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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990
DESCHUTES COUNTY
OREGON
Prepared for and with the Assistance of the People of Deschutes County
By
Grunwald Crawford & Associates
City & Regional Planning Consultants
$02 North Irwin Street
Hanford, California
The preparation of this material was financially aided through a federal grant from
the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under the Comprehensive Planning
Assistance Program authorized by Section 701 of the Housing Act of 1954, as amended.
Project No. Oregon P-147, Deschutes County
Bend City Commission
John G. Stenkamp, Mayor
Robert L. Bristol
Jack C. Dempsey
Dick Gervais
George W. Marshall
E. Albert Moody
Preston Waller
Bend City Planninq Commission
Ray Babb
Ray Bennett
George J. Corrigan
Henry Greening
Don Halligan
Sam Langmas
Ray Lindstrom
Preston Waller
Dr. John Williams
Bend City Administration
Hal Puddy, City Manager
Deschutes National Forest
Ashley Poust, Forest Supervisor
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
D. L. Penhollow, Chairman
Gerald McCann
Dorothy Smead
Redmond City Council
Gerald Barrett, Mayor
Dale Ayres
Roy Bratten
Melvin Kidd
Neil Morris
Harold Norris
Everett Van Matre
Redmond City Planninq Commission
Everett Van Matre, Chairman
Gard Erlksen
Don Fraley
Al Hollowell
Bill Jossey
Bill Mayfield
Frank Phillips
Jerry Warner
Redmond City Administration
John Berning, Administrator
Cooperative Extension Service
Oregon State University
Robert H. Sterling,
County Extension Agent
Consulting Staff
Robert E. Grunwald
Don R. Crawford
Maurice E, Strauss
Sisters City Council
L. C. Tatum, Mayor
Maurice Hunking
Don Mouser
Margaret Smith
George Sproat
Cliff Ullman
Deschutes County Planninq Commission
Jerry Warner, Chairman
Dr. Fred Buchanan
Don Halligan
C. R. Lindsay
Mathew Perlot
Richard Rasmussen
Deschutes County Planninq Department
Lorin D. Morgan, Planning Director
Oregon State Highway Department
James Putnam, District Engineer
Citizens Advisory Committee for Planning
Dr. George McLeary, Chairman
Glenn H. Anderson
Don Hinman
James F. Putnam
Emile P. Bachand
Mike Holiern
Paul Ramsay
Arthur Baltzer
George Hostetler
Fred Ramsey
Jack P. Barnes
Fay Hunter
Mr, is Mrs. George Ray
David Berger
Dan Kearnes
W. E. Roats
Dick Burton
Bill & Dorothy Lear
Gary Rudisill
George Cook
Ray W. Lindstrom
A'leen Runkle
Wallace Crawford
Joe Lyman
Ben Russell
Keith Cyrus
Louise MacDonald
Lloyd Satterlee
Mrs. Pat Elliott
R. G. McFarland
Michael Shannon
Helen Evans
Mrs. George McLeary
G. E. Skinner
Lloyd Farley
Lucille McMeen
Robert Sterling
Werner Fohrer
Mr. & Mrs. George Marshall
Ted Thorsen
Mrs. Ron Frichtl
James Miner
Charles Trachsel
Mrs. Daniel Goldy
Robert W. Mitchell
George Trout, Jr.
Allan J. Grant
Louise Morley
Nolan Turner
Henry Greening
Bertil Nelson
Mrs. D. J. Ward
Mrs. Bob Greenlee
Earl Nichols
G. E. Wiley
John Harbison
Meade Pedersen
Dr. Jack Williams
Dan Heirman
Harry Peterson
Laura Wonser.
Gil Helling
Ashley Poust
Jess Yardley
Hai Puddy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1
BACKGROUND TO COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
THE CURRENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
CONTENT OF THE REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PART II BACKGROUND SUMMARY AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . II-fi4
POPULATION AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . Y1'
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.8
URBAN DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .?�
PART III DEVELOPMENT POLICIES UNDERLYING PROPOSALS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN . . .
. . . . Ili /4S
POLICIES CONCERNING POPULATION AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 1A*
POLICIES CONCERNING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION . . . . . . .
. . . . /44
POLICIES CONCERNING URBAN DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . *
POLICIES CONCERNING TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 4&
PART IV PROPOSALS OF THE DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .IV ptw
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 149
URBAN LAND USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . yr(r!
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xaq
RURAL -RESOURCE USE , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
, , , , d
FOREST MANAGEMENT ZONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .�J�
INITIAL HOUSING ELEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . LQS�J
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART V URBAN ELEMENTS OF THE DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN . . . . . . . .
. . . . . V/�
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . X4'
PART V-1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - BEND AREA
LAND USE ELEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . y451
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . /&7
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
PART V-2 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - REDMOND AREA . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
LAND USE ELEMENT . . . . . .
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES . . . .
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . Of ?3
PART V-3 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - SISTERS AREA . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . y1 74p
LAND USE ELEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . y17(o
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . 7
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
x 1
PART V-4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - LAPINE AREA . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 15
PERMANENT AND SEASONAL POPULATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 15
LAND USE ELEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 16
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 17
TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 17
PART VI PUBLIC REVIEW, OFFICIAL ADOPTION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE PLAN . . . . .
. . . . . VI -I
PUBLIC REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . I
ADOPTION OF THE PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . I
INTERPRETATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 3
PART V11 CARRYING OUT THE POLICIES AND PROPOSALS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN . . . . . . . . . VII -1
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
COORDINATION OF GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
DETAILED STUDIES REQUIRED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
REVIEW AND PERIODIC REVISION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Honorable Board of Commissioners
County of Deschutes
Court House
Bend, Oregon
Dear Members of the Board:
January, 1970
In fulfillment of our contract with the County, we are pleased to submit to you and to the people of the County
the proposed Comprehensive Plan for Deschutes County.
Deschutes County is at the threshold of a new era which poses both challenges and opportunities for improving the
quality of life afforded all citizens of the County. The Comprehensive Planhas been developed to assist the
people in meeting these challenges and opportunities -- of population growth, of increasing levels of economic
activity, of increasing demands for services, and of greatly enlarged demands for the utilization of the County's
natural resources.
Of the many forces which are acting in combination to stimulate and create change, those which concern the
management and utilization of natural resources are perhaps most critical to the proposals of the Plan.
Consequently, the Comprehensive Plan gives considerable emphasis to maintaining and enhancing the quality of the
environment while proposing that resources be managed in such a way as to provide new and enlarged economic oppor-
tunities which will benefit existing and future generations of the people in the County.
Many citizens and public officials have provided assistance and guidance during the preparation of the Plan.
Their participation in the process of plan development was both significant and essential. Our association with
officials at city., county, state and federal levels, with the Citizens Advisory Committee for Planning, with
industry groups, and with many citizens -at -large has been rewarding for us. But more important, their contribution
has been of inestimable value in behalf of all of the people of Deschutes County. We wish particularly to thank
Lorin D. Morgan, Planning Director, who has worked very hard to make the County's planning program a success.
Special commendations are extended to the Board of County Commissioners for having the foresight and courage to
initiate and provide consistent support to the program.
Sincerely,
GRUNWALD., CRAWFORD & ASSOCIATES
PART 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
BACKGROUND TO COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
The publication of this report represents the culmination of
nearly two years effort on the part of County government,
the cities of Bend, Redmond and Sisters and a committee of
citizens to prepare a Comprehensive Plan for Deschutes County.
in 1967, the County's planning program came to a rather
abrupt halt, and it was subjected to a reevaluation primarily
as the result of a sizeable negative response to previous
efforts. Perhaps the most important factor leading toward
reevaluation was that of inadequate communication and under-
standing of the planning program. But an additional factor
was that certain elements of the program had been completed
and adopted out-of-phase. Zoning and subdivision ordinances
had been adopted and administered prior to the preparation
and adoption of a Comprehensive Plan. Consequently, these
development regulations were not based on a set of policies
and proposals concerning future development to which the
people of the County were committed to have carried out
over time. The inevitable result was a moratorium on plan-
ning effort.
THE CURRENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROGRAM
In January of 1968, the County Court reinstated comprehensive
planning in Deschutes County on a basis which would overcome
the limitations of previous efforts through a first -things -
first approach. This publication represents the primary
product of the new program.
The new program was to involve three objectives: (1) to
prepare a Comprehensive Plan for the County, utilizing data,
materials and studies prepared under the previous program
to the maximum extent possible; (2) to organize an effective
planning function in County government, capable of providing
continuous advice and counsel to the people and to the County
Court concerning all matters affecting the future physical
and economic development of the County; and (3) to reevalu-
ate and develop new proposed subdivision and zoning ordinances
based on policies of the Comprehensive Plan for thorough
review and consideration prior to their enactment and admin-
istration.
These three objectives have been pursued in logical order.
The Comprehensive Plan is now available for public review
prior to its adoption as official policy of the County. To
carry out the second objective, a County Planning Commission
has been organized, a County Planning Department has been
established, and a program of planning services to the cities
has been established under service contracts between the
County and the cities. And finally, a proposed subdivision
ordinance has been drafted and a proposed zoning ordinance
draft is in preparation at this publication.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The process followed in preparation of the Comprehensive Plan
can be summarized as involving:
1. The organization of an effective citizens' committee
to advise on policies to be included in the Plan.
2. The preparation of basic studies.
The presentation and deliberation of policies to be
included in the Plan.
4. The preparation of "sketch plans" depicting alterna-
tive solutions to the accommodation of future growth
and development anticipated over the next 20 years.
5. The deliberation and selection of proposals for future
growth and development to be included in the Plan.
6. Preparation of the Comprehensive Plan report.
This process can be understood best by reviewing the activi-
ties of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Planning through-
out the program.
The Citizens Advisory Committee for Planning
Citizen participation was determined early in the program
to be an essential aspect of developing the Comprehensive
Plan. In June of 1968, the County Court appointed the 50 -
man Citizens Advisory Committee for Planning to work closely
with the County's planning consultant and local staff in
preparing the Comprehensive Plan.
Members of the Committee were selected from throughout the
County, presenting a cross-section of opinion, background
and interest from all urban and rural areas. The function
of the Committee was four -fold: (1) to discuss the basic
policy considerations presented in Part 11 of this report,
and recommend those policies which were to guide the prepa-
ration of the Plan; (2) to advise the County Court on the
creation, organization and functions of a County Planning
Commission; (3) to review preliminary proposals of the
"sketch" plans and recommend proposals to be included in
the Comprehensive Plan; and (4) to review and recommend
policies to be followed in preparing drafts of subdivision
and zoning ordinances, and to.review drafts to assure that
the language carries out the intent of underlying policies.
The Committee met continuously on a near monthly basis since
Its organization in June, 1968. A series of basic reports
prepared by the Consultant on the subjects of population -
economics, transportation, resource management and urban
development provided the basic framework for discussion
and the identification of policy considerations. Discussions
often involved debate; issues were thoroughly explored; and
minutes were kept of all sessions to provide a background
for understanding positions taken on each policy consider-
ation.
After reaching agreement on basic policies to guide the
preparation of proposals for future development, a series
of sketch plans were prepared for review by the Committee.
These sketch plans presented proposals in map form for the
County as a whole, for each of the three cities and for
the community of Lapine. Proposals for urban land use,
transportation facilities and rural -resource use were de-
picted on all of the sketch plans, with plans for the com-
munities integrated with those for the County as a whole.
Discussion centered on how basic policies developed pre-
viously were translated into physical development proposals.
Each plan design was described in a report to aid the
Committee in understanding the nature of the proposals.
Agreement was. reached on proposals, and the consultant was
instructed to prepare the Comprehensive Plan report.
The sketch plans were reviewed also with City officials
prior to concluding decisions by the Committee so that
there would be general understanding and agreement at
the community level of proposals affecting the cities.
Similarly, the plans were reviewed by the County Planning
Commission, the County Court and department heads of County
government whose areas of responsibility were affected by
proposals of the plans. It should be emphasized that
members of the County Court and Planning Commission attended
meetings of the Citizens Committee consistently throughout
the Comprehensive Plan Development Process. A particularly
important role was performed by the Planning Director in
assisting the Committee throughout its year of deliberations.
Supplementary Citizen Participation
During early stages of the program, the planning consultant
worked closely with the Deschutes County Long -Range Planning
Conference in comparing studies and viewpoints. The Confer-
ence, composed of 200 citizens from throughout the County,
was engaged at that time in studying existing conditions in
the County. The minutes of the Conference and its sub-
committees were made available to the planning consultant
throughout the spring of 1968, as were the recommendations
of the Conference when published in preliminary report form.
Thus, the Conference was able to make a significant contribu-
tion to the development of basic studies completed during
early phases of the County's comprehensive planning program.
A second and vital supplementary source of citizen viewpoint
was developed through the Opinion Survey conducted on a
County -wide basis during the winter and spring of 1968. The
results of the Survey were analyzed by the County's planning
consultant and the viewpoints of many thousands of County
residents thus were able to be considered carefully and in-
corporated into the Comprehensive Plan Development Process.
CONTENT OF THE REPORT
The report is divided into seven parts, and is organized to
show the continuity of the program as it actually developed.
It begins with the background presented in the Introduction,
and the basic studies of population and economic activity,
resources, transportation and urban development in Part ii.
Part III covers the policies underlying proposals of the Plan;
Parts IV and V describe proposals of the County -wide plan
and plans for the cities; Part VI describes the procedure for
review and adoption of the Plan and how the Plan should be
interpreted; and, Part VII describes requirements for
carrying out the Pian.
PART II
BACKGROUND SUMMARY AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
POPULATION AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
The following discussion presents a summary of trends
identified from research, together with a descriptive analy-
sis identifying problems and opportunities for economic
growth. The projections of population and economic activi-
ties should be viewed as statements of reasonable potential
and not as forecasts or as self-fulfilling prophesies. The
degree to which a level of prosperity is achieved will be
determined largely by the extent to which policies and pro-
posals of the Comprehensive Plan are implemented through
public and private action programs designed to maximize
opportunities.
Population
The tri -county region of Central Oregon (Deschutes, Cook,
and Jefferson Counties) contains approximately 47,000 persons
and represents about 1/12 of the total area of the State.
Deschutes County accounts for about 60°/. of the regional total
Between 1960 and 1966, the County population increased by
4,500, representing a net in -migration of 3,100 new residents
The excess in the number of births over deaths accounted for
only 1,400 of the total increase.
The Pacific Northwest is projected to grow to 102 million by
the turn of the century.0 ) Assuming the State of Oregon
(1) Defined as Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and eleven Western
Counties of Montana, ("The Pacific Northwest," A Study
of Economic Growth in a Quality Environment), Battelle
Memorial Institute.
Ei
and the tri -county region maintain their present share of
the population in the Pacific Northwest, the tri -county
region will grow to over 81,000 persons by the year 2000,
and Deschutes County will have increased by more than 75%
to nearly 48,000 persons. Given the range of growth oppor-
tunities and other related factors discussed below, the pro-
jections in Table i appear to be very conservative.
The distribution of future population probably will vary
from its present pattern wherein two-thirds live in urban
areas, 10% live on farms, and the remaining 23% are rural
non-farm population. The potential for year-round resort
development, recreation subdivisions, and other rural non-
farm acreage development implies a de -emphasis in the his-
torical pattern of concentration of population in the
communities of Bend, Redmond, and Sisters, with the re-
sulting pattern being one of greater scatteration with its
many attendant implications for achieving orderly develop-
ment. However, the distribution in 20 years is still ex-
pected to show about 75% of the County's total population
living in the Bend and Redmond urban areas. These two com-
munities are projected to maintain the same proportionate
share of the total population. This will mean that by 1990
nearly 11,000 persons will be living in the smaller commun-
ities of Sisters, Lapine, Terrebonne,Tumalo (present cumu-
lative population of 2,000) and emerging recreation areas
such as Sun River and rural non-farm developments.
The proportion of persons aged 15-64 years was considerably
smaller in 1960 than it was a decade earlier. This had
definite implications for the economic health of the County,
since this is the age group from which the labor force draws
its strength. This trend apparently has leveled off with
the large block of war babies coming of adult age during the
mid -1960's. The older age group (65+) showed the most
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
OREGON STATE
TRI -COUNTY REGION
DESCHUTES COUNTY
BEND URBAN AREA
REDMOND URBAN AREA
19900
9,000,000
2,898,000
69,600
4o,9oo
22,900
7,400
1995
9,750,000
3,139,500
75,300
44,200
24,700
8,000
2000
10,500,000
3,381,000
81,100
47,600
26,600
8,700
Pacific Northwest Projections for 1970, 1975, based on 1.9% increase per year between 1965-1980 -- Projections for 1985-1995 based on
2.1% increase per year between 1980-2000.
Oregon State - State Projections based on 32.2% of Northwest for 1969. (Source: Battelle Memorial Institute)
Tri -County Region - Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook County Projections based on 2.4°I° of State for 1965.
Deschutes County - Projections based on 58.7% of Tri -County Region for 1965.
Bend Projections based on 55.9% of Deschutes County for 1965.
Redmond Projections based on 18.2% of Deschutes County for 1965.
rJ
TABLE 1
COMPARATIVE POPULATION TRENDS AND
PROJECTIONS
1965
1970
1975
1980
185
5,800,000
6,340,000
6,900,000
7,450,000
8,200,000
1,903,671
2,044,700
2,221,800
2,398,900
22640,400
46,000
49,100
53,300
57,600
63,400
27,000
28,800
31,300
33,800
37,200
15,080
16,100
17,500
18,900
20,800
4,900
5,200
5,700
6,200
6,800
19900
9,000,000
2,898,000
69,600
4o,9oo
22,900
7,400
1995
9,750,000
3,139,500
75,300
44,200
24,700
8,000
2000
10,500,000
3,381,000
81,100
47,600
26,600
8,700
Pacific Northwest Projections for 1970, 1975, based on 1.9% increase per year between 1965-1980 -- Projections for 1985-1995 based on
2.1% increase per year between 1980-2000.
Oregon State - State Projections based on 32.2% of Northwest for 1969. (Source: Battelle Memorial Institute)
Tri -County Region - Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook County Projections based on 2.4°I° of State for 1965.
Deschutes County - Projections based on 58.7% of Tri -County Region for 1965.
Bend Projections based on 55.9% of Deschutes County for 1965.
Redmond Projections based on 18.2% of Deschutes County for 1965.
rJ
dramatic increase during the ten-year period and is continuing
as a result of the attraction of the area for retirement
living. The proportion in this age group climbed from nearly
two percentage points below the average for the Pacific North-
West in 1950 to nearly two points above the average.
Recent studies of the Bend Public School system may indicate
a future enrollment pattern in the County paralleling the
national trend.(2) The rate of increase in elementary enroll-
ment nationally has slowed recently and is projected to
decline absolutely beginning in the 1970's. The trend in high
school enrollment will change at a later date, showing a defi-
nite leveling off during the early 1970's and an actual de-
cline in enrollment during the late 1970's. These enrollment
patterns reflect the graduation of the large bulge of World
War II babies and that it is reasonable to assume that the
fertility rate will continue a slight decline. The antici-
pation that the County's elementary pattern will parallel the
nation is based, in part, on the fact that the County can
expect a rather modest population increase and therefore a
modest in -migration as compared to some of the more rapidly
growing areas of the Pacific Northwest.
The composition of the County's population by age and sex is
quite similar by percent to that of the State. Assuming that
this similarity will continue, recent projections by the Ore-
gon State Census Board indicate that by 1980 the working
population will be considerably younger, with the 20-34 age
group becoming the more predominant -- a reversal of the
pattern in 1960. The implication is that the market for mana-
gerial employment and executives in both the private and
public sector (which typically draws upon the older working
age group) may be in very short supply. Adding to the problem
is the existing shortage in the skilled employment group that
(2) A Comprehensive Survey of the Bend Public Schools, Bureau
of Education Research, University of Oregon, 1965.
6
also draws heavily upon the 35 and older working age group.
The obvious question then is whether or not the region and
the County, given their present economic structure and qual-
ity of labor force, will have a 20-34 age group capable of
accepting greater job responsibility and leadership role.
This appears to be occurring already in some of the more
sophisticated job markets in this country, as well as in
the upper levels of government and in education.
Employment
The County's population growth rate during the 1950's was
approximately twice the rate of growth in new jobs with the
result that the dependency ratio (number of persons sup-
ported per job) increased dramatically. The sudden decline
in job opportunities between 1950 and 1960 resulted in a
near doubling in the number of unemployed. Job opportuni-
ties gradually improved during the early 1960's with unem-
ployment now stabilized somewhat at about 60/0 of the labor
force.
Central Oregon has a moderately diversifying economy wherein
non -manufacturing provides about 70% of the jobs, manufac-
turing about 22%, and agriculture shows a gradual decline
to about 8%.
Deschutes County's employment pattern changed significantly
during the period 1940 to the early 1960's with a 1/3 drop
in agricultural employment and a 447o decline in the number
of jobs in the lumber and wood products industry. By the
mid -1960's, the economic sectors involving jobs in distri-
bution and service industries had more than offset the loss,
showing 62% and 133% increases in employment respectively.
The lumber and wood products industry continues to have the
major influence on the economy of Central Oregon. Employ-
ment in this basic industry has increased nearly 25% since
the early 1960's, with well over 1/2 of the jobs in the
region occurring in Deschutes County. It is felt, however,
that increased job opportunities in this industry may well
depend on greater product diversification and refinement of
the available forest resources. Recent actions by major
firms in this industry tend to confirm this trend.
The historical dependency on the lumber and wood products
industry for well over 80% of the basic manufacturing employ-
ment has meant that the region's economy, and particularly
Deschutes County's,.is extremely vulnerable to many outside
influences: changes in national monetary conditions, change
in the national birth rate and family formations, and a de-
cline in the civilian market as a result of an increase in
the armed forces. Probably the most significant factors
locally are the shortage of economically available U.S. For-
est Service timber, and the greater production efficiency
which reduces the man power requirements for a given unit of
production: e.g., in 1950, 6.7 man-years were required to
produce one million board feet of lumber; ten years later
only 4.9 man-years were needed to produce the same amount.
The agricultural industry will continue to play a major role
in the County's economy. However, its relative importance
as an employer probably will continue to decline. Although
declining, it provides over 1,900 jobs, 70% of which are
held by self-employed farm owners or farm operators in addi-
tion to their unpaid family workers. About 600 are hired
workers. The value of agricultural products sold shows a
modest increase during the 1960's with larger crop yield per
acre, higher value crops and expanding cattle sales being
mainly responsible. By far the more important of the pro-
ducts sold are the livestock and dairy farm products. The
value is in excess of 83% of the total value of all farm pro-
ducts. It is important to note, however, that the total
number of farms and acreage in farms continues to decline
along with agricultural employment.
Of the approximately 13,000 working for wages or salaries in
non-agricultural establishments in the tri -county region,
nearly 2/3 work in Deschutes County. The three largest
employers in order of their importance are trade, lumber,
and government. Distribution and service industries are
showing the most dramatic expansion. Recent studies by the
State Department of Employment show that this expansion
plus job replacement will create a need for an average of
750 new workers per year within the region until 1970. De-
mand in order of magnitude shows skilled, semi -skilled,
and unskilled in that order.
Distribution of employment by major industry groups in
Deschutes County is nearly parallel to the distribution
pattern state-wide in order of rank. Given this close simi-
larity and the fact that the transition in Central Oregon
is not unlike that occurring state-wide, it is reasonable
to assume a future employment distribution in Deschutes
County parallel to the State. Therefore, based on pro-
jections for the State by the Oregon Department of Planning
and Development, the distribution of Deschutes County's
employed force of nearly 15,000 by 1985 shows the following
ranking according to the redistribution among the several
major industry groups:
Comparison of Employment by Major Industry Grou
Deschutes County Rank Rank
1965 1985
1. Agriculture 6 7
2. Non-agricultural self-employed 4 5
3. Manufacturing
1 2
4. Construction
8 9
5. Trans. communications & utilities
7 6
6. Wholesale and retail trade
2 3
7. Finance, insurance & real estate
9 8
8. Service and miscellaneous
5 4
9. Government (including education)
3 1
CHANGE
Number Percent
+1,950 +12
- 280 -22
+2,230
TABLE II
- 360
LABOR FORCE IN
CENTRAL OREGON APRIL
1962 - APRIL 1966
+ 290
APRIL
APRIL
INDUSTRY
1966
1962
LABOR FORCE
17,800
15,850
UNEMPLOYMENT
1,020
1,300
Percent of Labor Force
5,7
8,2
EMPLOYMENT
16,780
14,550
Agricultural
1,920
2,280
Non-agricultural
14,860
12,270
Self-employed, Domestics
2,300
2,010
Wage and Salary Workers
12,560
10,260
Manuracturing
3,840
3,200
Lumber and Wood Products
3,270
2,620
Other Manufacturing
570
580
Non -manufacturing
8,720
7,060
Contract Construction
630
420
Transportation - Utilities
630
620
Wholesale and Retail Trade
2,920
2,340
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate
550
400
Service and Miscellaneous
1,610
1,180
Government
2,380
2,100
Source: Central Oregon Manpower Resource Study, State
of Oregon, Department
of Employment, 1967.
e%
CHANGE
Number Percent
+1,950 +12
- 280 -22
+2,230
+15
- 360
-16
+2,590
+21
+ 290
+14
+2,300
+22
+ 640
+20
+ 650
+25
- 10
- 2
+1,660
+24
+ 210
+50
+ 10
+ 2
+ 580
+25
+ 150
+38
+ 430
+36
+ 280
+13
TABLE III
EMPLOYMENT IN DESCHUTES CROOK AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES
APRIL 1966
INDUSTRY
EMPLOYMENT
Agricultural
Non-agricultural
Self-employed, Domestics
Wage and Salary Workers
Manufacturing
Lumber and Wood Products
Other Manufacturing
Non -manufacturing
Contract Construction
Transportation - Utilities
Wholesale and Retail Trade
Finance, insurance, Real Estate
Service and Miscellaneous
Government
DESCHUTES
CROOK
JEFFERSON
10,020
3,590
3,170
720
540
660
9,300
3,050
2,510
1,450
450
400
7,850
2,600
2,110
2,240
1,140
460
1,760
1,110
40o
480
30
6o
5,610
1,460
1,650
520
90
20
490
70
70
1,810
410
700
340
loo
110
1,010
300
300
1,44o
4q0
450
Source: Central Oregon Manpower Resource Study, State of Oregon, Department of Employment, 1967
i
Occupations
Professional -technical jobs are among the fastest growing in
the region, and significantly faster than the total job mar-
ket. Nearly 2/3 of the regional total is in Deschutes County.
Managerial jobs, while few in number, are reported to have
growth rate pp tential as high as any of the occupational
categories.(s�
Clerical positions account for over 1,000 jobs in Deschutes
County representing more than 2/3 of the regional total in
this category. The current expansion plus replacement employ-
ment produces approximately 100 jobs per year with little
prospects for shortage given the present level of availability
within the open labor market.
Sales and service are the fastest growing occupational groups
in the region with the greatest job opportunity occurring in
Deschutes County. Overall economic expansion will be respon-
sible for generating most of the demands, particularly as a
result of continued industrial diversification, urban expan-
sion, tourism, and new recreation development.
Skilled trades account for about 15% of all wage and salary
employment within the region with 2/3 of the total occurring
in Deschutes County. These jobs are held almost exclusively
by men, with a majority of these in the 22-44 age group.
Recent growth projections show skilled jobs growing at a
typically slower rate than the total work force. Short-term
projections shad an increase of less than 100 jobs per year
for the region with expansion accounting for about 3/4 of the
total and replacement accounting for 1/4. Unlike the sales
(3) Dictionary of Occupational Titles (Professional -Technical,
Managerial, Clerical, Sales, Service, Skilled, Semi-
skilled, Unskilled).
10
and service groups, there will continue to be a shortage of
persons to fill the job demand in the skilled occupations,
assuming a continuation in the present trend toward econo-
mic expansion.
Semi -skilled occupations account for the largest group in
the region, representing about 20% of the total work force.
Deschutes County accounts for nearly 2/3 of the regional
total. Men fill about nine out of every ten semi -skilled
jobs in the region with the lumber industry employing more
than half. Thus, seasonality is somewhat of a problem in
these occupations as well as the decline in job opportunity
due to the trend toward greater production efficiency. The
growth in semi -skilled jobs is expected to parallel the
growth rate of the entire work force.
Unskilled jobs employ fewer workers than in the semi -skilled
and skilled groups, particularly in Deschutes County which
accounts for approximately half of the region's total. Over
3/4 of the total unskilled workers in the region (1,700)
are in the lumber or trade industries. While the long-
range pattern may parallel the United States, wherein the
unskilled occupations tend to show a slower employment
growth than other occupations, the short term outlook for
the region indicates that unskilled jobs will increase ap-
proximately at the same rate as total employment. This con-
tinued expansion of the unskilled group, about 500 per year
within the region, is due to the expected performance of
lumber and wood products and of trade which will account
for about half of the total increase.
Income
While the conclusions under Employment provide an indication
of economic opportunity, the trend in the growth of personal
income indicates the standard of living the County may rea-
sonably expect in the future.
The median family income in 1959 in Deschutes County was
$5,600 compared to $5,900 for the State. It is estimated
that the current State level has now risen to about $8,000
with prospects that it will climb to over $10,000 (in 1968
dollars) by 1980. While no official census information is
currently available, it is reasonable to assume that the
County has not kept pace with the State. This tends to be
borne out by the comparison of effective buying income shown
in the table below. In 1959, the disposable income in Bend
and the County were 847. and 82%, respectively, of the U.S.
average per household. As might be expected, the State
shared better in showing 887,, in 1967, eight years later,
the State had improved its position to 90%, while the County
had dropped four percentage points and Bend three percentage
points. This reflects the relatively static economic condi-
tion in the County and the need for an accelerated transition.
Comparison of Effective Buying Income Per Household
Expressed as a Ratio to the U.S. Average
Year
Bend
County
State
U.S.
1959
.84
.82
.88
1.00
1967
.81
.78
.90
1.00
Effective buying income per household is an arith-
metical average obtained by dividing the total
households in the area into the total net house-
hold income after taxes commonly referred to as
"disposable personal income."
A fair indicator of the importance of recreation and tourism
is the level of retail sales per household locally as compared
to the State and the U.S. In 1959, the County and Bend both
shoved sales per household to be 12�% of the U.S. average
which was considerably higher than the State at 95%. By 1967
the local pattern had shown a dramatic increase with the
$1
County rising to 143% and Bend approaching nearly twice the
U.S. level.(4) Since the income per household was consi-
derably below the U.S. level, it is reasonable to assume
that the higher proportionate sales locally as compared to
the U.S. and the State is attributable to the expanding
recreation industry. Understandably, the value of this
expanding source of basic income occurs throughout many
segments of the economy with retail sales being but a part.
Comparison of Retail Sales Per Household
Expressed as a Ratio to the U.S. Averaoe
Year Bend County State U.S.
1959 1.23 1.23 .95 1.00
1967 1.83 1.43 1.01 1.00
Retail Sales per household is an arithmetical
average obtained by dividing the total households
in the area into the total retail sales for that
area.
An Economy in Transition
Historically, the economy of Oregon and particularly Central
Oregon has been dependent primarily upon the export of their
natural resources, mainly agriculture and the wood products
industries. The continued exportation of its natural re-
sources as the primary means of achieving rapid economic
growth appears to be in transition. This emerging trend in
Central Oregon is expected to occur as a result of two
basic factors: first, the capacity for expanding indefinitely
(4) Data for incorporated communities available only for Bend.
the supply of these resources is limited. While the supply
of timber on a long-term sustained yield basis is reportedly
adequate to maintain the lumber and wood products industries
in its present dominant position for the immediate future,
no dramatic expansion is foreseen. In fact, the harvesting
of private timber at times is in excess of the "allowable
cut" concept, tending to indicate that total mill require-
ments for profitable operation may be larger than the annual
"allowable annual cut." In the case of agriculture, no major
developments are anticipated. While total value may show
some modest increase, agriculture is certain to decline as
an employer. Secondly, an impetus for transition within the
economy is the increasing attractiveness of the recreation
industry in which the emphasis is on the preservation rather
than the harvesting of natural resources.
The main avenues of opportunity for a successful transition
to an expanding and more viable economy appear to be in
three broad areas: (1) greater product diversification and
refinement of the available forest resources; (2) an all-out
effort to capitalize on recreational potential; and (3) the
attraction of "footloose" industries.
Product diversification and refinement involves both forward
and backward linkages. Furniture, paperboard, box containers,
and plywood boats are examples of forward linkages, while
backward linkages include glue and varnish for plywood indus-
try and chlorine and other chemicals should the pulp and
paper industry come to Central Oregon.
An all-out effort to capitalize on recreation potential would
be pursued through a carefully structured joint program of
public and private interests. Except for organization, every
favorable factor necessary to achieve this potential is evi-
dent: (1) the unique endowment of nature; (2) attitudes of
the major property owners (both private and public) indicate
strong support for recreation development, as does State
policy; (3) good access to the rapidly growing market on the
West Coast; (4) projected increases in mobility, income, and
it,
leisure time; and finally, (5) the net income to the region
from recreation is high in terms of increased tax yield in
relation to the costs of providing public services for new
development.
"Footloose" industries are those which are not directly
related to agriculture or to wood products. This new source
of employment would be more nearly related to the utiliza-
tion of human resources rather than natural resources.
These service industries include both the highly sophisti-
cated computerized "think" factories which are founded upon
brain power and the creative ability of man as well as the
more personalized services such as in recreation and tourism.
Both are dependent upon the unique endowment of environmen-
tal factors found in Central Oregon.
There are many implications of Central Oregon's long-range
transition. The most serious is a potential conflict
between preservation of the natural environment and the
attraction to the area of a much larger population (both
permanent and temporary) and greater industrialization.
Understandably, unless properly controlled, the growth sti-
mulated by the unique natural endowments of the region can
result in destruction of the environment that invited it,
keeping in mind, however, that the implication of lack of
growth can be equally disastrous.
Population -Economic Policy Considerations
From the foregoing analysis, four areas of major policy
consideration become apparent, concerning: (1) the rate
of population growth; (2) commercial recreation potential;
(3) leadership in industrial development; and (4) improving
the capabilities of the labor force.
The projection of population growth for the tri -county
region and Deschutes County has been based on a modified
apportionment and ratio technique which results in a
relatively modest projected increase during the next twenty
years. This assumes that the region will continue to main-
tain its relative position within the State. Considering
that projections are in the low range, should the region and
the County seek to encourage population growth far greater
than past trends with the primary concern being to create a
highly dynamic economy with a strong revenue producing capa-
bility? The implications of such action may be to place in
jeopardy the natural amenities and environmental qualities
unless corresponding actions are taken to accelerate programs
to control pollution and assure quality development.
Considering the vast recreation demand by 1980 when the popu-
lation of the Pacific Northwest Is 712 million and California
is 28 million, should the County encourage major private land
owners to investigate individually and jointly the economic
feasibility of large-scale recreation development and the
strategies necessary to maximize the vast recreation oppor-
tunity? The implication of such action is to suggest a
shift away from and replacement of the lumber and agricultural
industries on private land, should these investigations show
recreation to be a more productive use.
Considering the many problems and opportunities for economic
growth that are common to all central counties and the fact
that amenities and ownership extend beyond jurisdictional
boundaries, should Deschutes County initiate regional pro-
grams for industrial development on the premise that the
future growth of Central Oregon will accrue mainly to De-
schutes County and therefore, it should assume the major
leadership role? And further, in view of the public's con-
cern for pursuing greater industrial diversification as ex-
pressed in the 1968 County Opinion Survey and the need for
proper organization in order to maximize emerging economic
opportunities identified in the above analysis, should an
Economic Development Commission be formed within the County?
Its purpose would be to provide the strongest direction and
leadership through a broad sponsorship and participation by
both the private sector and government. The latter would
include both County and cities.
I$
With the future population of the nation and Oregon destined
to be younger, better educate d, and of higher income, the
Central Oregon region will be facing stiffer competition in
maintaining a quality labor force necessary for greater in-
dustrial diversification. A policy of improving communi-
cations between the business community and the region's
educational systems would be required to define skill and
educational requirements by business and to develop business
support of programs aimed at meeting these needs. A part
of such a policy would be a continuing program to inform
the public of the return received by the region on its in-
vestment in education. The need for improved communications
was also expressed in the Opinion Survey.
Projections for the State of Oregon show a relative decrease
in Job opportunities for those individuals having low skill
levels and low levels of educational attainment. The ex-
tent to which Central Oregon will be successful in pursuing
greater industrial diversification will depend upon its
ability to meet the increasing demand of industry for more
highly educated personnel. Careful assessment of the de-
tailed vocational requirements of the expanding economy
would be necessary, with emphasis on vocational training
programs which will assure fulfillment of future man power
requirements. The implication is that the public schools
would not concentrate on college preparatory training to
the extent that vocational programs are neglected. The
need for greater attention to vocational education require-
ments was supported strongly by the Opinion Survey. in-
volved also is the public's concern for creating greater
opportunities for youth employment.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
Deschutes County is rich in natural endowment -- perhaps so
much so that emerging competition for the use of the County's
resources and its implications for the future of the County
may go relatively unnoticed by the majority of local residents.
With the County's past and future so closely tied to and de-
pendent upon its resource base, it is clear that further util-
ization of resources for economic development must be attained
through the application of resource management techniques
which will sustain the availability and quality of resources
over time. While the County's resources offer considerable
opportunity for further economic development, they must be
managed so that growth and activity stimulated by an attrac-
tive environment will not injure or destroy the very resources
which create the attractions.
This section is intended to provide an examination of the key
issues, problems, and opportunities involved in managing the
County's resource base. By viewing major components of the
resource base together, it is possible to identify directions
which will prove most productive in achieving this objective.
Public Land Management
With more than 70% of the County in public ownership, the
burden of management rests largely with the Forest Service,
Bureau of Land Management, and Deschutes County to protect
the watersheds which give sustenance to the economic life of
the County. Of prime importance are the continually im-
proving Federal policies to effectively enhance the multiple -
use contribution of national forest and public domain lands
to the principles of conservation and resource management.
The Forest Service has developed a generally excellent program
of multiple -use management which involves timber cut on a
sustained yield basis, fish and game management, the avail-
ability of forage for grazing, the protection of water
4-
resources, the preservation of primitive and wilderness
areas, protection of scenic quality and broadly based and
increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Despite advances over the years, much remains to be accom-
plished to further enhance resources upon national forest
lands. Funding limitations impose obstacles to progress
in paving forest highways, building and maintaining camp-
grounds, constructing water conservation projects, refor-
estation, and other needed programs. Fortunately, manage-
ment programs are well established, and the Forest Service
is deeply engaged in and committed to the renewal of
resources which have deteriorated in the past as well as
to the conservation of unrenewable resources.
The high current and forecasted visitor use of national
forest lands poses a serious threat to good management
practices. Man -caused fire, illegal hunting, the indiscri-
minate littering of forest roads and campgrounds, erosion
caused by heavy use of trails, unauthorized camping, and
similar examples of overuse or inconsiderate use limit the
results of forest management. A threat to sound practices
of management is posed by the impact of the use of a good
share of the privately held non -timber land within the
boundaries of the Deschutes National Forest. How this pri-
vately owned land is maintained or developed can either
complement or inhibit management practices of the national
forest.
BLM lands within the County, while substantial in acreage,
constitute but a small fraction of the more than one million
acres of public domain lands administered by BLM in Central
Oregon. Nevertheless, this acreage is significant in terms
of its current and potential contribution to the economic
base of the County.
Unlike Forest Service lands which are held in large blocks,
BLM lands tend to be more scattered. Their location through-
out central and eastern portions of the County pose both
problems and opportunities to furthering management objectives.
Until recent years, the Bureau of Land Management acted more
as a holding and disposition agent of public domain lands.
However, BLM's primary role has become one of management for
multiple -use purposes as more and more acreage which once
was termed of little value for contemporary purposes becomes
valuable as the result of the Bureau's emerging program of
land classification. Although underfunded, a systematic
study of public domain lands is being conducted by the Bureau's
district office in Prineville to determine their best use for
purposes of multiple -use classification and management.
The Bureau's focus on management objectives will increase
economic benefits to Deschutes County and other counties of
Central Oregon. In addition to the traditional grazing use
of BLM lands (431,000 acres of grazing leases in Deschutes
County in 1968), the Bureau is engaged in programs of range
improvement, wildlife habitat protection, land exchange for
the consolidation of more manageable holdings, mineral explo-
ration, and recreation. The fact that hunting has become big
business in Deschutes County is due in no small part to im-
proved deer habitat on BLM lands. In addition, BLM lands
have become favorite areas for rock -hounding. These recre-
ation opportunities attract many tourists to the region, with
an attendant economic spin-off to the recreation industry of
the County.
BLM lands are concentrated in the arid eastern parts of the
County. Most of this land is covered with sage and juniper
and has had little utility in the past for private use (ex-
cept through grazing leases) because of the prohibitive costs
of renewing such lands by private investment for grazing in
relation to economic return. This is evident by the fact
that substantial acreage which was once privately held has
become County -owned over time as the result of tax delinquency.
The Bureau has exchanged lands in the central and northern
part of the County for private and County -owned lands in the
eastern part to permit management practices on holdings which
would otherwise have been too small to achieve meaningful
U
results. Contrary to some opinion that public ownership
In itself constitutes a drag on the local tax base, if it
were not for the Bureau's program, lands in the eastern
part of the County would contribute little to the local
economy.
It now appears that the utility of BLM lands in the eastern
part of the County may be enhanced greatly as the result of
extensive research in range improvement at experiment sta-
tions and practical experience in the application of improve-
ment techniques. Public and private lands most suitable
for grazing (an estimated 500,000 acres in Deschutes County)
could be improved at costs ranging from $2.00-$8.00 per
acre, reflecting an improvement value of from $1.00-$3.00
per acre per year -- a return on capital which compares
favorably with most investments in agriculture today.(5)
County -owned lands (other than those used for a specific
public purpose such as a road, park, or public building
site) can best be discussed in relation to BLM lands. The
fragmented pattern of County lands in the eastern part of
the County has fostered a program of land exchange with
BLM. An excellent example of this program was the recent
exchange of 12,000 acres of County land for 3,000 acres of
BLM land east of Redmond. Study is being given to the ex-
change of 25,000 to 40,000 acres of eastern County lands
for approximately 8,000 acres of BLM lands in the west cen-
tral and northern part of the County. With careful selection,
such exchange furthers the management objectives of BLM
while permitting the County to capture tax -returning utility
in lands it receives by exchange through public auction and
sale to private interests. Even where private sale is not
feasible, it may be very desirable to hold exchanged land
for County use or private lease.
(5) This opinion offered in a memorandum from Robert
Sterling, County Extension Agent, Cooperative Extension
Service, Oregon State University, June, 1968
I
Public Land Management Policy Considerations:
Several aspects of the National Forest, BLM, and County
management programs have policy implications for Deschutes
County. Perhaps most important are those concerning:
i. The volume of the Forest timber cut.
2. The potential for enlarging private investment oppor-
tunities for public recreation within the Forest.
3. The withdrawal of Forest lands for wilderness or
National Park management.
4. The allocation of Federal funds for Forest road
improvement.
5. Land exchange between BLM and the County.
6. Continued public ownership of BLM lands in eastern
Deschutes County.
The establishment of the allowable cut is a key decision
affecting the long-term supply of public timber available
for manufacturing. While in any given year the cut can be
higher than the allowable cut because of accumulated under-
cuts, over any period of years the allowable cut establishes
the upper limit on the amount of timber available for current
cutting. In the Deschutes National Forest, the relationship
of allowable cut to actual cut is balanced over a five-year
period, with a reinventory and recalculation every ten years,
in consideration of the complex technical and economic vari-
ables involved.
The concept of allowable cut is neither static nor "ideal,"
but instead is subject to changes in response to markets,
management objectives, reliability of data concerning Forest
conditions, access, silviculture practices, outbreaks of
fire and disease, and administrative decisions. The closing
16
of the Forest in 1967 to logging because of fire hazard
serves as an example of how these factors affect actual cut
as compared to allowable cut in a given year.
This limited discussion of the problems involved in cutting
volume serves to point out the extreme importance of striving
for stability over a period of years to avoid drastic eco-
nomic effects upon the manufacturers in Deschutes County,
particularly since policy decisions often are placed at
levels above the local forest administration and outside the
reach of the local manufacturer to influence.
When the question of allowable cut is viewed in relation to
sale practices and the rapid rise in competition among all
users of forest land, decisions affecting allowable cut are
likely to become an increasingly critical zone in public
forest policies. Sales policies, such as those currently
followed in the Deschutes National Forest, which will encour-
age long-term investment in processing facilities and foster
more complete utilization of the timber cut generally lead
to more stable employment and economic conditions in the
forest industries and thus within the County as a whole.
Perhaps the most difficult area of decision concerns the
selection of cutting areas and maintenance of the sustained
yield program in balance with the social and economic bene-
fits of increased demands for other competing uses of Na-
tional Forest lands, particularly recreation.
The potential for enlaroin private investment opportunities
for public recreation, and thus enlarging the scale of eco-
nomic return from recreation to the County, appears consid-
erable. With the completion of the Cascade Lakes Highway
and new access to the Waldo Lake area, the demand for lodges
and other resort facilities is bound to increase. In antic-
ipation
ntic-
ipation of this increased demand, the Forest Service is
conducting a resort study to indicate areas which offer par-
ticularly good opportunities for resort development in
balance with other management objectives within the Forest.
There are, however, a number of considerations which must be
taken account of in making lands available under a special
use permit. One is the avoidance of conflict between resort
facilities and areas important to the timber cut. One is
that areas selected for resort development be developed to
their full potential for the types of services to be provided
in order to avoid underuse and the consequent loss of eco-
nomic benefits. Another consideration is that the developer
and operator have the financial and operating capability to
provide needed services. In addition to the potential of
presently undeveloped areas, there is considerable potential
for the expansion of some existing resorts.
Considerations of under -utilization and financing are directly
related. An important area of policy is to determine whether
areas should be withheld from development because of inade-
quate capitali-zation. The financial feasibility of new resort
developments may preclude major investment. Where these
situations exist, the policy issue is whether to withhold the
land from development or whether to permit smaller but more
marginal investment and operation, and therefore encourage
under -utilization. Feasibility for major investment may be
years away. On the other hand, if "Mom and Pop" type develop-
ments are allowed to expand into new areas, such development
may pose permanent obstacles to major investment.
Proposals for the withdrawal of National Forest lands within
the Central Oregon Cascades for wilderness or National Park
purposes need careful scrutiny both in terms of their prob-
a bie impact on the timber and forest products industries
and on the further development of tourism as an industry.
The relationship between outdoor recreation and commercial
timber production will have a direct bearing upon Deschutes
County's timber and recreation -based economy. Opinions vary
widely as to the probable impact of outdoor recreation on
timber production -- from the view that a major reduction in
timber cut will result, to the view that only limited areas
will be directly affected with adjustments being readily
possible through more intensive management of the balance
of the Forest area.
Such general opinions must be refined as they relate to
specific circumstances. For, it appears that the extent
of impact will depend more upon the type of land use and
financing considerations than upon the intensity of land use
as measured in visitor days. This conclusion can be illus-
trated by the conflicts which arise throughout forested
regions of the country between those who wish further with-
drawals of National Forest land for wilderness designation
and advocates of timber cutting practices which would si-
multaneously finance the road system necessary for access
to areas of recreation attraction.
A good example of the latter approach is provided in the
Deschutes National Forest, where high intensity forest
recreation use is both compatible with and indeed dependent
upon timber harvesting operations, since roads constructed
for timber cutting also provide access to recreation areas.
In contrast, a very much lower intensity of recreational
use and total reduction in the timber cut would result if
lands were withdrawn for wilderness designation. In all
likelihood, lands withdrawn for National Park use would
also involve relatively low levels of recreation use by
comparison with current National Forest status because of
the more limited recreation use permitted within a National
Park. From experience with other National Parks, It cannot
be assumed that the level of tourism activity from National
Park status will necessarily offset economic reductions in
timber cut and recreation now permitted by National Forest
status.
It must be emphasized that the outcome of proposals for
the further withdrawal of lands rests with public policy
at high levels and its response to increasing pressures
for withdrawal. Whether public policy will ultimately sup-
port further withdrawals and therefore a reduction in tim-
ber harvesting in the Central Oregon part of the Cascades
I
TO
LINN
COUNTY
TO EUGENE
LANE
COUNTY
TO MADRAS
-SM, MS -Z
E
11-Vl I f e
FOREST LAND HOLDINGS
DESCHUTES COUNTY,OREGON
1965
e D
SCALE IN MILES
A
LAND ADMINISTERED BY THE FOREST SERVICE
LAND ADMINISTERED BY THE
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
MAJOR PRIVATE OWNERSHIPS
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
FOREST SERVICE MAP OF DESCHUTES
COUNTY _ NATIONAL FOREST DATED 19641
dir B i U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
snoTx WITHDRAWAL MAP OF DESCHUTES
COUNTY DATED MAY,1963.
ASSESSORS RECORDS OF DESCHUTES
`AO u 1 COUNTY.
J
0
TO RLAMATN I
M
FALLS LAKE COUNTY TO BURNS
KLAMATH COUNTY
will depend largely upon the record of management practices
established in the next decade under current National Forest.
status. In order to maintain current practices, the chal-
lenge to develop recreation opportunities and to maintain
esthetic values without destroying the timber -based economy
must be met.
The allocation of Federal funds for road improvements within
National Forest lands has been slow in relation to need and
almost non-existent on BLM lands. The lag in road construc-
tion in the Deschutes National Forest is illustrated in the
next section on Transportation where the completion of needed
improvements to only four Forest highways is not anticipated
before 1988.
Because appropriated funds for road construction have been
inadequate to construct roads needed to meet the various in-
creasing demands on the forests, timber capital is used to
develop the road system. The appraised value of the timber
is reduced by the estimated costs of such roads, enabling
the timber purchaser to recover his costs of road construction.
The standard of construction is that which the timber operator
would use for the construction of a main logging road. Thus,
if a higher standard is desired, supplemental financing must
come from another source -- usually appropriated funds.
From the standpoint of forest management, the lack of flexi-
bility in road building which this type of financing involves
tends to create results which are less satisfactory than
would be the case if roads were financed with appropriated
funds. The general policy problem involved has been summar-
ized in a 1962 Forest Service Board of Review study of the
allowable cut as follows:
"The present method and level of National Forest road
financing leads to some advance roading but fails to make
adequate provision for a rate and direction of road
development which will provide for maximum utilization
of the National Forest timber resource and its growth.
1%
It tends to preclude proper management of young growth.
It leads to inefficient utilization of accumulated
salvage and mortality losses, and delays conversion
of the least productive timber stands to more pro-
ductive second growth. In allocating the allowable
cut to species, grades, and locations, it sometimes
leads to conflicts between the road objectives of
the Forest Service for developing the National For-
ests and the demands of forest industries for an
optimum log supply."
The principal policy considerations surrounding the use of
BLM and County lands relate to the program of land exchange
between the two levels of government. As indicated pre-
viously, upwards of 40,000 acres of County lands in the
eastern„part of the County will be studied for exchange.
'This would constitute virtually all of the acreage owned
by the County east of Horse Ridge. The primary question
then is which BLM lands in other parts of the County should
be involved in such exchange? The following criteria are
suggested as a guide for meaningful exchanges which will
benefit the County under the assumption that the County
will exchange only those County lands which have limited
utility except as part of the larger blocks of land admin-
istered by BLM:
1. Lands which lie in the path of urban expansion and
which will be needed for urban use;
2. Lands which have capability for irrigation and
farming;
3. Lands having potential for use by local or State
government;
4. Lands important to the acquisition of rights-of-way
required for County road or State highway purposes;
5. Lands which have potential for recreation development;
6. Lands which may, as the result of the exchange, receive
more intensified management for watershed protection;
7. Lands which can be combined with existing County -owned
lands to create more manageable units and increase
their potential for other purposes.
While these criteria are perhaps the most important from the
standpoint of the County, it must be noted that BLM lands
possessing any or all of these characteristics will of neces-
sity command a higher appraised value than County -owned lands
involved in an exchange. Thus, 40,000 acres of County lands
may yield only 6,000-8,000 acres of BLM lands. The law re-
quires BLM to make exchanges on a value -for -value basis and
not an acre -for -acre basis. This value system is sound but
Is often little understood.
In applying the above criteria, the County must exercise
caution to avoid selecting lands based solely on the prin-
ciple of direct and immediate economic return. Perhaps most
important is the need to permit their utilization for private
purposes where assurances can be built-in to avoid the cre-
ation of new or enlarged problems of land management and
watershed protection. For example, the type and intensity
of recreation use involved may be quite important in deter-
mining whether land received through an exchange program
should be sold or leased to maximize economic returns in
balance with benefits to be derived through development to
meet other resource management objectives.
Since the amount of County land which may be involved in an
exchange program with BLM is limited both in location and
acreage, the County must also be concerned with the appli-
cation of the above criteria in considering the sale or
lease of County lands located in central and northern parts
of the County. More specifically, the County should take
careful inventory of all of its lands and should attempt to
classify these lands in a manner similar to that being applied
by the Bureau of Land Management prior to making decisions
1q
on use or disposal which may be irrevocable. To further
this need for classification, the County should seek assis-
tance from BLM for the classification of all County lands
which will not be involved under an exchange program prior
to making any particular commitment to specific uses.
A return on "range management" investment to the point of
comparing favorably with return on capital in agriculture
raises a second public policy issue concerning BLM and
County lands, i.e., whether lands should be retained in
public ownership. The fact that there exists a vast acreage
of BLM lands in Central Oregon suggests that public lands
should be returned to the tax rolls where economic utility
for private ownership can be demonstrated. The critical
variable here is the extent to which such lands also possess
utility for other important public purposes such as recre-
ation, thus supporting continued public ownership. Another
factor is that public ownership probably would result in
lower costs to permittees grazing under lease than to pri-
vate owners.
Private Land Management
As used here, the term "private land management" refers to
the non -urban utilization of private lands within the County
for timber production, recreation, and agriculture. Urban
land use considerations are treated in a subsequent section.
Timberland Policy Considerations:
Private timberlands involving more than 70,000 acres repre-
sent an extremely important aspect of land management in
Deschutes County, since they supplement the timber cut from
National Forest lands in striving for stability in the tim-
ber economy of the County and the tri -county Central Oregon
region. Most of these lands in Deschutes County lie within
the boundaries of the Deschutes National Forest and are
managed in accordance with practices which seek to complement
those followed by the Forest Service to gain multiple -use
benefits as well as maintaining a sustained yield for com-
mercial production.
With the exception of a checkerboard pattern of ownership
west of Sisters, private timber lands are held generally in
large blocks which permits more efficient management of both
private and public forest lands. Checkerboard ownership
tends to create problems unless there is a "shared -management"
agreement with the Forest Service to achieve the management
efficiency permitted by block holdings. Such agreements,
however, are difficult to negotiate. Planning and management
considerations involved in a checkerboard ownership pattern
point to the need for a study as to whether an exchange pro-
gram between private and public owners is justified to mini-
mize conflicts between public and private land managers.
Recreation Land Development Policy Considerations:
Privately held lands which are developed or have potential
for recreation use pose a particularly vexing set of problems
for Deschutes County. On the one hand, such lands offer sig-
nificant opportunities for the marketing of lands which,
until recent years, have had little utility or market attrac-
tion. On the other hand, the manner in which land is divided
and sold, and the limited improvements involved in many such
developments to date raises the spectre of serious threats
to natural resources, the quality of the environment and the
local economy.
Of the approximately 145 subdivision plats filed in Deschutes
County since 1956, more than 70% have been for recreation -
oriented subdivisions involving more than 20,000 parcels
throughout the private land area within the central part of
the County. Virtually all of the plat activity has occurred
since 1960, indicating a stepped-up interest in recreation
parcels. The area which has received most of the action is
along the Deschutes River and its tributaries between Bend
and Lapine. While accurate records of purchase are not
available because most of the sales take place by contract -
of -sale, it appears that the majority of recreation lots
are held by out-of-state buyers.
With few exceptions, recreation subdivisions have been
literally "carved" from the land with little attention to
resource amenities and limitations of the land. Acreage
lots are offered for purchase with access from roads which
bear little relation to each other and to needs for col-
lecting and funneling traffic via County feeder and arter-
ia 1 roads. Potable water virtually is unavailable to some
parcels, while as a practical matter being unavailable to
many other parcels without drilling of individual wells at
very high cost. Similarly, recreation rots are created
without regard to limitations of the land to accept sewage
effluent.
The inventory of recreation parcels created without the
application of reasonable development standards essential
to protecting water quality and other natural resources
might well become a blight upon the County for decades to
come. To date, the lack of standards has affected primarily
the scenic quality ofsubdivided areas since the vast major-
ity of parcels remain vacant and undeveloped. This is due
largely to the speculative character of the subdivision pro-
cess where some developers have catered almost exclusively
to the out-of-state buyer who in turn buys a parcel for
further speculation.
What will become of these undeveloped recreation parcels?
The answer lies largely in the characteristics of the mar-
ket for land in recreation areas within the West Coast as
a whole. Land of this type eventually will have such a
high premium attached to it that it will either be devel-
oped for vacation homes or lie undeveloped -- depending on
the eventual cost of providing needed improvements and ser-
vices. State and Federal water pollution control standards
I
will probably restrict the use of many existing parcels for
homesites.
Aside from the degradation of the environment caused by this
type of land division, there is a consequent loss or impair-
ment of opportunity in the subdivision of adjacent lands, and
a loss to the local landowner of the additional income to be
realized in subdividing the land himself. Because of the
limited acreage of private land in Deschutes County, failure
of the County to realize the full economic potential of sub-
divided land for recreation use will limit further the tax
revenues needed to provide essential public services in the
future.
In developing planning policies and development standards to
cope with the problems and opportunities presented by the
recreation land market, the following principles need recog-
nition:
1. The recreation land market represents an important
area of activity which should not inadvertently be
closed to local residents by the manner in which
improvements are required.
Standards of design and improvement should seek to
result in "land management" which preserves environ-
mental quality and sustains the economic utility of
land similar to the concepts of management applied to
private timber lands and public lands.
The indiscriminate subdivision of buttes and other
lands which lack the real or practical capability for
developing water supplies and/or the disposal of sew-
age effluent which will not contaminate or otherwise
impair the quality of receiving waters should be
discouraged.
The first principle above requires elaboration. While oppor-
tunities to gain further economic return through land
"-' 4
development by local residents should be open, it must be
recognized that land development of the type which will have
the most positive effect on the economy of the County as a
whole often will be beyond the reach of local residents to
participate in, just as logging and lumber production is
beyond the financial and technical reach of small landowners.
Projects like Sun River, for example, are likely to be well
beyond the reach of most local landowners, not only because
of the long-term risk money involved, but also because of
lack of experience in the field of land development and mar-
keting. If the recreation land market is to be a positive
rather than negative force in the local economy, the con-
tinued "butchering" of land by a relatively few speculators
must be stopped through insistence on adherence to sound
standards of design and improvement.
One avenue open to enhance opportunities for more local
involvement is for collective action among several adjacent
land owners, where resources are pooled to permit develop-
ments which otherwise would be beyond their capability.
Another complementary approach is to devise subdivision
regulations which permit phased .development and installation
of improvements in a manner where initial sales will in turn
provide capital for further development. A further approach
Is to have development standards which allow flexibility
with respect to variations in physical conditions which
exist in different parts of the County.
Another approach will require changes in the State laws
governing real estate practices which will close Oregon to
fraudulent out-of-state land speculation and advertising.
As was pointed out at a conference on rural planning and
zoning in Eugene in 1967, it appears that the future of the
State is being determined mostly by non-resident land spec-
ulators who have little concern for the impact of their
actions upon the people and the great natural beauty of
Oregon.
Recent legislation in California is instructive in this
regard. A new law permits the Commissioner of Real Estate
to prevent the sale of subdivisions in remote areas when prom-
ise d improvements appear to be financially unfeasible. Sub-
dividers are required to report the names of all defaulting
purchasers to the Commissioner, and buyers of lots are allowed
to withdraw from signed contracts -of -sale within two days
after they receive the Commissioner's public report on the
subdivision. In signing the bill, California's Governor
stated that " .. the growth and healthy development of the
State is influenced to a great extent by the success or fail-
ure of real estate promotions." The bill was supported by
the State's Real Estate Association, Home Builders Council,
and major subdividers of remote lands.
A special problem worthy of elaboration is that of fire
protection. The incidence of fire and consequent loss of
natural and man-made resources will become a problem of en-
larged proportions as subdivisions designed without fire-
breaks are developed. Current policy of the Forest Service
is to suppress fires on private lands before they reach
National Forest lands. It is a defensive approach which pays
dividends, and is supported financially by State law which
provides that landowners pay a patrol tax of 15 cents per
acre. This support, however, is wholly inadequate to meet
the costs involved since it is based on costs of protecting
timber land and not subdivision land.
A recent State law provides that a patrol tax of $4.00 per
acre will be levied upon subdivision land when a deed is
recorded. However, because most land purchase occurs by
contract -of -sale, the provisions of this law do not apply to
the vast majority of subdivided acreage. The policy consid-
era tions involved are very important to the County. As
land is developed, costs of fire protection will rise while
success at fire suppression diminishes. The County eventu-
ally will be looked to for additional fire protection. In
order to avoid the creation of rural fire districts which
lack the capability for fire suppression possessed by the
Forest Service, the County should examine alternatives
which would either result in a change in State law to
apply the $4.00 levy upon the filing of a subdivision plat
or the adoption of a local ordinance which would assure a
more reasonable assessment upon recreation subdivision par-
cels. In addition, the County's subdivision ordinance
should assure that new subdivisions will include firebreaks
and adequate water supplies for fire fighting.
Agricultural lands:
Agricultural lands involve a relatively small but economi-
cally important amount of the total acreage of the County.
White agricultural lands comprise nearly 350,000 acres
(I8% of..the County's land area), croplands are limited to
approximately 17% of the total area in farms with the re-
maining area largely used for grazing.
Cropland is restricted generally by a lean capability of
soils, a short growing season, and limited supplies of
water for irrigation where water is unavailable for purchase
from irrigation districts or where wells are difficult to
develop. Despite these general limitations, however, agri-
culture has improved its economic contribution to the
County. An important indicator is the growth in agricul-
tural income between 1962 and 1968 -- from $4.80 million to
$6.05 million.(6) Another indicator is that the number of
commercial farms increased from 56 to 62 between 1959 and
1964.
Two factors contributing to continued growth of the agri-
cultural sector is intensification and improved techniques
of farm management on the same acreage. More intensive
(6) Agricultural income refers to the gross sales of farm
products.
I
sprinkler irrigation has, for example, increased production.
Dairy production per cow has increased steadily, and poultry
production and dry -lot dairies can utilize non -irrigated land.
The most productive croplands within the County are concen-
trated in a diamond-shaped area between Sisters, Bend, Redmond,
and the County line north of Terrebone. This area is in
transition because of the introduction of part-time farming
and rural non-farm residences on parcels too small for com-
mercial farm operations.
While the future of agriculture in the short-term is bright,
Its future in the long-term as a continually growing compo-
nent of the local economy is somewhat in jeopardy -- at least
to the extent that the conversion of productive croplands to
non-farm use represents a loss of production potential.
The conversion of irrigated lands to tracts involving parcels
of five acres or more is occurring in response to two forces:
(i) the desire for a residence in a rural setting; and (2)
the desire to engage in farming as an avocation on a part-
time basis along with the desire for a residence in a rural
setting. In addition, recreation subdivisions are appearing
in agricultural areas.
This gradual conversion to date has occurred largely on
marginal farm lands. Nevertheless, the trend poses serious
problems and conflicts to the continuation of commercial
operations as more lands break down. Some of the more impor-
tant of these are:
1. Increased demands for the use of limited supplies of
irrigation water for domestic use.
2. Higher costs in the distribution of water for irrigation
3. Difficulty in the control of noxious weeds and rodents.
4. Higher operating costs and increased land assessment.
*4 2$
5. Restriction in the use of pesticides.
6. Difficulties in moving equipment between separated
parcels.
7. Complaints of odors, dust and noise, particularly
where subdivisions are located adjacent to dairies
and poultry farms.
8. The nuisance and costs of vandalism.
9. Restriction in the extension and application of soil
conservation techniques and projects.
10. Restriction in improvements to irrigation facilities
operated by irrigation districts.
Additionally, small parcels purchased by retired and semi-
retired persons hoping to realize supplementary income frau
part-time farming will result in disappointments, marginal
farm operations, and even substantial loss of investment
where experience in farm operations is lacking.
While demands for a rural home location must be recognized,
the above discussion does provide the basis for the position
that the most commercially productive farm lands of the
County should not be gradually eased out of existence by
this demand. Thousands of acres of desirable lands exist in
the immediate vicinity of the County's principal communities
to fulfill the demand for rural housing, at locations where
it is more economical to provide needed governmental ser-
vices, without limiting economic growth in agriculture.
The major policy questions concerning the County's agricul-
tural land resource are quite clear. To what extent is the
preservation of agriculture important to the County as a
whole and to the commercial farmer? And secondly, if pre-
servation is desired, to what extent will the farm community
foster and support development policies which will assure
i
TO ALMMY•BAI.EY JEFFERSON COUNTY to YAOpAp
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TO N1.AYAtN
KLAMATH COUNTY FALLS LAKE COUNTY to DUENS
preservation? County government, through the exercise of
its responsibilities for achieving rational patterns of land
use, requires support and policy direction from those people
who are most directly involved. The farmer, the farm organi-
zations, the irrigation districts and the soil conservation
district, and those engaged in agri-business have the greatest
stake in policy formulation. It must be understood that
while the market for small tracts is eminently smaller than
the amount of land capable of such division, continued scat-
tered divisions can effectively impair the agricultural estab-
lishment almost as much as if all cropland were converted.
Water
The further development and protection of water resources
will continue to be a paramount factor in the growth of
Deschutes County. As a currently water short area, a variety
of problems and conflicts are emerging which pose threats to
the County's vital water resource and therefore to the -eco-
nomic health of the region.
Existing water supplies available for irrigation are already
well developed, and engineering studies have indicated large
supplies of water in underground aquifers at varying depths
and locations. There are, however, several factors which
create imbalances in the availability of water. Some factors,
such as the amount of annual precipitation capable of storage,
relate to natural phenomena, while other factors relate to
the extent to which man's actions impede or improve conditions
necessary for an adequate water supply on a year -around basis.
The Deschutes River Basin serves as the source of almost all
of the water available within the County. Irrigation diver-
sions take the lion's share of annual surface water runoff.
Substantial water is lost to underground basins within highly
pervious sections of stream beds, with additional water loss
due to evaporation and seepage in streams, canals, and water
storage reservoirs. While supplies of water may be adequate
for nearly all anticipated consumptive uses, the availability
of water varies considerably because of losses and the eco-
nomic costs of developing supplies.
The history of water development in the Western States indi-
cates that the most sophisticated efforts have developed in
response to widespread and large-scale agricultural and metro-
politan demand. Where demand has been great enough, the
economic costs of water development and distribution have
been overcome.
In Deschutes County, and in other counties of Central Oregon,
neither large-scale agricultural nor urban demands have
existed. The County is only now emerging into a period where
increased demands by all consumptive users -- agricultural,
municipal, industrial, and domestic -- may combine to create
the conditions of demand favorable to paying the costs of
more sophisticated means of water development and distri-
bution. The word "may" is a key word, since there are seve-
ral forces at work which may compound the problem further
before it is solved.
One such force would be a decline in agricultural use at a
rate faster than water is used for non-agricultural purposes.
If the trend in agricultural land division discussed pre-
viously continues, it is quite probable that urban or rural
non-farm use will not for some time offset consumption de-
mands for irrigation. Housing will not in itself provide
the offsets and economic incentives needed to replace agri-
cultural consumption. it will take industrial and other
large urban users which in turn may create additional prob-
le ms affecting water quality. Domestic use also imposes
special problems, particularly where the underlying lava
strata makes the provision of underground distribution sys-
tems a difficult and expensive process.
A second force concerns water quality and the costs of
overcoming water quality problems in the future. The County
does not yet face the extremely difficult and costly solutions
to maintaining water quality which are likely to emerge if
concern for water quality as affected by all users of water
and disposers of waste water does not receive urgent atten-
tion. The very economic growth and economic capacity of the
County to develop water supplies is at stake in this question.
One major source of water quality impairment is posed by
sewage effluent from recreation subdivisions and high-intensity
use recreation areas. Problems are already evident during
peak periods of summer recreation activity. Many such prob-
Iems are localized and of short duration, but they are cer-
tain to expand with the anticipated increase in recreation
activity over the years. Other known or potential sources of
impairment include industrial and urban waste water disposal,
and the washing of sediment into streams from grading and
other actions which disturb the thin layer of soil and vege-
tative cover in small watersheds. And there are others.
The major point here is that water quality changes occur
slowly and almost imperceptibly to the point where it is too
late to reverse conditions except at great expense. If it
is not now economical to achieve full development of water
supplies in the County, it will be even less so if the under-
ground water supply becomes polluted or if the domestic use
of water from irrigation canals has to be curtailed or re-
quire more extensive measures to restore purity.
A third force which is almost certain to effect the costs of
water development and distribution is the increasing influ-
ence of the Federal government in the field of water quality
control. If the State and local governments do not proceed
rapidly to establish and enforce standards of quality within
the river basins of the State, the Federal government will,
under tough new laws, impose standards on its own. In either
case, State or Federal, the imposition of water quality stan-
dards will create additional costs to all consumptive users.
44 20
Water Policy Considerations:
The full development and maintenance of high quality waters
within.the County clearly is the most urgent policy consid-
e ration affecting future development and economic growth
of the County and the Central Oregon region. The importance
of water transcends all other considerations because it is
pervasive in its influence upon all other factors of growth.
The urgency is to take steps which will ensure adequate
supplies of high quality water for recreation, agriculture,
Industrial expansion, and the needs of urban areas at least
possible cost. The most serious impediment to achieving
this objective would be the gradual but inexorable deter-
ioration of water supplies.(7)
The development of a long-range solution to the region's
problems of water supply requires integrated development
and management of all sources of water -- surface waters,
ground water, and waste water. The task is regional in
scope and insists upon the participation of all levels of
government and private enterprise. There currently are
many interests which have or should assume responsibility
for one or.more aspects of the entire field of water man-
agement and conservation. At the local level, there are
(7) See the report entitled Liquid Waste Disposal in the
Lava Terrane of Central Oregon April 1968, prepared
by the Pacific Northwest Water Laboratory of the Fed-
eral Water Pollution Control Administration for a
detailed analysis on the extent of water quality impair-
ment within the Deschutes River Basin. Generally, the
report indicates that injection wells already offer a
serious threat to the high quality deep ground waters
of the Basin.
the irrigation districts, the soil conservation district,
the cities, the County, utilities, major industrial users
of water, and those people involved in land development.
The State has a clear-cut responsibility to assist regions
in achieving full utilization and conservation of the water
resource base. A number of Federal agencies are directly
involved, particularly the Federal Water Pollution Control
Agency, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Corps of Engineers,
the Soil Conservation Service, and the Forest Service. This
list is not exhaustive but serves to point out the complexity
of interests and participants concerned and the need for a
coordinated approach to water resource management.
At the local level, it would appear that the most fruitful
first steps lie in the direction of the creation of a County-
wide water agency which gives proper representation to all
local interests in water use and management. Such an agency
would provide the forum for a comprehensive, systematic, and
continuous examination of water management problems and oppor-
tunities. It would bring together the broadest array of
knowledge and understanding of local water conditions, the
programs of individual agencies and opportunities for coor-
dinated action. It would focus needed public attention on
issues which will require local public action for their
resolution; and it would permit a pooling of local resources
to maximize returns from local efforts.
The field of water management is so complex as to preclude
further discussion of the roles of State and Federal agencies
in this report. Local organization is, however, an essential
first step, since it would ensure that all local interests
and needs would be properly presented before State and Fed-
eral agencies which have significant responsibilities for
the management of water resources on a regional basis. In
the last analysis, it must be recognized that water manage-
ment requires the larger technical and financial resources
which can only be provided at higher levels. This does not
2C
in any way diminish the role of local agencies, but rather
emphasizes the intergovernmental character of the water
question and the importance of water management responsi-
bilities at regional, State, and Federal levels.
Three other matters of water policy warrant discussion here
are: (1) problems of rural and urban fringe area water dis-
tribution; (2) public accessibility to rivers as a scenic
resource; and (3) potentials of the water resource for in-
dustrial development.
Problems of rural water distribution concern both the need
to provide water to existing developments, and policies
concerning water service in new recreation subdivisions.
From the 1968 study of rural domestic water problems by the
Deschutes County Long -Range Planning Conference, it is appar-
ent that water stored for domestic use from irrigation
canals is often contaminated or otherwise unfit for human
consumption. Where water is hauled in, drinking water qual-
ity is also a matter of speculation. Wells ranging from
125 to more than 600 feet in depth have been drilled by
owners in many cases, but costs may run higher than $3,000
per well. The problems of rural and non-farm domestic
water supply are compounded by the continued heavy reliance
on irrigation districts to supply surface water for domestic
use to new tracts. Delivery from canals and ditches is
often unstable because of variations In seasonal flows.
Several alternatives exist to overcome problems of supply
to rural residents where small tracts and closely related
non-farm parcels are involved:
1. Distribution by irrigation districts to central
systems established for the purposes of treatment
and distribution of water to users within a logical
service area.
2. The formation of special water districts organized to
contract for water from irrigation districts or to
develop supplies from wells for distribution to land-
owners.
3. Formation of a County -wide water district with powers
to establish service areas, distribution systems, and
zones of assessment to recover costs of construction
and operation.
4. Formation of private or mutual systems owned by those
served.
5. Formation of special assessment districts to contract
with cities to serve developing urban fringe areas.
6. Direct connection to city systems providing extra-
territorial service to urban fringe areas.
Each of these alternatives may have to be utilized to solve
problems in given areas. The following criteria are sug-
gested as a basis for the selection of a given approach:
Services to rural areas now supplied by irrigation
districts should utilize the existing structure of
the districts to meet expanding needs. Supplies from
canals could be supplemented by service from standby
wells integrated into the system. This approach
would result in economies over other approaches where
parcels served are closely related, and would avoid
the proliferation of special taxing districts which
lack the experience and financial capital to meet
needs on an economical and efficient basis.
2. Services to rural areas and unincorporated communities
not served by irrigation districts should be provided
by public water districts in order to provide the
structure, capital, operating, and expansion capabil-
ity required to assure adequate service. Private
X11
systems should be avoided except where there is a
clear-cut non -speculative capability demonstrated,
and where the alternative of public systems is not
feasible.
3. Service to urban fringe areas of cities should be
provided by the cities as an extra -territorial ser-
vice; system expansion to existing developments
should be provided by the city by agreement with an
assessment district formed to represent users, with
user charges established to recover costs of line
extension and related facilities required to pro-
vide service. Extension to new developments should
be provided by the subdivider under agreement with
the city responsible for the costs of extension
.,past undeveloped properties and oversized lines. in
either situation, user charges should provide a rea-
sonable differential with those charged to city
residents unless annexation is feasible. Connection
to city systems should be mandatory wherever feasible.
4. The formation of special assessment districts to
contract with cities should be used only where ser-
vice to existing development is involved.
The formation of a County -wide water district or
County water department may be a preferred alter-
native to the creation of separately created water
districts to serve rural areas not served by irri-
gation districts and to the creation of separate
public assessment districts as the contracting
agencies for city service to existing development
in urban fringe areas not capable of annexation.
This would prevent the proliferation of taxing dis-
tricts, provide economies in central administration,
and avoid gaps in service. Zones of assessment
would be applied only to areas served. A disadvan-
tage of this approach is that support of the admin-
istrative functions of the district might have to
be financed by a tax upon all property owners,
regardless of their needs for service.
As important as finding solutions to needs of existing devel-
opments is the need to prevent further expansion and compli-
cation of existing problems with regard to new development.
In order to prevent conditions which will impair water qual-
ity or require the unreasonable expense of water well
development to serve individual parcels, the County's subdi-
vision policies should discourage recreation, rural non-farm,
and urban fringe area subdivisions where adequate supplies
of water will not be available from a central system oper-
ated by the appropriate alternative described above. Capa-
bility of water development should be a condition of plat
approval, with adequate assurance that water supply sources
are not likely to be contaminated by disposal of sewage
effluent. The use of drill holes for sewage effluent should,
be prohibited through enforcement of either the State Sani-
tary Code or a County ordinance requiring the use of drain
fields or central systems for sewage disposal. It must be
recognized, however, that central systems would be prohibi-
tive except in urban areas.
A final and exceedingly important consideration in this
matter is the need for engineering analyses of the various
problems and alternative solutions available for meeting
domestic water supply needs. This was an important conclu-
sion of the Deschutes County Long -Range Planning Conference.
Such studies now are being sponsored by the County, taking
advantage of the Federal grant program monies available
through the Farmers Home Administration.
The question of public access to rivers and streams is
complicated by several factors concerning the extent of
existing public ownership, the extent to which existing
river frontage has been subdivided, the availability of
water of sufficient flow, the extent to which sections of
privately owned river frontage constitute scenic and recre-
ation attractions, and the tools available for County action
to preserve additional frontage for public use.
2%
The question of public access applies primarily to the
Deschutes River and its tributaries south of Bend where
much of the river is bordered by private land. Many miles
of prime river and stream frontage are already in public
ownership. Most of this frontage is within the National
Forest; some is owned by BLM in the Lapine area; and some
has been acquired by the State for park purposes. Remaining
frontage is in private ownership and has been subdivided
heavily. Unfortunately, the layout of existing subdivisions
has not taken advantage of design techniques for providing
access to the prospective owners of all lots within a subdi-
vision. Such access is denied except to those whose lots
front directly upon the river. Common areas have not been
provided for this purpose.
in, consideration of the already extensive ownership of river
frontage ,and the subdivision of much of the private land
having river frontage, it is not clear and compelling that
additional river frontage need be acquired for public use.
That private frontage which remains unsubdivided is for the
most part of limited recreation and scenic attraction as
compared to prime frontage already in public ownership.
A policy decision concerning the acquisition of additional
access rests partly on the type of access desired. If a
continuous lineal access is desired linking public lands
through private ownership, it will require the acquisition
of a strip in fee title or as an easement across private
lands. Either approach would be costly, considering the
miles of dual frontage involved. If on the other hand it
is desired to provide only occasional points of access to
the river, this objective could be achieved more easily
through the acquisition of key lots in existing subdivisions
which also front upon a public road. As a practical matter,
because of the relative isolation of river frontage, such
limited acquisition of property would have only limited
benefit to the public -at -large and would be of primary bene-
fit to the owners of nearby lots who do not now have access
to the river within their subdivision. A third approach
would be to ignore lands already subdivided but to require
the dedication of either a lineal strip or an area of more
confined limits in new subdivisions under the subdivision
ordinance.
Because of the uncertainties and complexities involved, the
County should prepare a detailed water recreation master
plan as recommended by the Deschutes County Long -Range Planning
Conference before taking any final position on the matter of
public access to river and stream frontage. This would be a
wise course of action. However, the pace of subdivision activ-
ity is so great that such study might become largely an aca-
demic exercise if not undertaken in the near future. Only
one course of action appears feasible in the absence of spe-
cific analysis of all river frontage -- to include provisions
in the subdivision ordinance which would assure that at least
the owners of all lots within a subdivision would have a com-
mon area on the river for access. Open space and access
common to all owners would enhance the saleability and value
of all lots for the subdivider as well as to enhance the
recreational opportunities afforded the new owner.
Potentials of the water resource for industrial development
represent an important area of policy. Water has been termed
previously as the key factor in Deschutes County's economic
future. Certainly, it is a key to diversification in the
forest industries of the County. The manufacture of lumber
and plywood, which now dominate the County's primary wood
use, are not limited by water problems. The prime consider-
ation, however, rests almost entirely with the possibilities
of developing pulp, paper, and other pulp -based products in
Deschutes County and the region.
On the assumption that adequate supplies of pulp wood will
become available, the limiting factor will then be the avail-
ability of plant sites with the required water for the manu-
facturing process and disposal of the effluents after recovery
of chemicals at costs which will enable competition with
pulp and paper from other regions of the West. Two kinds of
water policy are involved: water development and protection
of water quality.
2q
The water development question has been discussed previously.
It need only be added here that the seasonality of water
flow in rivers and streams of the County would make large
investments in impoundments and flow regulations essential
to maintain minimum flows at levels required for pulping
operations. While process water requirements are fairly
high, the consumptive use of water in pulp is low if the
treatment of the effluents and the capacity of receiving
waters to assimilate wastes permits discharge back into
the water source after use. It is on this last point con-
cerning water quality that the critical issues are involved.
From the standpoint of the potential investor in pulp and
paper facilities, a high degree of uncertainty is introduced
in the prospective costs and even in the prospects for con-
tinuing operation after construction. .
The Air Resource
Important to any discussion of environmental protection is
the subject of air quality. The nature of air as a resource
necessary for the support of life itself requires.that it
receive proper attention in policies which concern future
development within the County.
The location of Deschutes County along the east slope of
the Cascades places the County in an excellent position to
avoid the conditions of atmospheric pollution which are so
characteristic of inland river valleys in most states of
the West. Unlike the conditions in such locations as the
Central Valley of California and of the Willamette Valley
in Oregon, regions east of the Cascades enjoy the more
frequent mixing, cleansing and freshening of air brought
about by winds off the mountains and the absence of tem-
perature inversion layers which can effectively trap pollu-
tants for months at a time. Central Oregon has indeed a
consistently high quality of air which enhances the region
as a place to live and recreate.
Air Quality policy Considerations:
Despite the presence of atmospheric conditions during seasons
of the year which combine to maintain high quality air
within Deschutes County, problems of localized air pollution
are quite possible, although for short duration, as the
result of increasing population and economic activity. It
is also important to note that any pollution of the air ema-
nating from Deschutes County is likely to be more noticeable
in adjacent counties to the east rather than in Deschutes
County because of the movement of air currents. The County
is but a part of a larger region which constitutes one of
several "airsheds" within the State.
It is important then to consider air as a resource which
should not be allowed to sustain contamination and pollution
in any manner which would reduce the present high quality of
the resource within Deschutes County and other counties
within Central Oregon. To this end, policies of the County.
should foster the continuation of refuse disposal by sanitary
land -fill, discourage burning of materials which will add
contaminants to the air {as distinct from particles which
are non -contaminating in character, and discourage the addi-
tion of contaminants into the air as the by-products of in-
dustrial operations. Emphasis should be on the avoidance of
introducing chemicals into the atmosphere which cause pollu-
tion, irritation to the senses, danger to public health,
reduction in visibility, and injury to vegetation and property.
In addition, land use policies of the County should seek to
avoid the location of industrial and agricultural operations
which typically create localized conditions of odor, dust,
and smoke unfavorable to urban development which lies down-
wind from such operations. Beyond the measures discussed
above, the County is limited in its actions to maintain air
quality. Further actions would require a regional and state-
wide approach to air quality control.
TRANSPORTATION
Major State Highways
State highways within the County serve dual functions as
important links in the intra -state and inter -state highway
system and as the principal traffic arteries within Deschutes
County.
U.S. 97:
U.S. 97 serves as Oregon's principal north -south highway east
of the Cascades. As a multi -state facility, U.S. 97 tra-
verses the heart of Central Oregon while serving California,
Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Approximately 26%
of all traffic on U.S. 97 within the County is generated by
out-of-state passenger cars; trucking accounts for nearly
15%, with the remaining 59% generated by Oregon -based vehicles,
largely local. For all its significance as a regional facil-
ity, U.S. 97 plays its primary role in moving local traffic
between the principal cities of the three -county region.
Traffic is heaviest between Bend and Redmond and between Red-
mond and Madras, with traffic north of Madras and south of
Bend tapering off to only 20-30% of the volume between Bend -
Redmond -Madras.
The Bend -Redmond section of U.S. 97 is rapidly approaching
two-lane capacity because of heavy traffic, and inadequacies
in vertical alignment. With average daily traffic (ADT)
along most sections of U.S. 97 increasing in keeping with
the statewide average of 5.3% annually, volumes on the Bend -
Redmond -Madras sections can be expected to reach levels
requiring four -lane expressway status by 1980. Needs are
further aggravated by the fact that traffic peaks during the
five-month period from June through October, with volumes as
much as 171% higher in July than the ADT for the year. Thus,
expressway status would be well justified before 1980. As
an interim measure, the useful life of the existing highway
V
could be extended through the elimination of vertical
alignment sections and improved sight distance at curves.
However, such measures should be weighed against the far
greater benefits derived from achieving early expressway
status. Unfortunately, the State currently does not have
any plans for either major improvements along the existing
alignment or relocation in its ten-year work program.
U.S. 20 and U.S. 126:
U.S. 20 and U.S. 126 are major east -west highways. The
former links Central Oregon with the Willamette Valley at
Albany and with Idaho at Boise; the latter links Central
Oregon with the Willamette Valley at Eugene and with Idaho
at Boise via U.S, 26 east of Prineville. Both highways
utilize the San.tiam Pass over the Cascades west of Sisters.
By comparison with U.S. 97, both U.S. 20 and U.S. 126
carry substantially lower volumes of local and out-of-state
traffic within Deschutes County. With improvements, both
U.S. 20 and U.S. 126 could serve as high-speed two-lane
expressways adequate to handle traffic loads for many years
to come. Traffic on U.S. 20 is heaviest in the Tumalo area
west of Bend, decreasing as it approaches Sisters and
Increasing again west of Sisters because of the added traf-
fic generated by U.S. 126 at Sisters. Traffic along U.S.
20 five miles east of Bend is the lowest on any leg of the
State Highway System in Deschutes County. This section is
low as a carrier because of the sparse population in the
eastern part of the County and the limited use of U.S. 20
by through traffic between Central Oregon and Idaho.
The State has developed tentative plans for the realignment
of U.S. 20 between Bend and Horse Ridge and between Plain-
view and Sisters. These realignments would eliminate curves,
shorten travel time and distance, and (in the latter case)
provide a bypass of Sisters. However, neither project is
included in the State's current ten-year work program.
f
The fourth State highway directly affecting Deschutes
County is State Route 31. Route 31 intersects U.S. 97 south
of Lapine, and provides an important inter -tie with U.S. 395
north of Lakeview. Since 395, like U.S. 20, has multi -state
significance, it can be expected to carry increasing traffic
loads and thereby increase the traffic on U.S. 97 within
the County via State Route 31 as the result of recreation
and tourism traffic generated in Southern California.
Highway Planning Policy Considerations:
The importance of the State highway system to Deschutes
County contrasted with the low-level of improvements
contemplated by the State in the next decade is cause for
serious concern to the people of Deschutes County, and
indeed to the people in the tri -county region of Central Ore-
gon. The State's highway planning and construction program
is committed by the use of fund allocation criteria to two
elements of the Interstate Highway System which connects
the State's major cities (Interstate 5) and Columbia River
communities (Interstate 80 N). While such emphasis is
understandable, it appears that an over -commitment is
involved which places Central Oregon and other rural regions
so low in priority as to effectively rule out major highway
improvements for 20 years or more. The Bend -Redmond -Madras
section of U.S. 97 is probably the longest section of high
volume traffic highway in the state other than sections of
the two highways in the Interstate System, and yet there
are no major improvements scheduled within the next ten
years.
Highway traffic becomes the all-important mode of transpor-
tation for the realization of economic benefits to be
derived by tourism and the enhancement of economic interre-
lationships and activity among major communities of the
tri -county region. The State highways must be viewed as
important tools in the further economic development of the
region. if they are not realigned and improved to at least
91
two-lane expressway status, economic growth of the region
will be adversely affected and time -distance -cost -safety
benefits of high speed facilities will be denied residents
of the region.
Policies of the Comprehensive Plan should seek to advance
the priorities accorded to highway construction by the
State. More specifically, State highway proposals of the
Plan should recognize the following criteria and needs for
improvements to the State highways in Deschutes County:
1. The early need for reconstruction and realignment
of U.S. 97 as an expressway between the Terrebonne
area and the National Forest boundary south of Bend.
2. The importance of highways as carriers of local traf-
fic between communities while permitting through
traffic to by-pass communities.
3. Locations sensitive to investments and needs of
segments of the existing business community which
cater to highway travel.
4. Potentials for new investment in highway commercial
and industrial activity.
5. Maintenance of residential neighborhoods and
avoidance of alignments disruptive of urban patterns.
6. Permit the safe exchange and free-flow of traffic
along and between different segments of the State
highway system and major arterials of the County road
system within the County.
7. The importance of highway transportation to recreation,
tourism and the general economic development of the
Central Oregon region.
821 SNERMAN i. OILLIAM L
1000 "� r MORROW
CLACKAMAS
1950
W A S C O 590 �t` iN m 470 L
(``/ 300 670
140 320
x,
_ 1600
M A R 10 N .......
...x
5 Nx»x
M. 1800 � W H E L E
680 S.
8000 _-� 490 xnex.u. 390
J E F F E R S O N
030
540
600 ` —� o'•—_
–1
�) 00. ' 2200 `—I G RAN T
L I N N S6�1950 205 6450
N 400 mYwY I
900. 130d 1400 2
x700 `50 4300
1000 0 � °
SENO
5T00 C R 0 0 K
L A N E 2100
.»..».». L_l
D E S C H U T E SJ H A R N E Y
1600 wu[ - _ -_- -- _ 330 �•
330 i 700
\\ 1400 L A K E
DOUGLAS � 1400 2300 ( I
KLAMATH
TRI—COUNTY AREA—HIGHWAY TRAFFIC FLOWS
NUMBERS SHOW AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC FOR ALL VEHICLES– 1963
1
State Secondary Hiqhways and the County Road Svstem
State Secondary Highways:
The County is served by six State Secondary Highways. They
are:
1. The old Redmond -Bend Highway.
2. The Cline Falls Highway between Tumalo and Cline
Falls.
3. The Tumalo-Deschutes Highway.
4. The Powell Butte Highway which serves as a diagonal
cut-off of major State highways between Bend and
Prineville.
5. The O'Neill Highway from U.S. 97 near Terrebonne to
Prineville.
6. The Century Drive Highway which extends as a County
highway (Cascade Lakes Highway) to Bachelor Butte.
These highways carry average daily traffic volumes ranging
from 400 to more than 700 cars per day. In terms of traffic
volume, the approach to Bachelor Butte is most important,
followed by Powell Butte, Redmond -Bend, O'Neill, Tumalo-
Deschutes, and Cline Falls in descending order. All of
these highways except the one providing access to Bachelor
Butte serve primarily as inter -community connectors within
areas of the County dominated by private land holdings.
The County Road System:
The F.A.S. (Federal Aid Secondary) numbered highways con-
stitute the major components of the County road system.
They function as farm -to -market roads, as a means of
principal access to recreation areas, as County arterials
serving the unincorporated communities of Tumalo and Terre -
bone, and as County arterials serving developing urban fringe
areas of Redmond, Sisters and Bend. Within incorporated
cities, their counterparts are referred to as major arterials.
Although several hundred miles of road are included in the
F.A.S. system, they are concentrated in the Terrebone,
Redmond, Tumalo and Bend areas of the County. The Cascade
Lakes Highway is perhaps the most important exception. It
joins with sections of Fall River Road and Burgess Road west
of Lapine to form a large loop throughout the western and
southwestern recreation areas of the County, providing access
to major lakes and reservoirs and to upper reaches of the
Deschutes River and its tributaries.
Despite their importance, the network of F.A.S. highways
tends to give a somewhat distorted view of the most impor-
tant segments of the County road system. The mileage of
F.A.S. roads has grown over the years to include some high-
ways which are difficult to justify in terms of function
and traffic warrants. Consequently, the system includes a
mileage inventory which now makes it difficult for the County
to properly channel funds or traffic with any sense of real
priority. Many miles of road thus have little more function
than that of serving adjacent property owners, and compete
with more important roads in the F.A.S. system for the
available Federal aid funds. This condition is certain to
increase deficiencies on an annual basis, with limited funds
spread too thin to accomplish meaningful improvements to the
entire road system.
A major contributing factor is that the County never has had
a comprehensive plan as a basis for establishing priorities
for road construction and maintenance. Current practices
tend to result in too much emphasis in determining road
priorities based on the submission of petitions from land-
owners rather than on criteria which respect needs in re-
lation to highway function and contribution to economic
growth.
34
In addition to the County roads, there is a substantial
Inventory of roads open to public use which are not owned
and maintained by the County, and at least five categories
of roads on Federal lands. The public usage roads are
generally unimproved and serve to provide access to remote
ranches and isolated pockets of private land. The various
categories of Federal land roads comprise a vast network
affording access to recreation areas as well as for meeting
management needs of public .lands. This network is largely
responsible for the ability of National Forest and BLM
lands to accommodate higher numbers of recreation seekers.
This is particularly true of the U.S. Forest Development
Road category which increases annually in mileage as the
result of contract provisions in the sale and logging of
timber.
Another important category of Federal land road involves
the main recreation roads within the National Forest.
Until recently, funds have been unavailable to permit pav-
ing of these roads. The Forest Service now receives funds
for paving, and although the amount fluctuates widely from
year to year, it was possible to pave 40 miles in 1967.
Priorities for completion by 1988 within Deschutes County
include the following sections: Three Creek Lakes Highway
from Sisters to the Cascade Lakes Highway; Cascade Lakes
Highway from Wickiup Reservoir to State Route 58 near
Crescent Lake; the Cascade Lakes Highway - Waldo Lake tie
and the Cascade Lakes Highway -Benham Falls -Lava Butte Loop.
This latter facility would have importance as a recreation
route close to the Bend urban area.
County Road System Planning Policy Considerations:
The County is fortunate to receive a substantial annual
flow of forest receipt funds in support of the County
road construction and maintenance function. As important
as these funds are, they still fall short of overcoming
current road deficiences while meeting future needs.
Aside from structural deficiencies, the greatest deficiency
of the County road system is the lack of a classification
system which distinguishes adequately between primary,
secondary and minor road functions. Such a classification
system should embrace the State Secondary highways because
there is little or no difference in the functions performed by
a State Secondary and a County Primary. Moreover, in view of
the current status of state allocations, there is little possi-
bility that State Secondaries will receive much State attention.
The question of jurisdiction should not became a limiting
factor when discussing County roads and State highways having
identical functions.
The following table and subsequent definitions proposes a
coordinated city street and county road classification system
which respects similarities in street and road functions which
are the responsibility of city and county government. This
classification will overcome the deficiencies cited above as
well as provide a basis for developing joint city -county
policies on structural standards to be applied within
developing urban fringe areas of the cities.
City County
Major Arterial County Arterial (and State Secondary)
Collector Street County Feeder Road
Minor Street Minor Road (land access road)
Major Arterials serve as the principal network for through
traffic; they connect areas of major traffic generation
within the city and important rural highways (County Arterials)
entering the city; and they provide for the distribution and
collection of traffic to, and from, collector and minor streets.
County Arterials serve as the principal network for through
traffic within the County below the level of the Major State
Highway; they connect rural communities, provide access to
recreation areas and serve as farm -to -market roads.
tki
Collector Streets provide principally for traffic movement
between major arterials and minor streets and also provide
direct access to abutting property.
County Feeders provide principally for traffic movement
between Major State highways, County Arterial highways and
Minor Roads, and also provide direct access to abutting
property.
Minor Streets and Minor Roads serve the identical functions
of providing direct access to abutting property. in some
cases, Minor Roads also provide access to more isolated
recreation areas (such as hunting lands.)
As in the case of the State highways, the County road system
should be viewed as an important tool of economic develop-
ment. This objective is given further importance since the
County road system offers the principal means of improving
highway transportation in light of the low priority currently
attached to improving local elements of the State Highway
System. The following criteria should become the principal
guidelines in designating a system of arterial and feeder
roads on the Comprehensive Plan and in achieving the further
improvement and development of the County road system:
1. Construction monies should be allocated primarily
to the improvement and/or development of arterial
and feeder roads which support and enhance
existing major economic activities.
2. Arterial and feeder roads should be provided
where necessary and desirable to improve circulation
between segments of the State highways.
3. Improvements to arterial and feeder roads serving
urban fringe areas of cities should support
city -county policies on the most desirable patterns
and timing of urban growth.
In connection with 5. below, County road funds should
be used to assist in completing important sections of
the forest highway system, particularly where Federal
allocations cannot be anticipated for many years.
5. Arterial and feeder roads should be improved where
they provide important connections with elements of
the Forest Highway System.
6. Arterial and feeder roads should provide access to
remaining areas of significant private ownership which
have economic importance for existing or potential
recreation use on a large scale.
7. The County should participate with other Central
Oregon counties to seek advancement in time tables
for the reconstruction or relocation of sections of
State highways which receive heavy traffic use.
8. Future rights-of-way for arterial and feeder roads
should be protected to assure availability of the
rights-of-way when needed.
These criteria are not mutually exclusive, although their
application may require the selection of one criterion over
another in a given case. The important consideration here
is that Minor County Roads should be de-emphasized in favor
of those roads which now and in the future will provide the
greatest overall economic and service benefit to the people
of the County.
Other planning policy considerations include, the selective
acquisition of access rights to preserve County road function;
the development of design standards for uniform application
to roads having similar functions; the development of a road
maintenance program which will assure reasonable maintenance
of Minor County Roads in view of the emphasis placed on
arterial and feeder roads by the criteria listed above;
sensitivity to the scenic quality of the environment; and
separation of traffic on County roads and private logging
roads.
The selective acquisition of access rights along County
Arterials should be employed where necessary to assure
safety and the protection of the traffic carrying capacity
of County Arterials. The indescriminate development of
access to private lands without regard to the number and
spacing of such laterals effectively can destroy road func-
tion while increasing hazards to the motoring public.
Design standards should be uniformly applied to the three
types of County roads constructed by the public as well as
those constructed by the private developer for public use.
In developing such standards, variable standards will be
required within a given classification to respect such dif-
ferences as topography, soil structure, extent of drainage
and periods of use. Thus, while it would be logical to
apply the same standards to minor roads in the Lapine area,
different standards would be applied to minor roads serving
developments in the Smith Rock area northeast of Terrebone.
Similarly, standards in the urban fringe area of Bend and
Redmond should reflect needs for city -county coordination
because of the distinct eventuality of fringe area annexation.
The road maintenance program would become the primary means
of meeting the needs on existing minor roads. In addition,
maintenance programming should seek to overcome minor struc-
tural deficiencies on arterial and feeder roads. City -
county agreements should be explored for the sharing of con-
struction and maintenance responsibilities along roads of
mutual concern and for the contracting of services where one
jurisdiction could serve better the needs of the public.
The outstanding _scenic quality of the environment traversed
by much of the County road system and its economic importance
insists on design standards which give careful attention to
the techniques of highway alignment and construction and to
the preservation of the "scenic corridor" along side of the
highway as viewed by the motorist. Policies affecting the
use of land along scenic roads and highways are not as criti-
cal in this regard as are policies on setbacks, screening,
the protection of natural physical features in the landscape,
the reasonable control of outdoor advertising, and the appear-
ance of structures.
The enlightened policies of major logging interests in the
County have resulted in a system of private roads for.the
truck transport of logs. This policy has reduced substan-
tially the costs of County road construction and maintenance
which otherwise would have been required to accommodate
extraordinarily heavy loads. However, conflicts occur where
these private roads are intersected by public roads: Because
of their high cost, separation structures such as the one
along Century Drive southwest of Bend generally are not
feasible even where a County Arterial road is involved.
County road policy should seek,therefore, to minimize the
number of new at -grade crossings required.
Rail Transportation
Railroad service to Deschutes County is freight -oriented
and is considered excellent for this purpose. The principal
considerations concerning rail transportation are those of
ability to provide service to areas of industrial potential
and the separation of rail and highway facilities where
factors of congestion and safety are critical.
Since the Oregon Trunk Railway follows an alignment close tc
that of U.S. 97 and passes through the Bend and Redmond
urban areas, the availability of industrial sites capable
of both highway and rail service is virtually unlimited in
relation to the current and anticipated demand for sites.($)
(8) The Oregon Trunk {Railway involves joint trackage main-
tained by The Great Northern,Union Pacific and Seattle,
Portland and Spokane Railway Companies.
31
This flexibility is perhaps most notable between Bend and
Redmond where the rail line parallels U.S. 97 by a depth
east of the highway and a generally level terrain sufficient
for almost any industry which does not require large quanti-
ties of water for its operations.
Highway grade separations are most notably deficient in Bend
where existing structures have created roadways under the
rail line which are inadequate for present and future traffic
requirements on the three major streets involved (Greenwood
Avenue, Franklin Avenue and Third Street).
Rail Transportation Policy Considerations:
The following policy considerations have importance to the
development of physical design proposals of the Comprehensive
Plan:
1. Aleviation of the congestion created by narrow under-
passes of the railroad in Bend.
Avoidance to the extent possible of the need for new
separation structures in the eventual relocation of
U.S. 97 as an expressway.
The provision of new or improved existing at -grade
crossings of the railroad at selected locations which
will overcome the current isolation of most of the
land lying along the east side of the railroad between
Bend and Redmond.
Air Transportati=on
The County is exceptionally fortunate to have an airport of
the size and capability of Roberts Field at Redmond. This
facility is capable of handling commercial jets and all
classes of general aviation aircraft.
The Redmond airport clearly should be viewed as the regional
airport serving all of Central Oregon. However, in order to
realize the full potential of vastly increased air transporta-
tion activity to serve the full range of needs for industry,
commerce and recreation within the region, a regional approach
to further development of airport facilities and related ser-
vice activities will be required through the financial as
well as booster participation of Deschutes, Jefferson and
Crook Counties.
Given the primary role of Roberts Field as a tri -county
facility, general aviation fields at Prineville, Madras and
Bend should be improved and new fields developed as appropri-
ate at recreational centers such as Sun River to further
advance the tourism potentials of the region.
Air Transportation Planning Policy Considerations:
The primary policy consideration concerns the question of
financing and management responsibility not only for Roberts
Field but also for public general aviation fields in the
tri -county area. The Industrial Development Committee of
the Deschutes County Long -Range Planning Conference, sup-
ported by the City of Redmond, has wisely recommended creation
of an airport authority to manage Roberts Field. Such an
authority would be supported on a tri -county basis. Elevation
to such status likely would increase FAA financing, result in
the establishment of a tower, and assure the region of an
important position in the air transportation future of the
State.
An intergovernmental approach to airport development and
management which embraces public general aviation fields is
also worthy of consideration. The Bend airport, for example,
is in need of broader public support over time than reason-
ably can be expected of a City the size of Bend. Such an
approach might be sought once a Central Oregon airport authority
is created to operate the Redmond airport because of the
38
important role which general aviation fields should play in
support of the larger facility. At the very least, Deschutes
County should consider its own position with the view of
providing financial support to the improvement of general
aviation facilities in the County and to the financial sup-
port of the Redmond airport if a tri -county approach to
management and development fails to materialize.
All too often, the airport is viewed as a special benefit
provided for the convenience of a few. It is,a popular mis-
conception that general aviation does not pay its own way.
To the contrary, while its contribution to the economy is
little known and seldom appreciated by people not directly
affected, general aviation contributes significantly where
local conditions and attractions for economic development
are also significant. This is particularly true of areas
like Deschutes County which can point to recreation attrac-
tions as a major part of its economic base.. Aviation facili-
ties are money -generating assets, bringing dollars into the
County to spend for business and recreation, enhancing in-
dustrial development opportunities, and opening Central
Oregon to increasing thousands of pilots on the West Coast
who are looking more and more to generally good -weather
locations for leisure time activities.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
The County's initial comprehensive planning program terminated
in 1966 and involved two phases:(9)
Phase I was concluded in 1965 with the preparation of
preliminary comprehensive development plans to meet the
future development needs of the Cities of Bend, Redmond,
and Sisters and the community of Lapine. The prelimi-
nary plans for the four urban areas had been given only
limited public review prior to program termination.
Basic data provided included base maps for the County's
urban areas, maps depicting existing land use, and maps
showing traffic volumes, street conditions, the location
of public facilities, and jurisdictional boundaries of
special districts.
Phase II was intended to culminate in the preparation of
a Comprehensive Plan for the County as a whole. The
major product of this phase was a report entitled
"Background for Planning", published in May of 1966.
While the report was limited in its analytical coverage
of problems and needs of the County, information and
data on the existing economy, population, resources and
land ownership contained in the report proved valuable
to the conduct of the County's current comprehensive
planning program.
The current program, culminating with the publication of this
document, completes Phases i and II of the earlier program.
This final section of Part ii provides a review of the devel-
opment policies which were used as a basis for the preliminary
plans developed under Phase I of the earlier program. An
(9) Phase I (Project P-50) and Phase II (Project P-73) were
conducted by the Bureau of Municipal Research of the
University of Oregon and were financed in part by a grant
from the Federal government under Section 701 of the
Federal Housing Act.
34
evaluation of these policies was deemed necessary in order
to: (1) determine whether the policies were valid for pur-
poses of the current program; and (2) insure that policies
underlying proposals of the four urban area plans and of the
County -wide Comprehensive Pian would be complementary as
they relate to problems and needs of mutual city -County
concern. It is important to note that plans for individual
urban areas cannot be developed without assurance that they
relate to the overall framework of planning requirements of
the County as a whole.
Evaluation of the Development Policies Underlying Proposals
of the Phase I Urban Area Plans
Evaluation of the Phase I preliminary comprehensive develop-
ment plans for .the urban areas of Bend, Redmond, Sisters
and Lapine indicates the following policies which have
significance to preparation of the County -wide Comprehensive
Plan. Changes have been proposed where, in the judgment of
the consultant, they appeared necessary in light of earlier
studies completed under the program.
1. The plans indicate that new urban development should
be accommodated as an extension of the existing urban
areas; scattered urban development is to be discouraged.
This policy requires clarification and elaboration with
respect to the development of "planned communities" such as
Sun River. We feel that planned communities which have their
own complex of residential, commercial, and industrial areas;
transportation facilities; utilities; and public facilities
should not be discouraged. Each such planned community which
may be proposed in the future should be judged on its own
merits in relation to impact on surrounding areas, transpor-
tation, resources and other policies and proposals of the
Comprehensive Plan.
2. The predominant agricultural and open character of
land between the communities of Bend Tumalo Sisters,
Redmond, and Terrebonne is to be preserved.
This policy requires clarification with respect to suburban
development and to rural -residential development on parcels
of more than 5 acres. As used here, the term "suburban"
refers to residential development on parcels ranging from
1/2 - 5 acres in area which should be encouraged within the
fringe of urban areas and discouraged in rural areas.
"Rural -residential" would be appropriate within rural areas
to accommodate the part-time farm.
3. Although each of the communities mentioned under 2.
above has agricultural land in its fringe area, such
land is not sufficiently important in terms of agri-
cultural land quality and productivity to be preserved
in determining areas for urban expansion.
The relationship of urban areas to productive agricultural
land is such that most urban expansion is likely to require
conversion from agricultural use. This fact dramatizes
further the importance of Policy Nos. 1 and 2 above if
agriculture is to reach its maximum potential as an important
economic base activity within the County.
4. The County and cities should develop agreement on
policies and standards relating to building construc-
tion, subdivision of land, land use regulations,
highway construction, utility connections and other
closely related matters concerning development within
urban fringe areas.
This policy relates to matters where city -county coordination
on land development policy is required. Such coordination,
as discussed under previous sections, is essential if reason-
able order is to result from continued growth of urban fringe
areas.
5. Industrial development is to be encouraged; existing
industrial areas are to be preserved with additional
land available for industrial development sufficient
to accommodate the expansion needs of existing indus-
tries as well as space for new industry.
Er
This policy requires clarification both as to type, location,
and amount of area for industrial development. As to type
and location, consideration should be given to encouraging
those kinds of industries which can demonstrate by location
and controlled methods of operation that they will not ad-
versely affect existing urban development, agricultural
production or the County's natural resources. Specific
types of industry should not be discouraged categorically
because of a history of obnoxious characteristics if they
can meet the test of location and operation described above.
The urban area plans showed substantial industrial areas in
Bend and Redmond. Minor area was shown in Sisters to accom-
modate existing industry. No industrial areas were shown
for lapine. These proposals appear consistent with the
character and prospects for industrial attraction within
urban areas of the County. However, it is important to
recognize that such policy should not preclude the location
of industry outside of urban areas.
From studies of the economy, it is quite apparent that
greater diversification in employment is necessary to raise
income levels of a significant percentage of the labor force.
New industry and the increased economic activity which it
would generate would provide more flexibility in the job
market and would assist in providing greater employment
stability. If industrial development is to be encouraged
as a policy of the County plan, then the plan must reflect
the diverse locational and spatial requirements of industry.
First of all, industry today requires greater space than
was the case even a decade ago --space to accommodate the
new technology of operation as well as plant expansion.
Such space is not always available within existing urban
areas. Secondly, there must be offered a variety of site
locations to reflect varying requirements for services and
to avoid creating any monopoly of the industrial land market.
Not every industry requires rail service, nor does every
industry face problems of waste disposal or water supply to
the extent of having to depend upon connection to central
systems. Industry also wants the assurance of having good
neighbors and the opportunity to be one itself. This means
that some industries will want to be part of a growing com-
munity of industries with sufficient space, flexibility of
utility and transportation services developed exclusively
for industry, and recognition of such requirements in
planning and development policy.
6. The preliminary plans indicated that sufficient land
should be reserved for commercial development to
offer flexibility in meeting the expanding demands
and opportunities for investment in recreation -
oriented commercial activities.
This policy is sound, but should be elaborated upon in the
description of the County -wide plan to ensure appropriate
differentiation of recreation -oriented commercial location
requirements within an urban area (such as Third Street in
Bend) as compared to requirements within the urban fringe
and along major State highways and arterial County roads
leading toward recreation areas of the County. in addition,
the urban area plans did not identify the primary functions
of various commercial areas, such as central commercial,
highway commercial, neighborhood commercial and service
commercial, with the exception that the designation of pri-
mary commercial areas in the smaller communities recognizes
that these areas must be multi -functional because of the
limited population served.
7. The plans indicate that substantial weight should be
given to existing land use patterns as a basis for
proposals to accommodate future urbanrq owth.
This policy is sound to the extent that existing development
patterns are not viewed as an automatic commitment to their
enlargement or to a continuation of their physical character
where improvement is desirable. Such an automatic commitment
would prevent improvement upon existing conditions where it
is reasonable to gain such improvement gradually over time.
An example would be to continue the strip mixed commercial
41
development of a major highway entrance to a community
without concern for such objectives as maintaining highway
function, traffic safety and enhancement of the community
entrance. While it may be important to extend commercial
development along highway entrances, controlled access,
off-street parking, site landscaping, careful attention to
signs, and good site planning become important factors in
achieving such objectives.
$. The plans indicate that, with the exception of the
Redmond urban area, there is no need to differentiate
between residential areas of varying density.
This policy, if continued, makes it impossible to distinguish
between areas of urban and suburban character and to plan for
the provision of utilities, streets, and other services based
upon the intensity of development and density of population
to be served. Consideration should be given to at least
showing an "urban" vs. "suburban", not only because of the
need to scale services properly but also to encourage preser-
vation of residential character; and to avoid mixtures of
density to the point where it is wholly uneconomical to
provide needed services.
9. Major city streets which either currently or in the
future will have extended importance as arterial
County roads in urban fringe areas should be shown
as major streets outside of city limit boundaries to
the limits of urban expansion proposed on the urban
area plan.
This is to avoid confusion and to encourage use of a comple-
mentary city -county road classification system.
10. The urban area Plans indicated that State highways
are to continue along their present alignments
through urban areas.
This policy requires clarification as it relates to those
sections of State highway which will require eventual
I
relocation to adequately handle future traffic volume. It
appears clear that to encourage continuation along present
alignments without regard to highway function will not in
itself result in continuation along existing alignments in
support of commercial activities which cater to highway trade.
A particularly important example is U.S. 97 from south of Bend
to north of Terrebonne. The need for eventual relocation of
the highway was recognized even in 1955 in a consulting re-
port on major thoroughfares prepared for the City of Bend.
A highway of the inter -state importance of U.S. 97 eventually
will be reconstructed as a four -lane expressway for its en-
tire length. Thus, it is important that the County develop
policy now for the general alignment of important sections
of the State highway system. Alternate alignments should
be analyzed, with a preferred alignment(s) shown as a dashed
line so that the comprehensive plan will reflect highway com-
mercial and industrial land development opportunities created
by highway realignment, the effect of alignment on community
expansion, and how affected sections of the County road system
should be planned in relation thereto.
11. The urban area plans were designed to meet the growth
and development needs of the six communities to 1990.
While the ultimate period of plan projection is reasonable
for purposes of indicating long-range development needs, the
absence of a medium -range view makes it extremely difficult
in interpreting urban area plans. A time span of 20 years
plus is too broad for purposes of indicating intermediate
actions required. The County plan should emphasize medium -
range growth requirements for urban areas to 1980, with a
more subdued treatment of long-range requirements to 1990.
This approach will also permit greater flexibility in modi-
fying the plan over the years to reflect changing conditions,
without serious affect on the validity of the medium -range
proposals.
Population Forecasts Underlying the Phase I Urban Area Plans
Evaluation of the preliminary comprehensive development plans
for the four urban areas indicates that they were designed to
accommodate approximately the following urban populations by
1990:
Bend Area . . . . . . .
. . . . . 22,000
- 25,000
Redmond Area . . . I. .
. . . . . 5,500
- 6,000
Sisters Area . . . . .
. . . . . 900
- 1,100
Lap i ne Area . . . . . .
. . . . . 600
- 800
29,000 32,900
Since urban expansion proposals of the urban area plans were
not based,on projections of population and economic activity
some modification is required for the Redmond area to reflect
the current 1990 projection of approximately 7,400.
PAR III
DEVELOPMENT POLICIES UNDERLYING PROPOSALS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
As described.in Part 1, a major task of the Citizens Advisory
Committee for Planning was to discuss the basic policy con-
siderations presented in Part II and to recommend those pol-
icies which were to guide the preparation of proposals of the
Comprehensive Plan. This Part of the report therefore pre-
sents the conclusions of the Committee which subsequently were
followed in the development of proposals shown graphically
on the Plan and which are described in Parts IV and V of this
report.
In reaching its conclusions, the Citizens Committee wished
to make it clear that its conclusions represented a majority
consensus of its members. This consensus was reaffirmed during
the sketch plan phase of the program, when the Committee re-
viewed preliminary proposals and made recommendations on those
proposals to be included in this Comprehensive Plan report.
POLICIES CONCERNING POPULATION AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
1. Population growth should be encouraged at a rate which
is consistent with the ability of the County to absorb
it without jeopardizing the natural ameniti.es and en-
vironmental quality of the County.
2. The County's base of economic activity should be
broadened by encouraging large-scale recreation oriented
activities which can capitalize upon the growing
importance of recreation as an economic activity. Such
activity would not be encouraged at the expense of
such existing basic activities as lumbering, forest
products, manufacturing, and agriculture, but rather
is intended to complement such basic industries.
,10
3. Deschutes County should assume a leadership role in
the initiation and promotion of programs for indus-
trial development within the tri -county area in
recognition of the County's current dominance within
the region in most areas of economic activity.
Deschutes County would stand to benefit greatly by
such leadership.
4. The County should seek to improve communications be-
- tween the business community and the system of public
education to define the existing requirements of
business for skills and education and to develop pro-
grams aimed at meeting these requirements; progress
should be monitored and the people of the County
informed of the return received by their investment
in this effort.
5. Vocational education requirements should be assessed
and vocational training programs established which
will assure fulfillment of future manpower require-
ments. Special attention should be given to increasing
opportunities for the employment of young people
during their pursuit of high school and college level
education.
6. The County should form an Economic Development
Commission to provide strong direction and leadership
in all aspects of economic development. The Commis-
sion would be officially constituted,' and would in-
clude representation from the cities, the County,
the educational system and private enterprise. The
Commission would pursue the population -economic
objectives (policies) of the Comprehensive Plan
(outlined above) on a systematic basis, providing a
total view of the interrelationships between programs
and efforts to diversify and strengthen the. County's
economic base, improve employment opportunities and
improve the income position of the labor force.
POLICIES CONCERNING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
1.. The County should encourage the retention of present
National Forest land use policy which encourages
private investment in recreation facilities (through
lease and permit programs) on lands having signifi-
cant potential for such development. Marginal pri-
vate investments which would tend to limit economic
return and public benefit would.be discouraged.
2. The County should seek a unified position among
counties of central Oregon concerning further with-
drawals of National Forest lands for wilderness and
national park purposes in the,Oregon Cascades,
Support for further withdrawals should be limited
to those proposals where the economy of the forest
Industry will not be adversely affected.
3. That the State be encouraged to provide additional
State Parks and Recreation areas within Deschutes
County to meet present and future demands. As a
method of accomplishment, the State should be en-
couraged to participate with the Forest Service
under a shared management arrangement. Such a pro-
cedure would maximize the recreation utility of
Forest lands, make new and improved recreational
facilities available to the public sooner, avoid the
necessity for further fee acquisition of lands by
the State and would further reduce pressures which
would otherwise occur for increased action by the
County in the development and operation of recrea-
tional areas.
A&
4. The County should adopt and apply the set of criteria
listed in Part 11 of the report concerning its pro-
gram of land exchange with the Bureau of Land
Management. County lands should be classified prior
to the sale or lease of any County lands through a
system similar to that utilized by the Bureau of
Land Management.
5. The County should recognize the full potential of
lands capable of.recreational subdivision develop-
ment through, the application of reasonable design
and improvement standards which will: assure proper
access to all lot owners, encourage good design in
relation to natural and scenic amenities, avoid,
adverse effects on adjacent private or public lands,
relate lot area to physical requirements for adequate
sewage disposal and water supply, assure lot owners
.of reasonable access to natural waterways, and pre-
vent impairment of water quality.
b. The Comprehensive Plan should emphasize the impor-
tance of and encourage the retention of.productive
agricultural farm land and the business of farm
operation.
7. Water service to rural areas and unincorporated
communities not ,served by irrigation districts (or
other properly constituted public agencies) should
be provided by public water districts in order to
provide the capital structure, operation and
expansion capability required to assure adequate
service. Private systems should be permitted where
there is a clear-cut capability demonstrated, but
the alternative of public systems should be explored.
8. Proof of capability for water development should be
a condition of plat approval for subdivisions.
9, The Comprehensive Plan should support the retention of
river frontage for public use at selected points and
support concepts of subdivision development which will
assure that adequate river access will be available
to the owners of all lots in subdivisions located
along rivers even though all lots may not front directly
on a river.
10. Industries which require water for processing should
be encourag"s long as industrial operations. are
designed --to assure that the quality of receiving
waters (surface or ground waters) will not be
impaired.
i1. The Plan should seek to preserve air quality at cur-
rent levels, and encourage only those industries
which will not impair air quality.
POLICIES CONCERNING URBAN DEVELOPMENT
1. With the exception of proposals for "planned communi-
ties", new urban development should be accommodated
as an extension of existing urban areas; scattered
urban development should be discouraged. Proposals
for planned communities should be judged on their own
merits in relation to their impact on surrounding
areas, transportation, and resources and to policies
and proposals of the Comprehensive Pian.
The predominant agricultural and open character of
land between the cities and the unincorporated commun-
ities of the County should be preserved. "Suburban
residential" development on parcels ranging from one-
half acre to five acres in area should be encouraged
within the fringe of urban areas and discouraged in
rural areas. "Rural residential" development on
parcels exceeding five acres in area would be appropri-
ate generally within rural areas to accommodate the
part-time farm.
3. Agricultural land quality and productivity should
not be considered as a prime determinant in the
development of proposals for the expansion of existing
urban areas.
4. The cities and the County should develop.coordinated
policies concerning the development of land within
urban fringe areas.
5. Industrial development is to be encouraged and the
capability for expanding existing industrial areas
is to preserved, in accordance with the qualifications
as to type, location and amount of area required for
industrial development as provided under policy
consideration No., 5 in the section on Urban Develop-
ment in Part it of this report.
6. Land should be reserved for commercial development
in central urban locations, in urban fringe areas
and along state highways and County arterial roads
to offer flexibility in meeting the expanding demands
and opportunities for Investment in recreation -
oriented commercial activities; the primary functions
of commercial areas should be identified.
7. Substantial weight should be given to existing land
use patterns as a basis for urban growth proposals
where the expansion of existing patterns is logical
and reasonable and where it would not result in the
extension of existing incompatible land use conditions
or become a barrier to the improvement of existing
conditions over time.
8. The plans for urban areas should differentiate be-
tween residential areas of different density to make
it possible to distinguish between areas of urban
and suburban character and to plan economically for
the provision of utilities, streets and other essen-
tial public services.
POLICIES CONCERNING TRANSPORTATION
3.
The County road construction program should concen-
trate on County Arterial and County Feeder Roads,
.1. The County should join with neighboring counties in
with improvements to minor roads made from mainten-
developing a coordinated approach to the presenta-
ance.rather .than construction monies. The construc-
tion of planning and construction priorities to the
tion of new minor roads by the County should be
'State for achieving needed improvements to elements
avoided.
of the State Highway System,
4.
The County should not assume any responsibility for
2. The following criteria should be recognized and
making improvements to State Secondary Highways.
applied as appropriate in developing the Comprehen-
sive Plan:.
The County and cities should adopt a coordinated
city -County road classification system as described
a. The need for realignment of major sections of
under the section on Transportation in Part it of
U.S. Highway 97 in the Lapine area and between
this report, including the criteria listed as the
the National Forest boundary south of Bend and
principal guidelines for designating a system of
the Deschutes —Jefferson County line north of
arterial and feeder roads and for improving.and
Terrebonne; the relocation of major sections
developing further the County Road system.
of U.S. Highway 20 in the Bend and Sisters
areas.
6.
The County should develop a program of selective
b.,, Sensitivity to the functions of highways for
acquisition of access rights along high traffic
moving traffic between local communities.
volume sections of the Arterial road system; future
rights-of-way for Arterial and Feeder Roads should
c. Highway locations which are sensitive to the
be protected to assure avallabiIlity when needed.
investments and needs of those segments of
the existing business community which cater
7.
Standards of right-of-way width, design and construc-
to highway travel.
tion of roads within urban areas should be coordinated
d. Potentials for new investment in highway com-
and applieduniformly by the County and each city.
mercial.and industrial activity.
8.
The County should develop a joint program with the
e. Maintenance of residential neighborhoods and
cities for Arterial and Feeder Road construction
avoidance of alignments disruptive of urban
which would involve agreements on priorities, sharing
patterns.
of construction and maintenance responsibilities
f. Provide for the safe exchange and free-flow
where commonjurisdiction is involved and contracts
of traffic along and between different segments
for either city or County service.
of the State Highway and County Road systems.
9.
The County should undertake a study to determine
g. Recognition of the importance of highway trans-
the most economical and efficient approach to road
portation to recreation, tourism, and the
construction. The objective would be to determine
general economic development of the central
when construction can best be handled by competitive
Oregon region.
bidding as compared to use of County equipment and
personnel.
16
10. Concern for scenic quality along State Highways and
County Roads should be a matter of County policy In.
the design, placement and construction of roads and
in the development of private uses along roads in
scenic areas. Policies concerning private development
would assure that building tine setbacks, screening
and landscaping, protection of natural features,
outdoor advertising and the appearance of on -premise
signs and the appearance of structures will be given
reasonable consideration.
11. The County should pursue a regional approach to
airport planning with other central Oregon counties,
including the designation of an airport as the com-
mercial facility serving central Oregon and the inclu-
sion of other public general aviation airports in a
regional approach to development and management.
12. The County should provide financial support to the
development and management of public general aviation
airports in Deschutes County.
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PART IV
PROPOSALS OF THE DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Comprehensive Plan for Deschutes County provides policy
guidance with respect to the general direction, extent and
character of urbanization, transportation facility develop-
ment and the management of resource areas of the County for
the next 20 years.
This part of the report describes the proposals of the Com-
prehensive Plan on a County -wide basis. It is important to
note, however, that proposals are shown graphically on a
multi -colored. Plan design entitled "Comprehensive Plan to
1990 - Deschutes County, Oregon" which is included in the
packet for this report. The packet also includes black and
white plan designs for the four major urban centers of the
County. This report and the accompanying plan designs to-
gether comprise the Comprehensive Plan for Deschutes County.
The size of the plan designs for the County and four urban
centers required.that they be folded separately as part of
the packet. This also facilitates viewing of the plan designs
while using the report.
Proposals of the Comprehensive Plan reflect the projections
of population and economic activity and the statements of
comprehensive planning policy described in Partlll of this
report. Plans for the three cities in the County have been
linked and integrated by a highway transportation network
which together constitute the major urban land use and trans-
portation elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The planned
communities of Sun River and Black Butte Ranch, the recreation
service community of Lapine, and the rural -service centers of
Terrebonne,Tumalo, Deschutes Junction, Alfalfa and Brothers
comprise the remaining urban land use elements of the Compre-
hensive Plan.
"0
Rural -resource elements of the Plan include agriculture,
private forest management, parks and recreation areas, recre-
ation areas, recreation -residential development and multiple
use management of large scale public and private land areas
of the County. Public lands include those managed by the
Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the County.
URBAN LAND USE
Maior Urban Elements -- The Cities and Planned Communities
The anticipated urban growth of the cities of Bend, Redmond
and Sisters and of the planned communities of Sun River and
Black Butte Ranch is shown on the multi -colored plan design
entitled "Comprehensive Plan to 1990 - Deschutes County,
Oregon". Residential, commercial and industrial areas, and
major transportation facilities are shown as to general
location, scale and integration.
Both the scale and location of urban development are signifi-
cant, since urban development is confined to the generally
narrow corridor of private land which traverses the west -
central portion of the County between Jefferson and Klamath
Counties. Proposals of the Plan for the Bend, Redmond and
Sisters areas are generalized on the multi -colored plan
design, but they are in more detail on the black and white
plan designs which have been prepared for each urban area
and which are described in Part V of this. report. Therefore,
the more detailed plans for Bend, Redmond and -Sisters take
precedence over the generalized urban area proposals on the
multi -colored County -wide plan design as guides for develop-
ment in these urban areas.
Details of the large 5,500 acre planned community of Sun
River are not included in this description because the
master development plan for Sun River likely will be modified
further as subsequent phases of development are completed.
Elasticity in phase development has proven to be an important
factor in the development of Sun River. But while changes
have been made from the original master development plan,
strict adherance to the overall concepts of planned community
development has been maintained. Similarly, only the outline
of the Black Butte Ranch development is shown on the plan
design. It should be noted that Sun River is being developed
as a large-scale urban complex, and that the Comprehensive
Plan recognizes the future role of Sun River as one of pro-
viding -the full range of residential, commercial, industrial,
recreation -open space, transportation and public facilities
required in support of a new urban center within the County.
Lapine -- A Recreation Service Center
The Comprehensive Plan designates the community of Lapine as
a recreation service center in recognition of the community's
changing primary role from one of support of ranching and
timber operations in the upper Deschutes River area to one of
support of the rapidly -growing recreation industry developing
in the area. Proposals for the Lapine area are shown on the
black and white plan design entitled "Comprehensive Plan to
1990 -- Lapine Area" and are described in Part V of the report
They take precedence over proposals shown on the multi -colored
plan design as they relate to the Lapine community and adjacent
lands. Proposals shown on the multi -colored plan design for
the County as a whole should be referred to in relating pro-
posals for the Lapine Area to surrounding private and public
lands within the southeastern part of the County.
Rural Service Centers
The communities of Tumalo, Terrebonne, Deschutes Junction,
Alfalfa and Brothers are shown on the Plan as rural service
/,M
centers in recognition of their primary functions of service
to surrounding farm areas. Smaller centers, such as Cline
Falls,ae not shown because of their small scale. it is
anticipated that the economic forces which are responsible
for their existence today will, with little change, remain
the primary cause for their continued existence.
At the present time, little basis can be found to anticipate
additional population and urban growth of these rural service
centers and therefore to warrant the immediate preparation
of plans for its accommodation. The principal planning task
is to seek and develop ways and means to overcome existing
problems within these centers in order to provide the best
possible environment for their residents. But while detailed
plans for these communities may not be warranted at this time,
it should be recognized that the relationship of Tumalo and
Terrebonneto the, larger urban communities of Bend and Redmond
may increase their attractiveness as areas of permanent resi-
dential development.
Existing problems of the two larger rural service centers
largely concern inadequate public facilities and services and
incompatible land use arrangements. Their solution will re-
quire a sensitive approach by County government and will not
be possible without the organized interest of local residents.
Through its continuing planning program, the County should
develop plans for these and the other rural service centers
which will be in scale with current problems and limitations
on economic and physical growth, while retaining flexibility
to accommodate additional permanent residential development
which may be generated by employment opportunities in the
cities.
TRANSPORTATION
State Highways
Freeways or expressways on state highways form the spine of
the circulation system proposed by the Plan. The Plan
M
proposes expressway treatment (limited access) for U. S.
Highway 97, U. S. 20, U. S. 126 through rural areas of the
County, and freeway treatment of these highways through
urban areas of the County. Substantial relocation of U.S.
97 is proposed from the National Forest boundary south of
Bend to the Jefferson County line north of Terrebonne.
However, since relocation of U.S. 97 is not anticipated within
the next ten years, the Plan recognizes the importance of the
existing alignment and proposes its full development as an
expressway before by-pass sections are constructed. Other
relocation proposals involve U.S. 20 from Horse Ridge to
Bend, a U.S. 20 by-pass of Bend, utilizing a portion of the
U.S. 97 by-pass, a U.S. 20 by-pass of Sisters, and a U.S. 97
by-pass of Lapine.
State highways proposed for two-lane expressway treatment in-
clude State Route 242, State Route 31, the O'Neill Highway,
the Old Redmond -Bend Highway, Powell -Butte Highway, Tumalo-
Deschutes Highway, and Century Drive from Bend to the National
Forest boundary. With the -exception of State Routes 242 and
31, these state highways are shown on the multi -colored plan
design as County Arter"ials because of their function.
County Arterials
County Arterials provide for the movement of people and goods
between the major urban areas, rural service centers and areas
of agricultural production and employment. They also link
urban and rural areas with major recreation areas, public
facilities of area -wide importance and important highways in
adjacent counties. Limited access treatment is proposed for
all County Arterials outside of urban areas where the high
speed movement of traffic is critical to their function.
Where County Arterials extend into or through incorporated
areas of the cities of Bend, Redmond or Sisters, they are
noted on the plan designs for these urban areas as City Majors.
County Arterials which lie primarily within the boundaries of
the Deschutes National Forest and which are proposed as primary
rw
means ofaccess to recreation areas within the Forest are:
Three Creek Lake Highway (south of Sisters)
Cascade Lakes -Century Drive
Benham Falls Highway (south of Bend)
New Waldo Lake Road
River Road -South Century Drive
Pringle Falls -Burgess Road
East Deschutes Road (between Cascade Lakes Highway
and Pringle Falls Road)
Upper Deschutes Road (from U.S. 97 to Sun River)
County Arterials which link urban areas, rural service
centers and areas of agricultural production and employment
are:
Richard Road (southeast of Bend)
Walker Road (between Bend and Alfalfa)
Powell Butte Highway
Butler Market Road (north Bend)
Shevlln Park Road (west from Bend to Shevtin Park)
Redmond -Bend Highway
Tumalo-Deschutes Highway
O'Neill Highway
Other County Arterials lie within the Bend, Redmond and
Sisters urban areas and are shown on the plan designs for
these urban areas and described in Part V..
County Feeder Roads
County Feeder Roads which lie within the boundaries of the
Deschutes National Forest and which are proposed as secondary
means of access to recreation areas within the Forest and to
adjacent private land areas are:
Sundown Road -Camp Polk Road (north of Sisters)
Skyliners Road (west of Bend)
Waldo Lake Road
Cultus Lake Road
Upper Deschutes Road (from Sun River to Cascade Lakes
Highway)
Spring River Road
East Crane Prairie Road
Twin Lakes Road
Wickiup Road
Masten Road
East Deschutes Road (from Pringle Falls Road to South
Century Drive, and through the Lapine State
Recreation Area)
Pine Drive -River Road (from Lapine to Sun River)
Paulina-East Lake Highway
Lava Cast Forest Road
Arnold Caves Road
County Feeder Roads which provide access to other recreation
areas or to lands in adjacent counties are:
Camp Creek Road (north of Brothers)
Crooked River Highway (eastern county, north from U.S. 20)
Willard Road (east from Alfalfa)
Johnson Marker Road (north from Alfalfa)
Smith Rock Market Road (east from Terrebonne)
County Feeder Roads which provide secondary access to agri-
cultural areas are:
Shevlin Park Road (north from Shevlin Park)
Tumalo-Reservoir Road
Cline Falls Highway
Morril Road (east from Deschutes Junction)
Cloverdale Road (between U.S. 20 and U.S. 126)
Lower Bridge Road
Northwest Market Road
All other County Feeder Roads lie within the Bend, Redmond,
Sisters and Lapine urban areas and are shown on the plan
designs for these areas and described in Part V.
6'
The most significant proposals for County Arterial and County
Feeder road development relate to the provision of new or
improved access to recreation areas within the National
Forest. The Three Creek Lake Highway would permit more
direct access to higher elevation areas of the Forest in the
vicinity of Bachelor Butte; the Benham Falls Highway, between
Century Drive and Lava Butte at U.S. 97, would be an all-
weather recreation loop providing access to the spectacular
Benham Falls section of the Deschutes River; the new Waldo
Lake Road, which essentially will be an extension of River
Road, would permit direct access from within Deschutes County
to the significant recreation potentials of the Waldo Lake
special interest zone within Lake .County; all other routes
are designed primarily for access to existing and planned
recreation occupancy zones of the National Forest.
Airports
Five airports within the County, located at Redmond, Sisters,
Bend, Sun River, and Lapine, are included in the Comprehensive
Plan, The new. Sun River air -strip was located initially as
part of the Sun River community design and therefore is
assured protection from encroachment by incompatible land
use. In the case of the other four airports, however, pro-
tection from such encroachment will be necessary to assure
continued use of the air facilities. Additional private and
semi -private facilities are likely to develop in various
portions of the County, particularly in areas of recreation
and recreation -residential activity.. In such event, it is
proposed that they be located careful.ly with respect to
surrounding lands and flight patterns of existing airports
in the vicinity.
RURAL -RESOURCE USE
Agriculture
The intent of agricultural land use proposals of the Plan is
to preserve and enhance the County's agricultural character
and economic base, conserve areas of high quality soils and
production, and aid in achieving orderly urban expansion.
Two classes of agricultural land are indicated on the Plan.
Intensive agriculture is shown for areas which are now under
irrigation or are capable of being irrigated and where Class
and Class II soils are involved. Extensive agriculture is
shown for those areas of the County where the primary agri-
cultural activity involves grazing for sheep and beef cattle
production. It is proposed that recreation subdivisions be
discouraged within both the intensive and extensive agri-
cultural land areas.
Areas shown for extensive agricultural use are also areas
where a considerable acreage of BLM and County -owned lands
are involved, creating a scattered pattern of public and
private ownership. Consequently, multiple use management is
also proposed for these areas. To a much lesser extent, some
areas shown for intensive agricultural also involve BLM and
County -owned lands. it is proposed that public lands having
capability for such intensive agricultural activities as field
crop production, dairies and poultry production be classified
for such use and made available for private purchase. In the
case of BLM lands, this would require exchange agreements with
the County, with the County then making the land available for
private use. It should be noted, however, that public land
laws may be revised within a few years to permit the direct
sale of BLM lands which may be classified as having their
highest and best use for intensive agricultural production.
Private Forest Management
Three major areas of private land holdings are designated on
the Plan for private forest management. In each case, the
1�
lands are currently managed for timber production. However,
It is recognized that the utility of some of these private
lands for timber production may become of secondary impor-
tance as compared to the management of the lands for recre-
ation and recreation -residential development. The large
consolidated holdings west of Lapine and in the area west
of Bend and south of Sisters may also have potential for
the development of new communities such as Sun River. The
Plan recognizes this potential recreation -residential and
planned community use even though not specifically designated.
Parks and Recreation Areas
Parks and recreation areas having County -wide significance
are indicated on the multi -colored plan design by a pine
tree symbol. Only existing park and recreation areas are
shown, including Lapine State Recreation Area, Lava Butte
State Park, Shevlin Park, Tumalo State Park, Cline Falls
State Park, and Smith Rock State Park. The special recre-
ation potential of areas along the Deschutes River and its
tributaries is recognized under the description of the
Landscape Management Zone included later in this Part of
the report. It should be noted that although not specifically
designated on the Plan design, lands along the Deschutes
River from Bend to the Jefferson County line have considerable
potential for special recreation activity related to the
river environment. it is anticipated and encouraged that
select sites be acquired at intervals by the State and/or
County to ensure that public access to the river will be -
available.
Private endeavor is a most important force in outdoor recrea-
tion, involving individual initiative, many kinds of voluntary
groups, and commercial enterprise. The Plan does not propose
therefore that the total burden of recreation demand be a
government responsibility. The total "recreation gap" will
never be closed without private effort and provision of recrea-
tion facilities. Such provision is encouraged by the Plan
to further broaden the base of recreation opportunity within
the County and to permit the greatest possible positive
economic benefit from the recreation dollar. Local government
should: (1) stimulate diversified commercial recreation in-
vestments on private lands and waters; (2) promote greater
public recreation use of private lands and waters; (3) support
the efforts of charitable, service and civic organizations to
acquire and conserve outdoor recreation sites which serve
public needs; (4) encourage and stimulate donations from pri-
vate individuals and groups; and (5) permit private enterprise
to play an important role in partnership with government
through a concession system of private construction and owner-
ship (or lease) of facilities which are in scale with and which
complement recreation space and facilities.
Recreation -Residential Development
Because of the limited acreage of private land in Deschutes
County, and the economic potential of subdividing land for
recreation use, the Plan proposes substantial areas within
southern, central, and northern portions of the County as
areas suitable for encouraging recreation -residential
development.
Generally speaking, private lands which are considered suitable
for recreation -residential development are those lands which
are located close to or within areas of significant recreation
attraction, where methods and techniques of water supply and
sewage disposal can be utilized without degradation of surface
and underground water supplies, where access via highways and
roads is now or reasonably can be made available, and where
recreation -residential development will not conflict with -
other proposals of the Plan which reserve lands for agricul-
ture and other resource management purposes. The most easily
identifiable areas which meet these criteria are private lands
within the upper Deschutes River Basin south of Sun River, and
lands west and northwest of Bend and in the vicinity of Sisters.
Other areas within the County which may be suitable for
recreation -residential development include lands designated
10
for Private Forest Management. It should be noted, however,
that many parcels of land suitable for recreation -residential
development lie within the fragmented pattern of BLM and
County -owned lands and therefore must be considered in re-
lationship to such public lands during the process of sub-
division review.
FOREST MANAGEMENT ZONES
The Pian recognizes the essential requirements for maximizing
the utility of National Forest lands under the principle of
multiple use management, including timber production on a
sustained yield basis, fish and game management, grazing,
watershed protection, the preservation of wilderness areas,
the protection of scenic quality, and broadly based oppor-
tunities for outdoor recreation.
In December of 1968, the Pacific Northwest Region of the
National Forest Service published the management guidelines
which are and will be used for the management of the Deschutes
National Forest as well as other national forest within the
Oregon Cascades. Six zones of special use or activity are
shown for the Deschutes National Forest providing the manage-
ment direction and coordination policy for wilderness and
primary recreation zones. They are: recreation occupancy
zone, wilderness, landscape management zone, Alpine zones,
special interest zone and multiple use management zone. These
special management zones are shown on the Plan design and
are described below.
Recreation Occupancy Zone
A Recreation Occupancy Zone has the same meaning as a site
for recreation development which is either suitable for future
use or is already developed for a specific recreation use or
combination of uses. Typical development includes campgrounds,
picnic facilities, winter sports, organization camps, resorts
and recreation residences. This zone has particular signifi-
cance for Deschutes County in that it identifies the areas
where intensive recreation activity within the National Forest
is to be encouraged, and also indicates the extent to which
commercial recreation activities may be encouraged within the
Forest. More than 50 separate recreation occupancy zones are
shown on the Plan, ranging from individual campgrounds to
large existing and planned recreation complexes. The majority
of development sites are located adjacent to major lakes and
reservoirs within the Forest with most of the remainder located
along the Deschutes River. Proposals of the Plan for the
location of County Arterial and County Feeder roads within
the National Forest relate directly to areas proposed for
recreation occupancy. It should be noted that recreation
occupancy for ,general public use will be given preference
over exclusive occupancy for individual use. Areas which have
particular potential and significance for commercial recreation
activities such as resorts will be subject to specific con-
trols and requirements to assure preservation or enhancement
of the natural environment characteristics of a site while
accommodating the public.
Wilderness Zone
Two contiguous wilderness areas are shown along the western
border of the County. The Three Sisters Wilderness Area is
the largest within Deschutes County, but represents less than
half of the entire Three Sisters Wilderness Area. A small
portion of the Mount Washington Wilderness Area is also in-
cluded on the Plan, with the remainder located in Lane and
Linn Counties.
These wilderness areas are to be administered "... to preserve
and restore the wilderness resource including the opportunity
for solitude, physical and mental challenge, inspiration,
distinctive environment and wilderness characteristics of the
lands." The wilderness areas will be managed for "...primitive
��
recreation, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation,
and historical values and opportunities to the extent con-
sistent with the preservation and restoration of the wilder-
ness resource of the land." The primary management objectives
are: (1) to allow free natural ecological succession;,
(2) to allow human use to the extent possible consistent
with the maintenance of primitive conditions; and (3) main-
tain the dominance of wilderness values in resolving con-
flicts in resource use to the extent not limited by the
Wilderness Act or subsequent legislation.
Landscape Management Zone
The Landscape Management Zone is intended primarily for the
preservation of areas of outstanding scenic quality as viewed
from the principal highways providing access to recreation
areas within the Forest and from Recreation Occupancy Zones,
lakes and streams. Substantial acreage within the National
Forest has been designated within the Landscape Management
Zone. Areas within the zone vary in size from narrow bands
along highways, emphasizing the foreground or near -view area
adjacent to the highway for the observation of details of the
landscape, to large areas in the background or distant -view
which is generally of massive scale and which provides an
attractive backdrop.
Areas in the National Forest designated as Landscape Management
Zones are too numerous to describe separately. The width and
boundaries of the zone should be considered schematic, al-
though they are based on more detailed boundaries shown on
multiple use pians for the Forest. The large areas and sub-
stantial mileage of roads which have been included in the
Landscape Management Zone indicate the importance of areas of
outstanding scenic quality viewed from the highway by the
forest user to the recreation economy of the County. For, it
is the scenic quality of the National Forest which combines
with specific recreation attractions to create the high levels
of recreation demand and use within the County.
In addition to those Landscape Management Zones shown in the
Forest Service Management Plan, the zones have been extended
along all highways which pass through private land areas
leading to Forest recreation areas. These extensions will
provide continuity between adjacent public and private land
areas, and will assure coordination between the County and
the National Forest Service in maintaining the integrity of
the Landscape Management Zones under the jurisdiction of
the Forst Service. It is proposed that the County work
cooperatively with the Office of the local Forest Supervisor
to determine the more specific boundaries of the zones to be
applied along highways leading through private land areas
within the National Forest boundary, and that reasonable
controls be developed to assure compatibility of private
development with the objectives of the Landscape Management
Zone. In keeping with the policies underlying the Compre-
hensive Plan, landscape Management Zones have also been
extended along limited sections of the State and County
Highway System outside of the National Forest boundary.
A further and unique application of the Landscape Management
Zone has been made to areas along the Deschutes River and its
tributaries (Fall River, Spring River and the Little Deschutes
River) in recognition of the special and sensitive qualities
of the river environment within the National Forest and ad-
jacent private, BLM and County -owned lands. Management re-
quirements along the river demand that the river and adjacent
marsh, meadow or forest lands be maintained in their natural
state, without any disturbance or with a minimum disturbance
of the landscape, depending on the specific character of the
area involved.
A particularly sensitive type of area is the mar§h and
meadowland which borders the Little Deschutes River. These
areas are vital as habitats for fish and wildlife and are
irreplaceable if damaged. The ecology of these areas is so
sensitive that even modest damage, if not treated rapidly,
can start a chain reaction which in time will result in con-
siderable loss of the surrounding natural landscape. And.
10
what makes the urgency so great for developing cooperative
management standards and programs between the County, the
Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management is the fact
that much of the marsh and meadow lands are held in private
ownership and subject to recreation -residential type develop-
ment. The Plan therefore proposes that management controls
be developed which can be applied during the subdivision
review and construction process to avoid degradation of the
river environment.
Alpine Zone
The Alpine Zone involves areas in upper elevations and which
are not already Included in the Wilderness, Special interest
or Recreation Occupancy Zones. Generally speaking, the Alpine
Zone contains high elevation lakes, open alpine meadows,
glaciers, geologic features and outstanding scenery in
abundance. The management objective of this zone is to main-
tain or enhance opportunities for "... both conventional out-
door recreation and wilderness experience with minimum
modification of the landscape to maintain a natural, scenic
appearance," Because of their Importance in recreation pur-
suits, fish and wildlife values are to be emphasized.
Four Alpine areas have been designated on the Plan. The
largest is located at Bachelor Butte and extends south of
Mount Bachelor for approximately 6 miles in a narrow band
averaging one mile in width. The second largest area is lo-
cated along the south and east slope of Broken Top Mountain
adjacent to the Three Sisters Wilderness Area boundary. Two
smaller areas are located at the County line near Charlton
Lake and Maiden Peak. Because of the sensitive character
of the landscape at high elevations, management controls will
be applied to avoid over -intensive recreation use likely to
cause degradation of the landscape, while permitting and
encouraging specialized recreation activity and facilities
to give the public and opportunity to enjoy high mountain
scenery and activities.
Special Interest Zone
The Special Interest Zone involves areas having unusual
recreation values deserving preservation in a substantially
natural condition. Within Deschutes County, five areas have
been designated involving special geological, botanical and
recreation interest. The broad management objective of the
Special Interest Zone is to make available unusual or special
values for public study, use, and enjoyment. Special Interest
Zones shown on the Plan are: (1) Hosmer Lake, involving 50
acres and a botanical special interest; (2) Lava Butte, in-
volving nearly 9,000 acres having a geological special interest;
(3) Lava Cast Forest, involving 5,600 acres having a geological
special interest; (4) Newberry Crater, involving more than
17,000 acres having a geological special interest; (5) Waldo
Lake, involving over 32,000 acres having a recreation special
interest; and (6) Lavacicle Cave involving 80 acres having a
geological interest.
Only a small portion of the Waldo Lake special interest area
lies within Deschutes County. More specific management plans
are being prepared for each of the special interest areas
shown on the Plan. When completed, these Plans will detail
management objectives and prescriptions for public use and
enjoyment of the individual areas, and will take cognizance
of the special care required in the management of these
unique areas.
A unique special interest feature is the Oregon Skyline Trail,
Oregon's part of the Pacific Crest Trail system. It is shown
on the Plan design as a dashed line along the western boundary
of the County. The Trail will be managed as a continuous route
for horseback riding and hiking, extending 450 miles along the
Cascades in Oregon and into adjacent states as part of the
National Scenic Trail System established by Congress in 1968.
Multiple Use Management
While the five zones described above relate to the management
of specific wilderness and primary recreation zones, the vast
/rV&
majority of land,within the National Forest not otherwise
in a specific zone involves other resources considered to
be primary through the application of multiple use manage-
ment plans. Thus, land within the remainder of the National
Forest will be managed for the five renewable resources
(recreation, range, timber, water, wildlife and fish), min-
erals, transportation, fire protection, and special land
use and administrative occupancies required for the management
of the Forest as a whole.
It is important to note that a broad variety of land -use
conflicts and opportunities exist within the National
Forest boundary where National Forest land is adjacent to
private lands. An area of particular importance is along
the upper Deschutes River from the Benham Falls area south
to the Klamath County line. In January of 1969, a proposed
plan setting forth management directions was prepared for
the Deschutes River Recreation Area. The proposed manage-
ment plan covers the full range of resources and problems
posed by the intermingling of public and private lands. The
proposals of this Plan which relate to the planning policy
underlying proposals of the Deschutes County Comprehensive
Plan are too numerous and detailed in their description for
inclusion in this report.
It is proposed that the Deschutes River Recreation Area Plan
be studied carefully by the County in cooperation with the
Office of the Forest Supervisor as an initial step towards
advancing the achievement of the many objectives contained
in the Plan in which the County and the Forest Service have
common objectives. The Deschutes River Recreation Area Plan
prepared by the Forest Service represents an important step
toward implementation of policies and proposals of the
Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan as it relates to the
upper Deschutes River area. Its application to landscape
management zones and other areas outside of the National
Forest is now warranted.
INITIAL HOUSING ELEMENT
The Initial Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan repre-
sents the first step toward achieving the goal of decent,
safe and sanitary housing for all of the people residing in
Deschutes County and its communities. The Element was not
initially included in the comprehensive planning program,
but has since been added to comply with recently adopted
federal guidelines and requirements. The Initial Housing
Element is concerned primarily with:
1. A general appraisal of major current problems and
obstacles in meeting the housing needs of people in
all economic segments of the market and in all urban
and rural 'areas of the County, and
2. The directions required for overcoming problems and
obstacles and for meeting the housing needs of the
new residents who will move to the County in coming
years.
The Initial Housing Element is consistent with national
housing objectives as set forth by Congress in the Housing
and Urban Development Act of 1968, and with guidelines and
requirements subsequently established under the authority
of th A by the Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ment.�1t 0� The Congress established a target of 26 million
new housing units to be constructed by 1978, in response
to critical shortages in housing which are expected if
housing starts are not substantially increased, and in
response to the already common problem nationally of inad-
equate housing to meet the needs of todays population.
(10) Comprehensive Planning Assistance Handbook No 1,
Guidelines Leading to a Grant, Department of Housing
and Urban Development, March, 1969.
Itco
The relationship of the Housing Element to other objectives,
policies and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan is mani-
fested In several ways. One particularly important rela-
tionship at this time concerns the objectives of the Plan
for economic development and the raising of income levels.
For, it seems clear that counties which fail to tackle
their housing needs will not fulfill their economic poten-
tial or responsibilities for assisting in improving the
quality of life for all local residents. In Deschutes
County, such inattention would result in the denial to
many thousands of people of the opportunity to improve
their standard of living and to attain goals for themselves
and their families.
Existing Housing Problems
It would (and does) appear to many that Deschutes County
does not exhibit the problems of inadequate housing which
are so characteristic of urban counties, major cities and
metropolitan areas. However, such an appraisal is illusion-
ary in the face of a glaring statistic that approximately
27% of all dwelling units in the County are in a dilapi-
dated or deteriorating condition.
This illusion nevertheless persists because of the general
physical and economic character of the County which tends
to obscure the realities of existing housing conditions,
needs and requirements. Some of the factors which con-
tribute to this obscurity are:
1. The vast scale and natural beauty of the County.
2. A County population under 30,000 distributed among
three cities, small unincorporated communities, and
rural area, where the largest concentration has an
urban area population under 18,000.
3. A style of living where a low-density residential
environment is dominant.
4. A relatively low income and employment scale for per-
manent residents which is overshadowed by the relatively
high level of affluence of tourists visiting the County.
5. The virtual absence of publicly expressed social unrest
associated with the problems of people in low-income
minority groups. In 1960, the non-white population
of the County constituted only six -tenths of one
percent of the total County population.
The table below further indicates the relationship of economic
conditions and the ability of families to improve their
housing conditions:
Percentage of Households by Income Group, Deschutes County
1960, 1963, 1966
Income Group Percent of Total Households
1960 1963 1966
$0,000 - $2,499 19.0% 25.1% 21.9%%
$2,500 - $3,999 22.2% 29.8%/% 23.7%
$4,000 - $6,999 35.0% 23.6%/% 28.4%
$7,000 - $9,999 14.7% 11.2% 13.0%
$10,000- and over 9.1% 10.3% 13.0%/
(Source: Survey of Buying Power, Sales Management Magazine,
1960, 1963, 1966)
Between 1960 and 1966, the percentage of households having
annual incomes under $4,000 actually increased --- from 41.2%
to 45.6%; whereas the percentage in the middle and upper -
middle range ($4,000 - $9,999) declined from 49.7% to 41.4%.
Only those households in the $10,000 and over group increased,
from 9.1% to 13.0%.
Thus, during a period when income was increasing generally
throughout the country, income declined for nearly 50% of
the County's population. When viewed in relation to the
rise in the total cost of living during the same period,
it indicates that the "buying power" of many families was
reduced even greater than is apparent from the income
statistics. in 1967, Sales Management Magazine changed
its income groupings partly to indicate better the effective
buying income of households in relation to inflationary
forces of the first part of the decade. The change for
the period 1967 - 1969 is shown below for the new income
groupings:
Percentage of Households by
Income Group, Deschutes County,
1967
- 1969
Income Group
Percent
of Total
Households
1967
8
1969
$0,000 -
$2,999
24.0%
24.2%
23.6%
$3,000 -
$4,999
16.3%
16.5%
15.6%
$5,000 -
$7,999
33.6%
33.6%
33.4%
$8,000 -
$9,999
12.5%
12.4%
13.0%
$10,000-
and over
13.6%
13.3%
14.4%
During the last few years, the percentage of households in
the three lower income groupings shows a slight decline.
This is consistent with the stablizing influence of the
gradual transition of the regional and local economy dis-
cussed in Part II. However, it is still quite apparent that
nearly 40% of the households have incomes under $5,000, and
that at least 25% of the households live under conditions
of object poverty. In contrast, only 35% of the households
in the State had incomes under $5,000 in 1969.
A comparison of both tables indicates that the highest group
($10,000 and over) has increased steadily as a percentage of
total households over the decade -- from 9.1% to 14.4%. But
even this group, is substantially behind the State as a
whole for the same period, where percentage changes went
from 9.5% to 19.0%/%
The steady rise in the $10,000 and over group helps to account
for the concentration of home-building at prices which are
out -of -reach of the majority of the population. But in
an economy where the total costs of housing are rising at
rates much faster than household income, a higher percentage
of the County's population is priced -out of the market
for new housing today than was the case in 1960. It is
not unreasonable to assume that a majority of the over
70% of all households (those under $8,000 in income) are
priced -out of the market today.
The discussion above takes on greater import when it is
realized that: (1) the County continues to attract
population from other areas in search of a place for retire-
ment; (2) the County is in something less than a good posi-
tion for meeting the housing requirements of people moving
to the County to fill job openings; and, (3) the potential
for new industrial development is diminished as long as
housing is unavailable In sufficient quantity and type to
meet the varying needs of all people who would be employed
by industry.
Only a relatively small percentage of retired families have
income security sufficient to off -set inflationary trends
in housing and general living costs. Many retired families
are on fixed incomes under $5,000 per year and have a desire
for the small housing unit which takes little up -keep and
frees time for other pursuits. The housing requirements
of this group will aggravate further the problem of providing
housing for families in the lower income groups.
The overall economic considerations associated with the
availability or capability of providing housing for employees
In new industries are serious, particularly where skilled
personnel from outside the County would be imported to fill
certain jobs which could not easily be filled by people in
the existing local labor force because of the specialized
training required. And even where such training would be
instituted, industrial managers are becoming increasingly
concerned for the overall well-being of their employees,
including their ability to obtain adequate housing commensurate
with their income.
.K 0
Obstacles to the Solution of Housing Problems
This section classifies and describes several obstacles
to the solution of housing problems. They are listed gener-
ally in their order of importance, but it should be under-
stood that the order of description is relative to the views
of the analyst, based on limited data available for analysis.
1. The Limitation of Lav -Income:
This factor has been described at length above, and
clearly represents the most difficult of all obsctacles
to overcome for a majority of the County's residents.
It hits hardest at those households in the lower
income groups, but also serves to limit people in the
middle-income group because of the percentage of
households concentrated in the $4,000 - $6,999
income group.
2. The Lack of Local Governmental Authority and Interest:
A very limited local governmental interest has been
shown over the years in providing the governmental
machinery and capability required to provide federally -
assisted low-income public housing units for the
many families who could qualify. If such units had
been provided in some reasonable quantity for a sus-
tained period of time in the past, housing needs would
be far less severe today than they are.
It must be understood, however, that lack of support
historically by local government is largely a response
to the prevailing attitudes of many people who them-
selves have relied on a "pioneer spirit" which is still
prevalent in Central Oregon. With over 57% of the
households in 1960 within the $2,500 - $6,999 income
groups, resentment to the concept of publicly -assisted
housing is better understood. For, many people who
would not have qualified under federal programs
developed prior to the middle 1960's were (and are
still) not much better off than those who could
qualify.
3. Lack of Data and Analysis:
Related to Item 2 is the lack of data and analysis
which is needed to provide the basis for understanding
the extent of housing problems and needs within the
County, and the directions for solutions which are
available. There is little knowledge of the quality
of the existing housing stock nor of housing needs
related to all economic segments of the population.
4. The Costs of Conventional Housing:
Related to Item t is the cost -price squeeze within the
housing market nationally and which affects even more
critically the populations of rural counties where
disparities in income capability are more pronounced
than in more highly populated urban areas. Higher
costs of home construction and financing combine to
require a further draining of family financial resources
to purchase or rent a home or apartment today as com-
pared to only one year ago. Thus, the list of families
who are"priced-out" of the market because of infla-
tionary forces likely has been lengthened considerably
in Deschutes County only recently.
5. Age of the Existing Housing Stock -Sound Older Homes
Generally Not Available:
A majority of .the existing older homes which are not
sub -standard are unavailable to families who desire to
"trade -up". And even for families who can afford to
trade -up, the option of an older home often is unde-
sirable because of inadequate size.
6. Limitation in the Type of Housing Available:
Until recently, little attention was given to providing
greater variety in the type of housing units available.
V40
For example, in 1965, housing types in Bend were:
86% single-family; 2.5% two-family; 9.2% multi-
family; and 2.5% mobile homes (in mobile home parks).
Recent apartment starts and growth in the mobile home
industry point to a change, but progress is slow in
relation to need. The over -concentration on conven-
tional single-family home starts limits the availa-
bility of improved housing for many families.
7. Inadequate Codes:
The inventory of substandard dwellings continues to
grow, not only as a result of attrition, but also
because new units continually are being built in the
County with structural or other deficiencies. The
County lacks building, electrical, plumbing and
housing codes to assure that all new construction is
built to reasonable standards of health and safety.
8. Inadequate Water Supply and Sewerage Disposal Systems:
This obstacle has at least four dimensions: (1) The
threat to public health posed by existing develop-
ments where contamination of water supplies has been
detected; (2) there are no central sewerage disposal
systems within the County except one small system
serving part of the Bend Central district; (3) sub-
divisions are being created in recreation areas
without demonstrating capability for water supply
or waste disposal; and (4) new State regulations will
add high costs to housing development and further
impede efforts to provide housing for families in the
low and moderate -income groups.
The first three dimensions have been described in
Part il. The fourth factor relates to recently
adopted State requirements that municipal sewerage
systems be developed by 1980. While such development
is critical and essential to the future economic
well-being of County and City residents, the geologic
character of underlying strata (lava) presents cost
considerations which are far beyond the financial cap-
abilities of the cities and unincorporated communities
if conventional approaches to the design and construc-
tion of waste collection systems are followed. Conven-
tional approaches, involving the laying of all pipe
underground, will involve extraordinarily high costs
and thus add substantially to the costs of housing
construction. It may even require an allocation of
local financial resources to such an extent as to
deprive the people of funds for many other essential
public services -- including housing programs for
people of low and moderate -income.
Housing Objectives, Planning Activities and implementing
Actions to 1975
This final section presents a series of housing and housing -
related objectives and the programming of activities and
actions required to achieve those objectives for the
next 3 - 5 years, in relation to the problems and obstacles
described previously.
A brief description of recent planning activities related to
housing is provided first as general background. To the
extent possible, target dates for initiation and completion
are shown (e.g., 1970-1972). More refined programming will
not be possible until the recommendations of the Initial
Housing Element have been discussed and policy adopted
officially.
An overriding consideration is that the development of an
effective approach to the solution of housing problems
insists on a comprehensive intergovernmental approach
involving the County, the three cities and private enter-
prise. Private interests should be represented by a cross-
section of both "producer" and "consumer" groups, including
real estate, home building, developers, construction materials
supply, title insurance, fire insurance, banking, savings and
+Jr (of
loan institutions, utilities, major employers and the
public -at -large. All economic segments of the market should
be represented.
Previous Planning Activities:
Planning activities initiated or undertaken by the County
and three cities during the previous year which are related
to housing have centered on: (1) the preparation of the
Comprehensive Plan for the County; (2) the appointment and
organization of the County Planning Commission; (3) the
appointment of a County Planning Director; (4) the provision
of planning services by the County to the cities on a contract
basis; (5) the preparation of proposed development regula-
tions concerning the subdivision and zoning of land; (6)
the preparation of an area -wide comprehensive plan for water
and sewer facilities for unincorporated urban areas of the
County; (7) the preparation of sewerage facility plans for
the cities of Bend and Redmond; and (8) the conduct of the
Deschutes County Long -Range Planning Conference, sponsored
by the Deschutes County Extension Advisory Council in
cooperation with the Cooperative Extension Service of Oregon
State University.
With the publishing of this Comprehensive Plan document,
all activities have been completed with the exception of
Item 5 (proposed zoning ordinance) and Item 6.
Housing Objectives to 1975:
1. Provide the policy framework within local government
which will assure that private enterprise will have
access to federal assistance programs for the con-
struction and management of housing for families of
low and moderate income. (1970)
attention should be given to Tumalo, Terrebonne and Deschutes
Junction because of their close relationship to the larger
urban areas of Bend and Redmond.
Additional Elements of the Comprehensive Plan
In order to carry out the policies and proposals of the
Comprehensive Plan on a County -wide basis, additional ele-
ments of the Comprehensive Plan will be required. Those
elements in the following list which are marked with an
asterisk (%,) are those which the federal, and/or state
governments have identified as being an essential component
of a Comprehensive Plan for purposes of eligibility under
grant-in-aid and loan programs:
Environmental Management:
Water and sewer facilities element (%r)
Water quality management (*)
Open space and scenic conservation element (%)
Flood control and drainage element (*)
Solid waste management
Air pollution control element
Noise pollution control element
Housing Element (*)
Economic Development Element
Public Services and Facilities:
Comprehensive health element
Fire protection element
Law enforcement element
Library service element
Public utility element (gas, electricity and telephone)
Governmental Management:
Financial plan element (',)
Information management
/&21
Citizen participation (%;)
Referral
REVIEW AND PERIODIC REVISION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
An alertness to changing conditions and unforeseen impacts
is essential to the success of any planning program.
Whether it be a new college program, large industrial de-
velopment or changes in the administration of local govern-
ment, the planning program must respond to these shifts
and unanticipated developments. Accordingly, the Compre-
hensive Plan, based on the soundest of information and
judgment available, must be kept up to date. At any point
in time, two, five and ten years from now, the plan for
future development should take both a medium and long-
range look ahead. The Plan should be reviewed jointly
by the cities and the County every two years, preferably
during the winter season prior to formulation of the annual
budget. It is doubtful that major changes will be required
during the annual review period for the next 3-5 years.
At least once every five years, the basic studies reviewed
in Part II should be re -analyzed to determine whether revi-
sions are necessary in the policies and proposals of the Plan
and in the program of Plan implementation.
2. Achieve greater use of mobile homes as a means of
satisfying low-income, retirement and recreation
segments of the housing market. (1970 - 1975)
3. Identify and quantify the full range of housing
problems and needs within the County as a basis for
the selection and implementation of coordinated
actions by the County, the cities and private
interests on a systematic basis. (1970 - 1972)
4. Increase employment and wage levels of people in
lower income groups through a coordinated approach
involving vocational training for those types of
jobs described in Part II offering the greatest oppor-
tunity for improving employment and income within
the existing labor force. (1970 - 1975)
5. Create publicly -assisted housing for those lav -income
families who otherwise could not qualify for housing
in the conventional market. Locations should be
selected so as to avoid a "project" appearance by
utilizing undeveloped properties throughout residen-
tial areas. (1971 - 1975)
6. Develop a greater mix of housing types offered through
the conventional market to meet the varying require-
ments of families of different age, size, income,
occupation and interests; increase the percentage of
multi -family housing starts. (1970 - 1975)
7. Develop governmental policies which will not be re-
strictive of innovation or experimentation in the
provision of new housing by private enterprise.
(1971 - 1972)
8. Develop housing and housing -related codes which
reflect the policies developed under Item 7, above,
and which are "tailored" to the needs of Deschutes
County. (1971 - 1972)
9. Avoid to the maximum extent possible the extraordi-
nary costs associated with the provision of sewerage
collection, treatment, and disposal facilities on
a conventional basis, including costs of system
development, maintenance, financing, and manage-
ment. (1970 - 1975)
Planning Activities and Implementation Actions:
Adopt the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan.
2. Undertake a comprehensive County -wide study of
housing conditions, including: (a) housing quality;
(b) housing quality in relation to the socio-economic
characteristics of occupants; (c) characteristics
of the existing housing market; (d) factors affecting
the pricing of rental and purchase housing locally;
(e) effective demand and need for housing to 1975
and 1980; (f) methods for the elimination of sub-
standard housing; and (g) action programs required
for implementation. The study should result in the
preparation and adoption, on an intergovernmental
basis, of a Comprehensive Housing Plan and Program
for Deschutes County. The study should utilize
socio-economic and housing data to be provided by the
1970 Census, involve field surveys and personal
interviews, and utilize the experience and knowledge
of local producer and consumer groups. (1970 - 1972)
3. In relation to Item 2. above, create a Local Housing
Authority (County -wide) as provided under Oregon
Statutes, and identify the extent to which federally -
assisted low -rent public housing program alternatives
should be used as compared to publicly -assisted
private and conventional approaches to providing
housing for low and moderate -income families; develop
an action program for providing low -rent units as
required throughout the County. (1970 - 1975)
4. In connection with Item 2, above, undertake an analysis
of existing city subdivision zoning and building devel-
opment regulations, amend existing regulations as
appropriate and provide regulations at the County level
designed to carryout Objectives No. 7 and 8. (1971-1972)
5. Drawing upon State and Federal assistance as required,
develop a manpower training program in cooperation
with local industries, high schools and the Central
Oregon Community College to carry out Objective No.
4. (1970-1975)
6. Undertake a comprehensive study of the Metolius and
Upper Deschutes River Basin to determine ground and
surface water characteristics, sources of pollution
and contamination, and methods of liquid waste treat-
ment and disposal which will maintain water quality
at high levels at reasonable costs of development,
maintenance, operation and management. (1970 - 1975)
1f IAC
PART V
URBAN ELEMENTS Of THE DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INTRODUCTION
This Part of the report describes the proposals of the
Comprehensive Plan as they relate more directly to the Bend,
Redmond and Sisters urban areas and to the recreation service
center of Lapine. In interpreting these proposals, it is
important to use the written descriptions in this Part of
the report together with the black and white plan designs
for the four urban centers which are included in the packet
for this report.
Proposals of the Comprehensive Plan for the Bend, Redmond,
Sisters and Lapine Areas reflect the projections of popu-
lation and economic activity,and the statements of policy
described in Part 111. The proposals as shown graphically
on the plan designs contained in the packet were developed
first through the preparation of "sketch plans" for each
urban area. These sketch plans were reviewed with the
Citizens Planning Advisory Committee, with the planning
commissions and legislative bodies of the three cities, and
with the County Planning Commission and County Court. Simi-
larly, this sketch plan and review process was followed
simultaneously in the development of proposals of the Com-
prehensive Plan for the County as a whole as shown on the
multi -colored pian design.
x AW7
PART V - 1
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - BEND AREA
LAND USE ELEMENT
Residential Areas
Residential areas shown on the Plan for the Bend Area are
capable of accommodating a 1990 urban population of from
25,000 to 28,000 people, with additional areas designated
as residential reserves in the event that the population of
the urban area increases more rapidly than as currently
anticipated.
Two categories of residential development are shown on the
Plan for the Bend Area in consideration of the different
intensities (densities) of residential development which
must be accommodated. They are:
Urban Residential: (Lots ranging from 7,000 square
feet in the more densely urbanized
part of the community to one-half
acre in areas closer to the out-
lying fringe of the community)
Suburban Residential: (Lots ranging from one-half acre
to five acres and located in out-
lying.fringe areas of the com-
munity)
These categories reflect to a great extent the trends in
residential development which have emerged over the past
decade. The tendency toward large lots (suburban residential)
is not only a reflection of the need for space to permit in-
dividual water and sewage disposal systems, but also is the
result of a desire for "space" in a setting where wide open
grandeur is the dominant characteristic of the land.
Urban residential areas reflect existing patterns of growth
to the north, east and west and the area which is capable of
being served economically by a central sewage collection and
disposal system. Urban residential expansion to the northeast
is limited somewhat by requirements for the location of a
sewage treatment plant capable of serving urban residential
densities within the entire community.
Urban residential expansion to the northwest is limited by
the location of Aubrey Butte. However, the amount of develop-
able land on the south and east faces of the Butte is con-
siderable. Both the character of the terrain and scenic
views offered from these slopes combine to create an attrac-
tive residential environment for those people who can afford
the higher costs of development involved.
Urban residential expansion west along Shevlin Park Road
reflects the attraction of the Community College environment,
the rolling topography and heavy natural vegetation in the
area. Expansion to the south and north is limited, however,
by existing industrial areas and areas which have potential
for industrial use. Expansion to the southeast and east
reflects the attractiveness of the area for large scale
development where topography is not a limiting factor and
where the costs of developing subdivisions will be more reason-
able in relation to the dominant characteristics of the market
for housing within the community.
Suburban residential areas are shown in all quadrants of the
community. Areas to the northeast, east, southeast and south
generally are committed to suburban residential densities be-
cause of the existing patterns of large lot development in
these areas and the pattern of land ownership which makes it
Jt
difficult to assemble land for subdivision into urban
residential lots.
A considerable acreage has been designated on the Plan as
"suburban reserve". Such reserve areas denote a sense of
timing in having a low priority for development -- i.e.,
areas which are not expected to develop to any considerable
extent until after 1980. However, it does not mean that
these areas could not develop sooner if development stand-
ards and needs for municipal -type services and facilities
can be met. A particularly important factor which will
influence the extent of suburban residential development
will be the extent to which more costly approaches to water
supply and sewage disposal will be required through the
imposition of more stringent water quality controls. Such
controls might easily result in a much lower population
density 'in suburban residential areas through an increase
in the amount of lot area required for individual sewage
disposal systems.
Two areas designated suburban reserve require special
mention. They are the area south of the community between
U.S. 97 and the .Deschutes River and the area on and below
the northerly slopes of Aubrey Butte. The southerly area
is already subdivided into five acre parcels. But because
of poor platting and poor access provided by a street circu-
lation system which is circuitous and underdesigned, sig-
nificant development in the area is not anticipated for many
years, and even may be postponed indefinitely.
The area north of the Butte offers spectacular views of the
Cascades and heavily forested areas west of Bend. This area
might develop early if College Way is extended around the
north slope of the Butte and across the Deschutes River to
provide better access to the Community College from com-
munities and agricultural areas in the northern part of the
County.
Commercial Areas
Three categories of commercial land use are designated on
the Plan. They are neighborhood commercial, general commercial
and highway commercial.
Neighborhood commercial areas are designated by a triangle and
circle symbol to indicate general location. Only two such
centers are shown on the Plan along Portland Avenue. However,
additional centers may be required in eastern and southern
sections of the community and would best be located in areas
designated for highway commercial in those sections.
General commercial areas are limited primarily to the central
business district, to the area along Th.i.rd Street (existing
U.S. 97) between the railroad crossings, and to Greenwood
Avenue from Third Street east to Pilot Butte. Whereas the
central business district remains as the primary retail center
for the community, Third Street has become the center for
tourist -oriented and convenience shopping activities, including
motels, restaurants, business offices, supermarkets and re-
lated neighborhood commercial store -types. Greenwood Avenue
has developed more as an office center, with neighborhood
shopping facilities located near Pilot Butte. General com-
mercial areas are shown also along Third Street north and
south of the railroad crossings and along First Street north
of the central business district. These areas would accom-
modate those types of uses which are more service oriented,
such as repair shops and wholesale activities.
Highway commercial areas providing services which cater
primarily to highway traffic are encouraged at entrances to
the community along Century Drive, along existing U.S. 97
(south), along U.S. 20 (east of Pilot Butte) and at the
intersection of U.S. 20 and U.S. 97 (north). In addition,
a highway commercial "reserve's area is shown west of the
proposed interchange which would link the proposed realign-
ments of U.S. 97 and U.S. 20 east of the community. Highway
commercial development would not be encouraged at this loca-
tion until the U.S. 97 by-pass is constructed,
101
Industrial Development
The Plan proposes that existing industrial areas are to be
preserved, with additional land available to accommodate
the expansion needs of existing industries. Such areas are
concentrated along the Deschutes River (south) between
Century Drive and U.S. 97 and along the railroad between
First and Third Streets.
Substantial acreage for new industrial development is
encouraged along Boyd Road and U.S. 97 on either side of
the railroad north of town, along either side of the rail-
road south of town, and between the railroad and the pro-
posed U.S. 97 by-pass south of town. The latter area is
indicated as an "industrial reserve".
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Public facility and service areas shown on the Plan include
schools, parks and recreation areas, refuse disposal and
sewage treatment facilities and governmental office facilities.
Schools
Elementary and secondary education facilities are shown by
a flag symbol on the plan design. New school facilities
are shown east of Deschutes Road and north of Neff Road,
south of Hunnell Road and east of Ferguson Road, and in the
large suburban residential area east of U.S. 97 and north
of Murphy Road. These locations are to be considered only
as general locations, indicating the areas of the community
where new school facilities will be required as residential
areas expand.
The area shown for the Community College represents a con-
siderable expansion over the present site in order that lands
may be preserved for expansion as required.
Parks and Recreation Areas
Because of the extensive State, County and City park and
recreation area development already available within the Bend
Area, the Plan proposes only one additional recreation -park
area of major significance. It is proposed that land along
the top and north slope of Aubrey Butte adjacent to the Com-
munity College be developed for passive recreation use,
taking advantage of the exceptional views of the community as
a whole and of the mountains afforded by the elevation of the
Butte.
In the areas where new school sites are developed, additional
land (10-15 acres) should be acquired adjacent to the school
site to permit integrated development and operation of school
and park recreation areas and facilities.
Refuse Disposal and Sewage Treatment
The refuse disposal site located along Century Drive at the
southwest edge of the community is shown on the Pian to be
retained for that use. Care is required to avoid encroach-
ment of the site by uses which would be incompatible with
the refuse disposal.
The sewage treatment plant site shown on the Plan is based
on the recommendations of a recent engineering study which
concludes that the site is the most appropriate location for
a plant in view of problems and needs associated with the
design of a collection system capable of serving the City
and areas of municipal expansion. As in the case of refuse
disposal, the site should be reserved and protected from
encroachment by incompatible uses.
A separate question of land use is raised by the location of
effluent disposal ponds if ponds are determined to be the
most efficient and economical means of effluent disposal,
consistent with water quality standards. In the event that
such ponds are required they would have to be located north
of the community if gravity flow between the treatment plant
and ponds were to be feasible. Since treatment ponds and
the treatment plant do not have to be on the same site, and
in view of the desirability of residential expansion on
land in the vicinity of the plant site, it is a policy of
the Plan that such ponds be located sufficiently north of
the urban area where urban encroachment is not likely and
where land is available for pond expansion. A favorable
location would be on BLM lands north of the North Unit Main
Canal where seepage to the canal would not occur.
County Government Civic Center
The Plan,proposes that the County Government Civic Center be
expanded as required at its present location in accordance
with the recommendations of the Public Building Study pre-
pared for the City of Bend, the County and School District
No. 1 and submitted in March, 1969. Expansion of the County
Center would continue the favorable traffic relationship
between governmental office facilities at opposite ends of
the central business district.
TRANSPORTATION
State Highways
The Plan envisions the eventual realignment of U. S. Highways
97 and 20 in the Bend Area to permit by-passing of the urban
area by through traffic. The general alignments of these
by-pass sections are shown on the plan design as dashed
lines to reflect the uncertainty which exists currently con-
cerning the timing of realignment.
The proposed realignment of U.S. 97 reflects an examination
of highway functions and alternative alignments for the
entire area extending from the Deschutes National Forest
I
boundary south of Bend to the Jefferson County line north of
Terrebonne. In applying the criteria concerning State high-
way proposals as outlined in Part II, a realignment which
passes east of Pilot Butte at Bend and adjacent to Roberts
Field at Redmond appears most desirable. The full length
of the preferred alternative from Bend to the north County
line is shown on the multi -colored plan design for the County
as a whole.
In the Bend Area, U.S. 97 would leave the existing alignment
near the Forest boundary south of Bend, proceed northeasterly
to the east of the railroad and generally parrallel to the
Central Oregon Canal, then swing northerly parallel to and
east of Deschutes Road (Denser Road), avoiding the Bend Pine
Nursery. It then would cross the North Main Unit Canal and
continue north to Deschutes Junction along the east side of
the Deschutes Market Road. The by-pass would permit sub-
stantial urban expansion, 'avoid built-up areas and railroad
crossings and minimize crossings of canals and County roads.
The Plan envisions full right-of-way acquisition and initial
construction of the U.S. 97 by-pass as a two-lane expressway,
with at -grade crossings of State highways and County roads,
followed by the construction of full interchanges and grade
separation structures after 1980. This would provide a
reasonable solution to limitations of the existing alignment
through heavily populated areas of the County at reasonable
cost. With completion of the Federal Interstate highway pro-
gram in the early 1970's, it is reasonable to anticipate an
expansion of the Federal highway program to interstate and
intrastate highways of second level importance such as U.S.
Highways 97 and 20.
Interchanges along the U.S. 97 by-pass in the Bend Area would
be located where the highway leaves its present alignment at
Arnold Caves Road, at Ferguson Road (providing access to in-
dustrial areas), at U.S. 20 east of Pilot Butte (major en-
trance), and at Butler Market Road. Grade separation struc-
tures would be located at Arnold Market Road, Bear Creek Road,
Neff Road and where Denser Road becomes the Deschutes Market
Road north of the Bend Pine Nursery.
U.S. 20 would be realigned at two locations in the Bend
Area: (1) from Horse Ridge to an intersection with the
U.S. 97 by-pass; and (2) from its intersection with the
U.S. 97 by-pass; via the 97 by-pass north to the vicinity
of Butler Market Road to the existing alignment of U.S. 20
north of the community. Only one additional interchange and
two grade separation would be required by utilizing a section
of the U.S. 97 by-pass. The grade separation would cross
Byrum Road east of town and the railroad and existing U.S. 97
north of town, while the interchange would be at the point of
return to the existing U.S. 20 alignment to Sisters. By util-
izing part of the U.S. 97 by-pass, through traffic along U.S.
20 could by-pass the community entirely.
City Major Arterials and County Arterials
County Arterials shown on the plan design which also have
significance as Major Arterials within the City limits are:
East-West
Butler Market Road (East 8th Street)
Greenwood Avenue
Bear Creek Road (west of Arnold Market Road)
Reed Market Road (Hunnell Road west of Ferguson Rd.)
Shevlin Park Road
North-South
Century Drive
Ferguson Road
Butler Market Road
Denser Road
Four other County Arterials are shown on the Plan: Alfalfa
Market Road (Walker Road), Denser Road, Galen Baker Road
and Richard Road. Galen Baker Road would provide a much
needed by-pass between U.S. 97 and Century Drive for traffic
destined to the Mount Bachelor area of the National Forest.
Richard Road would become an important by-pass between U.S.
20 and U.S. 97 once both State highway by-passes have been
constructed.
City Collector Streets and County Feeder Roads
County Feeder Roads shown on the plan design which also
have significance as Collector Streets within the City
limits are:
Skyliners Road (Galveston Ave., east of W. 14th St.)
College Way (extended around Aubrey Butte)
West 12th Street (over Aubrey Butte)
O.B. Riley Road
Studio Road
Sheppard Road
Neff Road (Penn Avenue)
Baker Road (9th Street)
Other County Feeder Roads shown on the plan design which
serve unincorporated parts of the urban area are:
Boyd Road
Ward Road-Hanmby Road
Erickson Road
Byrun Road
Arnold Market Road
Brosterhouse-Sipchen Roads
Murphy Road
Rail Facilities
The location of joint trackage of the Great Northern and
Oregon Trunk Railroad through the Bend area will continue to
/10
pose traffic problems and conflicts, primarily as the result
of its effect on east -west traffic through the community.
The Plan does not, however, propose the elimination of these
conflicts either through the relocation of trackage or the
construction of grade separations with major or collector
streets because of prohibitive costs to the community. The
limitations on east -west traffic movement would be modified
somewhat by the development of Scott Street as a major
arterial between Hill Street and the existing alignment of
U.S. Highway 97. While structural changes to the railroad
right-of-way are impractical, the appearance of the right-
of-way can be improved through a planned program of land-
scaping to screen unsightly sections of track from adjacent
lands and to enhance the approach to the community from the
north at several points along the existing alignment of
U.S. Highway 97.
Airports
The Plan envisions substantial improvements to the Bend
Airport, including the construction of a new runway along a
northeast -southwest alignment to avoid the frequent crosswinds
caused by wind patterns from the mountains along the upper
Deschutes River basin. The several private airstrips within
the urban area would be phased out over time as the airports
become a hazard to residential expansion.
N
PART V-2
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - REDMOND AREA
LAND USE ELEMENT
Residential Areas
Residential areas shown on the Plan for the Redmond Area are
capable of accommodating an urban population of from $,000 to
10,000 people. This is higher than the projected figure of
7,400, but residential areas were expanded during the sketch
plan review process to reflect the greater growth potential
of the community in the event of substantial industrial
development.
Two categories of residential development are shown on the
Plan for the Redmond Area in consideration of the different
intensities (densities) of residential development which must
be accommodated. They are:
Urban Residential: (Lots ranging from 7,000 square
feet in the more densely urbanized
part of the community to one-half
acre in areas closer to the out-
lying fringe of the community)
Suburban Residential: (Lots ranging from one-half acre
to five acres and located in out-
lying fringe areas of the community)
Trends in residential development toward large lots have been
quite similar to those in the Bend Area -- i.e., the desire
for space and capability for individual sewer systems. However,
this trend has been even more pronounced in the Redmond Area,
particularly in the southwestern part of the urban area.
/11
Urban residential areas reflect existing patterns of
growth to the west and southwest. No residential expan-
sion is shown to the east and southeast because of indus-
trial areas and the location of Roberts Field. Three areas
west of the community aredesignated as urban residential
reserves. With the selection of a new high school site
along the north side of U.S. Highway 126 near Euston Road,
an urban residential concentration near the new site can be
anticipated during the next decade.
Suburban residential areas are shown extensively to the
southwest and west where large lot developments have been
prominent and where water service is easily available. In
addition, extensive areas have been designated as suburban
residential reserves. In view of the capability of urban
residential areas to accommodate almost all of the projected
population increase, and the fact that urban and suburban
residential areas are capable of accommodating a greater
population than that projected, caution should be followed
in encouraging residential development within reserve areas
in order to permit the most economical solution to providing
central sewage collection and disposal for the community as
a whole.
Commercial Areas
Two categories of commercial land use are shown on the Plan --
general commercial and highway commercial.
General commercial areas are shown along both one-way legs of
U.S. 97 (Fifth and Sixth Streets), along U.S. 97 south of the
Fairgrounds, and along Highland Avenue (U.S. 126) west of the
central business district. The central business district
would serve the dual purpose of being the primary retail
shopping area as well as the location for neighborhood shop-
ping stores. The general commercial areas north and south
of the central business district would accommodate tourist
and service-oriented commercial activities. Neighborhood
commercial areas are not proposed because of the amount of
land available within general commercial areas which can
accommodate neighborhood -type commercial uses, and because
the size of the community does not warrant the development
of neighborhood shopping centers removed from existing com-
mercial areas.
Highway commercial areas providing services which cater
primarily to highway traffic are encouraged at the intersection
of Whitted Market Road and U.S. 126, along U.S. 97 north of
the general commercial area, and along U.S. 97 at the southern
edge of the urban area. Highway commercial "reserves" are
shown near interchanges along the proposed realignment of
U.S. 97 at U.S. 126 and at Negus Road. These reserve areas
would not be developed until the U.S. 97 realignment is
constructed.
Industrial Development
An extensive amount of industrial land -- far greater than is
likely to be needed for many decades -- is shown on the Plan
in response to the unique factors of land ownership in the
Redmond area and because of the potential for industrial
development in the vicinity of the municipal airport (Roberts
Field), U.S. 97 and the railroad. With the exception of
lands required directly for airport use, the.entire eastern
half of the urban area is devoted to industrial use on the
Plan design.
Most of the land east of the railroad and north of the airport
was acquired by the County under an exchange program with the
Bureau of Land Management, Because of this public ownership,
it is possible to assure that lands will be available at a
variety of locations to meet the requirements of different
types of industries -- without fear of encroachment by uses
which would be incompatible with industrial development.
112-
Similarly, much of the land east of the railroad and south
of the airport is held by the Bureau of Land Management, and
thus can be held in reserve to protect the airport from en-
croachment by incompatible uses and to be available (through)
a n exchange program with the County) for industrial uses
which are particularly compatible with air freight and com-
mercial passenger services at the airport.
A further factor having influence on the amount of land
shown for industrial use is that of topography. Much of the
terrain is rolling and rough because of rock at surface
levels. This limits the number of locations available for
industries having requirements for large relatively level
sites. This would be especially true for industries related
to agriculture with expansive storage requirements.
Generally, lands which lie close to the railroad should be
held for those industries which have requirements for shipping
and receiving by rail. Land further removed from the railroad
but close to the proposed realignment of U.S. 97 should be
held for those industries which depend only on trucking for
shipping and receiving. Lands close to the airport should be
held for airport -related industries. And, lands in the north-
eastern part of the industrial area shown on the Plan should
be held for industries having characteristics which would be
either,hazardous or otherwise obnoxious in relation to other
industrial use and commercial and residential areas of the
community.
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Public facility and service areas shown on the Plan include
schools, parks and recreation areas, and the County Fairgrounds,
Schools
Elementary and secondary education facilities are shown by
flag symbol on the plan design. With the construction of a
new high school along Highland Avenue (U.S. 126). near Euston
Avenue and west of the canyon, secondary requirements will be
met for the projection period of the Plan.
No new elementary school sites have been shown on the Plan
because of the uncertainty of questions concerning the timing
and location of new residential development raised by the
extensive low-density residential pattern shown on the Plan.
if stringent water quality and health standards limit the
amount of suburban residential land which is developed, then
new school sites will be required within areas designated
for urban residential use. Locations in the vicinity of Ogg
Road and N.W. Market Road, and along Atkinson Road west of
Euston Avenue would be favorable. However, these locations
would be favorable regardless of the influence of water qual-
ity and health standards since locations within suburban
residential areas would tend to further fragment the pattern
of residential development within the community and limit the
availability of municipal -type services.
Parks and Recreation Areas
Because park and recreation areas are somewhat limited in the
Redmond Area, the Plan proposes that the large sections of
the canyon west of North and South Canyon Drive respectively
be acquired and developed for recreation use. Development
would be "natural' in character, creating a scenic asset which
would be available to a majority of community residents and
attractive to business and industry contemplating investment
in the Redmond Area. Such development also would tend to in-
fluence the location of new residences closer -in within areas
designated for urban residential development.
Use of the canyon adjacent to the new high school site for
outdoor athletic training and games would expand the utility
of the new site. While not shown on the plan design,
a policy of the Plan is that a strip be acquired which would
connect the two major canyon park sites with the high school
/13
site and existing athletic field and be landscaped and
developed for pedestrians and bicycle and horseback riding.
Such a strip would also be extended north of Maple Avenue
to expand the recreation utility of the strip.
Other park areas shown on the Plan are adjacent to the golf
course, at the reservoir site on Reservoir Road, and along
the south side of Obsidian Avenue (Atkinson Road) on either
side of 16th Street. The latter two facilities would be
developed as neighborhood parks.
Special recreation areas shown on the Plan include State
roadside rests and natural preserves along existing U.S. 97
south of the community, Juniper Golf Course, the athletic
field, the ball park, and the site of Redmond Cave.
Fairgrounds
The County Fairgrounds eventually would be relocated to a
larger site on County or BLM lands where sufficient space
would be available to hold large-scale events, attracting
people from the tri -county area of Central Oregon, and to
permit full promotion of agriculture and industry within
Deschutes County. An area south of the Prineville Highway
and east of the airport (away from airport approach zones)
would be appropriate for a new site, offering capability for
future expansion on public land. The existing fairgrounds
would either become an expansion of the ball park or be
converted to an appropriate private use.
TRANSPORTATION
State Highways
The Plan envisions the realignment of U.S. 97 for its entire
length through the community and the realignment of U.S. 126
east of the railroad to the Crook County line. The general
alignments of these new sections are shown on the Plan as
dashed lines.
U.S. 97 would be located east of the railroad, as an extension
of the realignment proposed in the Bend Area. (Note: The
description of the by-pass in the Bend Area ended at Deschutes
Junction). From Deschutes Junction, the highway would paral-
lel the railroad on the east. Approaching Redmond from the
south, the alignment swings close to Roberts Field east of
Redmond Cave, continues north skirting the golf course on a
curve, and proceeds on a northeasterly diagonal through lands
proposed for industrial development. The highway then con-
tinues northerly, by-passing Terrebonne on the east and re-
joining the existing alignment near the Jefferson County line.
The alignment from Deschutes Junction to Redmond offers
flexibility for utilizing the existing highway west of the
railroad for south -bound traffic as an interim measure if
construction along the east side of the railroad were to
involve initially only two lanes. However, four -lane divided
construction eventually would be required, and an alignment
entirely east of the railroad between Bend and Redmond would
avoid the necessity for two railroad crossings.
Interchanges in the Redmond Area would be located at the
Redmond Cave Road to provide access to industrial areas, at
U.S. 126 north of the airport, and at Negus Road. Grade
separation structures would be provided at a new arterial road
located on the section line south of the airport, at Sisters
Avenue, at First Street along the west boundary of the golf
course, at Antler Avenue, and at a new north -south arterial
road within the proposed industrial area north of the airport.
The proposed alignment from Redmond Cave to U.S. 126 reflects
recent studies by the County Planning Department to assure that
industrial lands west of the airport will have sufficient space
for development.
With U.S. 97 relocated as proposed, the industrial potential
of lands in the vicinity of the airport would be enhanced
49 _•
greatly, and traffic service to the Redmond Area would be
maintained without loss of convenience to traffic passing
through the community.
U.S. 20 would be relocated along a more direct alignment
east of the central business district to the Crook County
line. Following the alignment of Highland Avenue, it would
curve gently at its intersection with the U.S. 97 by-pass
to permit the construction of an interchange at that point,
continue east, cross the North Unit Main Canal, and return
on a curve to its existing alignment at the County line,
The existing alignment of U.S. 126 east of the golf course
would become a major arterial, intersecting the new align-
ment east of the interchange with U.S. 97. The new align-
ment would eliminate the circuitous route of the existing
highway through town, permit an interchange with U.S. 97,
and provide better access to the airport and nearby indus-
trial lands.
City Major Arterials and County Arterials
County Arterials shown on the Plan which also have signifi-
cance as Major Arterials within City limits are:
Old Dalles-California Highway
First Street (new) extension along the west boundary of
the airport.
Northerly extension (new) of Evergreen Avenue (existing
U.S. 126 east of the railroad.)
Both First Street and Evergreen Avenue would provide access
to industrial areas shown on the Plan. Negus Road, a new
north -south road extending north of the airport, Redmond
Cave Road and a new east -west road south of the airport have
been designated as County Arterials on the Plan.
I
City Collector Streets and County Feeder Roads
County Feeder Roads which also have significance as Collector
Streets within the City are:
Canal Boulevard
Ogg Road (Black Butte)
Antler Avenue
Atkinson Road (Obsidian)
Other County Feeder Roads shown on the Plan within unincorpor-
ated parts of the urban area are:
Northwest Market Road
Maple Avenue
McCaffery Road
King Road
Whitted Market Road
W. Salmon Avenue (between 21st and Old Dalles-California)
21st Street (between W. Salmon and Old Dalles-California)
Euston Avenue (between U.S. 126 and W. Salmon)
Reservoir Road
A new Feeder south and east of the airport
A new Feeder along the southern edge of the planning area.
Rail Facilities
No changes in the alignment of the Oregon Trunk Railroad are
proposed through the community. However, three new railroad
crossings would be required to accommodate the realignment
of U.S. 126 and the two new east -west roads shown in the in-
dustrial area south of the airport. It is proposed that the
appearance of the right-of-way be improved through a program
of landscaping to screen unsightly sections of track from
the vicinity of the County Fairgrounds on the south to Negus
Road on the north.
Airport
The development of Roberts Field as a "regional" airport
facility is a key transportation proposal of the Plan. The
term "regional" is meant to imply the importance of the
facility as the commercial and general aviation hub of the
tri -County area. It further implies that it would be the
exclusive facility for air carrier and air cargo activity.
The allocation of local and Federal funds would be concen-
trated on improvements to Roberts Field, rather than at-
tempting to develop other air fields in the region to com-
pete with the air carrier and air cargo potential of Roberts
Field. The emphasis clearly is on commercial air carrier
operations as compared to general aviation activity. This
recognizes that while Roberts Field is an important general
aviation facility, funds may be allocated in time to other
airports in the region to assure adequate general aviation
facilities. Roberts Field is currently included in the
National Airport Plan and thus is eligible for financial
aid under the Federal -Aid Airport Program.
Special attention is given to the importance of protecting
the airport from encroachment by incompatible land uses.
The Plan proposes that lands east and southeast of the
airport be retained in their open use, while lands along
the western, southern, and northern boundaries of the air-
port would be developed in airport -related industrial and
public uses. Airport approach control zones necessary to
protect the instrument landing potential of the airport are
also shown by dashed lines extending from the ends of the
runways. These approach control zones extend as 10,000 -foot
cones from the ends of the runways, and are 4,000 feet wide
at the base and 1,000 feet wide at the end of the runways.
PART V-3
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - SISTERS AREA
LAND USE ELEMENT
Residential Areas
Residential Areas shown on the Plan for the Sisters Area are
capable of accommodating a 1990 urban population of approxi-
mately 1,100 people, with additional areas shown as residential
reserves in the event that the population of the urban area
increases more rapidly than as currently projected..
Three categories of residential development are shown on the
Plan in consideration of the different intensities (densities)
of residential development to be accommodated. They are:
Urban Residential:
(Lots ranging from 7,000 square
feet in older sections of the com-
munity to one-half acre in area
closer to the outlying fringe of
the community)
Suburban Residential:
(Lots ranging from one-half acre
to five acres in area, located in
outlying fringe areas)
Recreation -
Residential:
(Lots ranging from 1 - 5 acres in
area, improved to standards estab-
lished for recreation subdivisions)
Urban residential areas reflect the existing pattern of growth
to the south, the pattern of public land ownership, and the
area which is capable of being served economically by a sewage
collection and disposal system. Limited expansion to the
north reflects the need to preserve approach and take -off zones
igl(p
of the Sisters airport from encroachment. Expansion to the
south is limited by the location of Squaw Creek.
Suburban residential areas are encouraged along Pine Street
north of the rodeo grounds, along Cascade Street east of the
school playing field, within the area between Squaw Creek
and the National Forest boundary south of the community, and
along the curve of the proposed U.S. Highway 20 by-pass south
and west of the community. These areas are partially devel-
oped in suburban -type use and are generally accessible via
the existing street system,
Recreation -residential areas are shown on private lands
southwest of the community. However, recreation -residential
development would also be possible on lands northwest of the
community, designated for "Private Forest Management". It Is
anticipated that.a stronger market for recreation lots in
the Sisters Area will develop because of the beautiful set-
ting of the community, its accessibility from the Wilamette
Valley via U.S. 20-126, and the threshold position of the
community to recreation areas of the National Forest and
Wilderness areas. One of the more important factors which
in time would work toward enlarging the market in the Sisters
area may be the fact that private land in other scenic areas
of the County (e.g., the Upper Deschutes River Basin south
of Bend) may be unavailable because of difficulties in meet-
ing water quality and health standards of regional, state
and federal agencies.
Commercial Areas
Two categories of commercial land use are shown on the
Plan -- general commercial and highway commercial.
The General Commercial area is shown along Cascade Street
in the center of the community and is proposed to be extended
westerly to the eventual interchange with the proposed U.S.
20 by-pass. The large amount of expansion would be in
support of the build-up in seasonal population as well as
in support of the permanent population.
I
Highway commercial areas are shown at the proposed interchange
of U.S. 20 and State Route 242 west of town, and at the pro-
posed interchange of the U.S. 20 by-pass and the existing
U.S. 20 alignment southeast of town. The major highway com-
mercial area west of town is encouraged for early development,
whereas reserve areas shown at both interchanges would not be
encouraged for development until the U.S. 20 by-pass is con -
strutted. It is important to note that development on lands
required for both interchanges should be discouraged so that
costs of land acquisition are not increased to the point where
development of the by-pass and interchanges as planned will
not become feasible.
Industrial Development
The Plan does not encourage industrial development to the
extent of showing specific areas to be reserved for that
purpose. This is in keeping with the very large majority
response of people in the Sisters area (as reported in the
Deschutes County Opinion Survey Analysis, 1968) in favor of
maintaining the predominant retirement and recreation attrac-
tion of the community. In order to maintain the option for
industrial development at a later date, it is recommended that
lands in the immediate vicinity of the airport be reserved for
industrial purposes.
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Public facility and service areas shown on the Plan include
the school sites, parks and recreation areas and highway
maintenance station.
Schools are designated by a flag symbol on the plan design,
with the existing sites adequate to meet space requirements
for the projected population. As the population increases,
it is anticipated that the school child population will de-
crease as a percentage of total population because of the
recreation and retirement orientation of the community,
43m
Recreation proposals of the Plan concern expansion of the
Rodeo grounds and expansion of Sisters State Park. The
Rodeo grounds would be retained at the present location with
expansion to the east if required by increased regional
popularity of the annual Sisters Rodeo. A modest addition
to the State Park is proposed for that portion of the park
along the north side of U.S. 126. Expansion would be to
Squaw Creek on land which is too isolated for any other
compatible use. The added Creek frontage would expand the
utility and attractiveness of the Park while preserving the
attractiveness of the Creek as a recreation asset. Lands
on either side of Squaw Creek extending from the west end of
the park southwest to Elm Street were proposed initially for
development as a narrow recreation strip as part of the park.
This strip is now designated for Landscape Management. Thus,
as adjacent lands develop for residential use, special care
would be taken to maintain the natural character of the
Creek and to avoid any construction which would impede the
free-flow or degrade the quality of water.
While not shown on the plan design, it is anticipated that
a sewage treatment plant and effluent disposal area would
be located north or. northeast of the community where collec-
tion to the plant would be by gravity flow and where effluent
disposal to the land would avoid any discharge to Squaw Creek
TRANSPORTATION
State Highways
Two important State highwaysconverge within the Sisters
community from the east (U.S. 126) and southeast (U.S. 20)
and follow a common alignment northwest of the community
over Santiam Pass into Linn County where they separate again
to provide connection with major cities in the Willamette
Valley.
U.S. 20 is proposed as an eventual freeway along a new
alignment, by-passing the City to the south and west. The
new alignment was selected in consideration of the following
criteria:
1. The need for a by-pass to handle through traffic.
2. A location which would not require the acquisition
of existing developed property.
3. A location which would permit logical expansion of
the community without dividing areas of the community
4. A location which would maximize opportunities for
highway commercial and tourist oriented commercial•
development as the result of highway construction,
and the location of interchanges with existing
highways.
5. A location which would minimize the costs of right-of-
way acquisition through use of public lands.
An alternate alignment was considered which would by-pass the
community to the north and east. However, the alternate would
require placement too far north of the community to provide
any significant local benefit.
The by-pass would leave its existing alignment southeast of
the community at an interchange which would permit traffic
destined for Sisters to enter the community along the existing
alignment. Through traffic would take the by-pass 'through
National Forest land south of the city, crossing under the
Three Creeks Lake Highway (separation structure)'and curve
north to an interchange with the McKenzie Highway (State
Route 242) and continuing north to rejoin the existing
alignment.
U.S..126 is proposed to remain along its existing alignment
through the Sisters Area since it does not have the importance
as a traffic carrier as does U.S. 20.
pe
State Route 242 is a scenic highway connecting Sisters with
U.S. 126 in La ne County via McKenzie Pass. Because the
alignment through the Cascades is in rugged terrain, the
highway is impassable during winter months.
City Major Arterials and County Arterials
The only County Arterial on the Plan, Three Creeks Lake
Highway, also serves as a Major Arterial within the City
limits (Elm Street).
City Collector Streets and County Feeder Roads
Pine Street and Locust Street are Collector streets for
north -south traffic within the city limits and become County
Feeder Roads north of the community.
Airport
The Sisters airport is a general aviation facility, and is
proposed as one of the five major airport facilities within
the County. Its location north of the community is main-
tained, and it is proposed that the airport be protected
from encroachment by incompatible land use. if industrial
development were to occur in the vicinity of the airport, it
should be located so as to avoid the creation of a hazard to
aircraft in landing and take -off zones.
PART V 4 subdivision development without adequate provision for water
supply and waste disposal, vehicular access and fire pro -
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO 1990 - LAPINE AREA tection.
PERMANENT AND SEASONAL POPULATION
The Plan for the Lapine Area anticipates a permanent population
of up to 1,000 people by 1990, plus a seasonal population of
3,000 to 5,000 residing in nearby recreation subdivisions. The
attainment of the projected permanent population and the ful-
fillment of the community's potential as a recreation service
center will depend largely on whether public lands will be-
come available for development within the community and whether
solutions to problems of water supply and sewage disposal are
provided.
Because of the many parcels of land within the community which
are held by the Bureau of Land Management, a consolidated
pattern of urban development is inhibited. It is proposed
that the existing scattered pattern of BLM ownership within
the community be eliminated under current Federal policies
which permit the disposition of lands which have limited value
for continued Federal management and which are needed for the
expansion of urban areas.
A seasonal population of 3,000 to 5,000 is based on the assump-
tion that existing and new recreation subdivisions will be
developed with central water supply systems, and that eco-
nomically feasible methods of sewage collection and disposal
can be found to avoid contamination of waters in the Upper
Deschutes River Basin.
The validity of the assumption that satisfactory utility
systems will be created depends also on the strength of the
market for recreation subdivision lots in the future. If the
market develops with enough strength, then more people will
be willing to stand the costs of utility systems. This is
not assured, however, in view of the speculative character of
N11
On the other hand, the market may well be strengthened by
governmental policies and regulations which seek higher de-
velopment standards. For, a large segment of the market
has been purely speculative, with little seasonal use by the
owners and with few improvements. Higher development stand-
ards are therefore likely to attract fewer speculative ven-
tures and generate developments which will appeal to people
who wish to invest in building improvements which in turn
will increase the seasonal population of the area.
With the provision of adequate utility systems, there is even
the possibility that the permanent population will enlarge
well beyond the projected increase to 1,000, in response to
the growing retirement market. Thus, the attainment of higher
levels of economic activity and stability in the community
will depend in part on the availability of basic services
for living in the Lapine Area on both a seasonal and perma-
nent basis.
Additional thousands of people are anticipated as part of
the total seasonal population, drawn by the varied recre-
ation attractions of the surrounding National Forest, exist-
ing and enlarged opportunities for camping, and large-scale
commercial resort facilities which are likely to develop
within recreation occupancy zones of the Forest and on pri-
vate lands in the area. It should be recognized that private
lands within Klamath County south of Lapine will receive
increased attention for recreation development. All of these
factors combine to indicate a substantially increased role
of the Lapine community as the support center for recreation
activity in the Upper Deschutes River Basin.
LAND USE ELEMENT
Residential Areas
Two levels of residential development are shown on the Plan
for the Lapine Area in consideration of the different intensi-
ties (densities) of residential development to be accommo-
dated. They are:
Urban Residential: (Lot sizes ranging from 10,000
square feet to one acre in area)
Recreation -
Residential: (Lot sizes ranging from 1 - 5
acres in area, improved to standard
for recreation subdivisions)
Urban residential areas are confined to the immediate Lapine
community, where the development of central utility systems
will be feasible over time. They involve the filling-in of
vacant lands within existing platted areas, the conversion
of BLM parcels for private use, and expansion into undevel-
oped areas north to the Little Deschutes River area, east
to the railroad, south to the proposed diagonal alignment of
U.S. Highway 97 and west of Prairi.e Slough for approximately
one-half mile. The urban residential category is a combi-
nation of the urban and suburban categories shown on the
plans for the Bend, Redmond and Sisters Areas.
The Plan shows approximately 2,700 acres for urban residential
use. While this acreage is several times greater than ever
would be needed to accommodate a permanent population of 1,000
people, it reflects: (1) the uncertainty of whether BLM lands
will be available for the residential market; (2) the greater
potential for permanent residents if central utility systems
are developed; (3) the need for flexibility in the location
of residential plats to avoid a monopoly on the land market;
and, (4) the possibility that some older platted areas will
not be attractive as compared to newer areas because of the
costs of developing central utility systems and road improve-
ments to urban standards.
Recreation Residential areas are shown on the Plan for
virtually all private lands surrounding the Lapine community
and assume a continued strengthening of the market for recre-
ation parcels for seasonal use. It is not likely that all
of the lands shown for recreation -residential will develop
for that use because of previous land speculation, variations
in topography, soil conditions, capability for providing water
supply and limitations on finding suitable means for the dis-
posal of domestic sewage:
Commercial and Industrial Areas
The Plan envisions a substantial increase in the amount of
land devoted to retail, commercial service and highway com-
mercial use to meet the needs of the resident and seasonal
population of the surrounding area. Commercial areas are
shown along existing U.S. 97 through the heart of the commun-
ity and near the intersection of U.S. 97, State Route 31 and
Masten Road south of Lapine.
No areas are shown for industrial use, in keeping with the
strong preference for a retirement and recreation orientation
for the community as expressed by local residents in the 1968
County Opinion Survey. The absence of industrial areas on
the Pian emphasizes that industrial development is not being
encouraged as a major development policy for the Lapine Area.
Such emphasis is further supported by the physical relation-
ship of existing development, the fragmented pattern of public
and private land ownership which limits the amount of land
available for the concentration of industry, and the outdoor
recreation character of surrounding lands. If industrial
development were desired and possible to attract, only lands
north of the community would be suitable, and this would re-
quire their being made available by the Bureau of Land
Management. Such a use of public lands would be warranted
if the industrial activity were related to new developments
in the forest products field, such as developing new commer-
cial markets for species of Pine which have had little com-
mercial value in the past.
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES
School and park areas are the only public facility and service
areas shown on the plan design. The existing school site
would be adequate for the projected permanent population. A
new community park is proposed on land north of the school
site at the north end of Morson Street, involving considerable
frontage along the Little Deschutes River. The park would
straddle Long Prairie Slough and would be accessible from
Morson Street and an existing road along its southern
boundary.
TRANSPORTATION
State Highways
The Lapine community is accessible via U.S. 97 and State Route
31, and U.S. 97 serves as the spine of the street system with-
in the community.
U.S. 97 would be relocated as an expressway by-pass along an
alignment which would have the least impact upon developed
private lands while preserving the potential of undeveloped
public and private lands for residential expansion. The
highway would leave its existing alignment near Masten Road
south of the community on a diagonal which would cross the
railroad and proceed northerly along the railroad, rejoining
the existing alignment near Burgess Road north of town. A
crossing of the railroad in the vicinity of Finley Butte Road
would eliminate the necessity for a costly and complex sepa-
ration between the highway, the railroad, and the existing
alignment of U.S. 97 at Burgess Road. A highway interchange
M11
may be required in order to accommodate all traffic move-
ments safely.
State Route 31 is shown on its existing alignment. An
interchange may be required at its intersection with the
proposed U.S. 97 by-pass near Masten Road in order to accom-
modate the traffic movements involved.
County Arterials
With construction of the U.S. 97 by-pass, the existing
highway alignment would become a County Arterial, serving
commercial areas as a business route under conditions of
lower speeds and increased traffic safety. Burgess Road
would be the only other County Arterial within the Lapine
Area.
County Feeder Roads
County Feeder Roads shown on the Plan include the Paulina-
East Lake Highway, Pine Drive and Masten Road. Sections of
Pierce Road, Sixth Street and First Street would serve as
Feeders within the immediate Lapine community, and a new
Feeder Road would be developed utilizing sections of existing
roads. The new road is shown along the south boundary of
the proposed park site, extending westerly to link with
Pierce Road.
A particularly important requirement in the Lapine Area is
to provide improved access between recreation subdivisions.
Access currently is poor and circuitous in many areas because
subdivisions were developed without consideration of Feeder
Road requirements. The County Planning Department should
prepare a special study on access requirements within the
recreation subdivision area so that beter access can be pro-
vided to existing platted areas and to assure that Feeder
Roads are extended as new subdivisions develop.
I
Land Access roads are shown on the Plan only for purposes of
orientation.
Airport
The Lapine Airport, located south of Masten Road and east of
U.S. Highway 97, would be one of the five major airports in
the County system. Surrounded by BLM lands, sufficient space
is available for its expansion to meet general aviation re-
quirements. Public control of the land assures protection of
the airport from incompatible land use.
Nb-
PART VI
PUBLIC REVIEW, OFFICIAL ADOPTION AND INTERPRETATION OF THE PLAN
PUBLIC REVIEW
With the publication of this report, the policies and proposals
of the Plan should be given wide -spread public review before
they become official policy of the County and the cities.
This review is absolutely essential, even though the entire
plan development process has involved extensive participation
by citizens and public officials of the County.
To facilitate this review, it is urged that a series of
feature articles be published by local newspapers on the con-
tent of the Plan document and proposals which are shown in
map form. With such articles available to the public, it is
recommended that a series of public meetings be held through-
out the County to familiarize people with the contents of the
Plan and to afford residents the opportunity of constructive
comment. Only with this background of public exposure should
the Plan be presented officially at public hearings as a step
precedent to official adoption.
ADOPTION OF THE PLAN
Under the provisions of the Oregon Revised Statutes, the
responsibility for the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan at
the County level rests with the County Planning Commission.
The Commission after advance public notice, must conduct one
or more public hearings on provisions of the Plan prior to
adopting the Plan as official policy.
Because the Statutes are limited in their specific direction
regarding procedure for adoption of the Plan, the following
procedure is recommended as a means of assuring not only
compliance with legal requirements but also with the practical
0/
requirement that there will be public faith and trust in
the manner in which the Plan is adopted.
Adoption by the Planning Commission
After conducting a program of public review as described
previously,the Planning Commission should hold several
public hearings at locations throughout the County conven-
ient to residents of various urban and rural areas.
The hearings should be held to invite constructive comment
and discussion and to provide an official record which can
be studied carefully by the Commission after all hearings
have been concluded. Based on the hearing record, the
Planning Commission should then make such modifications or
changes to various sections of the Plan document, including
proposals shown in map form, as are deemed necessary and
desirable as the result of public hearings or as the result
of views expressed during the public review phase preceding
the hearings.
Adoption by the County Court
Since the Statutes do not provide any procedure for Plan
adoption by the County Court, it is easy to construe that
the Plan need not be adopted by the Court. To make this
assumption would constitute a critical error in interpreting
the responsibilities of the County Court to the people.
Furthermore, it would violate the fundamental relationship
between the Planning Commission and County Court established
when the Commission was created.
The County Planning Commission has been established as an
advisory agency to the governing body. Given this relation-
ship, then it is essential that the County Court also hold
hearings, modify the Plan as appropriate, and adopt the Plan
as the official policy of the County. Without such action
by the Court, the final authority of the Court as the policy-
making body would in effect be pre-empted by an advisory body
It is therefore recommended that the ultimate decision-making
responsibility of the County Court be retained by the Court,
and that public hearings be held jointly with the Planning
Commission. Joint hearings would reduce the number of hear-
ings which the public would have to attend; they would
broaden the base of Commission and Court understanding of
public comment received at hearings; and they would broaden
the base for answering questions and describing proposals
for the benefit of the public. A further benefit would be
to create full and complete understanding between the Com-
mission and the Court on what the official policy of the
County will be.
The Role of the Cities
Since certain policies and proposals of the Plan affect
directly the interests of the three cities, it is recommended
that proposals affecting the cities be aired at joint public
hearings within each city which also involve the City Plan-
ning Commission and City Council of each City. Thus, when
a hearing is held in Sisters, it would involve the County
Court, County Planning Commission, City Council and City
Planning Commission. Public notices of the hearings would
indicate that they will be joint hearings. Similarly,
hearings would be held in Redmond and Bend as the Plan relates
to those communities.
The Mechanics of Adoption
The act of official adoption would be handled by resolution
of the city and County bodies involved with the Planning
Commissions acting first, followed by their respective
legislative bodies.
The following form of resolution adopting the Plan is
suggested for use by all bodies concerned. It refers
to the County Court, but with a few changes it would
serve the needs of the cities and County at both the com-
mission and legislative levels.
It was moved by Commissioner
and seconded by Commissioner
that the following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, The Deschutes County Court has prepared
a Comprehensive long-term Plan for Deschutes County, pur-
suant to provisions of the Oregon Revised Statutes; and
WHEREAS, said Plan entitled "Comprehensive Plan
to 1990" consists of a report and five maps ent.itled
"Deschutes County", "Bend Area", "Redmond Area", "Sisters
Area" and "lapine Area" which sets forth the objectives and
policies used to develop it and includes all of the follow-
ing elements:
A land use element which designates the propcsed
general distribution and general location and
extent of the uses of land for housing, business,
industry, and other categories of public and
private uses of land, correlated with other ele-
ments of the Plan;
2. A transportation element consisting of the general
location and extent of existing and proposed state
highways, county arterials, county feeder roads,
city major arterials, city collector streets,
airports and railroads, all correlated with other
elements;
3. A rural -resource element which designates the
proposed general distribution and general location
and extent of development of rural areas and natural
resources within the County, including lands for
agriculture, private forest management, parks and
recreation, recreation -residential use, and zones
required for the management of lands within the
National Forest, correlated with other elements of
the Plan;
4. An initial housing element which identifies the
general character of housing problems, obstacles to
the solution of housing problems, short-range
housing objectives, and the planning activities
and implementing actions required to achieve
housing objectives, correlated with other elements
of the Plan;
5. Statements setting forth the policies of the Plan
concerning population growth and economic activity,
resource management and conservation, transporta-
tion and urban development, and projections of
future population growth, all correlated with
other elements of the Plan;
Supporting maps, diagrams, charts, tables, descrip-
tive material and analyses of basic studies used
in developing the Plan; and
WHEREAS, in preparing the Comprehensive Plan, the
County consulted with the cities of Bend, Redmond and Sisters
and with a Citizens Advisory Committee for Planning concern-
ing the development of basic policies underlying proposals
of the Plan and in the selection of proposals to be included
in the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the County Court held joint public hearings
on policies and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan with the
Deschutes County Planning Commission and with the Planning
Commissions and City Councils of the cities of Bend,
Redmond and Sisters as follows:
1. On 1970, at the hour
of p.m. in the (name of bldg.) ,
in Oregon.
2. etc.
3. etc.; and
WHEREAS, in the judgement of the County Court,
the public interest, necessity, convenience and general
welfare will be served best by the adoption of said Plan;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County
Court adopts all portions of the Comprehensive Plan and
hereby authorizes the Chairman and Clerk of the County
Court to certify said Plan to the County Planning Com-
mission and to the cities of Bend, Redmond and Sisters;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Court,
with the advice, counsel and participation of the juris-
dictions concerned shall conduct a biennial review of
said Plan prior to the end of each even -numbered fiscal
year to further define and keep current the policies and
proposals of the Plan.
INTERPRETATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
In the administration and interpretation of the Comprehen-
sive Plan, it must be clearly understood that the material
contained in this report and the five maps contained in the
packet accompanying the report together constitute the
Comprehensive Pian. While the Plan maps will be referred
to frequently, the proposals shown on the maps cannot be
understood fully or interpreted properly without referring
to the descriptive analyses, policies and proposals of this
report. The value of the Comprehensive Plan will not be
realized if official bodies and people within the County
I
W
attempt to rely solely on graphic proposals of the
conducting its planning program. Development of a Compre-
Plan.
hensive Plan represents planning in its truest sense --
it looks ahead and deals comprehensively with major aspects
The Comprehensive Plan implies overall agreement on major
of the environment. In contrast, a zoning ordinance is
questions without a straight jacket of inflexibility; it
short range in scope, dealing largely with the private use
implies variation while working toward the achievement of
of land. The Comprehensive Plan is a statement of policy
common goals, and it implies adjustment of policies and
while the zoning ordinance is a statement of law. And
proposals as changing conditions may dictate. While a
even though properly conceived and administered, a zoning
properly administered Comprehensive Plan demands flexibil-
ordinance is but one of many tools (as discussed in Part
ity, variation and adjustment, any changes in policy or
VII of this report) which are necessary to progressively
of proposals must result from careful study independent
carry out policies and proposals of the Plan. Since
of pending applications for controversial zoning permits,
zoning for years has been permitted under the law in the
problems created by inadequate public facilities, temporary
absence of planning, confusion has developed. Many
fiscal problems, and other matters of the "moment".
thousands of hours are wasted in controversy over zoning
proposals throughout the state because zoning is handled
The policies and goals of the Plan should not be changed
out-of-phase. Zoning must be kept as a tool of planning
merely to accommodate special public and private interests.
rather than as its substitute.
Nor should they be changed because of critical temporary
conditions which may warrant a justifiable action contrary
to Plan policy. The integrity of the Plan must be main-
tained at all times if it is to be an effective instrument
of public policy among the County, the cities, private
enterprise and the public at large. Changes which may
be required over the years should be made during the
process of biennial review. However, if required sooner,
a formal process of study, review and public hearings must
be followed similar in nature to the initial process of
Plan development and adoption.
The word "planning" as applied to the process of guiding
future growth is one of the most misunderstood functions of
local government. The word often becomes synonomous with
"zoning" when in reality planning and zoning are widely
different in intent, character and function, it is there-
fore in order to discuss their differences for the per-
spective and understanding of the reader.
Preparation and maintenance of a Comprehensive Plan is the
most important responsibility of local government in
PART VII
CARRYING OUT THE POLICIES AND PROPOSALS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INTRODUCTION In recognition of the requirements for Plan implementation,
the County's current comprehensive planning program included
The Comprehensive Plan can become an effective instrument of only two of the many tools necessary for carrying out the
County and city government only if public officials and local Plan -- the Subdivision Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance.
citizens are able to understand its practical uses and limi- However, a variety of tools required for Plan implementation
tations. It is not enough merely to prepare the, Plan and are discussed in this final section of the report to provide
then expect its implementation to be automatic. Such an an overall perspective of the purposes, application and
expectation will start a chain reaction of misunderstanding relationships of various tools to be utilized in the process.
or needless public controversy which eventually will render
the Plan useless in practical terms.
If human needs and desires are maintained as the ultimate
criteria for new programs and development, then public
acceptance will follow progress toward accomplishing the
primary goal of the planning process --a better environment
for the people. The people are the heart of our system of
government --the government, in fact, is the people. Their
needs, both collectively and as individuals must be respected
and given primary consideration.
Proposals of the Comprehensive Plan will not be attained
overnight. The task is continuous, on a weekly, monthly
and yearly basis. Over a span of several years,,literally
hundreds of recommendations on individual matters will be
made by the city and County planning commissions and other
appointive bodies. Decisions by administrative officials
and legislative bodies will cover nearly every aspect of
public and private development activity. An important
test of the Plan will be the extent to which -agencies relate
their actions to recommendations and decisions of the Plan.
This can become a hopeless task unless the relative impor-
tance and roles of the various methods by which the Plan
can be carried out are known and understood.
r,
CO.ORDINATION OF GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Once a Comprehensive Plan has been adopted, the greatest
challenge to the local planning agency is to promote coor-
dination of the programs of many agencies of government --
local, state and federal --whose activities affect the
development patterns of the planning area. The challenge
is posed because each of the many agencies involved has
distinct interests which rarely extend beyond concern
for their single function. At first glance, coordination
at the local level would appear relatively simple because
local agencies are oriented to the same scene. However,
such is not the case in practice because these local
agencies do not always report directly to the same legis-
lative body for complete policy direction. The challenge
is further complicated by the fact that agencies of State
and Federal government operating within the Deschutes County
area are not always coordinated with the activities of
their sister agencies at the same level.
Planning agencies have no power to compel. Their real
power lies in their ability to influence positively the
programs and activities of other agencies. Since the
planning agency is advisory to the legislative body, it must The Comprehensive Plan identifies the broad extent of needed
look to the County Court (City Council) for policy directives public facilities and permit decisions on their general lo -
establishing the framework within which other agencies may cation and relative importance as a matter of official policy.
work with the planning agency towards the achievement of Upon adoption of the Plan, the need becomes one of scheduling
overall goals. Two important tools for insuring systematic the provision of needed facilities over a period of years.
coordination are the establishment of a long-range financial The device which will permit the programming of capital ex -
plan and regular referral. penditures is called the long-range capital improvement program.
Financial Plan
Local government provides services to the people and regu-
lates certain activities for the common good. Therefore,
the more important decisions of local government are those
which determine what services shall be provided and what
activities shall be regulated., Of the many service require-
ments of a growing population, those involving capital ex-
penditures for public facilities are of particular impor-
tance in carrying out the Comprehensive Plan.
The framework for the systematic development of needed
public facilities is provided by the Financial Plan. The
capital expenditures involved generally fall into two cate-
gories: (1) acquisition of land and rights-of-way; and
(2) construction of major public works, such as major streets
and highways, sewer and water systems, public buildings and
recreation -parks. Over a period of years, these expendi-
tures involve many thousands of dollars. Considering the
growing competition for the use of these dollars, it is
apparent that local government cannot hope to meet the
requirements for new and expanded facilities by distrib-
uting available funds equally among public works projects --
the spreading of money too thinly results inan inadequate
job and often increases costs in the long run. Determining
which facilities shall be provided becomes a critical
policy matter, requiring careful scrutiny of the type of
facility needed and the immediate and long-range fiscal
capacities of local government.
\ S6
5impiy stated, a capital improvements program is a priority
list of public improvements which will be needed over a six
to ten year period. From this list, projects are selected
and recommended to the legislative body for inclusion in the
annual budget. Each year, the program is extended to main-
tain the long view. Financial data, including revenue es-
timates, costs of capital projects and operating costs of
projects once they are completed, becomes a vital part of
the program.
The role of the planning commission in this process is to
review ail proposed projects to determine their conformity
with policies of the Plan; to list and classify all pro-
posed projects, and to recommend a coordinated program of
public works for the ensuing fiscal year. All public
agencies, including city school districts, and other special
districts, should submit their capital improvement projects
to the County for such review. Thus, the local planning
agency becomes an important tool of governmental management,
assisting the legislative body and operating departments
(through the chief administrative officer) in one of their
most vital and difficult responsibilities. The capital
improvement program also encourages public understanding
of major problems faced by local government in providing
for the needs of an expanding population and economy.
The capital improvement program is but one of the three
major elements of a long-range financial plan. The services
and revenue programs are the other essential elements of
the financial plan. These elements provide a long look at
the fiscal requirements for operating and maintaining public
services and providing needed public improvements.
The public services program seeks to balance the operating
and capital expenditures for all public services with the
area's needs and desires for these services. Capital
improvements must be related to their operation and main-
tenance costs if the gradual provision of these improvements
are to be realistic.
The revenue program deals with the acquisition and allocation
of operating and capital expenditure funds necessary to
carry out the public services and capital improvement pro-
grams. The principal purpose of the revenue program is to
identify all possible sources of revenue to determine the
amounts of money which these sources realistically can be
expected to provide. Once it is determined how much money
will be available over a period of time, it is necessary to
adjust the public services and revenue programs to keep
them in balance. Preparation of the financial plan, however,
should be pursued as a single project, considering all ele-
ments at the same time.
Because the property tax is the basic source of revenue to
finance necessary public projects, it is important to note
the relationship which should exist between tax policy and
long-range fiscal planning. There must be a clear under-
standing of the relationship between fiscal policy and the
total set of objectives government seeks to attain over a
period of several years. When anticipated revenue and
spending is projected only on an annual basis, local govern-
ment often finds itself shaping tax policy in a continual
atmosphere of crisis. Each year, problems of financing and
taxation become more difficult to resolve when there is no
program of long-range fiscal planning to achieve long-range
objectives. Tax policy should result from an explicit and
clear definition of goals, evaluation of alternative plans
and a deliberate choice from among the alternatives. Such
a procedure will minimize the possibility of establishing
spending and taxation policies by accident, often as a
by-product of another decision.
,J�Sy
Referral
While the programming of public works is an important and
essential tool, it is limited to the determination, finan-
cing and construction of major public works which lend
themselves to systematic scheduling. There remains a
great need for dealing effectively with matters which
develop on a week -by -week basis.
The agendas of local governmental agencies are continuously
filled with matters which develop "overnight." Because of
the press of regular business and unfamiliarity with the
various functions and interrelationships of governmental
activities, there is often a lack of coordination, and the
public interest suffers. The problem becomes one of es-
tablishing effective procedures of "referral" --of keeping
related agencies and the public informed on rapidly
emerging problems, requests and changing conditions, and
of developing a collective approach to meet them within
limited time periods.
Because referral items often must be processed swiftly if
the public interest is to be properly served, care must
be taken to establish procedures which will not consume
time out of proportion to the importance of the matter
being studied. Complicated procedures can thwart the
expeditious and efficient processing of matters referred
to or from planning agencies. This is particularly true
in handling zoning or subdivision matters. The principle
of "action within reasonable time limits" must prevail.
The function of the planning commission in the referral
process is both interpretive and instructional. By law,
it is the only agency of local government charged with
the responsibility of comprehensive study of all activities
affecting physical development.
The total value of the referral process can be realized
only when the planning agency extends advice and counsel
beyond the immediate task of determining the conformance of
projects and development proposals with policies of the
Comprehensive Plan. Through its research and study activities,
the planning agency can materially aid a referring agency
or private individual in the initial stages of project con-
ception. Two classic examples are: (1) assisting a school
district in determining needs and selecting alternate sites
for school plants; and (2) assisting the subdivider in
developing his plans before a preliminary plat is officially
filed.
It must be noted that the task of achieving coordination
through referral requires a team effort. Many talents are
required, including private as well as public, if the referral
process is to be effective. Many public agencies are totally
unaware of their legal responsibility to refer certain pro-
jects to planning commissions. Occasionally, agencies simply
ignore the requirement. Planning agencies also may fail
to take advantage of the skills and knowledge possessed by
other agencies before starting or completing a project. If
the referral process is to be effective planning and other
agencies must look to their legislative body for policy
direction establishing the procedural framework for the
process.
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
The preparation and administration of development regulations
traditionally has been the major activity of planning agencies
in Oregon. Although not always fully understood by the
general public, such measures as zoning, subdivision control
and building codes have become familiar activities of local
government. Planning commissions and legislative bodies
can become so involved with regulatory measures that little
time is available to develop sound policies as a basis for
the regulations being administered.
From a strictly planning point of view, it can be argued that
development regulations have been advanced out of proportion
to their importance, resulting too often in unreasonable
and arbitrary decisions no matter how dedicated the
attempt to avoid them. This is especially true in rural
counties and communities where the pace of growth and
development has not been rapid enough to point up the need
for establishing planning policy as a basis for administering
development regulations. The purpose of this section is to
place the role of development regulations in proper per-
spective in carrying out the Comprehensive Plan.
Zoning
Properly conceived and administered, the zoning ordinance
becomes a most important means of translating proposals of
the Comprehensive Plan into reality. However, it should
be immediately,recognized that the scope of zoning is
limited, dealing almost exclusively with the private use of
land on a relatively short-range basis. Zoning is specific
and precise and cannot be substituted for non -regulatory
programs such as the financial plan, referral, and the
preparation of more detailed plans establishing the feasi-
bility and basis for development of major public facilities.
The influence exerted by these kinds of programs on the
development pattern is so great that zoning becomes, in
part, a complementary tool, supporting policies involving
the expenditure of large sums of public money.
Controversies which develop in applying zoning often are
a result of lack of attention to the role of non -regulatory
programs in shaping community development patterns. A
planning commission and city council can attempt to force
urban land patterns in certain directions and at certain
intensities, but it will not happen satisfactorily if the
areas cannot be economically serviced with sewer and water
facilities, if access is poor or non-existent, if the
surrounding area is badly blighted or if there appears
little prospect of other complementary facilities developing
in the vicinity. Many city and county plans fall short of
their goals because regulation through zoning and other
measures are offered as the only means of carrying out the
Plan.
A zoning ordinance is being drafted as part of the County's
current planning program, and will consist of a map estab-
lishing the boundaries of various land use districts and
a set of regulations and administrative procedures which
govern the activities and standards of development permitted
within the districts. The zoning ordinance should establish
a definite relationship between land use regulations and
policies and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan; it must
provide sufficient flexibility to accommodate changing
conditions; safeguards to assure the protection of individual
liberty and the right of property and to avoid unjust dis-
crimination must be balanced with the necessity for public
regulation in the public interest.
Subdivision Regulations
In contrast with a zoning ordinance, which regulates land
use, the subdivision ordinance sets forth specific standards
of design and physical improvements for the development of
land as a subdivision.
A subdivision ordinance has been drafted and reviewed by the
Citizens Advisory Committee for Planning. It prescribes
standards for street and lot design, sewer and water service,
storm water drainage, street lighting and fire protection
facilities. Special requirements are included for reserving
sites for public use and for conserving natural assets of
the land.
Years ago,(and even now) land was developed casually. It
was not too important whether streets were paved or drained
properly, whether a house was connected to a septic tank or
public sewer, or whether sidewalks, lighting and fire hydrants
were provided. But these conditions have changed because of
continuous urban population growth, the demand for recreation
subdivision lots, increased costs of public services and the
ever present automobile.
Building, Housing and Fire Protection Codes
Up-to-date building, plumbing and electrical codes are
important measures toward reducing trends of urban sprawl
and further expansion of blighted housing conditions. These
codes establish minimum standards of structural strength,
plumbing and electrical installations, and fire protection.
Potential zoning ordinance violations can be discovered
and corrected in the process of checking building plans and
Initial field inspection prior to construction. Quite often,
advice and counsel can be given which will result in lower
costs and better construction.
The housing code is a means of securing proper light and
ventilation, basic sanitary and heating equipment and mini-
mum space requirements per occupant. A building may be
structurally sound and yet lack basic facilities and equip-
ment for a healthful living environment. Lack of a housing
code poses an obstacle to achieving the gradual up -grading
of older homes and prevention of the spread of blight.
Health Regulations
There are a number of health-related services and facilities
which are vital in achieving Comprehensive Plan policies.
Health regulations administered at both the State and
local level can become a continuing positive force in
checking the spread of blight and in avoiding problems of
new development.
The local health program should be evaluated carefully to
determine areas requiring special attention in relation to
the planning program. Regulations and advisory activities
relating to on -lot water supplies, refuse collection and
disposal, on -lot sewage disposal, interim sewage treatment
plants, sewer and water connections, air pollution, water
pollution, and housing are essential in maintaining a
proper living environment. The long-range effectiveness
of regulations dealing with these factors depends to a great
extent on comprehensive and systematic attention. Regulations
which are based on a "comprehensive environmental health plan"
will provide assurance that the programs of the planning,
health and public works agencies are being effectively
coordinated.
Specific Thoroughfare Plans and Building Line Setbacks
In view of existing street deficiencies, coupled with the
lack of funds to eliminate them, it is essential that coop-
erative City -County -State efforts be made to protect existing
and future street road and highway alignments from encroach-
ment. The Comprehensive Plan identifies City, County and
State street and highway needs. The task now is to establish
specific plans for their alignments to facilitate the widening
of existing road beds and the building of entirely new road
facilities. Precise planning and engineering as far in
advance of construction as possible is a necessity.
Two legal devices may be used to protect the beds of existing
and future streets: (1) the Official Map which can be used
either for entirely new sections of streets and highways or
to protect areas requiring only widening of the existing
rights -of -ways; or (2) a building line setback ordinance
along all roadways identified for protection.
There can be no doubt that these two functions made possible
by the joint cooperation of City, County and State agencies,
can save the taxpayers many dollars over a short period of
time. The cost of acquiring developed real estate can be so
high that governmental agencies may be unable to acquire and
build an essential facility. This, in turn, will create
unsolvable problems of traffic movement and block development
of desirable growth patterns.
4 9a.
DETAILED STUDIES REQUIRED
Since the development and adoption of a Comprehensive Plan
is but the beginning step in the continuous process of
planning, the plan -making activities of local government
must extend beyond preparing and maintaining the Plan in
an up-to-date form. There exists a major gap between
identifying future needs on a broad scale and constructing
facilities when needed. For example, the Comprehensive
Plan indicates the probable extent of growth, but detailed
plans must be prepared before sewer and water lines can be
extended, school sites acquired and developed and arterial
roads constructed. Several of these further plan -making
activities require team efforts on the part of the planning
agency and other agencies of government and private enter-
prise.
Refining Urban Elements of the Plan
The plans which have been prepared for the four major
urban areas of the County must now be refined to deal more
specifically with the "internal" requirements for growth.
This is particularly true for the Bend and Redmond areas,
where the existing development patterns are sufficiently
large and complex as to require the preparation of more
specific plans for neighborhood areas.
In order to develop plans for the enhancement of a community's
"neighborhood" areas, it will be necessary to develop more
refined studies and plans concerning such needs as housing
and renewal, water and sewer facilities, parks and recrea-
tion, industrial development, public buildings and grounds,
esthetics, local streets, and airport facilities.
Refining Proposals for Rural Service Centers
As described in Part IV, specific plans must be developed
for the County's rural service centers. Priority of
attention should be given to Tumalo, Terrebonne and Deschutes
Junction because of their close relationship to the larger
urban areas of Bend and Redmond.
Additional Elements of the Comprehensive Plan
In order to carry out the policies and proposals of the
Comprehensive Plan on a County -wide basis, additional ele-
ments of the Comprehensive Plan will be required. Those
elements in the following list which are marked with an
asterisk (*) are those which the federal, and/or state
governments have identified as being an essential component
of a Comprehensive Plan for purposes of eligibility under
grant-in-aid and loan programs:
Environmental Management:
Water and sewer facilities element (%`)
Water quality management (%,)
Open space and scenic conservation element (*)
Flood control and drainage element (%;)
Solid waste management
Air pollution control element
Noise pollution control element
Housing Element (%;)
Economic Development Element
Public Services and Facilities:
Comprehensive health element
Fire protection element
Law enforcement element
Library service element
Public utility element (gas, electricity and telephone)
Governmental Management:
Financial plan element ()
Information management
� �3
Citizen participation (%;)
Referral
REVIEW AND PERIODIC REVISION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
An alertness to changing conditions and unforeseen impacts
is essential to the success of any planning program.
Whether it be a new college program, large industrial de-
velopment or changes in the administration of local govern-
ment, the planning program must respond to these shifts
and unanticipated developments. Accordingly, the Compre-
hensive Plan, based on the soundest of information and
judgment available, must be kept up to date. At any point
in time, two, five and ten years from now, the plan for
future development should take both a medium and long-
range look ahead. The Plan should be reviewed jointly
by the cities and the County every two years, preferably
during the winter season prior to formulation of the annual
budget. It is doubtful that major changes will be required
during the annual review period for the next 3-5 years.
At least once every five years, the basic studies reviewed
in Part 11 should be re -analyzed to determine whether revi-
sions are necessary in the policies and proposals of the Plan
and in the program of Pian implementation.
I