Hearings Official Public Hearings
Regular MeetingEugene, OR · December 21, 2022
Agenda
AGENDA
Phone: 541-682-5481 Meeting Location:
www.eugene-or.gov/406/hearings-official Virtual Meeting (Via Zoom)
The Eugene Hearings Official welcomes your interest in these agenda items. The Permit and
Information Center (PIC) is open 12:00pm—4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Information about
online or other options for access and participation is available on the next page of this agenda.
For the hearing impaired, assistive-listening devices or an interpreter can be provided with 72-
hour notice prior to the meeting. Spanish-language interpretation may also be provided with 72-
hour notice. These services may not be available during the meeting but may occur as a follow
up service. To arrange for these services, contact the Planning Division at 541-682-5675.
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2022 – Public Hearing 5:00 pm
Hearing Official: Virginia Gustafson Lucker
I. PUBLIC HEARING: 800 RIVER ROAD (Z 22-13)
Zone Change request to change the base zone at 800 River Road from R-2 Medium
Density Residential to R-1 Low-Density Residential. The /UL Urbanizable Lands Overlay
Zone is proposed to remain.
File Name (#): 800 River Road (Z 22-13)
Location: 800 River Road
Assessor’s Map / Tax Lot: 17-04-24-31 / 04500
Lead City Staff: Jeff Gepper, Senior Planner
541-682-5282, JGepper@eugene-or.gov
Page 1 of 12
PUBLIC HEARING FORMAT
1. Staff introduction/presentation.
2. Public testimony from applicant.
3. Testimony from the public. Due to the virtual meeting platform, the order of speakers
will be based on order that persons request to speak (raise virtual hand), as opposed
to the order specified under EC 9.7625. For this reason, each person providing
comment will be asked to state whether they are in support, neutral, or in opposition
to the application.
4. Staff response to testimony.
5. Questions from Hearings Official.
6. Rebuttal testimony from applicant.
7. Closing of public hearing.
The Hearings Official will not make a decision at this hearing. The Eugene Code requires that a
written decision must be made within 15 days of close of the public comment period. To be
notified of the Hearings Official’s decision, state your name and address during the public
testimony portion of the public hearing or contact the lead City staff noted above. The decision
will also be posted at https://www.eugene-or.gov/406/Hearings-Official.
HOW TO ACCESS THE MEETING
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Page 2 of 12
The Atrium Building
99 West 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401
Phone: 541.682.5377 | Fax: 541.682.5572
www.eugene-or.gov/planning
PUBLIC HEARING STAFF REPORT
Zone Change
File Name (Number): 800 River Road (Z 22-13)
Owner/ Applicant: Devon Locke
Applicant’s Representative: Andrew Strout, Branch Engineering
Lead City Staff: Jeff Gepper, Senior Planner
Relevant Dates: Application Submitted: October 25, 2022
Deemed Complete: November 1, 2022
Public Hearing: December 21, 2022
Subject Site: 800 River Road
Map No. / Tax Lot: 17-04-24-31 / 04500
Current Zoning R-2 Medium-Density Residential /UL
Proposed Zoning R-1 Low-Density Residential /UL
Application Summary
The applicant is requesting approval of a Zone Change to change the base zoning of a .37-acre
property to R-1 Low-Density Residential. The site currently has a base zone of R-2 Medium
Density Residential. The site also has the /UL Urbanizable Lands Overlay Zone, which is
proposed to remain.
Purpose of the Staff Report
Staff reports provide community members an opportunity to learn more about the land use
request and to review staff analysis of the application. Staff reports are available seven days
prior to the public hearing (see EC/UL 9.7320). The staff report provides only preliminary
recommendations, and information. The Hearings Official will also consider additional public
testimony and other materials presented at the public hearing before issuing a decision on the
application. The Hearings Official’s written decision on the application is typically made within
15 days following the close of the public record after the public hearing (see EC/UL 9.7330). The
applicable quasi-judicial hearing procedures are described at EC/UL 9.7065 through EC/UL
9.7095.
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 3 of 12
How Does Zoning Work?
The Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan) is part of the City’s
comprehensive plan. The Metro Plan helps to guide land use and zoning decisions. It includes
long-range policy direction for land use planning and legislative decision-making, as well as
guidance for parcel-specific land use decisions such as this zone change request. In some areas,
refinement plans provide additional policies and land use designation maps to further guide
land use decision-making in specific neighborhoods or geographic areas of the City.
Another component of the City’s comprehensive plan is the Envision Eugene Comprehensive
Plan. It provides goals and policies to help guide the City in updating the Eugene Code and other
regulatory documents, programs and planning projects. Unlike the Metro Plan or refinement
plans, the Envision Eugene policies are not intended to be used in determining approval or
denial of land use applications, like a Zone Change, unless such direction is stated in the policy.
In the context of a Zone Change application, consistency with the applicable provisions of the
Metro Plan and any applicable adopted refinement plans for the area of the request, is
fundamental to the decision-making process. More than one zone category may carry out a
particular land use designation, and the relevant policy direction helps determine what the
zoning should be. In other cases, the land use designation and policy direction may be so
specific that only one zone or overlay zone can correctly establish particular restrictions,
development standards or process. In a nutshell, zoning specifies allowed uses for a piece of
land, and what standards will apply at the time of development (e.g. height, setbacks).
Application Details & Procedure
The applicant is requesting approval for a Zone Change to change the base zone of a .37-acre
property from R-2 Medium-Density Residential to Low-Density Residential (R-1). The property
also has the /UL Urbanizable Lands Overlay Zone, which is proposed to remain.
The property is not within City limits, but is within the City’s Urban Growth Boundary. As stated
by the applicant, the intent of this zone change is to establish consistency between the
property’s zoning and the comprehensive plan (Metro Plan) land use designation in order to
meet the requirements for annexation. The property is designated on the Metro Plan Diagram
as Low Density Residential, which is not consistent with the current zoning, R-2 Medium-
Density Residential, whereas the R-1 Low-Density Residential Zone is consistent with the Low
Density Designation.
The subject property is developed with a single dwelling and is surrounded by developed single-
family residential properties, as well as other residential and commercial uses along River Road.
For ease of reference, maps of the subject site vicinity and zoning can be seen in Attachments A
and B.
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 4 of 12
Timing, Notice, and Testimony
Application Submitted October 25, 2022
Deemed Complete November 1, 2022
Application
DLCD Notice November 15,2022
Timeline
Public Notice (per EC/UL 9.7315) November 17, 2022
Public Hearing December 21, 2022
Testimony
As of the publication of this report, no testimony has been received regarding this proposal. If
written testimony is received prior to the public hearing, it will be provided to the Hearings
Official for consideration as part of the record.
Public Notice and Referrals
Public notice was provided in accordance with the requirements of Eugene’s Land Use Code.
The Planning Division also provided information concerning the application to appropriate City
departments, public agencies, neighborhood organization, and service providers. All referral
comments received by the Planning Division on this application are included in the application
file for reference. The substance of any relevant referral comments is addressed in the context
of applicable approval criteria and standards in the following evaluation.
Applicable Zoning code
Due to the property not being within City Limits, the applicable zoning code is the Urbanizable
Lands Code (UL Code), also known as the Urban Transition Area Code, which is adopted by Lane
County because they have jurisdiction over unannexed lands with the Urban Growth Boundary.
Lane County and the City of Eugene have an intergovernmental agreement providing authority
to the City of Eugene to implement and enforce the UL Code where applicable within Eugene’s
Urban Growth Boundary.
Zone Change Evaluation
In accordance with EC/UL 9.7330, the Hearings Official is required to approve, approve with
conditions, or deny a Type III land use application. The decision must be based on, and be
accompanied by, findings that explain the criteria and standards considered relevant to the
decision. It must also state the facts relied upon in rendering the decision and explain the
justification for the decision based upon the criteria, standards, and facts set forth.
The Hearings Official will review the application and consider relevant evidence and testimony
as to whether the proposed Zone Change is consistent with the applicable criteria required for
approval, shown below in bold typeface. To assist the Hearings Official in making a decision on
the Zone Change request, staff’s findings in response to each of the criteria are provided below.
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 5 of 12
EC/UL 9.8865(1): The proposed change is consistent with applicable provisions of the
Metro Plan. The written text of the Metro Plan shall take precedence over the Metro
Plan diagram where apparent conflicts or inconsistencies exist.
The applicant is requesting approval to change the base zone of the subject property from R-2
Medium-Density Residential to R-1 Low-Density Residential. The Metro Plan diagram designates
the subject property for Low-Density Residential uses, which is implemented through the
proposed R-1 zoning, making the applicant’s request consistent with the Metro Plan diagram.
Staff does not see any specific policies from the Metro Plan that would serve as mandatory
approval criteria for the applicant’s request. Based on the available information, the request
complies with this criterion.
EC/UL 9.8865(2): The proposed zone change is consistent with applicable adopted
refinement plans. In the event of inconsistencies between these plans and the Metro
Plan, the Metro Plan controls.
The subject property is located within the boundaries of the River Road – Santa Clara Urban
Facilities Plan (RR/SC UFP) refinement plan area. The RR/SC UFP designates the subject
property as Low-Density Residential, consistent with the applicant's requested R-1 zoning. With
regard to the general residential land use policies beginning on page 2-14 of the RR/SC UFP,
none appear to read as mandatory approval criteria for the subject request. Staff notes the
following policy as possibly relevant:
1.0 Recognize and maintain the predominately low-density residential character of the
area consistent with the Metro Plan.
The requested R-1 zone is consistent with the low-density residential character and Metro Plan
designation of the surrounding area. There are no other policies within the RR/SC UFP that
appear to be relevant or constitute mandatory approval criteria. Based on these findings, the
zone change is consistent with the applicable refinement plan.
EC/UL 9.8865(3): The uses and density that will be allowed by the proposed zoning in
the location of the proposed change can be served through the orderly extension of
key urban facilities and services.
Key urban facilities and services are defined in the Metro Plan as: wastewater service,
stormwater service, transportation, water service, fire and emergency medical services, police
protection, City-wide parks and recreation programs, electric service, land use controls,
communication facilities, and public schools on a district-wide basis (see Metro Plan page V-3).
Wastewater
There is an existing public wastewater line at the intersection of Park Avenue and River Road.
The existing dwelling is currently connected to that line.
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 6 of 12
Stormwater
Public stormwater is available in the River Road right-of-way (15”) via weep holes in the curb.
Soil type for the area is C, indicating poor infiltration. In the event of future development,
applicants may be required to address all applicable stormwater management standards
including flood control, water quality, oil control, easements, and operation and maintenance.
Streets
The site has frontage along Park Avenue and River Road. River Road is a major arterial owned
and maintained by the city of Eugene and is designed to city standards with ADA corners,
sidewalks, curb and street lights. Park Avenue is a Lane County road identified as a minor
collector. It does not have sidewalks, but is paved and has curb and gutter.
Solid Waste
Collection service is provided by private entities. Regional disposal sites and the Short Mountain
Landfill are operated by Lane County.
Water and Electric
The site has existing water and electrical services, operated by Eugene Water and Electric Board
(EWEB). Any future development will require coordination with EWEB staff to ensure that
water and electric services comply with City standards and related EWEB requirements.
Public Safety
Police protection for the subject property is consistent with service provision through the City.
Fire protection will be provided by the Eugene/Springfield Fire Department. Emergency medical
services are currently provided on a regional basis by the cities of Eugene and Springfield.
Transportation
The subject property is accessible to pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles via the surrounding
street network. Lane Transit District lines provides bus service along River Road and Park
Avenue with multiple stops within approximately 500 feet of the site.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation programs are provided on a City‐wide basis. The inclusion of the subject
property in the City is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the minimum level of this key urban
service is met.
Planning and Development Services
Planning and building permit services are provided for all properties located within the urban
growth boundary by the City of Eugene. The Eugene Code, Chapter 9, will provide the required
land use controls for future development of the subject property.
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 7 of 12
Communication
A variety of telecommunication providers offer communications services throughout the
Eugene/Springfield area; therefore, these services are accessible, and this key urban service
requirement is met.
Public Schools
The subject property is within the 4J School District (River Road Elementary, Kelly Middle
School, and North Eugene High School). As access to schools is evaluated on a district wide
basis, the property’s location within the school district is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the
minimum level of this key urban service is met.
The proposed zone change will not impact the availability of the urban services listed above,
which already exist for the subject property. Based on these findings, this criterion is satisfied.
EC/UL 9.8865(4): The proposed zone change is consistent with the applicable siting
requirements set out for the specific zone in:
(f) EC 9.2735 Residential Zone Siting Requirements.
The siting requirements at EC 9.2735 do not apply to the R-1 zone. Because the applicant is
requesting R-1 zoning, there are no specific siting requirements and this criterion is not
applicable.
EC/UL 9.8865(5): In cases where the NR zone is applied based on EC 9.2510(1)(b), the
property owner shall enter into a contractual arrangement with the city to ensure the
area is maintained as a natural resource area for a minimum of 50 years.
The applicant is not requesting the NR zone and the subject site is not located in an area that
would otherwise require the application of the NR zone. Based on the available information and
evidence, this criterion is not applicable.
Transportation Planning Rule (TPR)
Goal 12 Transportation of the Statewide Planning Goals, adopted by the Land Conservation and
Development Commission (LCDC), must be specifically addressed as part of the requested zone
change and in the context of Oregon Administrative Rules, as follows.
As adopted, OAR 660-012-0060(1) states:
(1) If an amendment to a functional plan, an acknowledged comprehensive plan,
or a land use regulation (including a zoning map) would significantly affect an
existing or planned transportation facility, then the local government must put
in place measures as provided in section (2) of this rule, unless the amendment
is allowed under section (3), (9) or (10) of this rule.
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 8 of 12
The proposal qualifies for an exception under subsection (9), because the applicant is
requesting zoning that is consistent with the Metro Plan designation.
(9) Notwithstanding section (1) of this rule, a local government may find that an
amendment to a zoning map does not significantly affect an existing or
planned transportation facility if all of the following requirements are met.
(a) The proposed zoning is consistent with the existing comprehensive plan
map designation and the amendment does not change the plan map:
(b) The local government has an acknowledged TSP and the proposed
zoning is consistent with the TSP; and
(c) The area subject to the amendment was not exempted from this rule at
the time of an urban growth boundary amendment as permitted in OAR
660- 024-220(1)(d), or the area was exempted from this rule but the
local government has a subsequently acknowledged TSP amendment
that accounted for urbanization of the area.
The City of Eugene’s adopted Eugene 2035 Transportation System Plan (2035 TSP) serves as the
City’s acknowledged local transportation system plan. “Chapter 3: Needs Assessment and
Evaluation”, of the 2035 TSP provides:
The needs assessment and resulting projects… that establish a transportation system
adequate to meet the identified local transportation needs are based upon the land use
designations established by the Metro Plan. Because the 2035 TSP is based on the Metro
Plan land use designations, any zone allowed within the land use designation is
consistent with both the Metro Plan and this 2035 TSP.
In their written statement the applicant correctly states that the proposed zoning of the subject
property is consistent with the Metro Plan and the low-density residential designation was in
effect at the time an acknowledged transportation system plan was adopted, therefore the
zoning of the subject property is consistent with 2035 TSP.
As the applicant has not requested an amendment to the Metro Plan designation, and the
proposed zoning will be consistent with the Metro Plan designation, the zone change is allowed
under OAR 660-012-0060(9) and the proposal is consistent with the applicable provisions of the
Transportation Planning Rule.
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 9 of 12
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Consistent with the preceding findings of compliance with the Zone Change approval criteria at
EC/UL 9.8865, and based on all available information as of the date of this report, staff
recommends the Hearings Official approve the request for a base zone of R-1 Low-Density
Residential. The /UL Overlay Zone is recommended to remain, consistent with the applicant’s
request.
According to EC/UL 9.7330, unless the applicant agrees to a longer time period, within 15 days
following close of the public record, the Eugene Hearings Official shall approve, approve with
conditions, or deny this Type III application. The decision shall be based upon and be
accompanied by findings that explain the criteria and standards considered relevant to the
decision, stating the facts relied upon in rendering a decision and explaining the justification for
the decision based upon the criteria, standards, and facts set forth. Notice of the written
decision will be mailed in accordance with EC/UL 9.7335. Within 12 days of the date the notice
of decision is mailed, it may be appealed to the Eugene Planning Commission as set forth in
EC/UL 9.7650 through EC/UL 9.7685.
Attachments
Attachment A: Vicinity Map
Attachment B: Zoning Map
More Information about the land use application process, approval criteria, and general
information can be found here: https://www.eugene-or.gov/3208/Land-Use-Information
The application materials, and file are available to review for any interested parties. As a
courtesy, materials may also be available on the City’s website at: https://pdd.eugene-
or.gov/LandUse/SearchApplicationDocuments?file=Z-22-0013
To protect the health of staff and community members, staff can provide digital materials or
make appointments to view a physical set of materials. The Hearings Official will receive a full
set of application materials for review prior to the public hearing.
For more information, please contact Jeff Gepper, Senior Planner, Eugene Planning Division, at:
(541) 682-5282; or by e-mail, at: JGepper@eugene-or.gov
Staff Report
800 River Road | Z 22-13
Page 10 of 12
800 River Road Zone Change (City File: Z 22-13)
Vicinity Map Attachment A
SUNNYSIDE DR JACKIES LN
Proposed Zoning:
R-1 Low-Density Residential
STULTS AVE
R
RIV E
RD
PARK AVE
ST
DORRIS
Subject Property Caution: This map is based on
imprecise source data, subject to
Taxlots change, and for general reference only.
Eugene UGB
Created on 11/29/2022
^ by City of Eugene Planning Division
Page 11 of 12
0 30 60
Ft
120 N
800 River Road Zone Change (City File: Z 22-13)
Zoning Map Attachment B
C-1
SUNNYSIDE DR JACKIES LN
Proposed Zoning:
R-1 Low-Density Residential
STULTS AVE
R-1
R
RIV E
RD
PARK AVE
R-2
ST
DORRIS
PL
Subject Property Caution: This map is based on
Taxlots imprecise source data, subject to
change, and for general reference only.
Eugene UGB
C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Created on 11/29/2022
C-2 Community Commercial ^ by City of Eugene Planning Division
PL Public Land
R-1 Low-Density Residential
R-2 Medium-Density Residential
Page 12 of 12
0 30 60
Ft
120 N
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