MADRAS, Ore. — City planning staff told the Jan. 15 Planning Commission that City Council approved the Site 9 large-lot industrial project and that staff submitted more than 3,000 pages of the administrative record to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). A 21‑day appeal period is open; if DLCD elects to review the matter, its staff have up to 120 days to issue a determination or refer the case to the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC).

Staff said the record was submitted on Jan. 7 and that the submission was organized with a table of contents for the state review. The city’s briefing noted that appeals are limited to parties with standing (typically those who participated in the local hearings) and that a state review, if requested, would be heard by the seven-member LCDC rather than by the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) if DLCD calls the matter up.

Why it matters: Site 9 is part of the city’s large-lot industrial program, which aims to make developable industrial acreage available inside the urban growth boundary to attract employers. Staff said a robust administrative record has been created; the city is now in the procedural waiting period while the state’s appeal window and review timeline run.

Commissioner and staff discussion
Staff characterized the decision as likely to draw an appeal and said they believed the city prepared an adequate factual basis in the record. The planner said, “we are now in a 21 day appeal period before DLCD,” and noted DLCD staff have 120 days to review the record and decide whether to refer the matter to LCDC.

Commissioners discussed the broader economic-development context, including county and regional large-lot efforts and the role of infrastructure costs in development timing. Staff cited the regional interest in large‑lot programs and the potential need for transportation investments to enable large industrial projects.

Next steps: If no appeal is filed during the 21‑day period, the project’s local approvals will stand. If an appeal is filed, DLCD will review the record and may either accept the local decision, require changes, or refer the matter to LCDC for a hearing before that body.