Yamhill officials push 'Authentic Yamhill' plan, ask planning staff to draft historic-district code

Yamhill — City leaders and volunteers at a July 30 work session agreed to pursue an “Authentic Yamhill” downtown plan that would set design guidelines, pursue grants for building revitalization and ask planning staff to draft code language to establish a local historic district.

Why it matters: Council members said a concise, readable plan and matching grant money could guide development so new projects fit the town’s historic character and to help attract businesses without allowing incompatible large-box or out-of-scale construction.

Shay Corey, mayor, opened the discussion by urging a clear, written directive: "If you don't write down what you want, somebody else will come down and do the thing that you don't want done." He and other elected officials asked city planning staff to evaluate code changes and to place a draft historic-district designation for the Central Business District on the planning commission agenda.

The economic development committee and the Yamhill Downtown Association described a suite of near-term actions: researching small-town models (Carlton, Leavenworth and Sisters were cited), compiling historic photos and templates, and pursuing grant funding to support building rehabilitation. Jen Morrison, chair of the economic development committee, said the association has secured a Main Street revitalization grant and is working with Oregon Main Street for technical assistance.

Robert Davis, founder of the Yamhill Neighborhood Association, urged grant-seeking as a top priority: “Money, money, money, money. You know, money makes the world go round,” he said, noting the city has experienced budget shortfalls and that grants often require matching funds.

Participants discussed the recent controversy over a new gas station downtown as an example of why clearer design standards are needed. Ken Moore, a planning commission member, recommended producing a short, actionable goals document rather than lengthy materials: "If we created a document that was easy to read, really in bullet point, easy language, and this is what we do," he said.

Council and committee members volunteered tasks and near-term steps: the economic development committee will further refine the “Authentic Yamhill” template in its next meeting (scheduled Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.), staff member “Walt” was asked to research Leavenworth/Carlton code examples and to check whether recent state legislative changes affect the draft lighting and design ordinances, and volunteers were identified to scope tree planting and downtown lighting projects. Timelines and reporting back to council at upcoming meetings were requested.

Discussion-only items included how restrictive design rules should be, how to balance historic preservation with encouraging new business, and whether to pursue a formal National Register nomination versus a locally defined historic district. The group repeatedly emphasized avoiding overly prescriptive rules that might deter investment while still preserving a consistent downtown character.

Ending note: Officials said the effort will be piecemeal — research, draft code, pursue grants, and return recommendations to council — and that staff will report back at the next council meeting on progress and any legal constraints.