In a recent Umatilla County Commissioner meeting held on November 26, 2024, officials convened to discuss a significant request for a change in land use designation and zoning for a property located on State Highway 11, approximately 1.5 miles north of Milton-Freewater. The proposal, submitted by HAC Holdings Lehi, seeks to transition the property from a rural residential designation to a commercial designation, specifically from a minimum parcel size of four acres to rural retail services commercial.

The meeting began with a public hearing, where Community Development Director Bob Walder provided a detailed overview of the application. He explained that the request arose from a code enforcement violation related to the unpermitted operation of a business on the property. The owners had received multiple warnings from the county regarding the continued operation of their business, which involves storing RVs, trailers, and campers.

Walder noted that the application for the comprehensive plan and zoning map amendment was submitted in June 2024, following ongoing discussions with planning staff aimed at resolving the violation. The planning commission had previously reviewed the application and unanimously recommended its approval to the board of commissioners.

The meeting also included a discussion on the traffic impact analysis submitted by the applicant, which is a requirement under Oregon's transportation planning rules. This analysis is crucial for assessing the potential effects of increased commercial activity on local traffic patterns.

As the hearing progressed, the commissioners invited public testimony, allowing both supporters and opponents of the application to voice their opinions. The process emphasized the importance of community input in land use decisions, as well as the need for compliance with established criteria for approval.

The outcome of this meeting holds significant implications for Umatilla County's development landscape, particularly in balancing residential needs with commercial growth. The board of commissioners is expected to make a final decision on the proposed amendments in the coming weeks, which will determine the future use of the property and its impact on the surrounding community.