Benton County expands community outreach for development code and zoning map updates

The Alsea Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting held on April 15, 2024, focused on several key updates regarding Benton County's comprehensive planning and development code. The meeting began with a commitment from the county to enhance community engagement and education, emphasizing the importance of informed discussions with elected officials.

One of the primary agenda items was the update on the 2007 comprehensive plan. The county has secured a grant of approximately $50,000 from the state of Oregon to facilitate community outreach, set to commence on April 30, 2024. This outreach will continue throughout the summer, with the next community meeting anticipated in May or early June.

The committee also discussed the first phase of an update to the county's development code, which has been identified as outdated and inconsistent with current state laws. Benton County has allocated $75,000 for this initial phase, which aims to establish clear and objective standards for rural housing by the mandated deadline of July 1, 2025. This update is crucial for providing a transparent process for housing siting on rural lands, including forest areas.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for updates to the county zoning map, which has been found to contain inaccuracies, particularly regarding stream locations. The CAC highlighted the importance of community involvement in identifying these discrepancies, encouraging residents to report any inaccuracies they observe on their properties. The committee proposed that residents compile their concerns and present them collectively to streamline the process of addressing these issues with the county's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) coordinator.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among community members to ensure that the CAC serves as an effective conduit for information and advocacy. The committee aims to facilitate a more informed dialogue between residents and county officials, ultimately enhancing the planning and development processes in Benton County.