Eugene City Council unveils new detailed land use designation map for urban growth

In a recent Eugene Planning Commission meeting held on July 3, 2025, significant strides were made towards updating the city’s land use designations and zoning components. The meeting highlighted the importance of creating a Eugene-specific land use map that operates at the parcel level, a crucial step in modernizing the city's planning framework.

For decades, Eugene and Springfield relied on a dated land use diagram known as the "blob map," which has not been updated since February 2004. This map, valid only at a small scale, has made it challenging to determine precise land designations, leading to confusion in development planning. Springfield has already adopted its own updated land use map, providing a model for Eugene to follow.

The first phase of Eugene's project aims to clarify land use designations within the urban growth boundary. The new draft land use map offers a clearer view of how land can be developed, facilitating better monitoring of buildable land supply and development trends. The process involved applying the most detailed sources available, including approved metro plan amendments and neighborhood refinement plans.

Two key policies were discussed to guide the next phases of this project. Policy 11.7 addresses inconsistencies in residential land designations, allowing properties to develop according to their zoning without needing to change their designation. This policy aims to provide clarity for property owners while enabling city staff to focus on further aligning land use designations with zoning maps, as outlined in Policy 11.8.

The overarching goal of these efforts is to promote orderly development, protect natural resources, and guide future growth within Eugene. The proposed land use designation map, once adopted, will serve as the official framework for land use in the city, ensuring a supportive arrangement of jobs, housing, and recreational spaces.

As Eugene moves forward with these updates, the implications for community development and resource management are significant. The city is poised to enhance its planning processes, ultimately fostering a more organized and sustainable urban environment. Future meetings will likely address the necessary research and community engagement required to implement these changes effectively.