Deschutes County Commissioners Reconsider Comprehensive Plan Amid Appeal Challenges

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on August 27, 2025, where they addressed significant developments regarding the county's comprehensive planning. The primary focus was the second reading of Ordinance 2025-007, which reconsiders the previously adopted Deschutes County 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Nicole Mardell, a senior planner with Deschutes County Community Development, presented the ordinance for consideration. This ordinance revisits Ordinance 2024-007, which was initially approved on October 2, 2024, with a narrow 2 to 1 vote. Following its approval, the plan faced an appeal from Central Oregon Land Watch to the Land Use Board of Appeals.

The Land Use Board of Appeals provides a mechanism for reconsideration, allowing the county to address any issues raised during the appeal process that were not previously discussed at the local level. This step is crucial for ensuring that all concerns are adequately addressed before finalizing the comprehensive plan.

The meeting underscored the importance of thorough review and community engagement in the planning process, as the county seeks to navigate the complexities of land use and development in the region. Further discussions and decisions regarding the comprehensive plan are expected in upcoming meetings as the county works to finalize its long-term vision for development.