HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan Chapter 1 - PlanningDeschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………..………………… 1-2
Background Data………………………………………………………… 1-5
Comprehensive Planning Process.………………………..…………… 1-7
Comprehensive Plan Summary.……………………………………….. 1-15
Use of this Plan…………………………………………………………… 1-22
Goal Exceptions……….……..………………………………………….. 1-26
Citizen Involvement………………….…….…………………………….. 1-33
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Introduction
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Introduction
Background
A comprehensive plan contains the general, long range goals and policies that
provide the framework for more specific County land use regulations and
decisions. Deschutes County’s first comprehensive plan, Comprehensive Plan
to 1990, was adopted in June of 1970. In response to changes in state
planning law, a new plan was adopted in 1979, Deschutes County Year 2000
Comprehensive Plan (Comprehensive Plan). In 1981, this plan was
acknowledged by the Oregon Land Conservation and Development
Commission as being in compliance with Statewide Planning Goals.
Over time the plan has been amended, with changes initiated by the State,
local policy makers and property owners. Periodic Review, a state initiated
update process, was initiated in 1988 and completed in 2003. Periodic Review
included major additions and amendments to the plan that were intended to
keep the plan current with evolving State planning regulations. In 2000, as part
of periodic review, the plan was codified as Title 23 in the Deschutes County
Code.
As of 2008, the additions, amendments and codification of the plan have led to
a document that is no longer cohesive or user friendly. Much of the information
in the text is outdated and the plan chapters are not uniformly formatted. In
response, the plan is being edited and reformatted for clarity. Note that this
editing will not make any changes to the Plan’s goals and policies, which were
written based on a broad public involvement program that included extensive
data collection and analysis. The goals and policies represent the community’s
vision for development and conservation in the County and before they can be
amended the County would need to initiate another widespread community
discussion.
The Comprehensive Plan document undergoing format revision is just one
part of the total plan. Also important are the Deschutes County
Comprehensive Plan Resource Element (Resource Element) and the
Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan Map (Map). The Resource Element
was also adopted in 1979 and provides the background information on the
goals and policies. It contains extensive data about the people, places and
natural resources in Deschutes County. The Resource Element has been
amended over time by the addition of separate documents, such as the
Geothermal Element (January 1985) and the Deschutes County/City of Bend
River Study (April 1986), as well as by amendments to the primary document
itself. The Map is the on-the-ground interpretation of the goals and policies
and is the basis for county zoning designations. The Map has also been
amended over time.
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Introduction
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Purpose
The purpose of the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan is to provide
general guidance on land use decisions, in order to promote the greatest land
use efficiency and equity. The preparation of this plan responded to a
statewide comprehensive planning initiative that was developed to provide an
open and objective land use decision making process. The plan was intended
to respond to the dramatic growth and change the County was experiencing
that was putting pressure on the land as well as on the economic, social and
governmental structures.
Process
Many State requirements for comprehensive planning originated in Oregon
land use laws passed in the early 1970s. Those laws created the Land
Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC), which was given the
responsibility for regulating Oregon’s statewide land use program. That
agency developed a set of Statewide Planning Goals and required all local
jurisdictions to prepare and maintain comprehensive plans and implementing
regulations that were in compliance with those goals.
The comprehensive planning process developed by LCDC provided for the
gathering of information, the prudent review of alternatives and the
development of reasonable policies based on background information and
public input. Consideration of the sociological, economic and environmental
consequences of alternative actions was required.
For Deschutes County, the process of creating a comprehensive plan was
oriented not towards ending growth, but rather toward guiding growth for the
general welfare of the public. The planning process included identifying a land
use plan, but also recognized that planning can include issues beyond the
physical use of land. Factors other than those of a strictly local nature were
considered, because the plan was intended to serve not only as an internal
guide, but also as a way of relating to the larger society.
Community Involvement
In Deschutes County, as well as throughout the State of Oregon, there is a
strong commitment to citizen participation in the planning process. This is
consistent not only with state regulations, but also with standard planning
practice and common sense, because citizen involvement improves the quality
of the plan and ensures greater acceptance of the final document since it is
the direct product of the people's involvement.
When the Comprehensive Plan was written, Deschutes County's citizen
involvement program involved hundreds of participants representing the
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various geographic areas and range of interests in the county. Thousands of
hours were spent by citizens in the preparation of the plan. Many of the issues
discussed were controversial and remain that way today. Public involvement
continues to be an important tool to ensure the plan meets the needs of the
greater community.
Plan Objective
The 1979 Comprehensive Plan reflects the needs and desires of the people at
the time it was written. Amendments have been made to ensure the plan
continues to reflect community interests. Yet, the basic intent of the plan has
not changed significantly. From the beginning the plan acted to protect the
important resources identified by the community, such as agriculture, wildlife
and forest lands.
A comprehensive plan must be a compromise between the need for protecting
existing resources and the demand to accommodate a growing population.
Intermixed in this process is the complexity of individual rights and public
welfare. This plan attempts to reflect the interests of the community, to guide
growth in the most equitable and efficient manner and to be flexible enough to
accommodate changing circumstances.
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Background Data
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Background Data
Before a plan can be prepared for a community, background data must be
collected and analyzed. This includes information on the natural and man-
made environments and the trends that are shaping change. Further, it is
important to an understanding of the problems and issues facing the area. The
background data for this plan is, for the most part, located in the Resource
Element. In fact, there has been considerable change in the County since this
plan was written in the late 1970s and the data collected at that time is largely
outdated. The section below includes the one piece of data that has been
officially updated, the population forecast.
Population Growth and Projections:
The population of the County has increased significantly since the adoption of
the comprehensive plan in 1979.
Population Growth in Deschutes County: 1980 to 2000
1980 1990 2000
July 1 estimates* 62,500 75,600 116,600
April 1 census counts** 62,142 74,958 115,367
Source: * Population Research Center ** U.S. Census Bureau
ORS 195.025(1) requires counties to coordinate local plans and population
forecasts. In 1996, Bend, Redmond, Sisters and the County reviewed the most
recent population forecasts from the Portland State University Population
Research Center and U.S. Census, the Department of Transportation, Woods
and Poole, the Bonneville Power Administration and the State Department of
Administrative Services Office of Economic Analysis. After review of these
projections, the cities and Deschutes County agreed on a coordinated
population forecast with the County adopting Ordinance 98-084 in 1998.
The results of the 2000 decennial census and subsequent population
estimates prepared by the Population Research Center (PRC) at Portland
State University revealed that the respective populations of the County and its
incorporated cities were growing faster than contemplated under the 1998
coordinated forecast. The cites and the County engaged in a coordination
process between 2002 and 2004 that culminated with the County adopting a
revised population forecast that projected population for the cities and the
County to the year 2025. The following table displays the 2004 coordinated
population forecast for Deschutes County and the urban growth boundaries of
the cities of Bend, Redmond, and Sisters from 2000 to 2025:
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2000-2025 Coordinated Population Forecast
Year Bend UGB Redmond UGB Sisters UGB Unincorporated
County
Total County
2000 52,800 15,505 975 47,320 116,600
2005 69,004 19,249 1,768 53,032 143,053
2010 81,155 23,897 2,306 59,127 166,572
2015 91,158 29,667 2,694 65,924 189,443
2020 100,646 36,831 3,166 73,502 214,145
2025 109,389 45,724 3,747 81,951 240,811
Source: Deschutes County Coordinated Population Forecast 2000-2025
The process through which the County and the cities coordinated to develop
the 2000-2025 coordinated forecast is outlined in the report titled "Deschutes
County Coordinated Population Forecast 2000-2025: Findings in Support of
Forecast," dated August 25, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. The
following table displays the 2004 numbers compared to those adopted with the
1979 Comprehensive Plan and the 1998 coordinated population forecast.
Deschutes County Population Forecasts from 1979, 1998, and 2004
Year 1979 Forecast* 1998 Forecast** 2004 Forecast***
1980 53,400 - -
1985 66,600 - -
1990 82,900 74,958 -
1995 103,400 94,100 -
2000 128,200 113,231 116,600
2005 - 132,239 143,053
2010 - 151,431 166,572
2015 - 167,911 189,443
2020 - 182,353 214,145
2025 - - 240,811
Source: *Deschutes County 1979 Comprehensive Plan, **1998 coordinated population forecast, ***2004 coordinated population
forecast
.
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Comprehensive Planning Process
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Comprehensive Planning Process
Citizen Involvement in the Planning Process
To prepare a comprehensive plan, it is necessary to have an organizational
structure which outlines tasks and assigns responsibilities within the bounds
set by the available resources and the applicable State laws. In the
preparation of this plan, Deschutes County chose to develop a structure that
relied upon citizen involvement and initiative.
Citizen participation in land use planning started in Deschutes County in 1968.
This was reinforced by the passage of Senate Bill 100 in 1973, which made
citizen involvement in planning mandatory throughout Oregon. Under that bill,
local governments were required to develop, publicize and adopt a citizen
involvement program containing the following:
• Provision for widespread citizen involvement;
• Assurance of effective two-way communication with citizens;
• Provision of opportunities for citizens to be involved in all phases of the
planning process;
• Assurance that technical information is available in an understandable
form;
• Assurance that citizens will receive a response from policy makers;
• Assurance that there will be funding for the citizen involvement process.
The program must provide for a citizen advisory committee broadly
representative of geographic areas and interests relating to land use. Further,
the law requires that federal, state and local agencies, as well as special
districts, coordinate their planning efforts and make use of existing citizen
involvement programs.
The Deschutes County citizen involvement program experienced a dramatic
expansion during the 1970s. The planning process for preparing this
comprehensive plan was largely based upon citizens participation, agency
involvement and both local and outside professional analysis. The extensive
participation ensured consistency with the State Planning Goals.
1979 Comprehensive Plan Process
The public involvement program began with a well-publicized educational
meeting at a community college to acquaint Deschutes County residents with
citizen involvement in land use planning and the upcoming opportunities for
participation. One hundred and fifty persons attended a slide show on the
statewide planning goals, heard an explanation of the program, filled out an
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Comprehensive Planning Process
attitude survey (later compiled by college students) and received several
handouts. For a month thereafter, people volunteered for advisory committee
membership and were accepted without restrictions.
The Board of County Commissioners, as the committee evaluating the citizen
involvement program, appointed an Overall Citizens Advisory Committee, as
well as 17 technical and area advisory committees. There were a total of 326
officially appointed members with up to 300 additional persons indirectly
involved.
The Overall Citizens Advisory Committee (OCAC) was the largest committee
and the one most broadly representative of the various interests and areas of
the County. Their primary function was to resolve conflicts between the
recommendations of the different committees. In addition, they also reviewed
committee recommendations to assure they met State goals and guidelines.
The OCAC also initiated many of the recommendations regarding
development in urbanizing and rural areas of the County, thereby tying
together the various elements of the plan. It was their direction to County
planning staff which served as the basis for the preliminary plan.
The technical committees functioned as a panel of experts (often including
federal, state, local and district agency personnel) and interested citizens.
These committees covered the following topics: minerals and aggregates,
agriculture, forest lands, fish and wildlife, historic and cultural, economy,
transportation, public facilities and services, recreation, housing and energy.
The technical committees faced the challenge of an initially weak database as
well as a demanding time schedule for plan completion.
Each technical committee was given a general work program to collect
information, identify needs and problems and prepare recommendations.
Committees met two to four times per month and 10 to 20 times totally. Each
group prepared a detailed and factual preliminary report which was then
submitted to the Overall Citizens Advisory Committee for comment. Revisions
to each report were made and submitted as a final report to the OCAC and
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Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Comprehensive Planning Process
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Planning staff. Their detailed reports were often used word for word in the
preparation of the resource element and preliminary plan.
The area committees involved interested citizens from the three major rural
service centers: La Pine, Terrebonne and Tumalo. An attempt was also made
to form a Sunriver committee but little interest was expressed by residents of
that area. The committees addressed each of the LCDC goals and developed
a list of programs, needs and directions for future community growth. Their
reports were reviewed by the OCAC in the same manner as the technical
reports and eventually incorporated in the preparation of the preliminary plan.
There were also three urban area advisory committees appointed to work with
each city planning staff in order to prepare urban area plans for each
municipality and its surrounding urbanizing area. While the Bend Urban Area
Plan was largely completed by the time the OCAC was formed, Redmond and
Sisters planning staff periodically reported to the Overall Citizens Advisory
Committee to assure communication and coordination.
County planning staff also contributed, writing several reports to provide
information to the OCAC covering geology, geomorphology, soils, areas of
special interest, climate, hydrology, history and population. The OCAC also
considered this information in its deliberations.
During the citizens' committee stage of the process, over 200 meetings were
held and in excess of 10,000 hours of time were spent by volunteers working
on the plan. Many steps were taken to provide everyone, whether directly
involved in the process or not, with access to up-to-date information on where
the plan was heading. More than 5,000 newsletters were mailed to interested
citizens and thousands of letters, mailings, posters and flyers were also
distributed. Radio, television and newspaper coverage was extensive with the
largest local newspaper printing an explanatory article on each of the
committees and staff reports.
Once in the preliminary plan stage, the document was brought to the County
Planning Commission for review. The preliminary plan was available to the
community from a variety of sources. A newspaper supplement describing the
major elements of the plan was placed in the major newspaper in Deschutes
County and the local news media were very cooperative in disseminating
information. Copies of the plan were placed in local libraries and made
available to everyone interested. The Planning staff also spoke to various
groups in the community. The Planning Commission held a number of
hearings on the preliminary plan and then provided recommendations to the
Board of County Commissioners.
The County Commissioners also held hearings on the plan. These hearings
generated large turnouts and spirited testimony. Using public testimony (both
written and verbal) and the recommendations of the Planning Commission and
staff, the Board compiled a working draft of the Comprehensive Plan. This
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working draft was then sent to outside legal and planning consultants for
review and comment. Earlier, the preliminary plan had been given to an
outside reviewer to determine the adequacy of the energy elements of the
plan. All these reports were then delivered to the Board of County
Commissioners. Their determination was that the Planning staff should take
additional time to use these studies to improve the plan where necessary.
A new draft was then taken to the Overall Citizens Advisory Committee and
Planning Commission for comment, before the Board took any final action.
The Board also determined that an additional public hearing would be held to
hear testimony on planned exceptions to be taken to agricultural and forest
land planning goals.
The use of such an extensive citizen involvement program, as well as the
utilization of specific professional assistance, was a complex but extremely
useful combination. The preparation of the plan was not only completed more
rapidly, but the quality of the overall document was significantly improved. It
was expected that this would produce a document that would effectively serve
as a basis upon which to build land use regulations for the people of
Deschutes County.
Future Growth
Choosing a course into the future is a difficult task. In 1979 to assist in
understanding the consequences of the local decisions being made, a number
of different options were considered. First, each of the citizen advisory
committees reviewed and discussed a variety of different policies, each with
varying impacts, and chose the recommendations most likely to achieve the
desired result. After their deliberations, the policies were sent on to the Overall
Citizens' Advisory Committee, where decisions had to be made about tying the
various elements of the plan together into a cohesive document. To tie the
parts of the plan together required shaping a consistent philosophy and
direction for future development in Deschutes County.
In determining a direction for growth, it is important to first understand how
much growth is expected. This can be found through an examination of current
and projected population. The following two tables represent the population
and housing forecasts forecast adopted with the Comprehensive Plan in 1979.
The decision which had to be reached was what population projection to use
in preparing for the future. The Portland State University Center for Population
Research and Census (CPRC, now called the Population Research Center)
prepared a population estimate indicating Deschutes County would grow at an
approximate rate of 2.8 percent annually. A study by the Economic Citizen
Advisory Committee (CAC) indicated the present growth rate (1970-77) was
6.3 percent annually. The committees felt that CPRC's estimate was not
adequate and should not be used since the present growth rate would exceed
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the actual growth because of economic fluctuations and a declining
percentage gain near the end of the planning period (Planning Period = 1979
to the year 2000). The preferred alternative was a 4.5 percent annual growth
rate which would yield 128,200 people in Deschutes County by the year 2000.
1979 Deschutes County Population Projections
PSU* 2.8% Present Rate** 6.3% Preferred Rate*** 4.5%
1980 50,500 56,324 53,400
1985 56,700 76,298 66,600
1990 60,700 103,557 82,900
1995 63,900 140,554 103,400
2000 65,700 190,770 128,200
Source: * Portland State University, ** Economic Citizen Action Committee research *** Economic Citizen
Action Committee chosen alternative
Recognizing the need for a single target population and in light of the
Economic CAC's research and expertise, the 4.5 percent annual growth was
chosen as the "best guess" option and the one to be used in the preparation of
comprehensive plans in Deschutes County. Ultimately, this resulted in
allocations of population to different parts of the County with the Bend Urban
Area receiving 84,000, the Redmond Urban Area obtaining 23,093, the Sisters
Urban Area having 2,135, and the unincorporated areas of the County
receiving 18,972.
Once the population figure was chosen, it was possible to determine housing
needs to the year 2000 by making some assumptions about household size
and rehabilitation.(Note: as of 2008 the assumptions behind this table are not
known.)
1979 New Housing Units
1980 3,185
1985 6,339
1990 7,740
1995 9,669
2000 11,753
38,682
The question still remaining was how to allocate this new population and
housing throughout the County. Several different alternatives were directly and
indirectly discussed by members of the OCAC.
Underlying all of the alternatives were a number of basic assumptions:
• LCDC will require some protection and coordination.
• Energy will become increasingly expensive and relatively more scarce.
• Much of the area's growth is tied to amenities.
• Federal agencies will continue to use public lands for multiple uses.
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Future Growth Alternatives
Alternative One - Current Trends
Land Uses: Continue with the present trends without modification of the
dispersed housing pattern that was developing in Deschutes County.
Anticipate that most people would live in the urban areas but that many would
choose to reside in rural areas. Recognize that much of the agricultural and
forest lands of the County would be lost or replaced by hobby farms. Expect a
less than stringent enforcement of regulations to protect unique historic and
environmental areas.
Environmental: Anticipate the loss of additional scenic and natural amenities.
Recognize that deer winter ranges would likely be developed and the wildlife
lost. Prepare for increasing problems with air and water quality.
Social and Economic: Continue the strong economic growth of the area,
particularly in the service, trade and construction industries. Expect more
cultural amenities. Anticipate increasing social problems such as crime.
Public Services and Facilities: Expect to see an expanding road system and a
growing demand for other public services. Recognize that these services will
continue to lag behind demand, requiring taxes to rise rapidly to provide
necessary services.
Other: While there will be some improvement in land use controls and
increasing city and county cooperation there is likely to be continued state
review and occasional intervention. Ultimately, population increases are
expected to decline as the environmental amenities of the area degrade.
Alternative Two – Unrestricted Development
Land Uses: Greater amount of urban sprawl from all growth centers. In
addition, rural sprawl also occurs in the vicinity of the Rural Service Centers as
they rapidly develop. Some protection is given to the most dramatic and
publicly supported historic and environmental sites. Agriculture ceases to exist
as a viable industry.
Environmental: Moderate to severe pollution problems in parts of the County
ultimately require some areas to be mandated to install expensive centralized
sewer and water facilities. The growing development on private lands
interspersed within the public lands severely reduce the beauty and
usefulness of the public lands.
Social and Economic: Continued high employment, particularly in construction,
for the next 10 to 15 years with the development ultimately resulting in a loss
of amenities which sharply reduce unemployment in the non-manufacturing
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industries. Cultural amenities increase in conjunction with the population, but
there are serious social dislocations resulting from the inequitable tax burdens
created by the growth and loss of esthetics.
Public Facilities and Services: Serious problems with providing adequate
services, resulting in higher taxes and public dissatisfaction. Recreation
demands continue to grow and demand expands rapidly as the formerly
available outdoor areas become fragmented due to development. Finally an
expensive mass transit system must be constructed to bring people into the
urban centers as gasoline prices continue to climb.
Other: Energy costs locally continue to increase finally leading to some
outward migration. There is little effective coordination or local authority to
control unnecessary subdivision and construction. Increasingly, the State
intercedes in Deschutes County to assure State interests and public welfare
are protected.
Alternative Three – Strict Growth Controls
Land Uses: No further residential, commercial or industrial construction is
permitted in rural areas and ultimately the rural population begins to decline.
Urban areas grow rapidly but the restrictiveness of the regulations result in a
slower growth rate. Historic and environmental sites receive strict protection.
Increasingly, apartments and higher densities are common.
Environmental: Pollution levels rise only slightly and the natural amenities are
protected. Public lands receive heavy use but are protected from the more
serious effects of development.
Social and Economic: Housing and land costs rise rapidly because of the
relative shortage of buildable land. Lower and middle-income families find
themselves effectively excluded from the community. Cultural amenities rise.
Employment suffers to some extent and many of the higher paying
construction jobs are replaced by lower paying service employment. This
situation leads to considerable social and economic dissatisfaction.
Public Facilities and Services: Few new roads are constructed and an
emphasis on alternative transportation methods provides effective transit and
freight movement. Public facilities, such as sewer and water, catch up and
keep pace but may be more expensive due to a reduced tax base.
Other: Energy costs are down. There is considerable concern over
government regulations, such as zoning and environmental controls, as well
as mandated local government coordination.
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Alternative Four – The Chosen Alternative
After considering the various alternatives available, the citizens chose a
compromise between current trends and strict growth control. The emphasis
was on restricting sprawl and protecting resources while accommodating new
population in adequately large urban boundaries and Rural Service Centers.
Land Uses: Major growth occurs in urban areas of the County. Rural
development is largely restricted to rural service centers and on existing rural
lots. An active housing program seeks to offset the costs created by the
regulations. Some hobby farming occurs and the existing agriculture and
forest areas are protected.
Environmental: Wildlife and vegetative areas particularly vulnerable to damage
are protected from excessive development. Pollution increases are small.
Public lands continue to be adequate to meet the demand. There is some loss
of visual amenities but it is minimal.
Social and Economic: Taxes increase but not so rapidly as in the other
alternatives because a more efficient growth pattern exists as does a growing
tax base. Jobs continue to increase with some shift from construction to
services. Manufacturing grows, but not as rapidly as the commercial sector.
Cultural amenities continue to increase.
Public Facilities and Services: Few new roads are constructed and a greater
emphasis on transit alternatives reduces automobile use. Energy costs rise
but within the capabilities of area residents. Most public facilities catch up with
the growth and provide adequate services.
Other: Continuing controversy over how much land use control to use, but
general acceptance of local ordinances and minimal state intervention.
Coordination is mandated and controls are strict but oriented to achieving a
specified result rather than being a routine and/or arbitrary mechanism.
The process by which the final alternative was chosen was not a smooth one.
Many meetings were required and the alternatives listed here are more clear
than those discussed by the committees. Yet, as the process continued, it
became increasingly apparent that people generally wanted to see growth
guided but not stopped. The exceptions were where development was
proceeding too rapidly or where important natural or cultural resources needed
protection. People were convinced that the inefficient sprawled pattern of
development needed to be curtailed to restrict additional subdivisions while
permitting existing development. To do that, the philosophy of Alternative Four
was used as the framework for the goals and policies that are contained within
this plan.
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Comprehensive Plan Summary
The plan alternative chosen for Deschutes County was one which emphasized
accommodating anticipated growth primarily in the urban areas, with some
rural development taking place in Rural Service Centers (now unincorporated
communities) and in existing subdivisions. This pattern was intended to
provide greater efficiency in the provision of public services and to foster
energy savings, particularly in transportation. This development model was
also intended to protect scarce resources, while permitting compatible
improvements. The plan goals and policies summarized below were written to
support the chosen development model. These goals and policies must be
read as a whole, since the County will grow as a single unit not in separate
pieces or aspects.
As part of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan tune-up, this section has been
updated. The 1979 summaries have been labeled and retained, while each
chapter has an added section, labeled 2008, that identifies significant changes
to the chapter goals and policies. Additionally, summaries have been added
for the goals and policies in chapters added since this plan was adopted.
These summaries have been structured to match the reorganization of the
plan.
Citizen Involvement
1979: The Citizen Involvement section of this plan shows that planning is a
dynamic process and one that does not stop with its initial adoption. More
study to keep the plan functional and up-to-date will be required. The County's
efforts will continue to be aimed at involving the public, in meaningful ways,
with the preparation of future plans and studies. There is also an emphasis on
explaining land use planning, its purposes and techniques, so that it will be
better understood and more usable by county residents.
2008: No goal or policy changes.
Agriculture
1979: Agriculture has been one of the more controversial resource chapters.
The policies in this plan seek to protect identified agricultural land, while
recognizing that marginal agricultural conditions are present in some areas.
Some hobby farming is permitted in the more marginal areas so as to increase
agricultural productivity, while a program to research local marginal lands and
determine how they may be utilized while agricultural production is preserved,
is mandated for future updates of the plan.
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2008: The policies in this section were changed considerably after a 1992
study of County agriculture that defined 7 agricultural sub-zones representing
distinct agricultural groupings. These subzones use the number of irrigated
acres per farm unit as the principal standard for defining what size of tract
constitutes a commercial farm parcel.
Forest Lands
1979: Forest Land designations seek to protect existing areas with timber
capability, while permitting compatible development on non-productive lands
that foster other aspects of the local economy. The loss of much of La Pine to
development is recognized (see Exceptions Statement) but in those areas
where larger lots exist, small woodlot management is encouraged and
commercial timber is protected where it remains feasible (primarily the national
forest and commercial timber tracts).
2008: In 1992 the County updated this section in response to a Department of
Land Conservation and Development administrative rule setting criteria for
allowed uses, siting conditions and minimum lot sizes in forest zones. The
policies were rewritten to comply with the new rules and the F-3 zone was
subsequently eliminated.
Open Spaces
1979: The local economy and environment are very dependent on the
protection of scenic and natural areas. Because of that, the Open Spaces
chapter identifies the policies required to protect those resources for area
tourism, recreation and quality of life, while recognizing the appropriateness of
flexibility when dealing with individual property owners.
2008: The major policy changes in this chapter are that a landscape
management area study has been completed and additional lands have been
added to the 1979 proposal. Also as proposed in the 1979 plan, development
restrictions were added for rimrocks along streams and waterways.
Fish and Wildlife
1979: Fish and Wildlife seeks to balance wildlife needs of the area against the
needs of a growing population. Important economic and lifestyle qualities are
recognized and irreplaceable wildlife areas protected, while conditions that
permit limited development are identified.
2008: This chapter was updated during periodic review in the early 1990s.
Tables were added listing an existing wildlife inventory. A new goal was added
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promoting the maintenance of wildlife diversity and habitat. Policies were
strengthened and expanded.
Water Resources
1979: Water is the resource without which there will be no future growth in
Deschutes County. Preservation of existing water quality and greater
efficiency in delivering available water supplies is being sought. New and
existing residents will need all the water that is presently identified. Agriculture,
new employment opportunities and maintenance of the tourism/ recreation
industry all require water. This plan seeks to improve coordination and
planning for water resources.
2008: No goal or policy changes.
Energy
1979: The Energy section emphasizes more local independence in providing
energy, protection of future energy resources and better coordination with
energy providers. Information and education about energy and local
opportunities are stressed. As the population continues to grow and because
of the importance of tourism, energy will play an ever more dominate role in
local planning efforts. These policies seek to emphasize the need for greater
efficiency in development patterns and construction, while surveying available
options.
2008: The current plan includes stronger, more detailed policies on the use of
geothermal resources. It also has a policy encouraging the County to
incorporate energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources into all
operations. There has been a change to the recycling policy to reflect the
implementation of a recycling plan that did not exist in 1979. Finally, a policy
has been added that requires the County to encourage conservation
throughout the region.
Surface Mining
1979: The Surface Mining chapter seeks to preserve known mining resource
sites for ultimate mining activity and to permit mining as needed in the County.
There is also recognition of the County's responsibility to protect adjoining
residents (safety and health hazards) and the general public (excessive
construction costs and hazards created by a shortage of building materials as
well as loss of scenic qualities and pollution).
2008: The policies in this chapter are all new and include policies tied to the
Goal 5 analysis process. The current policies echo concerns noted above but
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have stronger environmental protections. A list of existing mineral and
aggregate sites has also been added.
Historic and Cultural
1979: One of the most non-controversial chapters is Historic and Cultural,
which seeks to protect the ever dwindling supply of historic and cultural sites.
2008: No significant goals and policies changes.
Rural Development
1979: This section serves as the basis for the rest of the plan. Basic guidelines
are included to do away with the former inefficient development pattern and to
accommodate the anticipated 7,050 new rural residents. Emphasis is placed
on maintaining the existing rural character of the county, while acknowledging
that Deschutes County is becoming more urban, for example, by concentrating
new rural development in Rural Service Centers. In that way people desiring a
rural lifestyle may do so without unduly increasing the costs to others or
utilizing resource lands. The only exception to this rural pattern is in the La
Pine area where emphasis is placed on the incorporation of the community
and improvements in local services. The La Pine rural area is also likely to
receive many of the over 3,000 new rural homes which will be built, because
so many lots already exist in that area.
2008: A number of minor changes have been made to the Rural Development
goals and policies regarding cluster development. Additionally, new standards
have been defined for locating destination resorts on specified farm lands. A
major change in the Rural Development chapter is that the Rural Service
Center policies (and maps) have all been updated and moved to a new section
on Unincorporated Communities. Finally note that La Pine, previously an
Unincorporated Community, incorporated in November of 2006. As of this
writing they are still using County land use regulations, under an
intergovernmental agreement. This will continue until they are able to write
their own comprehensive plan and zoning codes.
Natural Hazards
1979: The Natural Hazards chapter seeks to guide development away from
identified hazards, such as wildfire, while allowing some use of areas that
need to be protected from development. The protection of the 100-year flood
plain is an example of an area where development shall be prohibited but
wildlife and recreation opportunities will be fostered.
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2008: The current plan includes stronger more detailed policies regarding
flooding, including the completion of a Federal Emergency Management Act
approved Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Public Facilities and Services
1979: To accommodate existing and future populations and land uses the
Public Facilities and Services chapter provides basic guidelines for the
construction of new facilities, while fostering urban rather than rural
development.
2008: No significant goal or policy changes.
Transportation
1979: The Transportation chapter seeks to aid movement of people and goods
between communities, and to improve the ability of the communities to
efficiently deal with new residential, commercial and industrial uses. Greater
public safety is promoted, as is preparation of a shift from automobile
dependence to public transit and other transportation alternatives.
2008: The Transportation and Transportation System Plan chapters in the plan
have been combined into one chapter. The Transportation chapter contains
goals and policies on all facets of transportation planning. The goals and
policies have the aim of moving people and goods effectively and safely.
Economy
1979: The Economy chapter discusses the need to protect existing timber,
agriculture, mining and scenic resources for future prosperity. It also provides
policies to help Deschutes County in its metamorphosis from a rural resource
economy to a regional employment center, providing between 7,700 and
16,000 new manufacturing jobs and 27,000 to 32,000 new non-manufacturing
positions.
2008: No goal or policy changes.
Recreation
1979: Recreation seeks to accommodate both a growing local population and
tourist industry. New facilities and cooperative plans are identified and, while
the County seeks to provide primarily a facilitator function, greater
commitments to recreation and associated activities are made.
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2008: The initial policy recommending a county-wide parks plan has been
dropped. Policies have been strengthened regarding the provision of bicycle
and pedestrian trails between destinations such as schools and shopping, as
well as multi-use recreational trails.
Housing
1979: Housing emphasizes the need for flexibility in housing styles and costs
so as to provide adequate homes for all segments of the community. Also
encouraged are programs to help rehabilitate existing homes and to
accommodate low and moderate-income families through government
programs and reduced development costs.
2008: No goal or policy changes.
Urbanization
1979: The chapter on Urbanization links this plan to those of the three
incorporated communities. It provides parameters for the establishment and
expansion of urban boundaries and provides common guidelines to the cities
to help them accommodate the 71,450 new residents that will need
approximately 35,600 homes and up to 35,000, new jobs. Sufficient land must
be allocated and managed to serve these new residents.
2008: Significant changes were made to the Goals and Policies in 2006 in
conjunction with the adoption of the Sisters urban Growth Boundary, the
Redmond Urban Growth Boundary and the Redmond Urban Reserve Area.
Chapters Added after 1979
1986, Deschutes River Corridor
This chapter provides the County with a role in preserving and revitalizing the
Deschutes River Basin. The various goals and policies are aimed at working
with government agencies and other interested parties to enhance the river
environment for wildlife and recreation.
1992, Destination Resorts
Destination resorts are defined in State Planning Goal 8 as a positive
economic boost for rural communities. The goals and policies in this chapter
encourage the development of destination resorts, in a manner that will be
compatible with the rural environment. The policies outline the basic conditions
a proposed resort must follow.
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1997, Unincorporated Communities
This chapter was added during periodic review to address changes in state
regulations that defined specific types of unincorporated communities. The
new chapter defines four types of unincorporated communities and identifies
where in Deschutes County these can be found. There are no goals in this
section of the plan, but there are distinct policies for each of these
communities to implement the new state rules. The four types and locations
are listed below. This chapter also includes policies for rural commercial and
rural industrial lands.
• Urban Unincorporated Communities: La Pine, Sunriver
• Rural Communities: Terrebonne, Tumalo
• Rural Service Centers: Wickiup Junction, Alfalfa, Brothers, Hampton,
Milliken
• Resort Communities: Black Butte Ranch, Inn of the 7th Mountain/Widgi
Creek
1998, Regional Problem Solving for South Deschutes
County
This chapter was added in response to ground water pollution problems
identified in the La Pine area. The goals and policies are worded to protect the
environment, especially the water quality, through focusing development into
specifically defined areas.
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Use of this Plan
Implementation
A comprehensive plan provides general guidelines that are implemented
through more specific regulations and other related mechanisms. Zoning and
subdivision ordinances are the most widely recognized tools, but not the only
ones as can be seen from the list below.
Comprehensive Plan Maps: Comprehensive plan maps show generally how
various uses will be allocated throughout the jurisdiction and serve to
implement the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan.
Zoning Ordinances: Zoning Ordinances contain a series of categories (land
use zones) which specify what uses are allowed within those categories. The
uses listed are those felt to be compatible with each other. In addition, a
number of conditional uses are usually also included. These activities are
allowed only by special permit after conditions have been attached which
mitigate the probable impacts associated with the proposed use.
Subdivision Ordinances: In Oregon the process of dividing the land into
smaller parcels is done within three categories. Minor partitions are the
creation of two or three lots, where formerly only one existed, without the
establishment of a street or right-of-way. Major partitions create two or three
lots with a street or right-of-way. Subdivisions create four or more lots with or
without a street or right-of-way. Predictably the requirements become
increasingly stringent, from minor partitions to subdivisions. Subdivision
regulations establish requirements for public facilities to be provided, allow
review of the design to assure the safety and general welfare of the future
residents, and permit the requirement of deed restrictions (protective
covenants) to enable neighborhoods once established to retain their
character. The subdivision ordinance very often will do more to determine the
long term character of an area than will the zoning ordinance.
Planned Developments: Many jurisdictions offer an opportunity for planned
developments (PDs), which allow a less than strict adherence to both zoning
and subdivision regulations. These developments are intended to create better
overall designs which still meet established policies. They most often occur in
places where unusual conditions exist such that a conventional development
would not be able to efficiently utilize the site. This may be true because of
characteristics such as rock outcrops or because the area contains significant
wildlife habitat, agricultural land, unique historical remains, or other resources
that must be protected from development.
Other Ordinances: In some areas local governments do not establish all their
land use restrictions within the zoning ordinance. Floodplain, mobile home,
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design review and airport ordinances are often created separately and
administered in addition to the requirements of the zoning ordinances. In
Deschutes County these regulations were joined into the zoning ordinance to
provide ease of access and understanding for the public.
Capital Improvements Plans: Capital improvement plans are another method
used to implement a comprehensive plan. Capital improvement plans lay out
for a defined period how and where streets, sewers, and other public facilities
will be constructed. The provision of these services often determines the
feasibility of numerous types of community growth patterns.
Easements: Conservation easements, or other types of land acquisition less
than fee acquisition, are becoming increasingly popular. An easement, lease,
or purchase of a certain right can often be obtained from a property owner and
thereby a specific use may be prohibited or some special resource protected.
The purchase of this easement is less expensive than the purchase of the
property, and for certain uses may even be granted without cost to the public.
Coordination Agreements: Coordination agreements are another common tool
for implementing a plan. Often local governments (cities and counties) have
overlapping interests within certain areas, such as urban growth areas, as well
as overlaps with other public bodies, such as special districts (i.e., school and
irrigation districts) and federal agencies. Establishment of cooperative
arrangements reduces the probability of conflicts and assures that all these
public agencies are working toward common goals, thereby increasing
efficiency and the likelihood of achieving mutual goals.
Tax Incentives: Use of tax incentives to promote appropriate use of land is
also receiving increased attention. Exclusive Farm Use zoning is an example
of this. Land set aside and used for farm use may only be taxed for that farm
value, rather than any potential development value. This enables the farmer to
better afford remaining on the farm.
Land Trading: Another implementation tool is the trading of land. Deschutes
County is fortunate to have available County lands which can be traded with
private individuals and public agencies to better achieve the goals of the plan.
Performance Zoning: Innovative methods are used in some communities
which permit greater flexibility while assuring appropriate standards are met.
Performance zoning is an example of this type of regulation. With this type of
ordinance a zone is established but instead of stating the type of uses that will
be permitted, it sets a number of performance standards that must be
satisfied. These criteria set limits on pollution, traffic generated, noise,
population density, height, etc. The developer is then free to construct any use
as long as the performance standards are met. Should the use not comply it
will have to be modified or be shut down. Unfortunately, performance zoning
requires a relatively large staff using sophisticated equipment if it is be
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successful, and it is therefore used mostly in larger jurisdictions where
sufficient budgets exist.
Administrative Policies: Not only are there ordinances and plans adopted by
official action of the governing body but administrative decision makers, like
Planning staff, Hearings Officer, or Planning Commission, often establish
criteria for use in reviewing certain applications. These criteria are consistent
with existing regulations, plans and policies. They simply serve as a way for
assuring equitable treatment of all applicants and that all pertinent issues are
addressed.
Implementation Plan for Deschutes County
Deschutes County's implementation program, as specified in this plan, will
include at minimum, a combination of zoning, subdivision and other necessary
ordinances. Other implementation tools will be used as needed. Efforts will be
made to keep planning processes as simple as possible and provide for the
expeditious handling of all applications.
Plan Flexibility and Updating
Flexibility in plan administration and regular updating are two ways
communities seek to assure that their comprehensive plans continue to
accurately reflect local conditions. Flexibility assures that there is some
discretion in the application of the plan, providing guidelines, not detailed
directions. Updating those guidelines ensures that the plan remains relevant
with goals and policies that are current, useful, and reflective of the people's
interests.
There are two questions always asked when a new plan is prepared. First,
how flexible will the plan be after it is adopted? Second, how will changing
conditions be incorporated into the plan?
Flexibility
The answer to the first question is that all land use plans reduce the flexibility
with which land may be used. That is, after all, one of the purposes of
preparing a plan. However, considerable study is conducted during the
preparation of the plan in order to assure that the needs and desires of the
community are considered.
In addition, there may be specific instances when, due to the unique character
of the question at issue, the policies listed under the goals do not apply. As a
result, new regulations may be adopted or exceptions not otherwise granted
may be given. Perhaps most importantly, this evaluation and review will occur
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in public view and subject to written guidelines so that the process is open and
understandable to all interested persons.
Updating
As for the second question, a comprehensive plan should be updated as
needed to assure that the changing character of the people and the land are
reflected in appropriate goals and policies. Usually these changes are
adjustments to boundaries on the plan map or establishment of new policies.
Since adoption, the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan has undergone
numerous updates. Some of the updates were site specific, such as changes
to the listed Surface Mining Sites, while others were more extensive. Since
adoption, to address state requirements and local concerns, the County has
added the following chapters:
• Preface (incorporated into the Introduction in 2008)
• Unincorporated Communities (broken into separate sections in 2008)
• Regional Problem Solving for South Deschutes County
• Transportation System Plan
• Destination Resorts
• Deschutes River Corridor
Things Yet to be Done
The completion of a comprehensive plan is never the end of the planning
process, there are always things yet to be done. Not only are there issues
where insufficient time existed for them to be adequately considered, but
entirely new questions are often raised based on an improved understanding
of the community. The 1979 plan included a list of projects for the County to
work on over the years. However, that list is now outdated and no longer
useful in providing future guidance.
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Goal Exceptions
Introduction
This section of the Comprehensive Plan identifies lands where Deschutes
County has requested the Oregon Land Conservation and Development
Commission grant an ‘exception’ to meeting the requirements of the statewide
planning goals. The Oregon land use system contains protections for farm and
forest resource lands. The exception process is intended to address situations
where the protection of those resource lands through the application of the
Statewide Planning Goals would not be practical. There are three reasons a
local government can use to take an exception: if the land is physically
developed, if the land is irrevocably committed to other uses or if the land fits a
defined set of ‘reasons’ criteria.
In 1979 the exceptions were for Goal 3 (Agricultural Lands) or Goal 4 (Forest
Land). Cities were not included in the consideration of exception lands
because all of the lands within an urban growth boundary are considered
urban, non-resource lands. However, it was apparent that many of the rural
areas in the County had already received substantial development and were
committed to non-resource uses. Rural Service Centers, for example, provided
services to rural residents. Since this plan was adopted, additional exceptions
have been granted, to Goals 3 and 4 but also to Goal 11 (Public Facilities and
Services) and Goal 14 (Urbanization).
1979 Exceptions Analysis and Plan
The Comprehensive Plan written in 1979 included county-wide goal
exceptions to Goals 3 and 4 as well as an exception for the Bend Airport. The
complete text of these exceptions are incorporated herein by reference (PL 20
pg. 160-179).
To determine where an exception to the State goals was required it was first
necessary to obtain information on the location of the farm and forest resource
lands. To determine which lands were already committed to development,
aerial photography at a scale of 2”=1 mile were obtained and used as a base
map. Areas of concern not covered by the aerial photography were few and in
these instances other maps were obtained.
Land was determined to be committed to residential use, resource use or
uncommitted. La Pine, greater Redmond and Bend areas were analyzed and
a plan for the exception lands completed. The Rural Service Centers were
also analyzed and planned. A total of 41,556 acres were excepted as
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residentially developed, committed to development or needed for Rural
Service Centers.
In the 1979 exceptions analysis, Deschutes County did not propose large
areas for rural development, but rather acknowledged existing development
and attempted to seek reasonable ways to deal with those lands. Many areas
which had some development, but not enough to justify identification as
committed lands, were placed in resource zones which will permit non-
resource uses only by conditional use on non-productive sites.
Bend Municipal Airport Exception
An exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3 was taken as part of the 1979
Comprehensive Plan (PL-20) to accommodate the Bend Airport. The Bend
Airport Master Plan, as approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, set
forth the basic policies relating to the Bend Airport. These policies are on
equal footing with other policies within the Deschutes County Comprehensive
Plan, and are to be used by the decision makers as they interpret the plan and
weigh various alternatives.
The Bend Municipal Airport was determined to be a necessary facility for
Deschutes County. Based on the long-standing existence of the Bend airport,
an exception for the Airport was not required. However, the Airport’s ability to
expand needed to be provided for, which led the County to take an exception
to Goal 3.
La Pine UUC Boundary
In conjunction with approval of PA 9-7 and ZC 97-4, a plan amendment and
zone change for an area of land zoned exclusive farm use and physically
developed with the Mid State Electric Co-op, Inc. Facility, exceptions to
Statewide Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Land, Goal 11, Public Facilities and
Services and Goal 14, Urbanization were taken. The goal exceptions allowed
the subject land to be included in the La Pine UUC boundary and planned and
zoned for commercial use. Findings to support the goal exceptions for this
land are set forth in Exhibit "C" to Ordinance 98-001, incorporated herein by
reference.
Spring River Rural Service Center
A reasons exception was taken from Goal 14 to allow for the establishment of
the Spring River Rural Service Center on residential-designated lands for
which an exception had already been taken from Goals 3 and 4. (note: Spring
River as of 2008 is designated Rural Commercial.) The rural service center
was approved because the Board of County Commissioners found that it
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would primarily serve the needs of the residents of nearby subdivisions, such
as Deschutes River Recreational Homesites. Findings to support the reasons
exception to Goal 14 were made in Paragraph 7 of the Board of County
Commissioners' decision (attached to Ordinances 90-009 and 90-010) and
those findings are incorporated by reference herein. Findings to support the
reasons exception accompanying Ordinances 96-022 were made on Pages 12
- 18 of the Hearings Officer's findings supporting that decision and those
findings are incorporated herein by reference.
To ensure that uses in the rural service center would be limited in a manner to
comply with a Goal 14 exception, a limited use combining zone was imposed,
by which the allowed uses were limited to a list of specific uses. Those uses
are listed in the Rural Service Center section of Chapter 4 of this
comprehensive plan and also in the zoning ordinance. Additional uses were
added to the Zone by Ordinances 96-022 and 96-045. Findings to support the
reasons exception accompanying Ordinance 96-045 were made on pages 12-
18 of the Hearings Officer’s findings supporting that decision and those
findings are incorporated herein by reference.
Burgess Road and Highway 97
In conjunction with approval of CU-94-44, for the construction of a road
improvement project at the intersection of Burgess Road with Highway 97, an
exception to Statewide Planning Goal 4, Forest Lands, was taken to allow for
the subject road improvement on forest land. Reasons justifying why the state
policy embodied in Goal 4 should not apply in this situation are as set forth in
Exhibit C to Ordinance 97-060, which findings are incorporated herein by
reference.
Rural Industrial Zone
In conjunction with approval of PA-98-2/ZC-98-1, an “irrevocably committed”
exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, and a reasons
exception to Goal 14 was taken to allow for the comprehensive plan and zone
change on agricultural land. The plan amendment and zone change will allow
a Rural Industrial plan and zoning designation with a Limited Use Combining
Zone for the specific use of storage, crushing, processing, sale and distribution
of pumice only. Reasons justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3
should not apply in this situation are set forth in Exhibit “D” to Ordinance 98-
081, which findings are incorporated herein.
Prineville Railway
In conjunction with approval of PA 97-9/ZC 97-5, an exception to Statewide
Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, was taken to allow for the subject
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comprehensive plan and zone change on agricultural land. The plan
amendment and zone change will accommodate the relocation of the
Redmond Railway Depot to the subject property and the use of this site for an
historic structure to be utilized in conjunction with the Crooked River Dinner
train operation. Reasons justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3
should not apply in this situation are set forth in Exhibit "D" to ordinance 98-
017, which findings are incorporated herein by reference.
Resort Communities
In conjunction with approval of PA-98-5 and TA-98-9, an exception to
Statewide Planning Goal 4, Forest Lands, was taken for the Black Butte
Ranch and The Inn of the Seventh Mountain / Widgi Creek resort
communities. These exceptions were taken at the same time that both resorts
were designated “Resort Communities” under the State rules for
unincorporated communities, OAR 660-022.
A “reasons” exception was taken for Black Butte Ranch (the Ranch) to justify
the addition of 80 acres of land to the resort community boundary. A
“physically developed” exception was taken for The Inn of the Seventh
Mountain/Widgi Creek (the Inn/Widgi) in recognition that this resort is for all
practical purposes fully developed.
The 80-acre addition to the Ranch is now zoned as a Surface Mining /Limited
Use Combining District (38 acres) and a Utility /Limited Use Combining District
(44 acres). The uses allowed are limited to those indicated in the County
Zoning Ordinance, DCC 18. Any additional uses will only be allowed if an
additional plan amendment (including exceptions findings) and text
amendment are approved that justify such uses.
The findings to support these exceptions are set forth in Exhibit “H” to
Ordinance No. 2001-047. These findings are incorporated herein by reference.
The uses allowed in these communities are set forth in Exhibit “B” to
Ordinance No. 2001-048.
Barclay Meadows Business Park
In conjunction with approval of PA-99-4/ZC-99-1, a “reasons” exception to
Statewide Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, was taken to include certain
property within the City of Sisters Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). Reasons
justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3 should not apply in this
situation are set forth in Exhibit “C” to Ordinance 2003-010, which findings are
incorporated herein by reference.
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Sisters School District #6
In conjunction with approval of PA-99-5/ZC-99-3, a “reasons” exception to
Statewide Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, was taken to include certain
property within the City of Sisters Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). Reasons
justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3 should not apply in this
situation are set forth in Exhibit “C” to Ordinance 2003-013, which findings are
incorporated herein by reference.
Sisters Organization of Activities and Recreation and
Sisters School District #6
In conjunction with approval of PA-01-4/ZC-01-4, a “reasons” exception to
Statewide Planning Goal 4, Forest Lands, was taken to include certain
property within the City of Sisters Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). Reasons
justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 4 should not apply in this
situation are set forth in Exhibit “C” to Ordinance 2003-016, which findings are
incorporated herein by reference.
Oregon Water Wonderland Unit 2 Sewer District
In conjunction with the Board’s approval of County file nos. PA-02-5/ZC-02-3,
a “reasons” exception to Statewide Planning Goals 4, Forest Lands, and 11,
Public Facilities & Services, was taken for certain property. The plan
amendment changed the plan designation to Rural Residential Exception Area
and the zone change changed the zoning to Rural Residential with a Limited
Use Combing Zone to allow only the uses approved through the Board’s
decision on PA-02-5/ZC-02-3. Reasons justifying why the state policies
embodied in Goals 4 and 11 should not apply in this situation are set forth in
Exhibit “C” to Ordinance 2003-012, which findings are incorporated herein by
reference.
City of Bend Urban Growth Boundary Amendment
(Juniper Ridge)
In conjunction with approval of PA-04-2, for the amendment of the City of
Bend urban growth boundary to include 513 acres of land for industrial
purposes, an exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3, Agriculture, was taken
to allow for the subject amendment of the city’s urban growth boundary.
Reasons justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3 should not apply in
this situation are as set forth in Exhibit D to Ordinance 2004-017, which
findings are incorporated herein by reference.
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Joyce Coats Revocable Trust Johnson Road and
Tumalo Reservoir Road Properties
In conjunction with approval of PA-04-4/ZC-04-2, an “irrevocably committed”
exception to Statewide Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands was taken to allow
for the rezoning of Surface Mine Sites 306 and 307 from Surface Mining (SM)
to Multiple Use Agriculture (MUA10) and change of comprehensive plan
designation from Surface Mine (SM) to Rural Residential Exception Area
(RREA). Additionally, the County determined that Surface Mine Site 306 is
non-resource land. Reasons justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3
should not apply in this situation are set forth in Exhibit “E” to Ordinance 2005-
031, which findings are incorporated herein.
Watson/Generations Development Inc.
In conjunction with approval of CU-04-97/RC-05-2, an exception to Statewide
Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, was taken to include a portion of a certain
property zoned Exclusive Farm Use Tumalo/Redmond/Bend Subzone (EFU-
TRB). Reason, justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3 should not
apply in this situation are set forth in Exhibit “B” to Ordinance 2005-015, which
findings are incorporated herein by reference.
Oregon Department of Transportation
In conjunction with approval of CU-04-113, an exception to Statewide Planning
Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, was taken to include a portion of a certain property
zoned Exclusive Farm Use Tumalo/Redmond/Bend Subzone (EFU-TRB).
Reasons justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal 3 should not apply in
this situation are set forth in Exhibit “B” to Ordinance 2005-019, which findings
are incorporated herein by reference.
Conklin / Eady Property
In conjunction with approval of PA05-3, an exception to Statewide Planning
Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, was taken to include a portion of a certain property
zoned Exclusive Farm Use Sisters-Cloverdale (EFU-S/C). Reasons justifying
why the state policy embodied in Goal 3 should not apply in this situation are
set forth in Exhibit “C” to Ordinance 2005-035, which findings are incorporated
herein by reference.
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City of Sisters Property
In conjunction with approval of PA05-3, an exception to Statewide Planning
Goal 4, Forests Lands, was taken to include a portion of a certain property
zoned Forest 1 (F1). Reasons justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal
4 should not apply in this situation are set forth in Exhibit “C” to Ordinance
2005-037, which findings are incorporated herein by reference.
McKenize Meadows Property
In conjunction with approval of PA05-3, an exception to Statewide Planning
Goal 4, Forests Lands, was taken to include a portion of a certain property
zoned Forest 2 (F2). Reasons justifying why the state policy embodied in Goal
4 should not apply in this situation are set forth in Exhibit “C” to Ordinance
2005-039, which findings are incorporated herein by reference.
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Citizen Involvement
Citizen Involvement
________________________________
Working Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Draft 5-14-08 Page 1-33
Goals
1. To promote and maintain better communication between the
community's various segments (i.e., governmental agencies, business
groups, special districts and the general public).
2. To provide the opportunity for the public to identify issues of concern and
encourage their involvement in planning to address those issues.
3. To serve as a liaison between elected and appointed bodies and citizens
of the county.
4. To provide educational opportunities for the people to learn about
planning and how it may be used to assist their community and
themselves.
Policies
1. To assure that county and appointed officials are aware of citizen needs
and attitudes and to permit effective two-way communication, the County
shall perform the following:
a. Conduct surveys as needed regarding citizen needs, attitudes and
characteristics;
b. Sponsor workshops and presentations by known specialists and
experts;
c. Prepare pamphlets explaining routine planning procedures;
d. Write and distribute information newsletters;
e. Prepare and present slide shows and/or films on such topics as
growth versus conservation, the subdivision process, and the
usefulness of planning; and
f. Make presentations to special groups and school children.
2. The County Planning Commission will be the Citizen Involvement
Committee to review and change the County's Citizen Involvement
Program so as to ensure its continued efficiency and usefulness.
3. Between updates, special committees representative of geographic
areas or possessing special knowledge of specific topic shall be formed
to assist with planning studies.
4. The County Planning Commission shall be kept aware of the activities
and results of the special committees and will be informed of studies and
activities of the County Planning Division which will assist them in the
role as advisors.
5. Primary responsibility for coordination between the County, public, and
other agencies shall be the county local coordinator. It shall also be the
Planning Director's responsibility to assure the Planning Division studies
are provided to members of the County Planning Commission.
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Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Citizen Involvement
_________________________________
Working Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Page 1-34 Draft 5-14-08
6. During each plan update process, a committee broadly representative of
the county's areas and interests shall be formed. The actual make-up of
the committee will be determined by the Board of County Commissioners
based upon a report by the County Planning Director regarding the
issues and concerns needing addressing during the update process. If
during the update process, additional issues are raised, the Board of
County Commissioners may change the composition of the update
committee to assure those new concerns are adequately addressed.
7. The plan update process shall occur at least every five years and be
open to public view and involvement; public hearings to ascertain citizen
views shall be held at the beginning and end of the process.
8. The County may, as required, change its Citizen Involvement Program to
assure public involvement and access to information at all stages of the
planning process and provide for an efficient and effective planning
program.
Chapter 1: Comprehensive Planning – Citizen Involvement
Citizen Involvement
________________________________
Working Draft Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Draft 5-14-08 Page 1-35
Background
The preparation of a comprehensive plan requires great amounts of time and
involvement by the public if the plan is to be truly reflective of the people's
needs and desires. Deschutes County was fortunate to have had such an
extensive community involvement in the preparation of this plan. However, it is
equally important to have continued public involvement in the updating and
implementing of the comprehensive plan and its attendant ordinances.
Deschutes County needs to continue to productively involve people in the
ongoing planning process.
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