HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan Update Memo
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December 1, 2009
MEETING DATE: December 9, 2009
TO: Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners
FROM Terri Hansen Payne, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Update
______________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update to the Board of County
Commissioners on public input received on the draft Comprehensive Plan. Since the update
memo dated October 20 for the Board work session October 28, there have been four
Planning Commission meetings to discuss sections of the draft plan, four open houses at
locations around the county and two community plan meetings.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
October 22
The conversation focused on Chapter 2, from wildlife to surface mining. Initial
discussion was on how to address action items in the draft plan. Seven members of the
public spoke, with all but one favoring leaving the actions in the plan in some form.
Other items debated were water availability in the Deschutes Basin and the impacts of
development on wildlife. Staff agreed to create a matrix of goals, policies and actions for
the Planning Commission and public to complete. This will allow focus on specific ideas
in the draft plan.
November 5
The discussion focused on Chapter 2, farms and forests, and started with a public
comment in favor of moving forward with the plan as written. Fifteen people spoke,
primarily on the need for flexibility on farm lands. South County issues were also
discussed, as was the need to protect wildlife habitat.
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November 12
The discussion focused on Chapter 3, rural development, housing and economic
development. Four people spoke on topics including weed control, conditional uses and
light pollution.
November 19
The discussion focused on Chapter 3, destination resorts and included a public hearing
on remapping for destination resorts. The initial testimony was for the public hearing,
followed by the general discussion on resorts. It was noted that there is overlap in the
two discussions. Thirteen people spoke, with two supporting changes to the mapping
ordinance that would prohibit resorts within five air miles of a UGB. One person spoke in
support of loosening restrictions on resorts and the rest expressed concern over the
remapping and recommended slowing the process down. The lack of adequate data on
resort impacts was mentioned repeatedly.
Six people talked about resorts in the draft Plan, and some asked that their comments
on the remapping be incorporated into this discussion. The topic of small destination
resorts was raised by a four or five people. The lack of data and problems with existing
resorts were noted. None of the speakers expressed support for more destination resort
development.
OPEN HOUSES – questionnaires were handed out at all open houses
Brothers – October 27
Twenty-three people attended the open house. The conversation centered on the need
for flexibility on farm lands and concerns over the interagency wildlife report
recommendations, particularly on sage grouse leks. The idea of balance between
property rights and regulations was discussed.
Redmond – October 29
One person attended the open house. The discussion covered the need for flexibility on
farm lands, to allow owners to try farm-related businesses without going broke getting
permits.
La Pine – November 10
Nine people attended the open house. Planning Commissioner Richard Klyce was also
in attendance. There was discussion over the Regional Problem Solving chapter in the
existing comprehensive plan and over a community plan for South County. It was noted
that people do not trust the County, based on the local rule experience. There was
concern expressed that if you have money you can develop where and how you like
and concern that the interagency wildlife report recommendations are too strong. Boat
launch sites and bicycle lanes were also discussed. A policy was recommended that the
Board direct staff to work cooperatively with DEQ and DLCD to address groundwater
quality in South County.
Sunriver – November 30
Four people attended the open house. Concern was expressed over the future of the
groundwater program and the growth of destination resorts. It was noted that as we
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craft policies regarding open space and scenic views that we remain careful that we
don’t inadvertently impact economic development initiatives, specifically geothermal
development that may require transmission lines to cross private properties. It was
recommended that we develop regulations for allowing graywater reuse and controlling
composting toilets. There may be State regulations for graywater soon.
COMMUNITY PLAN MEETINGS – questionnaires and dot voting were used at all
community plan meetings.
Tumalo – October 20
Twenty people attended the meeting. Issues discussed included potential changes to
the community boundary, transportation and land use. Participants generally supported
continuing with existing policies, but expressed interest in a sewer district.
Deschutes Junction – October 29
Thirty people attended the meeting. One idea discussed was whether or not to create a
Rural Service Center boundary. Also there was conversation on transportation, land use
and other ideas. Participants generally did not support creating a community boundary
nor did they support any changes to comprehensive plan designations, such as allowing
additional commercial development in the area. There was support for an upgrade of
the Deschutes Market interchange.
Terrebonne
The Draft Community Plan is complete and out for public review. In addition to the
Plan, we have included a matrix for all the goals and policies within the Community Plan
for people to fill out and send back with comments by January 7, 2010.
OTHER COMMENTS
We have received 50-60 emails and letters on various aspects of the draft
comprehensive plan. All comments received are being compiled weekly or biweekly
and posted on the website www.deschutes.org/cdd under comprehensive plan update,
meeting documentation. Additionally, all comments received are being carefully
reviewed.
Staff has also done presentations and/or held meetings with the following stakeholders.
Upper Deschutes River Coalition
Soil and Water Conservation District
Swalley Irrigation
South Redmond Collaborative Group
Deschutes River Woods Homeowner Association
NEXT STEPS
Still to come this month are three Planning Commission meetings (12-2, 12-10, 12-17) three
community plan meetings (12-1, 12-14, 12-15) and two open houses in Bend and Sisters (12-
7, 12-9).
The Planning Commission is currently reviewing the matrix consisting of the goals, policies and
actions in the draft Comprehensive Plan. The matrix allows the Commissioners to vote on
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whether to retain, delete or amend each goal, policy and action. The completed matrix is due
to staff by December 10. Staff will compile the results and set up a schedule for detailed
discussions starting January 7, 2010. The matrix is also available on the website for public
review and comment and any completed forms will also be tabulated.
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