Planning commission approves variance for Hermiston property addition

The Umatilla Planning Commission voted to approve Variance V-2-25, allowing an addition on a property addressed in Hermiston to remain 15 feet from the side setback instead of the 20-foot setback that applies under county rules for properties in the urban growth boundary (UGB).

Staff explained the property is in an EFU (exclusive farm use) zone and lies within the Umatilla urban growth boundary where an intergovernmental agreement gives Umatilla planning authority. Staff said the house was built in the 1970s and does not meet current setbacks; the applicant’s requested 5-foot reduction (15 feet rather than 20) was reviewed with fire and had no identified safety concerns. Staff recommended approval.

Applicant Eduardo Madrigal, the property owner, told the commission he had a survey that showed the house is on a narrow, long lot and that the addition must sit where the existing wall is to preserve an access drive to the rear. Madrigal said he was not aware of the setback measurement until he had the property surveyed.

Commissioners closed the public record after no public testimony in opposition. During deliberation commissioners described the request as straightforward and noted that variance decisions are made on individual circumstances rather than creating binding precedents for other properties. A motion to approve was made and seconded; roll call shows Commissioners Leon Tejeda, Jones and Cooper voting aye and the motion passed. Commissioner Gutierrez had left the Zoom session earlier and was noted absent for the final vote.

The approval permits the addition to remain 15 feet from the side property line; conditions or further requirements were not recorded in the meeting transcript.