HomeMy WebLinkAbout228-CU 229-SP FD FinalCommunity Development Department
Planning Division 9uilding Safely Division Environmental Soils Division
P.O. Box 6005 117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend, Oregon 97708-6005
(541)388-6575 FAX (541)385-1764
http://www.co.deschutes,or.us/cdd/
FINDINGS & DECISION
FILE NUMBER: 247-14-000 228 -CU and 229 -SP
APPLICANT: John Shepherd
71120 Holmes Road
Sisters, Oregon 97759
PROPERTY OWNERS: John and Stephanie Shepherd
71120 Holmes Road
Sisters, Oregon 97759
APPLICANT'S ATTORNEY: Dave Hunnicutt
Oregonians in Action
P.O. Box 230637
Tigard, Oregon 97281
REQUEST:
LOCATION:
The applicant requests conditional approval to establish a
private park on an EFU-zoned parcel east of Sisters for the
purpose of hosting weddings, wedding receptions, special
events, and recreational activities.
The subject property is located at 71120 Holmes Road, Sisters,
and is further identified as Tax Lot 103 on Deschutes County
Assessor's Map 14-11.
STAFF CONTACT: Will Groves, Senior Planner
I. APPLICABLE CRITERIA
Title 18 of the Deschutes County Code, the Deschutes County Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 18.04, Title, Purpose and Definitions
Chapter 18.16, Exclusive Farm Use
Chapter 18.88, Wildlife Area Combining Zone
Chapter 18.116, Supplementary Provisions
Chapter 18.124, Site Plan Review
Chapter 18.128, Conditional Use
Title 22 of the Deschutes County Code, the Development Procedures Ordinance
Quality Services Performed with Prete
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS)
Chapter 215, County Planning; Zoning; Housing Codes
II. BASIC FINDINGS:
A. LOCATION: The subject property is located at 71120 Holmes Road, Sisters, and is
further identified as Tax Lot 103 on Deschutes County Assessor's Map 14-11.
B. LOT OF RECORD: The record indicates the county determined the subject property is
a legal lot of record through a 1995 lot -of -record verification (LR -95-44).
C. ZONING: The subject property is zoned Exclusive Farm Use—Lower Bridge Subzone
(EFU-LB), and is within a Wildlife Area (WA) Combining Zone. The property is
designated Agriculture on the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan map.
D. PROPOSAL: The applicant is proposing to establish a private park on the subject
property. The purpose of the private park would be to host wedding, wedding receptions,
family reunions, fundraisers, and charity balls. The applicant describes the following
activities that will occur during events:
• Wedding Ceremony (which typically lasts only 15-20 minutes)
• Outdoor eating with family and friends
• Public speaking using a sound system
• Listening to amplified music
• Singing, including karaoke
• Dancing in the pavilion (gazebo)
• Lawn games such as volleyball and badminton in the volleyball court,
croquet on the lawn, catch, bocce ball, corn hole and ring toss.
The events would be conducted on an approximately 1.6 -acre lawn area that is a 350 -foot
by 250' oval which includes some juniper trees. Parking is provided on a contiguous 1 -
acre parking area, which is accessed from a driveway that connects to Holmes Road.
Event participants would have limited access to the existing dwelling and full access to a
gazebo on the property. The wedding party (including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and
immediate family) will have access to the main floor of the home and two upstairs rooms.
Weddings will not be conducted inside the dwelling. Temporary tents and the gazebo will
be used in the event of inclement weather.
Restrooms will be provided through portable restrooms and guest access provided to an
existing downstairs restroom in the dwelling. Food is either prepared off site or cooked on-
site by licensed caterers using their own equipment. The existing kitchen in the dwelling
will be used for food assembly only.
The private park would be open to event participants one weekend day per week
beginning in late May of each year and end in early October, not to exceed 18 days per
calendar year. Each reception would last no more than 8 hours and conclude by 10 p.m.
A limit of no more than 250 guests per event would be enforced by the applicant.
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The applicant has proposed that guests will be allowed to tent camp or stay in recreational
vehicles following events as a precaution against unsafe driving. The applicant states that
this uses does not constitute a commercial campground.
The remainder of the parcel would remain in its current use including the residential use
approved under County File Nos. MA-01-9/CU-00-65 and farm use. At the time of
application, approximately 2 acres were used to raise poultry for-profit and small-scale
livestock grazing (limited to a single ewe at the time of application). In the applicant's
January 12, 2015 Incomplete Letter Response, the applicant indicated that 3.5 acres of
Three Sisters Irrigation District water rights are being obtained and will be applied to the
existing lawn area (0.9 acres) and a new fenced grazing area in the southeast corner of
the property. The grazing area will encompass approximately 17 acres that include 2.5
acres of future irrigation. No fewer than 10 head of cattle will be kept in this grazing area
during the months of park operation.
During winter months (outside of park operations), the cattle will be penned and hayed in
an area adjacent to the applicant's barn. During the spring, the cattle would graze other
areas of the property, but not the private park area.
The applicant also proposes an indoor/outdoor penned chicken operation on the property,
to be located within the existing barn area. The chicken operation will not occur in the
area set aside for park use.
The remainder of the property has been characterized by the applicant as "wasteland",
including dry lands, with no history of irrigation, that are covered in juniper trees, scrub
vegetation and rock.
E. SITE DESCRIPTION: The subject property is approximately 216 acres in size and
irregular in shape. It is developed with a single-family dwelling, gazebo and access
driveway. The property takes access from Holmes Road, a designated rural collector
road, which abuts the property along its northern property boundary. The property
contains steep north -facing slopes and has vegetation consisting of juniper trees and
native brush and grasses. The developed area consists of approximately two acres
located at the highest elevation on the property, approximately 180 feet above Holmes
Road, and includes the dwelling, gazebo, a large grassy area and a circular driveway.
The Assessor's records indicate the subject property has no irrigated land. The record
indicates the subject property has received farm tax deferral.
F. SURROUNDING LAND USES: The subject property is surrounded by properties zoned
EFU in both public and private ownership. To the north is an approximately 540 -acre
property engaged in cattle grazing and developed with a guest ranch (Long Hollow
Ranch). Other land to the north along Holmes Road is generally engaged in farm use.
To the south is a large undeveloped, publicly -owned tract owned and managed by the
US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that consists of juniper woodland. Also to the
south is an approximately 80 -acre parcel engaged in farm use and developed with a
single-family dwelling. Adjacent to and east of the subject property is a 77 -acre parcel
engaged in farm use and developed with a dwelling. Adjacent to the west are two 40 -
acre parcels, each of which is developed with a single-family dwelling. Further to the
west are two approximately 100 -acre parcels engaged in farm use.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 3
G. SOILS: According to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) maps of the
area and the soil map included in the County packet, there are five soil units mapped on
the subject property:
M a p Unit
Symbol
63C
101E
106D
138B
141C
Map Unit Name
Holmzie-Searles complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes
Redcliff-Lickskillet-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 50 percent south
slopes
Redshde-Lickskillet complex, 15 to 30 percent north slopes
Stukei sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
Stukel-Deschutes-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes
Totals for Property
Rating Percent
6 54.8%
6 9.0%
6 30,0%
6 5.8%
6 0.4%
100.0%
The proposed private park is located on soils mapped as 63C, Holmzie-Searles complex
(0-15% slopes), with a capability class of 6 without irrigation. The property does not
presently have any irrigation rights. The applicant has proposed to purchase 3.5 acres
of irrigation water from the Sisters Irrigation District. As of the writing of this decision,
Staff believes that purchase had not been completed.
H. PUBLIC AGENCY COMMENTS: The Planning Division mailed notice to several public
agencies and received the following comments:
1. US Fish and Wildlife Service: The Service has reviewed the proposed "private
park" (228 CU) and has no ESA or eagle concerns regarding this proposed
wedding event site.
2. County Transportation Planner: (5/23/14) I used your figures and even with a
worst-case scenario, the daily trips are still less than 50 and thus no traffic study
would be required. I'm assuming all park activities occur on those 2.6 acres.
Going with 2.6 acres and the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation
handbook, City Park (LU 411) has a Sunday trip generation rate of 16.74 per
acre, which is 43.5 daily trips. County Park (LU 412) has a Saturday trip
generation rate of 12.14 trips per acre, which is 31.5 daily trips. State Park has a
Sunday rate of 1.10 trips per acre which is 2.86 daily trips.
You will still have to pay a transportation system development charge (SDC).
Our base rate for an SDC as set forth in BOCC Resolution 20130-020 is $3,578
per p.m. peak hour trip. Looking at our SDC table, we charge $338 an acre for a
Local Park and $752 an acre for a Regional Park. We have in the past
accounted for seasonal uses such as farm stands. Say for instance the farm
stand was only open three months out of the year, we calculate the full SDC
based on our rate, then multiply that amount by 0.25 as the farmstand is only
open 25% of the year. If the private park is open year round, we'd charge the full
SDC. If the private park is only open for six months as a condition of approval,
then we'd multiply the SDC by 0.50.
(8/15/14) As County Planning and Road Department staff have previously
informed the applicant, cinder is not considered an all-weather surface, let alone
suitable for this proposed land use. DCC 18.116.030(F)(4) requires all surfaces
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 4
used for standing or maneuvering of vehicles "...shall be paved surfaces
adequately maintained for all weather use..." While the applicant may have an
opinion that cinders are adequate to meet that requirement, the County's code at
17.48, Table A, lists the surface types acceptable to the County, which includes
asphaltic concrete, aggregate, or an oil mat. Cinder is not listed as an
acceptable surface type. Additionally, if cinders were considered an all weather
element, they would be allowed under federal, state, and the County's
construction specifications for roads. They are not due to the impermanent
nature of cinders, their relatively poor performance vis a vis gravel roads in rainy
and snowy weather, and the increased dust in the summer, and cinders do not
bind as well.
The County code allows cinders for partitions of more than 10 acres as that land
use generates little traffic. Notice for all other land uses the roads are required to
be paved. A private park will generate far more traffic than a partition and thus
the road and parking Tots will be subjected to more vehicular use. Partitions
generate little traffic. The applicant has indicated the driveway and parking lot
will be used by several hundred vehicles during the summer season. Given
these anticipated volumes, the County should require the applicant adhere to the
code and surface the parking lot and driveway wither either pavement or gravel,
not cinders.
2. Deschutes County Building Safety Division: Due to the mixed use with
Residential and Business occupancies, if the buildings are to be considered
Commercial, they will need to be sprinkled to a minimum of a 13R level of
protection. Once any B area exceeds 49 occupants, it would be considered an A-
3 occupancy and that occupancy triggers a full 13 system at 300 occupants.
Section 3408.
A State of Oregon Fire Protection Engineer may be able to lessen the some of
the requirements for this mixed use structure through calculations in Section
3412.
ADA upgrades will need to be per Section 3411, 25% rule for Architectural
Barrier Removal for any altered area. If no alterations will occur, then structure
may remain as is per Section 3408.
Additional items of concern noted during my visit are the residential height
guards on the deck and the unpermitted electrical installation for the gazebo and
party lights.
Recreational Parks, once allowed by Planning, are covered by Division 650 (918-
650-0000) and will require permits and plan review from our division. The
allowance of overnight of RV's would also be considered during this review.
Deschutes County Road Department: Holmes Road is classified as a rural
collector in the County maintenance system. Traffic volumes on this section of
Holmes Road are less than 400 ADT. There will be no adverse impact to Holmes
Road from this application.
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4. Deschutes County Environmental Health:
1) The owner must satisfy Drinking Water requirements for his private well.
Contact: Jeff Freund, 541-388-6563
2) Any food provided to wedding (or other event) guests must be from a
licensed Deschutes County Foodservice Establishment. If owner
provides/prepares food, then the kitchen on-site must satisfy Oregon
Health Authority plan review and licensure requirements. The Oregon
Food Sanitation Rules and a Public Health Plan Review Packet are
available in the link below:
http://www.deschutes.org/Health-Services/Environmental-Health.aspx
3) The septic system should be reviewed by Deschutes County
Environmental Soils for the proposed change of use.
5. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: The Oregon Department of Fish and
Wildlife submitted a comment dated August 22, 2014, that is incorporated herein
by reference.
Deschutes County Environmental Soils: Events served with portable toilets
are recommended to have a toilet for every 50 — 100 persons at the event,
particularly longer duration events. Given the proposal and submitted
information, a minimum of two portable toilets are necessary for most events. At
least one portable toilet should be ADA accessible. These are guidelines and not
outlined by code, but industry standards found online indicate ranges of 2-6
portable toilets for similar events up to eight hours in duration. Events that
include food and alcohol recommend additional toilets.
The proposal to include use of the bathroom in the residence for events will
require an authorization notice. An authorization notice is required because of the
proposed change in use and the potential increase in flow to the onsite system.
Depending on the specific proposal and potential impacts to the onsite
wastewater system, a construction -installation may be necessary.
7. No comment: The following agencies either responded with "no comment" or
did not respond to a request for comment: Oregon Department of Agriculture,
Deputy State Fire Marshal, Deschutes County Code Enforcement, Deschutes
County Assessor, and Three Sisters Irrigation District.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: The Planning Division mailed notice of the application to all
property owners within 750 feet of the subject property. No comments were received in
response to the notice.
J. REVIEW PERIOD: These applications were submitted on July 28, 2014. An incomplete
letter was mailed on August 25, 2014. The applicant supplied the requested information
and these files were accepted as complete on January 16, 2015.
K. LAND USE HISTORY: In July of 2001, the applicant's predecessor Darlene Woods
received conditional use approval to establish a farm -related dwelling on the subject
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property and to site the dwelling more than 300 feet from a public or private road in the
WA Zone (CU -00-65). Subsequently Ms. Woods applied to modify the conditional use
application (MA -01-9) to modify her farm management plan and to move the dwelling
location. The modified application was approved by an administrative decision. The
approval was based in part on findings that the property was currently engaged in farm
use consisting of cattle grazing, Ms. Woods' submission of a farm management plan,
and her submission of a wildlife management plan which stated, among other provisions,
that human activity would be limited to the southeast corner of the plateau at the top of
the property and that there would be very little vehicular usage of the access driveway.
The farm dwelling approval was conditioned on implementation of the farm management
plan. This Hearings Officer dismissed an appeal of the decision (A-01-15).
In 2013 the applicant was denied conditional use approval (CU -13-13 and MA -13-3) to
establish a private park on the subject property to be called "Shepherdsfield Park." The
park would host weddings, wedding receptions, special events and recreational
activities. Denial was based on several issues, including that the application did not
include a site plan review application.
On December 18, 2014 staff issued an administrative approval of a modification (247 -14-
000401 -MC) to an existing conditional use decision (CU -00-65/ MA -01-9). A Wildlife
Management Plan (WMP) is required because the dwelling was not located near a pre-
existing road or driveway in the Metolius Winter Deer Range [see DCC 18.88.060 (B)(1)].
The modification wholly removed the Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) required under
the previous decision and replaced it with six conditions of approval designed to protect
and enhance deer habitat on the property. By Order 2014-046, dated December 29,
2014, the Board initiated review of this application under DCC 22.28.050 through a de
novo hearing. On December 30, 2014, Central Oregon Landwatch filed a timely appeal
of this application. The notice of appeal identifies six objections to the administrative
decision. Since this modification is under appeal and has not received final local
approval, Staff finds that the existing 2001 Wildlife Management Plan applies for the
purposes of this decision. However, Staff analyzes compatibility of the private park
proposal with the 2001 WMP and the one proposed under modification (247 -14 -000401 -
MC) in this decision, as the WMP modification may receive final approval in the future.
III. CONCLUSIONARY FINDINGS:
TITLE 18 OF THE DESCHUTES COUNTY CODE, COUNTY ZONING.
A. CHAPTER 18.16, EXCLUSIVE FARM USE ZONES.
1. 18.16.020. Uses Permitted Outright.
The following uses and their accessory uses are permitted outright:
A. Farm use as defined in DCC Title 18.
FINDING: Staff finds that the proposed cattle and poultry operations, described in the
"Proposal" section above and incorporated herein by reference, are "farm use" as defined in
DCC Title 18 and allowed outright.
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2. Section 18.16.031, Nonresidential Conditional Uses on Nonhiqh Value Farmland
Only
The following uses may be established only on tracts in the Exclusive Farm
Use Zones that constitute nonhigh value farmland subject to applicable
provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and DCC 18.16.040 and other
applicable sections of DCC Title 18.
* * *
E. Private parks, playgrounds, hunting and fishing preserves, and
campgrounds.
FINDING: The record indicates the soils on the subject property are not high value soils. Title
18 does not define "nonhigh value farmland." However, the Hearings Officer found in County
File No. CU-13-13/MA-13-3 that it was reasonable to interpret this term to mean EFU-zoned
land that does not contain high value soils. Therefore, Staff finds the subject property
constitutes nonhigh value farmland, and "private park" is a use permitted conditionally on the
subject property.
The applicant has proposed a private park on the subject property. Staff incorporates herein by
reference the "Proposal" section, above, which describes the proposed park uses and periods of
operation.
In her decision in CU-13-13/MA-13-3, the Hearings Officer provided extensive analysis of this topic
for a similar, prior application for a private park on the subject property. In the following findings,
staff closely follows that analysis and applies it to the present application.
The threshold question presented by this application is whether the applicant's proposal constitutes
a„ private park,” a term that is not defined in Section 18.04.030. In ascertaining the meaning of this
term, staff must examine its text and context and may consider any relevant legislative history. If
the drafter's intent remains unclear after examining text, context, and legislative history, staff
may resort to general maxims of statutory construction to aid in resolving the remaining
uncertainty. State v. Gaines, 346 Or 606, 206 P3d 1042 (2009); PGE v. Bureau of Labor and
Industries, 317 Or 606, 859 P2d 1143 (1993).
1. Text. On two previous occasions a Hearings Officer has addressed what types of uses might be
encompassed by the term "private park." In Bend Trap Club (CU -07-63, SP -07-32, MA -07-12) the
applicant requested conditional use approval to establish a private trap club shooting range on a
privately -owned 160 -acre EFU-zoned parcel. In Dorsett (CU -07-79), the applicant requested
conditional use approval to establish a private paintball park on a privately -owned 18.7 -acre EFU-
zoned parcel. In both cases, the proposed private park would be used by members of a private
club of which the property owner was a member.
In approving the Bend Trap Club conditional use permit, the Hearings Officer found as follows:
"The staff report states counties previously have approved trap shooting ranges as
'private parks' in the EFU Zones, citing approval of the applicant's facility in Crook
County, as well as Union County's 1983 approval of a trap club which was upheld
by LUBA (Okeson v. Union County, 10 Or LUBA 1 (1983)). The zoning ordinance
does not define `park.' However, the ordinary definition of that term includes: 'an
area of public land with walks, playgrounds, etc. for recreation.' Webster's New
World Dictionary and Thesaurus, Second Edition. The Hearings Officer finds the
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 8
key component of this definition is the land's design and use for recreation
and not whether it is public or private. Therefore, 1 find it is reasonable to apply
this definition in interpreting the language in Subsection (E) of this section, and to
find the applicant's proposal constitutes a private park." (Bold emphasis added.)
In granting conditional use approval for the private paintball park in Dorsett, the Hearings Officer
quoted the above language from Bend Trap Club and stated:
"7 find there is no meaningful distinction between the characteristics of the trap club
and the characteristics of the proposed paintball facility. Both involve the use of a
private parcel by members of a private club and their guests for an organized
recreational activity involving shooting at targets — shooting lead pellets at clay
targets in the case of the trap club, and shooting paintball pellets at game
participants in the case of the proposed paintball facility. Therefore, I find the
paintball park also constitutes a `private park' permitted conditionally on the EFU-
zoned subject property." (Bold emphasis added.)
LUBA also has held that a paintball park constitutes a "private park" permitted conditionally on
EFU-zoned land under ORS 215.213(2)(e). In Spiering v. Yamhill County, 25 Or LUBA 695
(1993), LUBA cited the following definitions of "park" from several sources, including Webster's
Third New World Dictionary, the Second Edition of the American Heritage Dictionary, the 1991
Uniform Zoning Code, and the 1989 Survey of Zoning Definitions:
• a tract of land maintained by a city or town as a place of beauty or of public
recreation;
• a large area often of forested land reserved from settlement and maintained in its
natural state for public use (as by campers or hunters) or as a wildlife refuge;
• a large enclosed area used for sports; esp: ball park;
• an area of land set aside for public use, as for recreation;
• a stadium or enclosed playing field;
• a baseball park;
• a public or private area of land, with or without buildings, intended for outdoor active
or passive recreation;
• any public or private land available for recreational, educational, cultural, or aesthetic
use; and
• an area open to the general public and reserved for recreational, educational, or
scenic purposes.
LUBA stated that all of the above definitions recognize a tract of land set aside for public
recreational use as a "park," that none of the definitions nor any provision in ORS 215.213
excludes the concept of a privately owned and managed recreational "park," and that there is
nothing in ORS 215.213 that limits the intensity of the uses allowed thereunder. As to the last
finding, LUBA noted that schools, churches, golf courses and living history museums are
allowed in EFU zones under ORS 215.213(1)(a) and (b) and (2)(f) and (v), all of which could
involve gatherings of people as large as those proposed for the paintball park.
Based on the definitions cited by LUBA in Spiering, and those cited by the Hearings Officer in
Bend Trap Club and Dorsett, staff find that with the exception of weddings, the term "park"
clearly includes the types of recreational activities set forth above that the applicant proposes for
the private park, including:
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 9
• Outdoor eating with family and friends
• Public speaking using a sound system
• Listening to amplified music
• Singing, including karaoke
• Dancing in the pavilion (gazebo)
• Lawn games such as volleyball and badminton in the volleyball court, croquet on the
lawn, catch, bocce ball, corn hole and ring toss.
The next question is whether the applicant's proposal constitutes a "private park" because it
would host weddings. Former Hearings Officer Ed Fitch issued a decision in 1991 denying a
conditional use permit for a private park for weddings on an EFU-zoned parcel under former
Section 4.040(3)(3) of PL -15, the county's previous zoning ordinance (Grund, CU -91-59). That
ordinance, like current Section 18.16.031(E), allowed "private parks, playgrounds, hunting and
fishing preserves and campgrounds" as conditional uses in the EFU-20 Zone.
The decision in Grund, the applicant requested approval "to have a wedding and reception facility"
for up to 200 guests. Hearings Officer Fitch cited the following definition of "park" from Webster's
Dictionary:
"An area of public lands; specifically, (a) an area in or near a city, usually laid out
with walks, drives, playgrounds, etc. for public recreation; (b) an open square ... (c)
a large area known for its natural scenery and preserves for public recreation by
state and national government . . . (d) a level of open areas surrounded by
mountains or forests ... an area of lands containing pasture, woods, lakes, etc.
surrounding a large country house or private estate."
Based on this definition, he made the following findings:
"6. After reviewing the proposal of the applicant, it does appear that although the
applicant's property does establish a park like setting for wedding receptions, the
type of commercial use proposed by the applicant does not fall within the
parameters of a 'park use' that is contemplated by the ordinance. For this
reason, the conditional use cannot be approved." (Bold emphasis added.)
Hearings Officer Fitch focused on the nature of the proposed use — weddings and receptions — and
not on the nature of the property itself in determining whether the proposal could be approved.
However, because his analysis is so limited, it is not clear whether he concluded weddings and
receptions did not constitute a "private park" use in the EFU Zone because they are "commercial,"
or because they are not "recreation" of the type identified in the ordinary definition of "park."
Moreover, the Grund decision predates Spiering and therefore LUBA's reasoning in that case was
not available to Hearings Officer Fitch.
The staff report for CU-13-13/MA-13-3 discussed the Grund, Bend Trap Club and Dorsett
decisions and stated:
'IW]hile weddings may be compatible with park activities and, while weddings may
take place on park land, that does not mean that a wedding or other special events
as proposed by the applicant meet the definition of park because they are not
primarily a recreational activity. In the opinion of this reviewer, the land's design
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 10
and use is primarily for weddings and other special events and not primarily
for recreational use. The use of the property for these gatherings is more akin to
an outdoor mass gathering or commercial events, as those terms are used in DCC
18.16.020(R) and 18.16.042, respectively." (Bold emphasis added.)
The staff report for CU-13-13/MA-13-3 concluded, as did Hearings Officer Fitch in Grund, that a
venue established solely for weddings and wedding receptions does not constitute a "private
park." However in CU-13-13/MA-13-3 and in the present application, the applicant argues that a//
proposed park activities including weddings would constitute "recreation." Title 18 does not
define the terms "recreation" and "wedding." According to Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus,
Second Edition, their ordinary definitions are:
"Recreation. 1. Refreshment in body or mind, as after work, by some form of
play, amusement, or relaxation. 2. Any form of play, amusement or relaxation
used for this purpose, as games, sports, hobbies, reading, walking, etc."
"Wedding. 1. a) the act or ceremony of becoming married; marriage; b) the
marriage ceremony with its attendant festivities." (Bold emphasis added.)
Applying these definitions, the staff finds it is reasonable to find the wedding ceremony itself is
not "recreation" because it does not typically involve "play" or "amusement" such as the listed
activities. However, staff finds that the other types of activities that could occur during wedding
receptions and other special events would fall within the definition of "recreation" and therefore
would be encompassed in the "private park" use.
2. Context. Staff finds that there is nothing in this context of the "private park" use that requires
staff to interpret that term to exclude weddings, wedding receptions, and similar events. Staff
bases this conclusion on the analysis provided by the Hearings Officer in CU-13-13/MA-13-3:
LandWatch argues the context in which the "private park" use is permitted -- the
statutes, administrative rules and ordinances governing uses in the EFU Zone --
precludes holding weddings and wedding receptions in a "private park" because
both the legislature and the county adopted provisions to allow weddings as
"agri-business" in certain circumstances. In his November 1, 2013 letter, Mr.
Dewey points to 2011 Senate Bill 960, codified in ORS 215.283(4), which
authorizes counties to allow "agri-tourism and other commercial events or
activities that are related to and supportive of agriculture." Mr. Dewey asserts that
because this statute "explicitly" allowed weddings and other events on EFU land
under strict conditions designed to protect EFU land it is the exclusive means by
which the applicant can obtain approval to host weddings on his property.
1 Section 18.16.020(T) allows "outdoor mass gathering described in ORS 197.015(10)(d)" as a permitted
use in the EFU Zone "subject to DCC Chapter 8.16." Section 8.16.010 defines "outdoor mass gathering"
in relevant part as:
* * * an assembly of persons, including but not limited to spectators, whose actual
cumulative number is or is reasonably anticipated to be Tess than 3,000 persons but more
than 500 persons for a period that continues or can reasonably be expected to continue
for more than 4 but less than 240 hours, * * * *.
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The Hearings Officer finds there is nothing in ORS 215.283(4), or Sections
18.16.042 and 18.16.043 of the county's zoning ordinance governing "agri-
tourism," that expressly addresses weddings or makes "agri-tourism" the only
means by which weddings may be authorized on EFU-zoned land. In fact, as Mr.
Hunnicutt points out, the statute makes clear "agri-tourism" is not the sole basis
for approval of weddings or similar commercial events on EFU land. Section
215.283(6)(c) states:
The authorizations provided by subsection (4) of this section
are in addition to other authorizations that may be provided
by law, except that "outdoor mass gathering" and "other
gathering," as those terms are used in ORS 197.015(10)(d), do
not include agri-tourism or other commercial events and
activities.
Nor do the county's "agri-tourism" provisions provide the exclusive method for
authorizing weddings on EFU-zoned land. Section 18.16.042(A) states the
section applies to commercial events or activities "related to and supportive of
agriculture." Section 18.16.043 prohibits the combining of agri-tourism and "other
commercial events or activities on a lot or tract" to "the total number of
commercial events allowed by any individual land use approval." (Emphasis
added.) The Hearings Officer finds this language acknowledges there are
multiple means by which commercial events or activities such as weddings may
be permitted on EFU-zoned land. Therefore, I find there is nothing in this context
of the "private park" use that requires me to interpret that term to exclude
weddings, wedding receptions, and similar events.
3. Interpretation. The remaining question is whether the applicant's proposed use can be a
"private park" if it includes wedding ceremonies. Staff finds that a private park designed and
operated for outdoor recreation can host weddings and similar ceremonies so long as they are
incidental and subordinate to the recreational activities — i.e., minor and secondary activities
relative to the recreational activities. Staff bases this conclusion on the analysis provided by the
Hearings Officer in CU-13-13/MA-13-3:
I find there is nothing in Title 18 or the existing case law that establishes any
particular amount or percentage of outdoor recreational activity that must occur
on the subject property in order for it to qualify as a "private park." Nevertheless,
even the applicant seems to acknowledge some minimum amount of recreational
activity is necessary to qualify as a "private park" use. In his final argument, Mr.
Hunnicutt stated:
"Mr. Dewey claims that Mr. Shepherd is arguing that as long as
there is any recreational aspect to an event, it qualifies as an
activity allowed in a private park. That is not what Mr. Shepherd
argues. As we have stated previously, the events being
proposed in this application may or may not contain a
ceremony. If they do contain a ceremony, the ceremony is
brief, and is a very small portion of the overall time spent for
the event. Mr. Shepherd has testified that the ceremony is also
recreational, but even if it is not considered to be recreational, it is
akin to an awards ceremony at a baseball field or soccer event. A
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 12
baseball game does not cease to be a recreational event that can
be held in a park due to the fact that the players are presented
with an award at a ceremony held after the game. The fact that a
ceremony plays a part in the event does not make the event
`non -recreational,' when the remainder of the activities
consist of recreational events which we have outlined in our
previous testimony, even if the ceremony is not considered
recreational activity, especially when the recreational events occur
for nearly the entirety of the event. Mr. Shepherd is not arguing,
however, that a non -recreational activity can immediately
transform itself into a recreational activity by incorporating a
nanosecond of recreational activity." (Bold emphasis added.)
The Hearings Officer finds Mr. Hunnicutt's analogy to a baseball or soccer event
awards ceremony provides a useful construct for determining whether and to
what extent the applicant's proposed "private park" may host non -recreational
activities such as wedding ceremonies. In those examples, the awards ceremony
is related, but is clearly incidental and subordinate, to the underlying recreational
activity — i.e., the sports event. The venue, a baseball or soccer field, is designed
for the outdoor recreational activity and the ceremony is a minor offshoot of that
recreational activity. Using this analogy, a private park designed and operated for
outdoor recreation could host weddings and similar ceremonies so long as they
are incidental and subordinate to the recreational activities — i.e., minor and
secondary activities relative to the recreational activities.
The applicant's burden of proof indicates wedding ceremonies would be minor and secondary to
the proposed recreational activities, described in his burden of proof as follows:
• Outdoor eating with family and friends
• Public speaking using a sound system
• Listening to amplified music
• Singing, including karaoke
• Dancing in the pavilion
• Lawn games such as volleyball and badminton in the volleyball court, croquet on the
lawn, catch, bocce ball, corn hole and ring toss.
The applicant proposes to hold up to 18 events during the late spring, summer and early fall.
The events will occur on Saturday. Only one event will occur each week. The events may
include a wedding ceremony or they may not. Some events, such as family reunions, school
reunions, community dances, and fundraisers will not have any ceremony and some weddings
will be held off-site, with only the reception held on the subject property. However, even if a
ceremony is part of the event, the ceremony lasts for just a fraction of the time in which the
event is held. During the remainder of the event, recreational uses would occur.
Based on the above discussion, staff finds that the proposed events (such as family reunions,
school reunions, community dances, wedding receptions and fundraisers) are recreational in
nature and that the proposed use constitutes a private park. Staff also finds that the applicant
may host wedding ceremonies and similar ceremonies to the extent they are incidental and
subordinate to the recreational activities for which the park is designed and operated.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 13
Camping Use
The applicant has proposed that guests be allowed to tent camp or stay in recreational vehicles
following events as a precaution against unsafe driving. The applicant states that this use does
not constitute a commercial campground. DCC 18.04.030 defines campground as:
"Campground" means an area devoted to overnight, temporary use for
vacation, recreational or emergency purposes, but not for residential
purposes and is established on a site or is contiguous to lands with a park
or other outdoor amenity that is accessible for recreational use by the
occupants of the campground. It is also where facilities are provided to
accommodate camping for two or more tents, travel trailers, yurts or
recreational vehicles. A campground shall not include campsite utility
hook-ups, intensely developed recreational uses such as swimming pools
or tennis courts or commercial activities such as retail stores or gas
stations. A private campground may provide yurts for overnight camping.
The yurt shall be located on the ground or on a wood floor with no
permanent foundation. No more than one-third or a maximum of 10
campsites, whichever is smaller, may include a yurt. Overnight temporary
use in the same campground by a camper or camper's vehicle shall not
exceed a total of 30 days during any consecutive 6 month period.
For any campground use to be allowed on the property, that use would need to fall within the
definition of campground and comply with DCC 18.128.320. The applicant did not address this
definition or DCC 18.128.320. Staff understands that the applicant does not intend to apply for
a campground, but simply make to non-commercial camping available on site "...as a
precaution against unsafe driving". As such, staff finds that the applicant has neither applied for
nor met the burden -of -proof required for any campground use and that campground use is not
allowed under this land use decision.
2. Section 18.16.040, Limitations on Conditional Uses.
A. Conditional uses permitted by DCC 18.16.030 may be established
subject to ORS 215.296 and applicable provisions in DCC 18.128 and
upon a finding by the Planning Director or Hearings Body that the
proposed use:
1. Will not force a significant change in accepted farm or forest
practices as defined in ORS 215.203(2)(c) on surrounding lands
devoted to farm or forest uses; and
2. Will not significantly increase the cost of accepted farm or forest
practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest uses; and
3. That the actual site on which the use is to be located is the least
suitable for the production of farm crops or livestock.
FINDING: The applicant argues and staff concurs that these criteria apply to DCC 18.16.030
uses. "Private park" is allowed under DCC 18.16.031. Therefore, these criteria do not apply.
However, the applicant notes and staff concurs that criteria (A)(1) and (A)(2) impose
requirements independently required under ORS 215.296:
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 14
215.296 Standards for approval of certain uses in exclusive farm use zones;
violation of standards; complaint; penalties; exceptions to standards. (1) A use
allowed under ORS 215.213 (2) or (11) or 215.283 (2) or (4) may be approved only
where the local governing body or its designee finds that the use will not:
(a) Force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on
surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; or
(b) Significantly increase the cost of accepted farm or forest practices
on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use.
The record indicates the dominant tree species in the area surrounding the subject property is
juniper which is not a commercial tree species. Therefore, Staff finds there are no surrounding
lands devoted to forest uses.
The subject property is surrounded by farm uses on the north, east and west. Typical farm
operations in the area include livestock grazing (horses and cattle) on irrigated pasture and
grass hay production. Based on staff's measurements from aerial photography, the park site is
located approximately 1,600 feet from the farm use to the north (Long Hollow Ranch), 4,200 feet
from the farm use to the west, and 2,500 feet from the farm use to the east.
A private park could significantly change accepted farm practices or significantly increase the
cost of accepted farm practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm use if some externality
from the proposed park use adversely impacted these farm operations. Staff finds that potential
adverse externalities include noise and traffic impacts. Staff notes that the park site is
significantly screened from adjacent properties and finds that there is no evidence that visual
impacts would adversely impact surrounding farm operations.
Based on comments submitted by the Deschutes County Road Department and Deschutes
County Traffic Planner and incorporated herein by reference, Staff finds that Holmes Road is
adequate to handle traffic from the proposed use and that the one -day -a -week additional traffic
would not significantly change in accepted farm practices or significantly increase the cost of
accepted farm practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm use.
The applicant has proposed that events will include amplified music up to 90 decibels. Staff
finds that typical noise attenuation over distance for 90 decibels is as follows2:
Distance in Feet
Decibels
Equivalent Sound
Heavy Truck
Pneumatic Drill
50
90
150
80
500
70
Vacuum Cleaner
1500
60
Conversational speech
5000
50
Average Home
15000
40
Quiet Library
Staff notes that these numbers are based on a flat topography, no vegetation, and a clear line -
of -sight between the amplified music and receiving location. The applicant submitted decibel
measurements taken with a handheld meter during 90 decibel playback of amplified music at
the park site. Reported measurements included 20 decibels at the east fence line
(approximately 800 feet from the park site), 30 decibels at the south fence line (approximately
200 feet from the park site), and undetectable at the north fence line. Staff's research indicates
2 http://chchearing.org/noise/common-environmental-noise-levels/
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 15
that vegetation and topography can significantly reduce sound intensity. Staff notes that the
nearest dwelling is approximately 1,400 feet south of the park site and the nearest farm use is
approximately 1,600 feet northwest of the park site.
Staff's research efforts produced little information on the adverse impacts of noise to agricultural
activities. One research summary3 recommended that noise exposure to horses should be
limited to those levels recommended for humans and concluded poultry and pigs would not be
significantly adversely affected by noise not to exceed 90 decibels.
Staff finds that, at minimum, noise from amplified music will be reduced to a volume typical of
conversational speech before reaching nearby agricultural activities and that the applicant's test
sound measurements, in combination with the topographic changes and vegetation, suggest
much lower off-site volumes. Therefore, Staff finds that there is no evidence that the proposed
amplified music will significantly change accepted farm practices or significantly increase the
cost of accepted farm practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm use.
B. CHAPTER 18.88, WILDLIFE AREA COMBINING ZONE
1. Section 18.88.040, Uses Permitted Conditionally
A. Except as provided in DCC 18.88.040(B), in a zone with which the
WA Zone is combined, the conditional uses permitted shall be those
permitted conditionally by the underlying zone subject to the
provisions of the Comprehensive Plan, DCC 18.128 and other
applicable sections of this title.
FINDING: A private park is permitted conditionally in the underlying EFU zone and therefore is
permitted conditionally in the WA Zone.
B. The following uses are not permitted in that portion of the WA Zone
designated as deer winter ranges, significant elk habitat or antelope
range:
1. Golf course, not included in a destination resort;
2. Commercial dog kennel;
3. Church;
4. Public or private school;
5. Bed and breakfast inn;
6. Dude ranch;
7. Playground, recreation facility or community center owned
and operated by a government agency or a nonprofit
community organization;
8. Timeshare unit;
9. Veterinary clinic;
10. Fishing lodge.
FINDING: The subject property is located within a WA Zone established to protect the Metolius
Deer Winter Range. The applicant's proposed private park is not one of the uses prohibited by
3 http://www.epa.govt.nz/resource-
management/NSP000033/NSP000033_BoD_Volume_4_31_Siiri_Wilkening_(10_March_2014)_Summar
y_of_research_of noise_effects_on_animals.pdf
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 16
this section. In MA-13-3/CU-13-13 an opponent argued the applicant's proposed use is
essentially the same as the recreation use in Subsection (7) and therefore cannot be permitted.
The Hearings Officer disagreed. She found that the plain language of Subsection (7) limits the
prohibited recreational uses to those "owned and operated by a government agency or a
nonprofit community organization," neither of which applies to the applicant. Staff finds this
analysis applies equally to the present application.
2. Section 18.88.060, Siting Standards
A. Setbacks shall be those described in the underlying zone with which
the WA Zone is combined.
B. The footprint, including decks and porches, for new dwellings shall
be located entirely within 300 feet of public roads, private roads or
recorded easements for vehicular access existing as of August 5,
1992 unless it can be found that:
1. Habitat values (i.e., browse, forage, cover, access to water)
and migration corridors are afforded equal or greater
protection through a different development pattern; or,
2. The siting within 300 feet of such roads or easements for
vehicular access would force the dwelling to be located on
irrigated land, in which case, the dwelling shall be located to
provide the least possible impact on wildlife habitat
considering browse, forage, cover, access to water and
migration corridors, and minimizing length of new access
roads and driveways; or,
3. The dwelling is set back no more than 50 feet from the edge
of a driveway that existed as of August 5, 1992.
FINDING: No new dwelling is included in this proposal. These criteria do not apply.
3 Section 18.88.070. Fence Standards.
The following fencing provisions shall apply as a condition of approval for
any new fences constructed as a part of development of a property in
conjunction with a conditional use permit or site plan review.
A. New fences in the Wildlife Area Combining Zone shall be designed
to permit wildlife passage. The following standards and guidelines
shall apply unless an alternative fence design which provides
equivalent wildlife passage is approved by the County after
consultation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
1. The distance between the ground and the bottom strand or
board of the fence shall be at least 15 inches.
2. The height of the fence shall not exceed 48 inches above
ground level.
3. Smooth wire and wooden fences that allow passage of
wildlife are preferred. Woven wire fences are discouraged.
B Exemptions:
1. Fences encompassing less than 10,000 square feet which
surround or are adjacent to residences or structures are
exempt from the above fencing standards.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 17
2. Corrals used for working livestock.
FINDING: To the extent that the cattle fencing might be viewed "...constructed as a part of
development of a property in conjunction with a conditional use permit or site plan review" staff
finds that the fencing constitutes "corrals used for working livestock" and is exempt from these
criteria.
C. CHAPTER 18.116, SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
1. Section 18.116.020, Clear Vision Areas.
A. In all zones, a clear vision area shall be maintained on the corners of
all property at the intersection of two streets or a street and a
railroad. A clear vision area shall contain no planting, fence, wall,
structure, or temporary or permanent obstruction exceeding three
and one-half feet in height, measured from the top of the curb or,
where no curb exists, from the established street centerline grade,
except that trees exceeding this height may be located in this area
provided all branches and foliage are removed to a height of eight
feet above the grade.
B. A clear vision area shall consist of a triangular area on the corner of
a lot at the intersection of two streets or a street and a railroad. Two
sides of the triangle are sections of the lot lines adjoining the street
or railroad measured from the corner to a distance specified in DCC
18.116.020(B)(1) and (2). Where lot lines have rounded corners, the
specified distance is measured from a point determined by the
extension of the lot lines to a point of intersection. The third side of
the triangle is the line connecting the ends of the measured sections
of the street lot lines. The following measurements shall establish
clear vision areas within the County:
1. In an agricultural, forestry or industrial zone, the minimum
distance shall be 30 feet or at intersections including an alley,
10 feet.
2. In all other zones, the minimum distance shall be in
relationship to street and road right of way widths as follows:
Right -of -Way Width
Clear Vision
80 feet or more
20 feet
60 feet
30 feet
50 feet and less
40 feet
FINDING: No new structures are proposed. The proposed park will not impact a clear vision
area at the intersection of two streets or a street and a railroad.
2. Section 18.116.030, Off-street Parking and Loading.
A. Compliance. No building or other permit shall be issued until plans
and evidence are presented to show how the off-street parking and
loading requirements are to be met and that property is and will be
available for exclusive use as off-street parking and loading. The
subsequent use of the property for which the permit is issued shall
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 18
be conditional upon the unqualified continuance and availability of
the amount of parking and loading space required by DCC Title 18.
FINDING: Staff finds that the applicant has presented plans to show how the off street parking
requirements are to be met in a 95 -space parking area. As a condition of approval, subsequent
use of the property for which this permit is issued shall require the unqualified continuance and
availability of the amount of parking and loading space required by DCC Title 18.
B. Off -Street Loading. Every use for which a building is erected or
structurally altered to the extent of increasing the floor area to equal
a minimum floor area required to provide loading space and which
will require the receipt or distribution of materials or merchandise
by truck or similar vehicle, shall provide off-street loading space on
the basis of minimum requirements as follows:
FINDING: Staff finds that this proposal does not include a "use for which a building is erected or
structurally altered" and that DCC 18.116.030(B) does not apply to this proposal.
C. Off -Street Parking. Off-street parking spaces shall be provided and
maintained as set forth in DCC 18.116.030 for all uses in all zoning
districts. Such off-street parking spaces shall be provided at the
time a new building is hereafter erected or enlarged or the use of a
building existing on the effective date of DCC Title 18 is changed.
FINDING: The applicant argues that DCC 18.116.030(C) does not apply, as this section only
requires parking spaces "be provided at the time a new building is hereafter erected or enlarged or
the use of a building existing on the effective date of DCC Title 18 is changed." The applicant
notes that no structural changes are proposed.
DCC 18.116.030(C) first requires that, "Off-street parking spaces shall be provided and
maintained as set forth in DCC 18.116.030 for all uses in all zoning districts." Staff finds that
provision of parking spaces is plainly required under this section. The second portion of this
criterion states, "Such off-street parking spaces shall be provided at the time a new building is
hereafter erected or enlarged or the use of a building existing on the effective date of DCC
Title 18 is changed." Staff finds that the second sentence of the criterion specifies the timing for
the provision of parking for certain specified uses, but does not negate the requirement that
parking be "provided and maintained as set forth in DCC 18.116.030 for all uses". As a
condition of approval, all required parking shall be in place prior to initiation of the use.
D. Number of Spaces Required. Off-street parking shall be provided as
follows:
1. Residential.
Use
One, two and three family
dwellings
Requirements
2 spaces per dwelling unit
Other uses not specifically listed above shall be provided
with adequate parking as required by the Planning Director or
Hearings Body. The above list shall be used as a guide for
determining requirements for said other uses.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 19
FINDING: As proposed, the private park would be open to event participants one weekend day
per week beginning in late May of each year and end in early October, not to exceed 18 days
per calendar year. Each reception would last no more than 8 hours and conclude by 10 p.m. A
limit of no more than 250 guests per event would be enforced by the applicant.
The existing dwelling unit requires 2 spaces. The private park use falls under "other uses not
specifically listed". As such, Staff uses the listed uses, "as a guide for determining requirements
for said other uses." Staff finds that this use is somewhat similar to the use "church", in that
church use typically includes weddings. DCC 18.116.030(D)(4) requires 1 space per 4 seats for
church use. As such, Staff finds that a minimum of 63 spaces (250 / 4 = 62.5) must be provided
for the private park and two spaces for the dwelling, for a total of 65 spaces. Staff finds that the
proposed 95 spaces will provide adequate parking for the private park use as well as the
existing dwelling.
E. General Provisions. Off -Street Parking.
1. More Than One Use on One or More Parcels. In the event
several uses occupy a single structure or parcel of land, the
total requirement for off-street parking shall be the sum of
requirements of the several uses computed separately.
FINDING: The total requirement for off-street parking equals the sum of the requirements of the
several uses (park and residential) computed separately.
2. Joint Use of Facilities. The off-street parking requirements of
two or more uses, structures or parcels of land may be
satisfied by the same parking or loading space used jointly to
the extent that it can be shown by the owners or operators of
the uses, structures or parcels that their operations and
parking needs do not overlap at any point of time. If the uses,
structures or parcels are under separate ownership, the right
to joint use of the parking space must be evidence by a deed,
lease, contract or other appropriate written document to
establish the joint use.
FINDING: No joint use facilities are proposed.
3. Location of Parking Facilities. Off-street parking spaces for
dwellings shall be located on the same lot with the dwelling.
Other required parking spaces shall be located on the same
parcel or another parcel not farther than 500 feet from the
building or use they are intended to serve, measured in a
straight line from the building in a commercial or industrial
zone. Such parking shall be located in a safe and functional
manner as determined during site plan approval. The burden
of proving the existence of such off -premise parking
arrangements rests upon the applicant.
FINDING: All parking is located on the subject parcel.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 20
4. Use of Parking Facilities. Required parking space shall be
available for the parking of operable passenger automobiles
of residents, customers, patrons and employees only and
shall not be used for the storage of vehicles or materials or
for the parking of trucks used in conducting the business or
used in conducting the business or use.
FINDING: As a condition of approval, required parking space shall be available for the parking
of operable passenger automobiles of residents, customers, patrons and employees only and
shall not be used for the storage of vehicles or materials or for the parking of trucks used in
conducting the business or used in conducting the business or use.
5. Parking, Front Yard. Required parking and loading spaces
for multi -family dwellings or commercial and industrial uses
shall not be located in a required front yard, except in the
Sunriver UUC Business Park (BP) District and the La Pine
UUC Business Park (LPBP) District and the LaPine UUC
Industrial District (LPI), but such space may be located within
a required side or rear yard.
FINDING: No parking in a required front yard is included in this approval.
F. Development and Maintenance Standards for Off -Street Parking
Areas. Every parcel of land hereafter used as a public or private
parking area, including commercial parking lots, shall be developed
as follows:
1. Except for parking to serve residential uses, an off-street
parking area for more than five vehicles shall be effectively
screened by a sight obscuring fence when adjacent to
residential uses, unless effectively screened or buffered by
landscaping or structures.
FINDING: The proposed parking is located over 400 feet from any property line. Staff finds that
vegetation and topography will effectively screen the parking area from any adjacent residential
use.
2. Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall
be so arranged that it will not project light rays directly upon
any adjoining property in a residential zone.
FINDING: No adjoining property is in a residential zone. This criterion does not apply.
3. Groups of more than two parking spaces shall be located and
designed to prevent the need to back vehicles into a street or
right of way other than an alley.
FINDING: Parking spaces are located and designed to prevent the need to back vehicles into a
street or right-of-way.
4. Areas used for standing and maneuvering of vehicles shall be
paved surfaces adequately maintained for all weather use
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 21
and so drained as to contain any flow of water on the site. An
exception may be made to the paving requirements by the
Planning Director or Hearings Body upon finding that:
a. A high water table in the area necessitates a
permeable surface to reduce surface water runoff
problems; or
b. The subject use is located outside of an
unincorporated community and the proposed
surfacing will be maintained in a manner which will not
create dust problems for neighboring properties; or
c. The subject use will be in a Rural Industrial Zone or an
Industrial District in an unincorporated community and
dust control measures will occur on a continuous
basis which will mitigate any adverse impacts on
surrounding properties.
FINDING: The applicant has proposed a cinder surface for the driveway from Holmes Road
and the parking area. Since the use is located outside of an unincorporated community, an
exception to the paving requirement is allowed provided the proposed surfacing will be
maintained in a manner which will not create dust problems for neighboring properties.
However, based on the comment by the Deschutes County Transportation Planner, quoted
above and incorporated herein by reference, Staff finds that cinder is not an all-weather surface
that complies with this criterion. As a condition of approval, areas used for standing and
maneuvering of vehicles shall be paved or gravel, but not cinder, surfaces adequately
maintained for all weather use and maintained in a manner which will not create dust problems
for neighboring properties.
Staff also finds that any storm water drainage from the driveway and parking area will drain to
adjacent pervious surfaces and so be contained on-site.
5. Access aisles shall be of sufficient width for all vehicular
turning and maneuvering.
FINDING: Table 1 at the end of Chapter 18.116 requires, at minimum, a twenty -four -foot -wide
surface for two-way traffic and 12 -foot -wide surface for one-way traffic. The applicant has
proposed a minimum of a thirty -two -foot -wide surface for two-way traffic and 16 -foot -wide
surface for one-way traffic. Staff finds that the proposed parking area includes travel surfaces of
sufficient width for all vehicular turning and maneuvering.
6. Service drives to off-street parking areas shall be designed
and constructed to facilitate the flow of traffic, provide
maximum safety of traffic access and egress and maximum
safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic on the site. The
number of service drives shall be limited to the minimum that
will accommodate and serve the traffic anticipated. Service
drives shall be clearly and permanently marked and defined
through the use of rails, fences, walls or other barriers or
markers. Service drives to drive in establishments shall be
designed to avoid backing movements or other maneuvering
within a street other than an alley.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 22
FINDING: No service drives are proposed.
7. Service drives shall have a minimum vision clearance area
formed by the intersection of the driveway centerline, the
street right of way line and a straight line joining said lines
through points 30 feet from their intersection.
FINDING: No service drives are proposed.
8. Parking spaces along the outer boundaries of a parking area
shall be contained by a curb or bumper rail placed to prevent
a motor vehicle from extending over an adjacent property line
or a street right of way.
FINDING: The proposed parking is located over 400 feet from any property line or a street right
of way. Staff finds that no curbs or bumper rails are required to prevent a motor vehicle from
extending over an adjacent property line or a street right of way.
G. Off -Street Parking Lot Design. All off-street parking lots shall be
designed subject to County standards for stalls and aisles as set
forth in the following drawings and table:
(SEE TABLE 1 AT END OF CHAPTER 18.116)
1. For one row of stalls use "C" + "D" as minimum bay width.
2. Public alley width may be included as part of dimension "D,"
but all parking stalls must be on private property, off the
public right of way.
3. For estimating available parking area, use 300-325 square
feet per vehicle for stall, aisle and access areas.
4. For large parking lots exceeding 20 stalls, alternate rows may
be designed for compact cars provided that the compact
stalls do not exceed 30 percent of the total required stalls. A
compact stall shall be eight feet in width and 17 feet in length
with appropriate aisle width.
FINDING: The applicant has proposed nine -foot -wide by twenty -foot -deep head -in parking
spaces. The applicant has proposed a minimum of a thirty -two -foot -wide surface for two-way
traffic and 16 -foot -wide surface for one-way traffic. The proposed spaces comply with County
standards for stalls and aisles as set forth Table 1.
3. Section 18.116.031. Bicycle Parking.
New development and any construction, renovation or alteration of an
existing use requiring a site plan review under DCC Title 18 for which
planning approval is applied for after the effective date of Ordinance 93-005
shall comply with the provisions of DCC 18.116.031.
A. Number and Type of Bicycle Parking Spaces Required.
1. General Minimum Standard.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 23
a. All uses that require off-street motor vehicle parking
shall, except as specifically noted, provide one bicycle
parking space for every five required motor vehicle
parking spaces.
c. When the proposed use is located outside of an
unincorporated community, a destination resort, and a
rural commercial zone, exceptions to the bicycle
parking standards may be authorized by the Planning
Director or Hearings Body if the applicant
demonstrates one or more of the following:
The proposed use is in a location accessed by
roads with no bikeways and bicycle use by
customers or employees is unlikely.
ii. The proposed use generates less than 50
vehicle trips per day.
No existing buildings on the site will
accommodate bicycle parking and no new
buildings are proposed.
iv. The size, weight, or dimensions of the goods
sold at the site makes transporting them by
bicycle impractical or unlikely.
v. The use of the site requires equipment that
makes it unlikely that a bicycle would be used
to access the site. Representative examples
would include, but not be limited to, paintball
parks, golf courses, shooting ranges, etc.
FINDING: The proposed private park is located outside of an unincorporated community, a
destination resort, or a rural commercial zone. An exception to the bicycle parking standards is
warranted since the use of the site (formal events in a park setting), requires equipment (formal
attire, catering equipment) that makes it unlikely that a bicycle would be used to access the site.
Staff finds that no bicycle parking is required for this use.
C. CHAPTER 18.124, SITE PLAN REVIEW
1 Section 18.124.030. Approval Required.
A. No building, grading, parking, land use, sign or other required
permit shall be issued for a use subject to DCC 18.124.030, nor shall
such a use be commenced, enlarged, altered or changed until a final
site plan is approved according to DCC Title 22, the Uniform
Development Procedures Ordinance.
B. The provisions of DCC 18.124.030 shall apply to the following:
1. All conditional use permits where a site plan is a condition of
approval;
2. Multiple family dwellings with more than three units;
3. All commercial uses that require parking facilities;
4. All industrial uses;
5. All other uses that serve the general public or that otherwise
require parking facilities, including, but not limited to,
landfills, schools, utility facilities, churches, community
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 24
buildings, cemeteries, mausoleums, crematories, airports,
parks and recreation facilities and livestock sales yards; and
6. As specified for Flood Plain Zones (FP) and Surface Mining
Impact Area Combining Zones (SMIA).
FINDING: The site is a park and recreation facility that requires parking facilities. The
provisions of this chapter apply.
2. Section 18.124.060. Approval Criteria.
Approval of a site plan shall be based on the following criteria:
A. The proposed development shall relate harmoniously to the natural
environment and existing development, minimizing visual impacts
and preserving natural features including views and topographical
features.
FINDING: No new structures or earthmoving are included in this proposal. Topography,
vegetation and distance will either completely or significantly buffer the park use visually from
nearby properties. Therefore, staff finds this proposal minimizes visual impacts and preserves
views and topographical features.
Staff divides the remaining findings under this criterion into those pertaining to the natural
environment and those pertaining to existing development.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The natural environment on the property consists of juniper scrub woodland in the mapped
Tumalo Winter Deer Range. Under DCC 18.128.015(A)(3), below, staff finds that the proposed
private park is compatible with the natural resources, including wildlife habitat and deer, on the
property. Staff finds that those findings also demonstrate that the proposed private park would
relate harmoniously to the natural environment, as required under this criterion, and incorporate
those findings herein by reference.
Findings regarding the Wildlife Management Plan are included in the Existing Development
section below, as this plan was required in association with the farm related dwelling.
EXISTING DEVELOPMENT
Existing development of the property consists of residential and agricultural use. Existing
structures include a dwelling, barn, and gazebo. The existing farm -related dwelling was
approved under County File Nos. MA-01-9/CU-00-65 and included a Farm Management Plan
(FMP) and Wildlife Management Plan (WMP). Staff finds that a private park proposal would not
relate harmoniously to existing development if it precluded or significantly interfered with
residential use of the property, agricultural use of the property, or compliance with the WMP.
Residential Use
The private park would be open to event participants one weekend day per week beginning in
late May of each year and end in early October, not to exceed 18 days per calendar year. Each
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 25
reception would last no more than 8 hours and conclude by 10 p.m. A limit of no more than 250
guests per event would be enforced by the applicant.
Event participants would have limited access to the existing dwelling and full access to a
gazebo on the property. The wedding party (including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and immediate
family) will have access to the main floor of the home and two upstairs rooms. Weddings will
not be conducted inside the dwelling. Temporary tents and the gazebo will be used in the event
of inclement weather.
Restrooms will be provided through portable restrooms and guest access provided to an
existing downstairs restroom in the dwelling. Food is either prepared off site or cooked on-site
by licensed caterers using their own equipment. The existing kitchen in the dwelling will be
used for food assembly only.
Staff finds that the proposed private park use will only occur at the discretion of the applicant, is
of limited duration, and involves no significant changes to the residence. Therefore, the
proposed private park use would not preclude or significantly interfere with residential use of the
property.
Agricultural Use
Prior Approvals
The existing farm -related dwelling was approved in conjunction with a Farm Management Plan
(FMP). The prior approval (MA-01-9/CU-00-65), granted to the applicant's predecessor,
required that the property be "...currently employed in farm use, as evidenced by a farm
management plan...". In CU-00-65/MA-01-9 the following findings were made regarding farm
use of the property:
The applicant has proposed to modify the submitted application for a conditional
use permit (CU -00-65) to allow the establishment of a farm -related dwelling on
an approximate 216 acre, unirrigated, non -high value parcel. The applicant
proposes to modify CU -00-65 by proposing a new homesite location and
modifying the farm management plan. The modified application indicates that
the property currently supports 24 head of cattle, has perimeter fencing and
watering troughs. The applicant has submitted financial documents,
photographs, soils and irrigation maps, a site plan and burden of proof statement
in support of this application, which are incorporated herein by reference.
According to the modified farm management plan and business plan, and verified
by staff during a visit to the property on May 31, 2001, the subject property
currently supports 24 head of cattle, has perimeter fencing along the boundary of
the subject property, watering troughs for livestock that are filled with water that
according to the applicant will be hauled onto the property until such time a well
is installed and electricity provided to the property. The applicant also indicates
that they intend to obtain water rights from Squaw Creek Irrigation District. In
addition, the applicant indicates that they propose to incorporate approximately
30 hogs into the livestock operation following occupancy of the proposed farm
dwelling. The applicant's plot plan depicts the location of areas that are used for
livestock grazing. Based on the above findings and the applicant's burden of
proof statement, staff finds this criterion to be satisfied.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 26
Staff finds that there is nothing in the dwelling approval that requires the applicant to continue the
prior owner's agricultural operations or to complete the future activities described in the FMP.
This criterion requires that the proposed development relate harmoniously to existing
development. Since neither the previous cattle operation nor the contemplated hog operation is
"existing" on the property, Staff finds there is no requirement under this criterion that the private
park be harmonious with those farm uses.
Current Farm Use
The current agricultural use of the property includes approximately 2 acres used to raise poultry
for-profit and small-scale livestock grazing (limited to a single ewe at the time of application).
Staff finds that these farm uses are conducted outside of the proposed private park area and
that they would not be precluded or significantly interfered with by the private park.
Future Farm Use
In the applicant's January 12, 2015 Incomplete Letter Response, the applicant indicated that 3.5
acres of Three Sisters Irrigation District water rights are being obtained and will be applied to
the existing lawn area (0.9 acres) and a new fenced grazing area in the southeast corner of the
property. The grazing area will encompass approximately 17 acres that include 2.5 acres of
future irrigation. No fewer than 10 head of cattle will be kept in this grazing area during the
months of park operation.
During winter months (outside of park operations), the cattle will be penned and hayed in an
area adjacent to the applicant's barn. During the spring, the cattle would graze other areas of
the property, but not the private park area.
The applicant also proposes an indoor/outdoor penned chicken operation on the property, to be
located within the existing barn area. The chicken operation will not occur in the area set aside
for park use.
Since these farm uses are not "existing" on the property, Staff finds there is no requirement under
this criterion that the private park be harmonious with those farm uses. However, Staff finds that
the private park use will be separated spatially and/or temporally from contemplated farm use of
the property and that the private park would not preclude or significantly interfere with the
contemplated farm use.
Wildlife Management Plan
The Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) approved under (MA-01-9/CU-00-65) includes required
actions on the part of the land owner as part of the dwelling location approval. To the extent that
the proposed park use could somehow preclude or significantly interfere with the land owner's
ability to complete those required actions, the private park proposal would not relate harmoniously
with the residential use of the subject property.
Under DCC 18.128.015(A)(1) below, staff finds that the proposed private park is compatible with
both the 2001 WMP and will likely be compatible with the proposed modification of the WMP
that has not yet received final land use approval. Staff finds that those findings also
demonstrate that the proposed private park would relate harmoniously to the existing dwelling
and its wildlife obligations, as required under this criterion, and incorporate those findings herein
by reference.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 27
B. The landscape and existing topography shall be preserved to the
greatest extent possible, considering development constraints and
suitability of the landscape and topography. Preserved trees and
shrubs shall be protected.
FINDING: No new structures or topographical changes are included in this proposal. The
existing structures and lawn area were developed in association with residential use of the
property and are not part of this proposal. Staff finds that the approximately 1 -acre parking area
preserves the existing landscape to the greatest extent possible, considering development
constraints (required parking needed to accommodate the proposed use). No removal of
vegetation outside the "park site" is proposed for the park use.
C. The site plan shall be designed to provide a safe environment, while
offering appropriate opportunities for privacy and transition from
public to private spaces.
FINDING: Transitions from public to private spaces occur at the driveway entering the property,
the long vegetated drive to the park site, and in the existing dwelling, which will be partially used
in support of the private park.
Safety — Waste Water
The Deschutes County Environmental Soils division has identified that an Authorization Notice
is required prior to park use of the existing restrooms in the dwelling for park use. Septic
system upgrades may be required. Staff includes a condition of approval requiring the applicant
to provide documentation from the Deschutes County Environmental Soils Division that the
septic system is adequate for the proposed park use, prior to the initiation of the use. In
addition, Deschutes County Environmental Soils Division has recommended that portable toilets
be provide for events at a rate of one toilet for every 50 — 100 persons at the event. Staff
includes a condition of approval that, at minimum, one portable toilet be provided per 100
attendees) at park events.
Safety — Structural
Staff understands the Deschutes County Building Division comment, quoted above and
incorporated herein by reference, to identify required electrical, fire safety, and perhaps
structural requirements. As a condition of approval, the applicant shall provide written
documentation from the Building Division that the on-site structures and electrical systems are
suitable for the park use, prior to initiation of the use.
Safety- Fire
A January 27, 2015 email from Cloverdale Fire Department stated that the department has,
"...no issues with allowing..." the proposed private park.
D. When appropriate, the site plan shall provide for the special needs
of disabled persons, such as ramps for wheelchairs and Braille
signs.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 28
FINDING: The County Building Division will notify the applicant of any accessibility
requirements.
E. The location and number of points of access to the site, interior
circulation patterns, separations between pedestrians and moving
and parked vehicles, and the arrangement of parking areas in
relation to buildings and structures shall be harmonious with
proposed and neighboring buildings and structures.
FINDING: The site plan provides a single point of access to the site via the driveway from
Holmes Road. Interior circulation includes a driveway circling the lawn area and accessing the
barn, park vehicle parking area, and existing dwelling. Given the significant setback between
the "park area", property lines, and adjacent uses, Staff finds that there will be no conflict with
off-site uses regarding access and circulation. Staff finds the proposed site plan will result in
access and circulation that is harmonious with on- and off-site development.
F. Surface drainage systems shall be designed to prevent adverse
impacts on neighboring properties, streets or surface and
subsurface water quality.
FINDING: Storm water drainage will continue to be directed to undeveloped juniper scrub
woodland. Staff finds this will prevent adverse impacts on neighboring properties, streets or
surface and subsurface water quality.
G. Areas, structures and facilities for storage, machinery and
equipment services (mail, refuse, utility wires, and the like), loading
and parking and similar accessory structures shall be designed,
located and buffered or screened to minimize adverse impacts on
the site and neighboring properties.
FINDING: No new structures or facilities regulated under this criterion are proposed. The
parking area will be screened by existing vegetation, minimizing adverse impacts on the site
and neighboring properties.
H. All aboveground utility installations shall be located to minimize
adverse visual impacts on the site and neighboring properties.
FINDING: No new aboveground utility installations are proposed.
1. Specific criteria are outlined for each zone and shall be a required
part of the site plan (e.g. lot setbacks, etc.)
FINDING: Specific zoning standards for the site have been addressed above.
J. All exterior lighting shall be shielded so that direct light does not
project off-site.
FINDING: A condition of approval requires that any exterior lighting in association with this
project comply with the Deschutes County Covered Outdoor Lighting Ordinance per Section
15.10 of Title 15 of the Deschutes County Code (DCC).
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 29
K. Transportation access to the site shall be adequate for the use.
1. Where applicable, issues including, but not limited to, sight
distance, turn and acceleration/deceleration lanes, right-of-
way, roadway surfacing and widening, and bicycle and
pedestrian connections, shall be identified.
2. Mitigation for transportation -related impacts shall be
required.
3. Mitigation shall meet applicable County standards in DCC
17.16 and DCC 17.48, applicable Oregon Department of
Transportation (ODOT) mobility and access standards, and
applicable American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards.
FINDING: The Deschutes County Road Department commented in response to this
application, "Holmes Road is classified as a rural collector in the County maintenance system.
Traffic volumes on this section of Holmes Road are less than 400 ADT. There will be no
adverse impact to Holmes Road from this application." The County Transportation Planner
concluded in his comment, quoted above and incorporated herein by reference, that no traffic
study is required. Staff, therefore, finds that transportation access is adequate to the site.
2. Section 18.124.070. Required Minimum Standards.
B. Required Landscaped Areas.
1. The following landscape requirements are established for
multi -family, commercial and industrial developments,
subject to site plan approval:
a. A minimum of 15 percent of the lot area shall be
landscaped.
b. All areas subject to the final site plan and not
otherwise improved shall be landscaped.
FINDING: Staff finds the proposed park is not a multi -family, commercial4, or industrial
development and is not subject to the provisions of 18.124.070(B).
2. In addition to the requirement of DCC 18.124.070(B)(1)(a), the
following landscape requirements shall apply to parking and
loading areas:
a. A parking or loading area shall be required to be
improved with defined landscaped areas totaling no
less than 25 square feet per parking space.
FINDING: The 95 parking spaces require 2,375 square feet of landscaping under this criterion.
The proposed parking is wholly surrounded with natural Iandscaping5 and will comply with this
criterion.
4 DCC 18.04.030 - "Commercial use" means the use of land primarily for the retail sale of products or
services, including offices. It does not include factories, warehouses, freight terminals or wholesale
distribution centers.
5 DCC 18.04.030 - "Landscaping" means trees, grass, bushes, shrubs, flowers, and garden areas, and
incidental arrangements of fountains, patios, decks, street furniture and ornamental concrete or
stonework and artificial plants, bushes or flowers.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 30
b. In addition to the landscaping required by DCC
18.124.070(B)(2)(a), a parking or loading area shall be
separated from any lot line adjacent to a roadway by a
landscaped strip at least 10 feet in width, and from any
other lot line by a landscaped strip at least five feet in
width.
c. A landscaped strip separating a parking or loading
area from a street shall contain:
1. Trees spaced as appropriate to the species, not
to exceed 35 feet apart on the average.
ii. Low shrubs not to reach a height greater than
three feet zero inches, spaced no more than eight feet
apart on the average.
iii. Vegetative ground cover.
FINDING: The proposed parking area is located over 400 feet from any property line and is
separated from those lot lines by extensive natural and introduced landscaping.
d. Landscaping in a parking or loading area shall be
located in defined landscaped areas which are
uniformly distributed throughout the parking or
loading area.
e. The landscaping in a parking area shall have a width of
not less than five feet.
f. Provision shall be made for watering planting areas
where such care is required.
g Required landscaping shall be continuously
maintained and kept alive and attractive.
h. Maximum height of tree species shall be considered
when planting under overhead utility lines.
FINDING: The proposed parking is wholly surrounded with natural landscaping and will comply
with this criterion.
C. Nonmotorized Access.
1. Bicycle Parking. The development shall provide the number
and type of bicycle parking facilities as required in DCC
18.116.031 and 18.116.035. The location and design of bicycle
parking facilities shall be indicated on the site plan.
FINDING: As discussed above, staff finds that no bicycle parking is required for this use under
DCC 18.116.031.
2. Pedestrian Access and Circulation:
a. Internal pedestrian circulation shall be provided in new
commercial, office and multi -family residential
developments through the clustering of buildings,
construction of hard surface pedestrian walkways, and
similar techniques.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 31
FINDING: The proposed private park is not a new commercial, office, or multi -family residential
development. This criterion does not apply.
b. Pedestrian walkways shall connect building entrances
to one another and from building entrances to public
streets and existing or planned transit facilities. On
site walkways shall connect with walkways, sidewalks,
bikeways, and other pedestrian or bicycle connections
on adjacent properties planned or used for
commercial, multi family, public or park use.
c. Walkways shall be at least five feet in paved
unobstructed width. Walkways which border parking
spaces shall be at least seven feet wide unless
concrete bumpers or curbing and landscaping or other
similar improvements are provided which prevent
parked vehicles from obstructing the walkway.
Walkways shall be as direct as possible.
d. Driveway crossings by walkways shall be minimized.
Where the walkway system crosses driveways,
parking areas and loading areas, the walkway must be
clearly identifiable through the use of elevation
changes, speed bumps, a different paving material or
other similar method.
e. To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act,
the primary building entrance and any walkway that
connects a transit stop to building entrances shall
have a maximum slope of five percent. Walkways up
to eight percent slope are permitted, but are treated as
ramps with special standards for railings and landings
FINDING: Staff finds that (b) through (e) apply to any use subject to site plan review. The
applicant did not show pedestrian walkways at the proposed park. Staff follows the Hearings
Officer decision in CU -14-7 where the Hearings Officer found that, "...these criteria have limited
application to the applicants' proposal inasmuch as there is only one commercial use proposed
for the subject property, and there will be a single building entrance for that use. Therefore, I
find there is no need to apply these criteria to require particular pedestrian circulation or
walkways on the property." Staff finds that there is no need to provide pedestrian walkways in
this case as 1) there is only a single building entrance, 2) it is very unlikely that anyone would
access the site on foot, and 3) there are no existing or planned transit facilities in the area.
D. Chapter 18.128, Conditional Use
1. Section 18.128.015. General standards governing conditional uses.
Except for those conditional uses permitting individual single-family
dwellings, conditional uses shall comply with the following standards in
addition to the standards of the zone in which the conditional use is located
and any other applicable standards of the chapter:
A. The site under consideration shall be determined to be suitable for
the proposed use based on the following factors:
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 32
FINDING: Staff finds that these criteria require the applicant to demonstrate that the subject
property is capable of being put to the proposed use. To the extent that another current or
required use of the property could somehow preclude or significantly interfere with the proposed
park use, the applicant is required to reconcile these competing uses.
1. Site, design and operating characteristics of the use;
FINDING: The applicant has proposed a private park on the subject property. Staff
incorporates herein by reference the "Proposal" section, above, which describes the proposed
park siting on the property, design of the park, and operating characteristics of the park.
Existing use of the subject property (the "site under consideration")' consists of a residential and
agricultural use. Existing structures include a dwelling, barn, and gazebo. The existing farm -
related dwelling was approved in County File Nos. MA-01-9/CU-00-65 and that approval was
granted under a Farm Management Plan (FMP) and Wildlife Management Plan (WMP). Staff
finds that subject property would not be suitable for the proposed use if the private park proposal
would preclude or significantly interfere with residential use of the property, agricultural use of the
property, or compliance with the required WMP.
Residential Use
Under DCC 18.124.060(A), Staff found that the proposed private park use will only occur at the
discretion of the applicant, is of limited duration, and involves no permanent changes to the
residence. Therefore, the proposed private park use would not preclude or significantly interfere
with residential use of the property.
Agricultural Use
Prior Approvals
Under DCC 18.124.060(A), Staff found that there is nothing in the dwelling approval (MA-01-
9/CU-00-65) that requires the applicant to continue the prior owner's agricultural operations or to
complete the future activities described in the FMP. Therefore, staff finds that the private park is
not required to be compatible with those specific agricultural operations.
Current Farm Use
The current agricultural use of the property includes approximately 2 acres used to raise poultry
for-profit and small-scale livestock grazing (limited to a single ewe at the time of application).
Staff finds that these farm uses are conducted outside of the proposed private park area and
that they would not be precluded or significantly interfered with by the private park use.
Future Farm Use
In the applicant's January 12, 2015 Incomplete Letter Response, the applicant described
contemplated future farm use of the property. Since those farm uses are not a current or required
use of the property, Staff finds there is no requirement under this criterion that the private park be
compatible with those farm uses. However, Staff finds that the private park use will be separated
spatially and/or temporally from the contemplated future farm use of the property and that the
private park would not preclude or significantly interfere with the contemplated future farm use.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 33
Wildlife Management Plan
Original Wildlife Management Plan
Staff finds that the Wildlife Management plan approved under (MA-01-9/CU-00-65) includes
required actions on the part of the land owner as part of the dwelling location approval. To the
extent that the proposed park use could somehow preclude or significantly interfere with the land
owner's ability to complete those required actions, the private park proposal would be
incompatible with the residential use of the subject property.
The subject property is located in a Wildlife Area Combining Zone designated as a Metolius
Deer Winter Range. The site of the existing dwelling was approved under CU-0065/MA-01-9,
which included the following findings under DCC 18.88.060(6)(1)6:
The applicant previously proposed to situate the homesite within 300 feet of an
existing road identified as a "jeep" road. As part of the modified application, the
applicant proposes to situate the homesite beyond 300 feet from a public road,
private road or recorded easements for vehicular access existing as of August 5,
1992. The applicant's burden of proof statement provides the following in
response to this criterion:
Applicant proposes to locate the dwelling site and human activity
areas, outside the 300 foot area, fact is the jeep road area is in the
center of the corridor where the wildlife travel and browse. The
new dwelling site is proposed to be at the East and South edge of
the plateau rimrock area. This location will provide the least
impact on the wildlife habitat considering browse, forage, cover,
access to water and migration corridors. The subject property has
a unique topography in that there is a plateau atop a rimrock cliff
along the East and South side. This is the least productive area
for the natural bunch grass that covers the property. The
remainder of the property will be used for cattle grazing and a hog
operation/pinned area. The wildlife will have full access to the
property in the same manner as they do now. As this location will
not change their corridors or natural habits they have now and the
past many years. Due to the fact that the home and human
activities will be all on the rimrock area. And not located in the
middle of their corridor. The proposed driveway from the jeep
road will also provide a fire break road and this will benefit the
wildlife as well as home owner and BLM properties. Applicant
feels this dwelling location will provide the least possible impact on
wildlife habitat, considering browse, forage cover, access to water
and migration corridors. Applicant is in the process of purchasing
Squaw Creek Irrigation water.
6 Section 18.88.060. Siting Standards.
B. The footprint, including decks and porches, for new dwellings shall be located entirely within 300
feet of public roads, private roads or recorded easements for vehicular access existing as of August 5,
1992 unless it can be found that:
1. Habitat values (i.e., browse, forage, cover, access to water) and migration corridors are afforded
equal or greater protection through a different development pattern; ...
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 34
On 3-19-01, conference with Steven George from ODFW,
developing a management plan for Wildlife on my property. My
desire to put the home and farm operation area away from the
middle of the property to enable me to stay out of the corridor area
used by the wildlife. We have agreed to a plan that works with
cattle management and wildlife management. This property is
large enough to handle one residence, a small cattle operation
and hog farm, but still not hinder the natural habitats of any wildlife
that is already established there or will come there. The plan
outline to be as stated below:
1. Browsing area would not be disturbed by any building
along the middle of the property, also along the road in and
out. This keeps the corridor open.
2. Human activities and barn area and pinned [sic] areas will
be located totally on the S.E. corner of the plateau near the
rimrock, follow -all regulations for set -backs.
3. Applicant would plant a buffer zone of mixed trees to
provide a buffer zone for the wildlife and the human
activities. This would include, but not limited to Aspens,
Birch, Ponderosa pines, Maples, and Dogwoods. Middle
size shrubs would be included in the landscape buffer
plan. Applicant would stay with a lot of the natural shrubs
that Steven mentioned. The buffer would be on the south,
west and north sides of the human activity area and farm
operations area.
4. Management of this acreage would follow along the lines
to keep it in its natural state. Cutting the many small
juniper trees, to promote the natural growth of the
sagebrush, bitter brush and bunch grasses.
5. Applicant is in the process of purchasing irrigation water
from Squaw Creek Irrigation District, using this water to
promote natural grasses to grow. Applicant is planting a
plot of pine trees around 300 feet to make a larger buffer
from the center of the property.
6. Steven George would like it, if the cattle could be moved to
another area during the months of September through
February each year. This would allow some growth for
winter feeding needs for the wildlife. He asked how Targe a
heard I would have, I state about 25 head at any one time.
He liked the idea of a smaller herd. I agreed to taking the
cattle to another grazing area in the in the fall and winter
months. I want the grazing areas to not be over grazed
either as it benefits my cattle operations to have that
natural vegetation coming back each year. A farm plan is
a better plan if it benefits all resources, private and natural.
7. Fencing is about to start and will be built according to
regulations for wildlife friendly according to Section
18.88.070, Fencing standards Distance between the
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 35
ground and bottom strand or board is 15 inches. Height
will not exceed 48 inches.
8. This property will have one family home on it and only one
road to the home. There will be very little road usage on
the property due to the type of farming operation present
there. This works well due to the type of farming operation
present there. This works well on this rocky type of land
and yet it can still produce a profit and benefit the local
community and merchants. By clearing out the small
juniper trees this operation will also help the wildlife in the
area. We all will benefit from this site location.
The record includes a letter from Steve George, District Wildlife Biologist with the
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, dated April 5, 2001, which states, "The
applicant's plans, as outlined in her March 21 letter with attachments, will provide
for equal or greater protection for wildlife with the following recommendation. I
would like the following recommendation considered in addition to the referenced
plan by the applicant. The natural vegetation growing on her property should be
maintained as stated in number 5 of her plan. This should be expanded to only
allow the thinning of young juniper, less than 10 years old. Bitterbrush and
sagebrush would not be removed. Pruning of juniper would not be allowed."
Included as part of the applicant's plans "in her March 21st letter", as referenced
in the letter from Steven George, is the applicant's plot plan submitted with this
modified application. According to the applicant's plot plan, the proposed farm
dwelling would be situated approximately 1,050 feet from the east property line,
112 feet from the south property line, 2,100 feet from the north property line and
1,591 feet from the west property line. This proposed homesite is beyond 300
feet from a public roads, private roads or recorded easements for vehicular
access existing as of August 5, 1992, however, based on ODFW's review and
recommendation of the proposed homesite location, staff finds that the proposal
can afford habitat values (i.e., browse, forage, cover, access to water) and
migration corridors equal or greater protection though the proposed development
pattern through compliance with the Wildlife Management Plan and the additional
recommendation by ODFW referenced in his April 5, 2001 letter.
Staff finds that in order to be afforded "equal or greater protection," compliance
with the Wildlife Habitat Plan (Included as Exhibit "A" of this decision), and the
recommendations of the wildlife biologist with ODFW is necessary, thus, they will
be made conditions of approval. Based on the above findings, and through
compliance with conditions of approval, staff finds that this criterion can be
satisfied.
The existing wildlife management plan was developed by the applicant's predecessor and, to
date, several requirements in the 2001 WMP have not been completed. In addition, several
requirements were identified by ODFW on a September 25, 2014 site visit as "not practical to
implement". A review by ODFW and the applicant's biologist, Ray Romero, has identified the
shortcomings in both clarity of required actions and overall habitat enhancement value of the
existing WMP.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 36
On December 18, 2014 staff issued an administrative approval of a modification (247 -14-
000401 -MC) to an existing conditional use decision (CU -00-65/ MA -01-9). A Wildlife
Management Plan (WMP) was required because the dwelling was not located near a pre-
existing road or driveway in the Metolius Winter Deer Range [see DCC 18.88.060 (B)(1)] in the
Wildlife Area Combining Zone (WA). The modification wholly removed the Wildlife Management
Plan (WMP) required under the previous decision and replaced it with six conditions of approval
designed to protect and enhance deer habitat on the property. By Order 2014-046, dated
December 29, 2014, the Board initiated review of this application under DCC 22.28.050 through
a de novo hearing. On December 30, 2014, Central Oregon Landwatch filed a timely appeal of
this application. The notice of appeal identifies six objections to the administrative decision.
Since this modification is under appeal and has not received final local approval, Staff finds that
the existing Wildlife Management Plan applies for the purposes of this decision.
Staff finds that, with the possible exclusion of 2001 WMP #8, the proposed park would not
preclude or significantly interfere with the land owner's ability to complete the required actions of
the 2001 WMP, as the required actions would occur on land outside of the developed private park
site.
Item #8 of the 2001 WMP states, in part, "There will be very little road usage on the property due
to the type of farming operation present there." The proposed park use, with up to 250 guests on
18 days would not constitute "very little road usage". However, the events would occur between
late May and early October. Based on information provided by the applicant's Wildlife Biologist,
Ray Romero, and staff discussions with Corey Heath of ODFW, Staff finds that the operating
period of the private park falls outside the period when deer would be using the mapped Metolius
Winter Deer Range on the subject property. Use of the property, including the access road,
during the park's off season would be limited in scope and only include residential and agricultural
activities. Therefore, Staff finds that the proposed private park is not incompatible with the 2001
WMP.
Modified Wildlife Management Plan
Since the proposed modification of the Wildlife Management Plan (247 -14 -000401 -MC), is
under appeal and has not received final local approval, Staff finds that it does not presently
impose any required actions that could result in incompatibilities with the proposed private park.
Should the modification of the Wildlife Management Plan receive final approval in the future,
Staff is uncertain if the final conditions of that approval will include any incompatibilities with the
proposed private park. Staff notes, however, that the modified WMP, to date, has focused on
deer forage enhancement outside of the developed private park site. For this reason, Staff finds
that is unlikely that the modified WMP, if approved, will include any incompatibilities with the
proposed private park. To ensure that the proposed private park is not incompatible with a final
WMP, modified or not, Staff imposes a condition of approval requiring the land owner to comply
with the current final Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) for the subject property. Where the final
WMP for the subject property includes required actions that conflict spatially or temporally with
the private park operations, the required actions of that WMP shall take precedence and the
operations of the private park shall be curtailed to the extent necessary to allow full compliance
with the WMP. Where the final WMP for the subject property includes required actions and the
WMP does not specify a completion date or timeline, those actions shall be completed prior to
initiation of the private park use. Where the final WMP for the subject property includes required
ongoing actions, the private park shall only operate while in compliance with those required
ongoing actions.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 37
The subject property will be suitable for the proposed private park, as conditioned, based on the
characteristics of the site and the design and operating characteristics of the use.
2. Adequacy of transportation access to the site; and
FINDING: The Deschutes County Road Department commented in response to this
application, "Holmes Road is classified as a rural collector in the County maintenance system.
Traffic volumes on this section of Holmes Road are less than 400 ADT. There will be no
adverse impact to Holmes Road from this application." The County Transportation Planner
concluded in his comment, quoted above and incorporated herein by reference, that no traffic
study is required. Staff, therefore, finds that transportation access is adequate to the site.
3. The natural and physical features of the site, including, but not
limited to, general topography, natural hazards and natural
resource values.
FINDING: The proposed park site is generally level and suitable topographically for park use.
No changes to topography are proposed. The property is not subject to flooding and is served
by the Cloverdale Fire Protection District. The site does not contain natural resources such as
mineral resources or merchandisable tree species. The Hearings Officer found in CU-13-
13/MA-13-3, "The subject property is located within a WA Zone and the Metolius Deer Winter
Range, signifying it has natural resource value as wildlife habitat." Staff concurs. Staff finds
that the proposed private park use could be incompatible with the wildlife habitat on the property
if that use would adversely impact deer or the on-site habitat on which they depend.
Specifically, Staff finds that analysis under this criterion is limited to the direct and indirect
impacts to deer and their on-site habitat from the private park use. The private park use will be
limited to the existing developed park area and access driveway. No changes to the existing
scrub juniper woodland habitat are required or proposed for operation of the private park.
Therefore, staff finds that the park will have no direct or indirect impacts to the existing habitat
values on the property.
Proposed use of the private park would occur between late May and early October. Based on
information provided by the applicant's Wildlife Biologist, Ray Romero, and staff discussions with
Corey Heath of ODFW, Staff finds that the operating period of the private park falls outside the
period when deer would be using the mapped Metolius Winter Deer Range on the subject
property. Therefore, Staff finds that the proposed private park use would not result in direct
impacts to deer, as the deer would be not be on-site during the park's operating season. Staff
found the park use would not impact on-site habitat, therefore, Staff finds that the private park use
would not indirectly impact deer. For these reasons, staff finds that the proposed private park use
is compatible with the natural resource values of the subject property.
B. The proposed use shall be compatible with existing and projected
uses on surrounding properties based on the factors listed in (A)
above.
FINDING: The subject property is surrounded by properties zoned EFU in both public and
private ownership. To the north is an approximately 540 -acre property engaged in cattle grazing
and developed with a guest ranch (Long Hollow Ranch). Other land to the north along Holmes
Road is generally engaged in farm use. To the south is a large undeveloped, publicly -owned
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 38
tract owned and managed by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that consists of
juniper woodland. Also to the south is an approximately 80 -acre parcel engaged in farm use and
developed with a single-family dwelling. Adjacent to and east of the subject property is a 77 -
acre parcel engaged in farm use and developed with a dwelling. Adjacent to the west are two
40 -acre parcels, each of which is developed with a single-family dwelling. Further to the west
are two approximately 100 -acre parcels engaged in farm use. Staff, therefore, finds that
projected uses on surrounding properties include agriculture, rural residential, and federally -
owned open space.
Site, Design and Operating Characteristics of the Use
Staff finds that the proposed park use could be incompatible with nearby agriculture, rural
residential, and open space uses where some externality of the park use would adversely
impact those uses. Staff finds that potential adverse externalities include noise and traffic
impacts. Staff notes that the park site is significantly screened from adjacent properties and
finds that there is no evidence that visual impacts would adversely impact surrounding
agriculture, rural residential, and open space uses. Staff has previously found that, at minimum,
noise from amplified music will be reduced to a volume typical of conversational speech before
reaching surrounding properties and that the applicant's test sound measurements, in
combination with the topographic changes and vegetation, suggest much lower off-site volumes.
In addition, a condition of approval requires park events, including all amplified music, to
conclude by 10 p.m. Therefore, staff finds that the proposed park would be compatible with
surrounding agriculture, rural residential, and open space uses based on the site, design, and
operating characteristics of those uses.
Adequacy of Transportation Access to the Site
Staff has found, above, that Holmes Road has adequate capacity for the proposed park use.
Staff finds that the proposed park use would not significantly adversely impact transportation
access to surrounding agriculture, rural residential, and open space uses.
Natural and Physical Features of the Site, Including, but Not Limited to, General
Topography, Natural Hazards and Natural Resource Values
Staff finds that the proposed private park use would not impact the topography, create new
natural hazards, or exacerbate any existing natural hazard on surrounding properties.
Surrounding properties do not contain natural resources such as mineral resources or
merchandisable tree species. Property to the south and west falls within the Wildlife Area
Combining Zone (WA) and the Metolius Deer Winter Range. The proposed private park use
would not indirectly impact deer or their habitat off-site, as there would be no habitat changes
off-site. Potential direct off-site impact to deer would be limited to noise, however, the proposed
private park use would not result in direct impact to deer, as the deer would be not be on
surrounding properties during the park's operating season.
2. Section 1818.128.090, Medical Clinic, Veterinary Clinic, Club, Lodge, Fraternal
Organization, Community Center, Grange Hall, Golf Course, Horse Stable and
Horse Events Requiring Conditional Uses, Grounds and Buildings For Games or
Sports, Country Club, Swimming, Boating, Tennis Clubs and Similar Activities
Government Structures and Land Uses, Parks, Playgrounds.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP
39
In considering the above, the Planning Director or Hearings Body may
authorize the conditional use after it has been determined that the following
will be provided:
A. Access from principal streets subject to Deschutes County Road
Department standards.
FINDING: The subject property has access from Holmes Road, a designated rural collector
road improved to county standards.
B. Off street parking subject to DCC 18.116.030.
FINDING: Relevant standards of DCC 18.116.030 are discussed in detail above. Those
findings are incorporated herein by reference.
C. Building and site design provisions, including landscaping, that will
effectively screen neighboring uses from noise, glare, odor and other
adverse impacts.
FINDING: Staff has previously found that potential adverse externalities from the private park
use include noise and traffic impacts. Staff notes that the park site is significantly screened from
adjacent properties and finds that there is no evidence that visual impacts would adversely
impact neighboring uses. Staff has previously found that, at minimum, noise from amplified
music will be reduced to a volume typical of conversational speech before reaching surrounding
properties and that the applicant's test sound measurements, in combination with the
topographic changes and vegetation, suggest much lower off-site volumes. In addition, a
condition of approval requires park events, including all amplified music, to conclude by 10 p.m.
Therefore, staff finds that the proposed park would be compatible with surrounding agriculture,
rural residential, and open space uses based on the site, design, and operating characteristics
of those uses.
D. Playgrounds, recreation facilities and community centers in the
Wildlife Area Combining Zone are subject to the provisions of DCC
18.88.
FINDING: In MA-13-3/CU-13-13, the Hearings Officer found the "playgrounds" and "recreation
facilities" prohibited in the WA Zone protecting deer winter ranges are those owned and
operated by government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and therefore the applicant's
proposal is not subject to that prohibition. Other relevant standards of DCC 18.88 are discussed
in detail above. Those findings are incorporated herein by reference.
IV. CONCLUSION:
The proposed conditional use application can meet the requirements of Title 18 of the
Deschutes County Code.
V. DECISION:
APPROVAL, subject to the following conditions.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 40
VI. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. Approval is based upon the submitted plan. Any substantial change to the approved plan
will require a new application.
The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits from the Deschutes County
Environmental Soils, Environmental Heath, and Building Safety Divisions, prior to
initiation of the use.
Off-street parking areas used to fulfill the requirements of DCC Title 18 shall not be used for
loading and unloading operations except during periods of the day when not required to
take care of parking needs.
4. All areas used for standing and maneuvering of vehicles shall be paved or gravel, but
not cinder, surfaces adequately maintained for all weather use and maintained in a
manner which will not create dust problems for neighboring properties..
Required parking space shall be available for the parking of operable passenger
automobiles of residents, customers, patrons and employees only and shall not be used
for the storage of vehicles or materials or for the parking of trucks used in conducting the
business or used in conducting the business or use.
Any exterior lighting in association with this project shall comply with the Deschutes
County Covered Outdoor Lighting Ordinance per Section 15.10 of Title 15 of the
Deschutes County Code (DCC).
7 Subsequent use of the property for which this permit is issued is conditional upon the
unqualified continuance and availability of the amount of parking and loading space
required by DCC Title 18.
All required parking shall be in place prior to initiation of the use,
9. The private park shall only be open to event participants one weekend day per week
beginning on May 15 of each year and ending on October 15, not to exceed 18 days per
calendar year. Each event shall last no more than 8 hours and conclude by 10 p.m. A
limit of no more than 250 guests per event shall be enforced by the applicant. Any park
use on the property by non-residents shall count as an "event".
10. The land owner shall comply with the current final Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) for
the subject property. Where the final WMP for the subject property includes required
actions that conflict spatially or temporally with the private park operations, the required
actions of that WMP shall take precedence and the operations of the private park shall
be curtailed to the extent necessary to allow full compliance with the WMP. Where the
final WMP for the subject property includes required actions and the WMP does not
specify a completion date or timeline, those actions shall be completed prior to initiation
of the private park use. Where the final WMP for the subject property includes ongoing
required actions, the private park shall only operate while in compliance with those
required ongoing actions.
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 41
11. The applicant to provide documentation from the Deschutes County Environmental Soils
Division that the septic system is adequate for the proposed park use, prior to the
initiation of the use.
12 At minimum, one portable toilet shall be provided per 100 attendees (or fraction thereof)
at park events.
VII. DURATION OF APPROVAL:
The applicant shall initiate the private park use within two (2) years of the date this
decision becomes final, or obtain an extension under Title 22 of the County Code, or this
approval shall be void.
This decision becomes final twelve (12) days after the date of mailing, unless appealed
by a party of interest.
DESCHUTES COUNTY PLANNING DIVISION
Written by: Will Groves, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Peter Gutowsky, Planning Manager
Dated this 3rd day of February, 2015 Mailed this 3rd day of February, 2015
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 42
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Community Development Department
Planning Division Building Safety Division Environmental Soils Division
P,0, Box 6005 117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend, Oregon 97708-6005
(541)388-6575 FAX (541)385-1764
http://www.co,deschutes,or.us/cdd/
NOTICE OF DECISION
The Deschutes County Planning Division has approved the land use application(s) described
below:
FILE NUMBER: 247-14-000 228 -CU and 229 -SP
APPLICANT: John Shepherd
71120 Holmes Road
Sisters, Oregon 97759
PROPERTY OWNERS: John and Stephanie Shepherd
71120 Holmes Road
Sisters, Oregon 97759
APPLICANT'S ATTORNEY: Dave Hunnicutt
Oregonians in Action
P.O. Box 230637
Tigard, Oregon 97281
REQUEST:
LOCATION:
The applicant requests conditional approval to establish a
private park on an EFU-zoned parcel east of Sisters for the
purpose of hosting weddings, wedding receptions, special
events, and recreational activities.
The subject property is located at 71120 Holmes Road, Sisters,
and is further identified as Tax Lot 103 on Deschutes County
Assessor's Map 14-11.
STAFF CONTACT: Will Groves, Senior Planner
I. APPLICABLE CRITERIA:
Title 18 of the Deschutes County Code, the Deschutes County Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 18.04, Title, Purpose and Definitions
Chapter 18.16, Exclusive Farm Use
Chapter 18.88, Wildlife Area Combining Zone
Chapter 18.116, Supplementary Provisions
Chapter 18.124, Site Plan Review
Chapter 18.128, Conditional Use
Quality Services Per/brined with Pride
Title 22 of the Deschutes County Code, the Development Procedures Ordinance
DECISION: Staff finds that the application meets applicable criteria, and approval is being
granted subject to the following conditions:
I. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
Approval is based upon the submitted plan. Any substantial change to the approved plan
will require a new application.
2. The applicant shall obtain all necessary permits from the Deschutes County
Environmental Soils, Environmental Heath, and Building Safety Divisions, prior to
initiation of the use.
Off-street parking areas used to fulfill the requirements of DCC Title 18 shall not be used for
loading and unloading operations except during periods of the day when not required to
take care of parking needs.
All areas used for standing and maneuvering of vehicles shall be paved or gravel, but
not cinder, surfaces adequately maintained for all weather use and maintained in a
manner which will not create dust problems for neighboring properties..
Required parking space shall be available for the parking of operable passenger
automobiles of residents, customers, patrons and employees only and shall not be used
for the storage of vehicles or materials or for the parking of trucks used in conducting the
business or used in conducting the business or use.
Any exterior lighting in association with this project shall comply with the Deschutes
County Covered Outdoor Lighting Ordinance per Section 15.10 of Title 15 of the
Deschutes County Code (DCC).
Subsequent use of the property for which this permit is issued is conditional upon the
unqualified continuance and availability of the amount of parking and loading space
required by DCC Title 18.
All required parking shall be in place prior to initiation of the use.
9. The private park shall only be open to event participants one weekend day per week
beginning on May 15 of each year and ending on October 15, not to exceed 18 days per
calendar year. Each event shall last no more than 8 hours and conclude by 10 p.m. A
limit of no more than 250 guests per event shall be enforced by the applicant. Any park
use on the property by non-residents shall count as an "event".
10. The land owner shall comply with the current final Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) for
the subject property. Where the final WMP for the subject property includes required
actions that conflict spatially or temporally with the private park operations, the required
actions of that WMP shall take precedence and the operations of the private park shall
be curtailed to the extent necessary to allow full compliance with the WMP. Where the
final WMP for the subject property includes required actions and the WMP does not
specify a completion date or timeline, those actions shall be completed prior to initiation
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 2
of the private park use. Where the final WMP for the subject property includes ongoing
required actions, the private park shall only operate while in compliance with those
required ongoing actions.
11 The applicant to provide documentation from the Deschutes County Environmental Soils
Division that the septic system is adequate for the proposed park use, prior to the
initiation of the use.
12. At minimum, one portable toilet shall be provided per 100 attendees (or fraction thereof)
at park events.
This decision becomes final twelve (12) days after the date mailed, unless appealed by a
party of interest. To appeal, it is necessary to submit a Notice of Appeal, the appeal fee of
$250.00 and a statement raising any issue relied upon for appeal with sufficient specificity to
afford the Hearings Body an adequate opportunity to respond to and resolve each issue.
Copies of the application, all documents and evidence submitted by or on behalf of the applicant
and applicable criteria are available for inspection at no cost. Copies can be purchased for
25 cents per page.
NOTICE TO MORTGAGEE, LIEN HOLDER, VENDOR OR SELLER: ORS CHAPTER 215
REQUIRES THAT IF YOU RECEIVE THIS NOTICE, IT MUST BE PROMPTLY FORWARDED
TO THE PURCHASER.
Dated this 3rd day of February, 2015 Mailed this 3rd day of February, 2015
247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP 3
Community Development Department
Planning Division Building Safety Division Environmental Soils Division
P.0. Box 6005 117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend, Oregon 97708-6005
(541)388-6575 FAX (541)385-1764
http://www.co.deschutes.or.us/cdd/
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
FILE NUMBER: 247 -14 -000228 -CU / 229 -SP
DOCUMENT/S MAILED: Findings and Decision
Notice of Decision
LOOKUP AREA: 750 Feet
MAP/TAX LOT NUMBER: Tax Lot 103 Assessor's Map 14-11
I certify that on the 3rd day of February, 2015, the attached notice(s)/report(s), dated
February 3, 2015, was/were mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the person(s) and
address(es) set forth on the attached list.
Dated this 3rd day of February, 2015.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
By: Sher Buckner
John Shepherd
71120 Holmes Road
Sisters, Oregon 97759
Dave Hunnicutt
Oregonians in Action
P.O. Box 230637
Tigard, Oregon 97281
Paul Dewey
1539 NW Vicksburg Ave
Bend, OR 97701
Corey Heath
Oregon Department Fish and Wildlife
61374 Parrell Road
Bend OR 97702
11 Lookups
Quality Services Performed with Pride
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POTOMAC, MD 20854
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