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MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Nick Lelack, AICP, Director
Kevin Harrison, Principal Planner
DATE: June 5, 2013
RE: Horse and Yurt Text Amendments to Deschutes County Code
Summary
Deschutes County’s Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) Zone definition of “horse events,” which is
embodied in the definition of “farm use,” has not been updated to fully comply with state law.
The County adopted its definition of “horse events” in 1994. Under this definition, any type of
horse event is allowed without a County permit. However, state law changed in the mid 2000s to
more narrowly define the type of allowed horse events to those related to schooling (i.e., small-
scale, non-sanctioned) shows.
County planning staff discussed this issue with Department of Land Conservation and
Development (DLCD) staff. County and DLCD staff agree that large (i.e., “sanctioned” or “open”)
horse events may be allowed in the EFU zone per a “Limited Use Permit” authorized by Senate Bill
960 for agri-tourism and other commercial events and activities in 2011. Alternatively, a property
owner/operator may apply for an Outdoor Mass Gathering permit for large horse events every 90
days, but not more frequently.
Staff proposes to amend Deschutes County Code (DCC) Title 18 to clearly differentiate between
different types of horse events so property owners/operators may apply for and obtain the
appropriate permit for a large horse event.
The purpose of this work session is to seek Board direction on whether the Planning Division
should initiate amendments to:
1. Update the County’s definition of “horse events” to bring it into compliance with state law.
2. Update the County’s definition of “agri-tourism” to clearly allow horse
shows/events/competitions other than schooling shows.
Background
The Community Development Department received code complaints regarding horse events
(shows and competitions) at a property on Cline Falls Road. Staff initially determined that the
horse events complied with County Code per the adopted definitions. However, an attorney
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representing the complaining party presented compelling evidence that the state’s definition of
“horse events” changed to more narrowly define such events to those limited to schooling shows.
The result of these amendments would be that a property owner/operator of a horse event other
than a schooling show will be allowed to apply for an “Agri-Tourism and Other Commercial Events
and Activities Limited Use Permit” or an “Outdoor Mass Gathering Events Permit.”
County planning and legal staff believe the code amendments will be straight-forward and require
minimal resources, and can be accommodated without impacting existing projects.
Discussion
If County Code is not amended, then the County will be required apply state law directly.
Horse events other than schooling shows would be allowed with an Outdoor Mass Gathering
permit every 90 days. More frequent large horse events may be allowed with an “Agri-Tourism and
Other Commercial Events and Activities Limited Use Permit,” but it is not clear.
Amending the definition of “agri-tourism” would clearly allow large horse events to be permitted in
Deschutes County subject to DCC 18.16.042 Agri-Tourism and Other Commercial Events or
Activities Limited Use Permit.
Board Direction
Staff seeks Board direction on whether to initiate text amendments to:
1. Update the County’s definition of “horse events” to bring it into compliance with state law;
and
2. Update the County’s definition of “agri-tourism” to specifically allow large horse events.