Purpose and Intent
This Chapter addresses the existing conditions of La Pine roads, as well as the short and
long-term transportation needs of all types within the community for the next 20 years.
Overall, the road system is the backbone of the overall transportation system in La Pine and
will be the basis for much of the transportation planning discussed herein. Nonetheless, the
goals and policies are intended to determine how to accommodate the projected growth of
the community and coordinate all of the transportation needs with the land use patterns.
The overall strategy will result in a plan that efficiently moves people and goods
throughout the community. At the same time, the emerging transportation needs of La Pine
will be coordinated with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Deschutes County
to ensure an efficient and smooth transition of transportation facilities between the rural to
urban areas, as well as accommodating ODOT’s jurisdiction over US Highway 97 within
the urban area. Thus, in addition to local needs, this plan will also consider regional and
state needs at the same time to achieve a balanced transportation system that includes
automobile, bicycle, rail, transit, air, pedestrian and pipeline facilities.
This chapter also addresses issues and ideas related to circulation and the interaction
between transportation and land use. Bike lanes, sidewalks, trail connections, future
transit expansions, transportation demand management, and transportation system
management are meant to be considered for all new and enhanced transportation systems.
Page 65
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Each new development must consider the impact of the development upon these systems
and provide incremental mitigation for impacts as deemed warranted through the review
process. The arrangement of land uses and desired development patterns should focus on
supporting and increasing alternate modes of transportation, especially as complete
neighborhoods are developed (neighborhoods containing a mix of residential and
employment lands, with public services such as schools and parks) and more services
become available in the community. The goal is to move the city toward alternate mode
use as an alternative for those who do not wish to drive a car and as an alternative to
excessive vehicle miles traveled as a way to deter sprawl.
III. Issues
The issues explored herein are not intended to serve as a complete Transportation System
Plan (TSP) as required by the Transportation Planning Rule (TPR) – OAR 660-012.
Rather, the issues addressed in the Comprehensive Plan provide a concise snapshot of
existing conditions and identify future needs, with goals and policies aimed at directing
transportation planning activities to bring the 20-year needs to fruition.
Existing Road System:
Until the recent incorporation of La Pine, Deschutes County was responsible for road
maintenance, construction and design within what is now the urban area. Many of the
primary roads within the community extend beyond the City limits and become rural
county roads still under the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Thus, the County
Comprehensive Plan and Transportation System Plan all address the road network in La
Pine and have designated streets by general classification to include: Highway/Principal
Arterial, Arterial, Collector and Local Street. The street classifications are described in
the following chart (as listed in the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan).
Urban Street Types
Principal
Arterial:
Serves the major activity centers in a metropolitan area, and also serves the highest traffic corridors and satisfies the longest trip desires; and
Carries the major portion of trips entering and leaving the urban area, as well as the majority of the through traffic desiring to bypass the city
Arterial: Provides service to trips of moderate length at a somewhat lower level of travel mobility than principal arterials; and
Distributes travel to geographic areas smaller than those served by principal arterials, while not penetrating specific neighborhoods; and
Spacing varies from 1/2 to 1 mile in downtown areas, to 2 to 3 miles in areas outside downtown.
Collector: Provides both land access and traffic circulation within residential neighborhoods, commercial, and industrial areas; and
Distributes trips from arterials through these areas to their final destination, and conversely, collects traffic from local streets and channels it
onto arterials
Local: Provides access to adjacent land and access to higher classified roads; and
Provides lowest level of travel mobility including no bus routes; and
Normally carries less than 1,700 vehicles per day.
The foundation of the La Pine transportation system is a product of the existing roads and
highways that cross the community. The basic grid is framed by the following primary
Page 66
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
roadways (with the street designation listed) which provide access among various parts of
the community:
East-West Alignments
• Cagle Road - Local
• Burgess Road - Arterial
• Rosland Road - Local
• 1st Street/Reed Road - Collector
• 3rd Street - Local
• 4th Street/William Foss Road – Local
• Finley Butte Road - Collector
• 6th Street - Local
North-South Alignments
• US Highway 97 (The Dalles-California Highway) –
Highway/Principal Arterial
• Huntington Road - Collector
• Mitts Way - Local
Although not all the streets listed above are Arterial or Collector streets, all of these
streets provide the basic alignments and primary connectivity throughout the community.
Other local roads aid in forming the internal grid serving the existing neighborhoods and
outer areas. Overall, the historic development pattern for neighborhoods in La Pine is
comprised of gridded streets. The relatively level topography presents the opportunity
for a continuation of this pattern, building from the primary streets listed above.
However, as is evident from the list of primary streets included above, additional
north/south running streets, including arterials and collectors will be needed in the future.
Currently, only Highway 97 and Huntington Road provide the sole north/south access
from one end of town to the other.
The primary streets listed above are paved, some with sidewalks (in the area around
Huntington Road and 1st Street), but few with curbs and drainage facilities. Delineated
bike lanes also do not exist. Rather, in most areas pedestrians and bicyclists share the
roadway or shoulder with automobiles.
U.S. Highway 97 bisects the City from north to south and, while serving as a direct
transportation link between northern and southern portions of the City, it also creates an
obstacle to east-west travel by any mode. Currently, intersections of Highway 97 at
Burgess Road (Wickiup Junction); 1st Street/Reed Road; 4th Street/William Foss Road;
and Finley Butte Road are all heavily congested and experience failure during certain
segments of the day. Improvements to these intersections to increase capacity, improve
safety and, most importantly, allow east-west crossing, are necessary in the near future.
Because Highway 97 is under he jurisdiction of ODOT, all improvements must be
Page 67
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
coordinated with that agency. Potential improvements and solutions to existing problems
are discussed in the “Road Improvements” section below.
Many of the existing streets in the residential neighborhoods (Local Streets) in the
northern part of La Pine have unimproved (not paved) streets. Such streets are graded
gravel and/or compacted dirt – there are no curbs, sidewalks or drainage facilities.
Maintenance of these streets, such as filling potholes and dust control measures, have
been lacking in the past as Deschutes County does not typically maintain streets built to
these standards and the City of La Pine has had limited funds for such maintenance.
Such streets are not conducive to effective pedestrian and bicycle travel.
Road Improvements:
Public health and safety, as well as efficiency, are the primary design goals of all
transportation elements. This design goal is imperative as emergency services personnel
measure success in the minutes it takes to get to a fire, injured or sick person, crime
scene, or other catastrophe. Although, the average citizen wants safe and efficient street
design to meet the needs of everyday life. As street design standards are developed in the
future, requirements for bicycle lanes, drainage facilities and pedestrian amenities must
be included, especially along Arterial and Collector Streets. Such designs will improve
street capacity and encourage use of alternate modes by all citizens. As discussed above,
the primary vehicular transportation problems in La Pine are associated with Highway
97. Over the past few years ODOT has been working with the community on developing
plans for an improved interchange at the Highway 97/Burgess Road intersection
(Wickiup Junction). Such improvements will alleviate safety and access issues in that
immediate area. Also, ODOT has stated their support for a “Highway 97 Corridor Study”
for the southern central business district of La Pine. This study will examine all of the
primary intersections with Highway 97 and suggest necessary improvements, including
the timing for such improvements. All of this is in an effort to correct problems of failure
at intersections such as 1st Street/Reed Road, and allow better east/west travel and
connectivity between residential and employment areas.
Maintenance:
A primary concern for many of La Pines residents is street maintenance – particularly
maintenance of unimproved/unpaved streets. During the wet winter months these streets
can become pot-holed and muddy – which leads to hazardous travel conditions. During
the dry summer months, dust generated from vehicular travel can impact the livability of
neighboring properties. The City should institute a regular street maintenance program
that will eventually result in more permanent surfaces (such as a chip sealed or oil mat
surface, with asphalt paving as a long term goal).
Alternative Modes of Transportation:
The availability of adequate transportation facilities and resources are major factors in
determining proper land uses and acceptable development patterns. The various zones
and intensity of development influences the need and location for new transportation
facilities, as well as the necessity for ongoing repair and maintenance of existing
transportation facilities. Therefore, it is critical that modern planning techniques are
Page 68
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
employed that will ensure the highest level of coordination between land uses and
transportation needs as a way to create an effective and efficient integrated urban system.
In this effort, an understanding of the existing and potential for alternative modes of
transportation, including amenities to facilitate alternative modes, must be known.
Bicycles:
A lack of developed marked routes and long block lengths where there are gridded streets
prevent the full utilization of safe and efficient bicycle and pedestrian routes. There are
currently no specifically designated bicycle lanes along the Arterial or Collector streets in
La Pine. Bicyclists must share the vehicular travel lands with automobiles. New
development standards which require bicycle lanes along the curb of Arterial Streets and
certain collector streets that provide access to public services and facilities must be
developed.
Pedestrians:
Sidewalks have been developed in and around the area of the intersection of 1st Street and
Huntington Road. These amenities provide a separate pedestrian refuge and allow safe
access to the businesses, schools and public facilities in that immediate area. However,
due to the lack of extension of sidewalks or trails in other parts of the community, safe
and efficient access between residential areas and other employment areas is not
encouraged. The lack of pedestrian crossings along major streets, particularly near
schools, and activity centers, present hazards to citizens. New development standards
which require sidewalks along streets and trails where appropriate must be developed.
Transit:
A public transit (bus) system provides service in and around the urban area. Residents
can be picked up at designated locations and transported within the urban area. This
same service is also a regional bus service operated by the Central Oregon
Intergovernmental Council that provides an alternative to driving for residents of LaPine
that travel north for work and shopping in Bend and beyond. Additionally, there is a park
and ride lot at Wickiup Junction from which the transit service is available.
Ride Sharing:
Although not a formally developed program, there is a great degree of ride sharing that
exists among residents of La Pine due to the long commute distance between La Pine and
the major employment and service centers of Bend and Redmond to the north.
Long Range Transportation Planning:
The City of La Pine has not yet developed its own long-term master plan addressing
transportation needs throughout the community. A requirement of the State Planning
System is the development of a Transportation System Plan (TSP) as a guide for helping
the City make rational choices about the locations and type of needed transportation
facilities. The TSP will be based upon the individual needs of the community and the
requirements to meet the State of Oregon Transportation Planning Rule. Elements of the
TSP include: developing functional classifications of roads; road and street design
Page 69
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
standards; establishing levels of service; developing alternative modes; transportation
demand management, capital facilities planning; and, funding for improvements.
Air and Rail:
There are currently no air travel facilities in La Pine. The closets private airstrip is
located in the community of Sunriver, approximately 15 miles to the north. The closest
commercial airport is Roberts Field in Redmond, approximately 50 miles to the north.
The idea of a local airport providing service to small, privately owned aircraft has been
discussed by community members, but formal plans have not been developed. It has
been acknowledged that an airstrip in La Pine would increase accessibility to the area and
could make the community more attractive for businesses and recreationists.
A Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line runs on the east side of and parallel to Highway
97 through most of the community. However, there are no stops or passenger service
provided directly to/from La Pine. The closest passenger rail stop is in the community of
Chemult, approximately 30 miles to the south.
Pipelines:
A primary natural gas pipeline that runs from Washington to California, which provides
gas service to many areas all along the west coast, runs north/south through La Pine, east
of and parallel to Highway 97. The pipeline lies within an easement that is generally 100
to 200 feet wide so as to prevent damage a major disruption. There are no plans for
removal or alteration of this pipeline.
Transportation Facility Funding:
Local community leaders and citizens expect that new growth pay its way and this means
that the existing residents should not have to subsidize new development projects,
particularly with regard to needed transportation improvements. Transportation remedies
or “mitigation” programs must be established before authorizing development and new
trips on the transportation system. The universal goal is to make sure that needed
transportation facilities are in place, funded, or other acceptable mitigation provided
before development is authorized to proceed. This type of “concurrency” reinforces the
interdependence between land use and transportation. The community also accepts that
there are many different types of transportation problems and will accept creative
mitigation solutions that benefit the community as a whole.
Besides the difficulty in expanding the system to meet a variety of needs, the cost of
developing and improving such facilities is very high and requires substantial capital to
develop. The City’s budget is not adequate to resolve all transportation project needs and
other sources of money will be required in order to build the system as necessary to
support future growth. The adoption and imposition of System Development Charges
(SDC’s) is an option that should be explored for La Pine to help pay for needed street
infrastructure to add capacity to the system. The increasing operational and material
costs for facility improvements, limited construction time periods, and the conflicting
demands of regional versus local traffic (on Highway 97) will make La Pine more heavily
reliant on developers to solve problems that are directly tied to new growth. Existing
problems create complex funding issues since the State of Oregon mandates certain
Page 70
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
limitations on the expenditure of SDC’s - existing problems not directly related to growth
will require funding that is not solely obtained from SDC’s. Thus, the community may
have to explore and/or rely on special levies, limited general fund revenues, the State’s
funding for highway maintenance and other revenue sources for improvements to address
local needs.
Wickiup Junction Improvement Area
The area identified on the Comprehensive Plan map as the Wickiup Junction
Improvement Area is in a state of transition as major improvements to this existing
Highway/Arterial intersection are planned. The potential improvements include a
complete grade separated interchange aimed at improving the overall long-term function
and safety of the junction. The surrounding land uses include a variety of primarily
service commercial uses, with residential uses close by. Because of the incomplete
designs for the eventual improvements, and the unknown effects on surrounding
properties (meaning just which properties will be physically affected by the road
alignment, as well as by the changes to the traffic pattern), the area is identified as an area
in which future land use designation may change. Once the final alignment is known, a
re-examination of the highest and best land uses within the designated area, including
possible master planning, should be completed.
Specific Wickiup Junction Improvement Area Policies
1. Upon final design and adoption of the Highway 97/Burgess Road interchange
design within the area labeled Wickiup Junction Improvement Area on the
Comprehensive Plan Map, planning efforts shall ensue to review the highest
and best land uses (designations) on the properties within the boundary.
2. Planning efforts within the Wickiup Junction Improvement Area shall
coordinate access to surrounding properties with local, state and county
transportation facilities as appropriate, and may include a master planning
process.
IV. General Transportation Goals and Policies
Goal # 1: Create a safe, convenient, balanced, functional and economical transportation
system to maximize and extend the life of transportation facilities and improve livability
throughout the La Pine community.
Policies
General Street Transportation Network Policies
• Vehicle use is the primary and most important form of transportation for the
majority of La Pines citizens, but increased alternate mode use is essential to the
livability of the community and to preserve valuable resources.
Page 71
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
• The street system shall be fully functional for the safe and efficient delivery of
emergency services.
• Continue coordination with Deschutes County and ODOT for transportation
planning services in order to monitor street capacity and service levels needed for
a safe and efficient transportation system until such time as a TSP is developed
and planning services are provided by the City. Such coordination shall create a
supportable method for determining adequate and consistent transportation impact
analyses, mitigation procedures, and improvement options to transportation
facilities.
• Alternate mode use is essential for providing a full complement of transportation
choices and that land use regulations need to require an analysis of transportation
impacts, needs, and mitigation options.
• The proper function and increased mobility of Highway 97 to and through the
community contributes to the local economy and bring goods and services into the
community bolstering local commerce and tourism.
• Balancing the needs of the local community with regional transportation needs
must include open dialogue with citizens, state agencies/ODOT, Deschutes
County, local business interests, special interest groups, and tourism
professionals.
• Continue participation with regional partners (Cities and Counties) through
organizations such as COACT and COCO to find solutions to regional
transportation issues.
• Continue efforts to complete the Highway 97 Corridor Study through La Pine to
determine future improvements at key intersections to facilitate acceptable
intersection function, safe and efficient highway crossings, and increased access
to the industrial area on the east side.
• Traffic calming measures in core commercial areas and residential neighborhoods
can reduce vehicular speeds on roadways and create a safe pedestrian/bicycle
environment.
• Transportation problems will require comprehensive planning, regular monitoring
and analysis, a systematic approach to problem solving.
• The community, as a whole, will benefit from transportation systems that provide
sidewalks, trails, bike lanes and transit amenities to encourage alternate mode use
and promote a high level of livability.
• The City is required, by law, to design and implement a transportation system that
meets the applicable TSP and TPR requirements for the 20-year planning period.
Page 72
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
The TSP shall include all applicable requirements of the TPR and, when
completed, shall serve as the primary transportation system tool for the
community.
• The community will benefit from streets that are designed to permit emergency
service vehicles to access all parts of the community in an efficient manner.
• The City has limited funds to use for the maintenance of public streets, however
the community will benefit from increased street maintenance, including
resurfacing as necessary of unpaved streets.
• The ability to require the development of private streets systems, where
appropriate and where they are guaranteed to be maintained by parties other than
the City, will reduce the overall funding need for street maintenance and the need
to seek additional tax revenues from citizens. Private streets are legitimate
components of the transportation system when designed properly and maintained
to at least City standards.
• Transportation demand management (TDM) and transportation system
management (TSM) techniques are useful tools in the design of the transportation
system.
• Street trees, pedestrian amenities, separated sidewalks; curb extensions, traffic
calming, and other related devices can be useful design elements especially when
supported by a cost benefit analysis showing they are appropriate.
• The La Pine community desires to balance the highway needs of regional users
with the local users in order to avoid creating highway improvements that
sacrifice local values and damage economic interests.
• A transportation system that includes alternate modes in addition to vehicle needs
is a State requirement. The term “Alternate Mode” includes anything, besides
single occupant vehicles, capable of moving people and goods such as rail,
pedestrian facilities, bike lanes, air transport, transit, and the like.
• The City of La Pine believes that a City representative should participate with the
Transportation Advisory Group for the specific purpose of analyzing the need for
an airport in the La Pine Area. The representative shall be appointed by the City
Council and will have specific knowledge of airport needs and operations.
• Because the final designs and plans for the Wickiup Junction interchange
(Highway 97 and Burgess Road intersection) have not been completed,
designations for lands within the area labeled Wickiup Junction Improvement
Area on the Plan map may need to be changed when final plans are adopted.
Such changes to land use designations shall be for the purpose of better
coordination between the transportation facilities and adjacent land uses.
Page 73
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Transit Policies
• Encourage private efforts to supply forms of inter and intra city transit to the
commuter.
• Look for areas and methods to increase opportunities for access to transit, park
and ride lots and ride share facilities.
• Ensure proper facilities are in place to allow for safe operation of mass
transportation vehicles when and where appropriate.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Policies
• Encourage pedestrian and bicycle movement as a safe, feasible alternative to the
automobile.
• Require that all proposed subdivisions consider bicycle and pedestrian paths,
integrated with other bicycle and pedestrian path systems within the City.
• Insure that bicycle and pedestrian paths, not along street right-of-ways are well lit
and provide visual surveillance from the street.
• Preserve space along existing and proposed Arterial streets and require at least
one combined bicycle and pedestrian path.
• Require all proposed activity centers generating large amounts of traffic to
provide safe and convenient off-street bicycle parking space and routes in their
design.
• Insure neighborhoods and activity centers, including public loading and pickup
areas, are served by pedestrian and bicycle routes.
• Provide curb cuts at all corners, intersections, or locations where bicycle and
pedestrian routes and paths intersect with streets.
• Provide for paving of pedestrian and bicycle ways where appropriate.
• Improve signs, markings, and safety features on existing bicycle and pedestrian
paths.
• The City recognizes that an airport (privately owned or public) would be a strong
economic driver for the la Pine area. Efforts to explore the creation of an airport
shall be supported by the City, but shall not be the obligation of the City.
Goal # 2: Develop a supportable and sustainable financing method for funding necessary
transportation system master plan improvements over the life of the Plan
Page 74
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Policies:
Funding Policies
• It is important to develop a financing plan, including a funding analysis of the
recommended transportation projects and their funding needs, funding resources,
and a multiple-year financing plan that can support the development of needed
TSP facilities for the life of the plan.
• If the required funding analysis reveals an unrealistic plan, the City should discuss
how additional funds will be raised or how land use assumptions will be re-
evaluated to make the transportation plan affordable and achievable.
• Transportation funding is limited and SDC’s will not the sole source of the City
funding package.
• Alternate funding sources may need to be explored to enable the community to
receive grants, implement a CIP, and maintain existing infrastructure.
• Alternate funding sources may include levies, increased taxes, local improvement
districts, grants, franchise fees, tax increment financing, bonds, and other typical
and atypical sources necessary for the full implementation of the TSP and
maintenance functions.
V. Programs
The City shall:
1. Develop and adopt a Transportation System Plan (TSP), which inventories and
analyzes the existing transportation system, and recommends capital
improvements to the entire transportation system as required by Oregon
Administrative Rules.
2. Develop Transportation System Development Charges (SDC’s) aimed at
providing funding for capital improvements projects to add capacity to the
transportation system.
3. Inventory and prioritize needed alternate mode improvements and project timing
of implementation.
4. Inventory and prioritize funding alternatives (other than SDC’s) necessary to
implement the needed capital improvements.
5. Work with Deschutes County and ODOT to monitor the transportation system for
effectiveness and describe any needed improvements for the upcoming fiscal year
to the City Council every 12 months, prior to the budgeting process.
Page 75
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
6. Coordinate discussions with local and state agencies, Deschutes County, local
business interests, special interest groups, and tourism professionals about the
performance of the transportation system and collect feedback for use in TSP
development, capital improvement prioritization and budgeting programs.
7. Coordinate all transportation projects with emergency service and special district
providers, such as, Fire, Sheriff, Water and Sewer Districts.
8. Establish a SDC methodology that generates fees and refund programs for
individuals and entities that construct a TSP master planned transportation
improvement
9. Add a financing element to the TSP and develop a listing of priorities for the
anticipated transportation improvement projects for the transportation systems.
The financing element shall highlight these improvement projects by giving
project descriptions, anticipated year of project initiation, and associated costs and
funding sources. In many instances, additional funding sources are possible and
there is a potential to work with other service districts to complete multiple
projects in tandem. i.e. street, water and sewer as one project.
10. Develop mitigation strategies aimed at resolving the impact of new development
impacts upon the transportation system. This should include the application of
SDC’s and/or other techniques to make sure development “pays its own way.”
Incremental mitigation strategies that include a pro rata share of needed
improvements are a preferred method to ensure fairness.
Page 76
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
City of La Pine – Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 9
Economy
I. State Planning Goal 9, Economic Development
Oregon State Planning Goal 9 requires local jurisdictions to plan for and provide
adequate opportunities for a variety of economic activities vital to the health, welfare and
prosperity of its citizens. In doing so, an analysis of the local economy must be
generated. The analysis is based on the current economic conditions and trends of the
community, combined with the physical capabilities of the community to support a
variety of businesses and industries. The analysis provides a snapshot of the current
state of the local economy and a prediction of what is needed and can be supported in the
future. The overall intent is to ensure that there are adequate lands and infrastructure for
new business and industry, as well as identifying any obstacles. The end result is an
economic planning tool that aids the local governing body in creating incentives and
opportunities for businesses to thrive, and to enable the private sector plan for economic
and efficient growth.
II. Purpose and Intent
La Pine’s focus on economic development is a key component of its vision to be a
“complete” community. As previously discussed in other Plan chapters, the concept of
creating a complete community begins with providing enough jobs, education, services,
and industry to sustain the community without heavy reliance upon other nearby cities
such as Bend and Redmond.
Goal 9 of Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals and Guidelines pertains to economic
development. This goal calls for diversification and improvement of the economy. It
requires La Pine to inventory its supply of commercial and industrial lands, project future
needs for such lands, and plan and zone enough land to meet those needs. La Pine is
required, by law, to provide at least a 20-year supply of commercial and industrial land
and commensurate infrastructure. The goal also requires that comprehensive plans shall
“include an analysis of the community’s economic patterns, potentialities, strengths, and
deficiencies as they relate to state and national trends.”
Page 77
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Aerial view of the Highway 97 La Pine commercial corridor
III. Issues
Inventory Snapshot - Overall assessments of the current inventories suggest that while
La Pine has vacant industrial lands in 2010 there is a need to plan for additional
expansion to the industrial area. Likewise, with the emphasis on creating “complete
neighborhoods” it is necessary to define additional commercial service centers that can
serve the three primary neighborhoods that define the La Pine community. It is generally
understood that when the supply of economic lands are constrained, land prices
unnecessarily increase and this could reduce La Pine’s chances at attracting business.
Thus, a healthy supply of industrial, commercial, and mixed-use lands is necessary for to
meet employment demand over the 20-year planning period. The city’s own studies and
other agency data show that most of the 20 year supply of land can be derived from lands
within the current City limits by conversion of Farm and Forest lands and mixed-use
development techniques. This is an important feature and recognizes that La Pine’s
recently incorporated city limits contains vacant land that can serve in various capacities
until needed for full urbanization. The ability to use vacant lands for energy production
until improved and needed for full urbanization is one example.
Page 78
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
La Pine Stats at a Glance
La Pine, Oregon
Elevation: 4300’
Population (July 2009) 1,662
Median Resident Age 44.7
Estimated Median Hh Income (2007) $21,000
Median single family home price (YTD thru Dec 2008) $120,000
Average household size 2.57
Property Tax Rate 2007/2008 $13.8339 per $1000 assessed value (for the industrial park)
Assessed Value 2008 $126,232,993
Telecommunications Infrastructure BendBroadband, Qwest, Crestview Cable, Chambers Cable
Major Employers Rays Grocery Stores, MidState Electric Coop, Utilities, Sunriver
Resort, Governmental Agencies
Top 5 Deschutes County Taxpayers in 2008-09 (in order) Cascade Natural Gas Corp., Qwest Corp., Gas Transmission
Northwest Corp., PacifiCorp (PP&L), Pronghorn Investors LLC
In conformance with Goal 9, the City conducted and updated a Buildable Lands
Analysis2 in order to evaluate land availability and market trends. Other studies/data
were also used to determine land supply and long-term land needs. These, along with the
updated buildable lands inventory, provide good data sets from which to derive
assumptions about economic land needs. Local and regional experts have also supplied
the city with information about other economic factors that affect La Pine. The findings
derived from the Buildable Lands Analysis and other studies were used to address the key
factors of Goal 9 identified above. The bulk of these data sets are located in the
appendix.
Understanding the City’s economic assets will also be a key task in analyzing the existing
and future economy. Land use planning, permitting processes, infrastructure
development and related efforts of the City will influence future business development.
Coordination with local business groups such as LIGI 3, the Chamber of Commerce,
ODOT, Economic development For Central Oregon, and the La Pine Sewer and Water
2
The analysis has been updated as needed to reflect actual land absorption, City Council policy, and other
relevant inventory monitoring factors.
3 The La Pine Industrial Park is 327-acres owned by Deschutes County, Oregon, developed and managed
by the non-profit La Pine Industrial Group, Inc. (LIGI)
The City and private groups should continue their efforts to implement
programs to help new businesses easily locate in La Pine.
Page 79
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Districts will be essential to identifying what type of development enhancement and
infrastructure is necessary to support desired industries.
IV. La Pine’s Key Economic Features
Top reasons why La Pine is desirable for economic development
Access, Location, Supply, and Leadership
The City of La Pine is a small community 35 minutes south of Bend, along the Highway
97 corridor, a vital link to the Willamette Valley and other metropolitan areas. The
location of the community and proximity/distance from other urban areas will continue to
be somewhat of an obstacle for new businesses and industries that rely on speedy
shipping and proximity to support services in Bend, Redmond, Portland-Metro and the I-
5 Corridor. However, the charm of the area, quality of life, progressive industrial and
commercial development strategies, supportive business and government leadership
along with a ready supply of available land and labor at lower costs, will continue to
be the key elements that can help overcome the business advantages that larger urban
areas provide.
Labor Force
La Pine offers a pleasing alternative for people and businesses looking to locate in places
other than Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond. With many ready-to-go commercial and
development sites available at prices that are very competitive, La Pine also provides a
variety of home site options, typically with larger acreages on flat, wooded areas. A
majority of new residential building permits in unincorporated Deschutes County have
been issued in the La Pine area. Estimates for the greater La Pine area (south of Sunriver
and north of the Klamath County line) are between 15,000 and 16,000 residents – making
it potentially the second largest population “center” in the Central Oregon region. The
population estimate for zip code 97739 in 2007 was 9,421 residents. Portland State
University's Population Research Center estimated in July 2008 that the incorporated
town of La Pine had 1,610 residents. Thus, there is a large labor pool within the
community of La Pine. Companies in the La Pine area draw from the labor force of
Deschutes County and northern Klamath County, which includes more than 60,000
workers. Work force training is available locally in most occupation specialties. Local
economic development efforts are available to assist firms in obtaining qualified workers
through contacts with labor training agencies.
Taxes and Rates
Oregon does not have a sales tax. The Worker’s Compensation rate is below the national
average. The state income tax ranges from 5-9%, depending on the level of taxable
income. La Pine enjoys the lowest property tax rates in Central Oregon and the lowest
electric power rates.
Page 80
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Regional Incentives
Several incentive programs are available from state and local governments, as well as
federal loan and grant programs for qualified companies. The La Pine Industrial Park is
327-acres owned by Deschutes County, Oregon, developed and managed by the non-
profit La Pine Industrial Group, Inc. (LIGI). The 1st phase of 130 acres was sold out in
2001.
Natural Gas
Cascade Natural Gas Company supplies the La Pine Industrial Park. The main
transmission line of Pacific Gas Transmission Pipeline Company runs along the eastern
boundary of the industrial park, carrying natural gas from production fields in Alberta,
Canada, to California.
Water
The La Pine Industrial Park is fully serviced by water provided by the La Pine Water
District. The District's wells are located in the foothills of the Paulina Mountains and
produce high quality water at pressures to meet fire codes.
Wastewater
The La Pine Sewer District services the industrial park. Its primary treatment and
distribution facility is located just north of Reed Road, the northern boundary of the
industrial park.
Telecommunications
Qwest provides telephone services to the industrial park. Fiber optic lines and digital
switching assure modern, high-speed data transmission capabilities as well as voice
communications. There are several Internet service providers with local access
connections.
Air Service
La Pine is 45 miles south of the Redmond Airport, an all-weather facility with control
tower and multiple instrument approaches. Horizon Air and United Express offer non-
stop service between Redmond and Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. Sunriver
Airport, 15 miles north of La Pine, has a 5,500-ft. runway with an instrument approach,
accommodating private aircraft up to medium-sized corporate jets. Citizens and City
Council have discussed the need for a local airport. Early studies reviewed placement of
a facility within the City limits. However, through the public process that occurred
during the formation of the Comprehensive Plan it was determined that a local airport
should be outside of the City limits. Issues that lead to this decision included potential
conflict with the wastewater treatment plant, wildlife conflicts, and urban expansion
needs over the 20 year planning horizon. The City Council agreed that a citizen
committee should be developed to further research the issue on alternate airport locations.
Railroad
A main north/south line of the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad runs through the
La Pine Industrial Park, with service to individual sites and common loading facilities.
Page 81
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Recent Development – an excerpt from EDCO – Economic Development for Central
Oregon
Fitting with its pioneering spirit, La Pine and its surrounding area has become a hub of activity for the
renewable energy industry. The city boasts the first gold LEED certified building east of the Cascade
Mountains, Midstate Electric Cooperative, and with the completion of Little Deschutes Lodge Retirement
Center, will have the first platinum LEED building – the highest certification available. Recent interest and
implementation of renewable energy projects including geothermal, biomass and solar have made La Pine
the potential hub for renewable energy technology.
The commercial area of La Pine has several sizeable developments underway or recently completed
including a new multi-million dollar senior/assisted living facility, elementary school, and several new
commercial/retail businesses. Community leaders in the La Pine area have also been working diligently on
development of municipal services including a community water and sewer system. As a result, the area’s
new industrial park and surrounding areas have water provided by a new well, distribution system and
250,000 gallon storage reservoir managed by La Pine Water District. Sewer services are also
available, provided by the La Pine Sewer District.
These efforts have been well timed with the development of the area’s business “drawing card,” the La
Pine Industrial Park. This newer, fully serviced park offers flat and “rock-less” buildable lots from ¼ acre
to 40 + acres. The park also has the advantage of easy access to both the Burlington Northern – Santa Fe
Railroad mainline as well as U.S. Hwy 97, which connects with I-5 to the south in California, I-84 in
northern Oregon, and I-90 in central Washington.
Currently available are several 0.43-acre lots in the Newberry Business Park on Reed Road, and 17 lots
ranging from 1 - 3 acres in the Finley Butte Industrial Park south of the new Midstate Electric Coop
headquarters. There is also a 78-acre parcel certified by the State of Oregon as "shovel ready" that is
being reserved for a large rail user.
LIGI – La Pine Industrial Group, Inc. - can provide a range of site options including fully-serviced ready-
to-build lots, build-to-suit facilities for purchase or lease, and multi-tenant space for lease. Financing can
also be arranged for qualified companies.
Key Industrial Areas –The vision of LIGI
Led by community-based LIGI – the La Pine Industrial Group, Inc., efforts to develop
three county-owned parcels east of the highway into industrial and business park sites are
opening eyes in the Central Oregon business community. As development spreads from
rapidly growing Bend outward, newly incorporated La Pine is high on the list of
communities ripe for investment and development opportunities. Water and sewer
districts have brought municipal services to the community core. In 2008, the City of La
Pine was designated as an enterprise zone by the State of Oregon. This allows qualified
companies to forego paying property taxes for 3 to 5 years. La Pine is located on US Hwy
97, the primary route between California and the Canadian border on the east side of the
Cascades. Hwy 97 has been designated as an Expressway by the Oregon Department of
Transportation and will be upgraded to four lanes between California and Washington. It
connects with I-5 in northern California, I-84 in northern Oregon, and I-90 in central
Washington. Three major highway routes link La Pine with Eugene, Salem, Portland, and
other Willamette Valley cities. Electricity is provided by Midstate Electric Cooperative
headquartered in La Pine. Midstate is a preferred customer of the Bonneville Power
Page 82
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Administration, giving it first right to low cost, federally owned hydro-electric resources
and a significant cost advantage to new firms locating in its service area.
The La Pine Industrial Park
The La Pine Industrial Park consists of three segments: The Newberry Business Park,
Finley Butte Industrial Park and an 80-acre, shovel-ready, certified site. Development of
the 327-acre La Pine Industrial Park is a cooperative effort undertaken by the land-owner
Deschutes County and the La Pine Industrial Group, Inc. a non-profit organization. LIGI
can provide a range of site options including fully-serviced ready-to-build lots, build-to-
suit facilities for purchase or lease, and multi-tenant space for lease. Financing can also
be arranged for qualified companies.
Newberry Business Park
Newberry Business Park is owned by Deschutes County and is developed and marketed
by the La Pine Industrial Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit civic organization in La
Pine. Newberry Business Park opened in 2002 with 40 acres of developed sites. All
utilities are installed underground. NBP is designed to provide an attractive environment
for light industrial firms and protection of property values. It has its own zoning
ordinance and CC&R’s. Lot sizes range from 0.4 acres (18,760 sq. ft.) to 0.6 acres
(25,000 sq. ft.). Lots can be combined for larger requirements. Generous building
standards allow maximum site coverage. The La Pine Industrial Group also provides
assistance to arrange build-to-suit construction and financing for qualified companies.
Newberry Business Park has been designed with higher development standards than the
older areas of the industrial park. It is intended to provide an attractive and functional
environment for smaller companies that provide services and supplies to other industries,
commercial businesses, and the public. LIGI’s objective in developing Newberry
Business Park is to generate family-wage job opportunities for workers in La Pine and the
surrounding area. Minimum employment standards will be imposed, making these lots
unsuitable for uses that provide minimal or no employment such as self-storage units.
Remaining lots range from 9,000 square feet to 25,200 square feet. Lots can be
combined for larger requirements. Streets, curbs, and underground utilities are included.
Current pricing is at $2.50 per square foot with higher premium for corner lots.
The 80-acre Rail Site
This key parcel is located on the east side of La Pine abutting the main line of BNSF
Railroad and approved for rail siding or drill track to interior of site. The parcel is
certified as “shovel ready 4” by the State of Oregon and is available for a single rail user
or can be subdivided. The current pricing is at $1.50 per square foot depending on level
of employment.
4 Governor Kulongoski unveiled the 11 shovel‐ready sites in May following months of searching statewide for available
industrial land. The parcels ‐ located in Portland, Hillsboro, The Dalles, Hermiston, Pendleton, Springfield, Eugene and
Central Point ‐ are guaranteed developable in six months or less. To make the list, each site was evaluated to make sure
there is a willing owner, adequate access to major roadways, onsite utilities such as water and electricity, and no
environmental issues like wetlands or contamination. The site was recently re‐certified under authority of ORS 284.565
and 285B.283 until September of 2009.
Page 83
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
Finley Butte Industrial Park
Finley Butte Industrial Park is 90 acres subdivided into one-acre to three-acre lots 5.
Larger lots are available by combining the sites shown on this map. Rail access is
planned using two easements to common loading docks. Lots are available and include
water, sewer, and underground electric power, natural gas, telephone, DSL and other
broadband communications. Initial prices have been set at $108,900 per acre or about
$2.50 per square foot.
La Pine’s Commercial Areas
Like many cities that historically grew up around a key transportation corridor, the City
of La Pine contains established strip development along Highway 97. This commercial
area is a product of direct access to Hwy 97 and currently serves as a central feature in
the community serving both tourists and local citizens. However, direct access to the
highway will eventually be limited as traffic counts increase over time. The predicted
increase in traffic, a boon to business, also creates increased traffic conflicts and reduced
mobility for through traffic. ODOT will require corridor management techniques to
improve transportation mobility on its system and this will require the use of frontage
roads and other alternatives to limit direct access. La Pine has been progressive in
realizing this issue and has encouraged commercial center development in other areas of
the community to reduce sole reliance on highway commercial areas. Additional
planning techniques can be used to improve other service commercial opportunities that
help to create complete neighborhoods, improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption,
and reduce vehicle miles traveled.
The negative effects of such strip development include:
¾ poor access control, conflict with ODOT, and undesirable access for commercial
developments;
¾ shallow lot depth limiting future business or center–type development;
¾ poor sign control and limited aesthetic options;
¾ longer vehicle trips to reach needed shopping services; and,
reduced opportunities for buffering between land uses.
Strip commercial areas on the edges of the community force shoppers to travel by cars
along the primary access ways. Pedestrian and alternate mode opportunities are lost
when commercial zones are located great distances from population centers and
neighborhoods. In addition, sole reliance upon vehicle travel to reach strip shopping
areas can lead to unnecessary vehicle travel and expensive widening improvements along
major roads. The synergy of commercial activities is lessened when commercial uses are
not located in centers or downtown. Mixed-use zoning and rezoning of certain parcels to
provide enough land in sizes necessary to accommodate commercial centers, rather than a
5 A 20‐acre parcel was sold to Midstate Electric Cooperative and is now the home of their new headquarters and
operations center.
Page 84
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
continuation of additional shallow-depth strip commercial, will be necessary to provide a
better balance of commercial development and reduce unnecessary vehicle trips.
Various data sets and research studies show that La Pine needs a broader range of
commercial mixed-use services within the community. This is where the maximum
effort should be expended to improve the retail and service business climate. The
highway strip area could benefit from the addition of commercially zoned lands as
necessary to deepen lots and broaden redevelopment opportunities.
Assumptions and Trends
The City of La Pine can play an active role in helping to support the local economy by
continuing to enhance LIGI, existing businesses, avoid creating obstacles, and provide
incentives that help generate new activity. The local economy of La Pine is directly tied
to land zoning and available supply, historical land uses, local and regional
demographics, labor pool, suitable housing, public services and transportation facilities.
Future City regulations will have a direct impact on the ability of existing business to
expand and attraction of new business – they should carefully crafted and they should not
create barriers to economic development.
Private and public economic development efforts should focus on strategies that increase
opportunities for existing businesses to succeed and flourish. Likewise, efforts should
also focus on expanding the possibilities for future workers and entrepreneurs by offering
opportunities for local citizens to stay in the community and obtain nationally
competitive jobs.
The national economy, society, and environment are key factors that will influence the
local economic climate of La Pine. This chapter illustrates La Pine’s existing economic
patterns and potential economic opportunities. The analysis begins with a review of the
current economic state of economic development in La Pine and Deschutes County. It
also is necessary to identify any local, State, and national obstacles to future enterprise.
This type of analysis approach can strengthen the community’s position as a unique,
established, and attractive place to work, live, shop, and recreate. In other words, become
a “Complete Community.”
Mixed Use Commercial Residential District
The Comprehensive Plan map includes a Mixed Use Commercial Residential area in the
southern part of the city, along a traditional hard-line, prescriptive boundary between
standard Commercial and single-family Residential. Most of the land along on either
side of this boundary is either undeveloped or under-developed. The Mixed Use
Commercial Residential District is intended primarily as a smaller scale, service and
office commercial district, with associated residential that may consist of upper level
apartments. A live-work design concept within the mixed use district would serve as an
appropriate buffer between the formal commercial and residential districts, which abut.
Although, stand alone commercial and residential uses that are designed to be compatible
with abutting uses would also be appropriate. It is desirable for the development within
the mixed use district to be master planned, but that may not be possible in all properties
Page 85
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
due to the small to medium size of the parcels. Some assemblage of properties will be
necessary for proper master planning.
V. Critical Drivers of La Pine’s Economy
Many factors drive an economy. Some are influenced by the global economy, others by
federal and state policies, and still others by regional elements. Some factors are within
the control of the community and others are not, yet they all interrelate. One of the first
steps in developing sound economic development plans is to understand what drives the
local economy. The factors identified as those most directly affecting La Pine’s economy
include:
Local Development Factors:
¾ Available infrastructure & transportation services
¾ Supportive business and government climate
¾ Livable community standards
¾ Reasonable tax structure
¾ Land availability and competitive cost factors – must be less than Bend or
Redmond
¾ Affordable housing and a range of housing choices
¾ Access to post-secondary education system
¾ Access to retail, service and medical facilities
¾ Diverse labor force
¾ Access to financing and capital resources
¾ Transportation options
¾ Access to leisure activities and recreation
Existing Types of Businesses:
¾ Traditional manufacturing businesses: products, components, machines, farm and
construction equipment, woods, metals, glass, stone, fertilizer and chemicals, and
composite materials.
¾ Emerging businesses: knowledge based industries, energy, high tech, Internet, e-
commerce, creative services, manufacturing and, mixed-use developments
providing jobs and workforce housing to reduce employee commute
time/highway congestion.
¾ Support businesses: Suppliers, retail, services and repair, personal, health, and
business services. A variety of company sizes: from small to large -
commensurate with growth trends.
It is essential that La Pine’s community leaders examine how these drivers, whether they
are strengths or weaknesses, affect economic development planning. Businesses,
industry groups, the Chamber of Commerce, city staff, community development
Page 86
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
representatives and others involved in the adoption of the Plan identified the following as
key issues that will likely influence the future economy.
1. The ability to capture the growth in emerging industries such as manufacturing,
high tech, software, bioscience, and e-commerce.
2. The ability to redevelop areas to meet density and employment goals while
keeping a sense of place.
3. The need to consider small business and local services as part of the overall
economic picture.
4. The ability to promote an image for La Pine that will support and retain existing
businesses and attract new ones.
5. The ability to evaluate the link between La Pine’s economy and that of the
broader Central Oregon region.
6. How to identify, improve, and pay for the basic transportation and infrastructure
needs necessary to facilitate business development.
7. How to develop and retain quality workforce housing.
Existing Economic Conditions: National, State, and Local Trends
The community will need to monitor and consider the importance of local and national
trends and related economic activities as part of local growth management. For example,
the 2000 Census, Claritas studies, Oregon Employment Department data sets, Economic
Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) and other local experts have provided data
used to forecast certain features of the local economy. This data is utilized in the
subsequent economic evaluation detailed below.
Labor Statistics and Trends:
The current unemployment rate is at 16% and is a result of a dramatic downswing in
economy and construction industry. This rate and other factors are serious issues that
affect La Pine and the local economy.
Car commuting in La Pine is higher than other places in Central Oregon. This is typical
given the rural setting and distance from other employment areas in Bend and Redmond.
This situation will not change until the local population can support more industry,
service and retail choices in the La Pine community. Full scale transit is not anticipated
in the short term due to cost and the need for sort headway times to meet employer
demand. The primary means of transportation for the local workforce was private
vehicles where 69.3% of the workers drove alone while commuting to their jobs.
Interestingly, 13% of La Pine’s commuters carpooled to places of employment and only
3.3% walked to work.
Availability of Products and Services:
Competition for products and services currently provided by Bend and Redmond will
typically continue until there is an adequate demographic base in La Pine to support
additional shopping, employment and service needs of the community. The large
commute has certain disadvantages in that it tends to over-utilize existing road capacities
at peak hours and this creates a high subsidy for City and State transportation projects,
Page 87
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
etc. However, the ability for business owners to draw from a wide labor pool is an
advantage and helps to broaden job choices for residents. As the community diversifies
and moves further away from a farm and forest based economy the opportunities for
more variety in employment and shopping choices is expected to increase. The
Comprehensive Plan shows where new employment areas are to be located. The future
zoning ordinances will regulate the details of development and other factors.
Employment Changes:
The Oregon Employment Department releases updated ten year employment forecasts
every two years at the regional level. The most recent forecast (2004-2014) indicates an
anticipated 17,520 job increase for Region 10. Historical industry growth was led by
Transportation and Warehouse (11.6%), Financial Activities (9.1%), Retail Trade (8.8%),
and Leisure and Hospitality (8.5%). Manufacturing was the only industry that had a net
loss of jobs between October 2005 and 2006. The manufacturing industry lost 150 jobs
for a decrease of 13.3%. This decrease is attributable to a decrease in wood product
manufacturing.
Future employment gains are expected to be realized largely through service sector
growth. Roughly, 50.3% of anticipated employment growth is projected to originate from
Professional & Business Services, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality
Services, and Other Services.
La Pine and Deschutes County lie within State of Oregon Assessment Region 10. The
Region 10 data indicate that non-farm income is dramatically increasing. These
regional reports show that manufacturing, lumber remanufacturing production and
service sectors are expanding as population growth occurs.
Primary Industries and Employers:
The primary industries in Deschutes County and Central Oregon are listed in the table
below.
Local occupations are distributed among several areas and are consistent with the
recently updated Census data. Management, professional, and related occupations cover
about 21% of the employed individuals in La Pine; 26.7% in production, transportation,
and material moving; while another 37% work in the sales, service and offices
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES IN CENTRAL OREGON
County Industry Total
Employment
Deschutes Computer & Electronic Manufacturing 362
Distribution & Warehousing 862
Health & Social Assistance 5,908
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services 1,889
Recreational & Transportation Equipment 1,110
Tourism 7,652
Wood Product Manufacturing 1,920
Page 88
La Pine Comprehensive Plan DMC/Foreterra
occupations. Farming accounts for only 2.5% of city occupations and less than 1% of
total revenue generated in Deschutes County.
Even with the current economic crisis, the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis fully
expects regional and County-level population to resume continue a healthy growth
pattern. Recent coordinated population projections show that La Pine reaches a
population of 2,566 persons by 2029. This may not seem substantial, but it is critical to
take into consideration that the outlying area of La Pine contains a large amount of
developed and undeveloped lots. Growth in this area will affect La Pine. This factor
must be combined with the growth needs within the UGB. Thus, it is essential to
recognize that the employment and commercial service needs of the broader community
will affect the urban community of La Pine. Efforts to address economic issues related to
incorporated city and outlying areas will be essential to developing effective long range
planning strategies. Over time, and as the population increases, the trend appears to be
for more diversification in job choices trending away from construction and related
activities. According to the Oregon Employment Department report, Employment
Projections by Occupation 6 the community can expect to see the greatest job growth in
the following occupational areas:
• Health Care
• Professional and Technical, including education and government
• Service and Retail including hospitality services
The increase in health care jobs is much different from the current local situation and is
primarily due to an expected increase in young families with children, and an older
population made up of retirees and baby-boomers. As the older population and general
population increase so does the need for more choices in medical services. Health care
professionals are in current demand and this is expected to continue as the largest growth
area. The City will need to provide the proper amount of developable and adequately
zoned lands to accommodate the expected increase in healthcare businesses and medical
services.
La Pine’s small town charm and high level of livability will continue to attract young
professionals and entrepreneurs. The retail and service markets will need to respond to
this influx in order to meet demands of the growing population, particularly as housing
choices increase. Likewise, the recreational nature of the La Pine area will continue
demand for hospitality services. The City will need to provide the proper amount of
developable and adequately zoned lands to accommodate the expected increase in
professional, technical, service, education, retail, and hospitality professions.
Specific Employment and Industry Projections
The ‘snapshot” of data tables below provide a more precise projection detail for a period
of 10 years beginning in 2004. This data is derived from the 2000 Census and
information prepared by the Oregon Employment Department (OED). This type of