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County opens hearing on repeal of farm‑mediation ordinance; staff cites state law redundancy, mediation group urges local services
Summary
Wasco County held a public hearing for a proposed repeal of a local farm‑mediation ordinance, with staff saying state law largely supersedes the local rule and a mediation provider urging continued access to dispute‑resolution services.
Wasco County opened a public hearing to consider repealing a long‑standing county ordinance that provided for mediation of disputes involving generally accepted farming and forestry practices. The hearing included a staff presentation, public comment and a first reading of the ordinance; commissioners scheduled a second hearing for April 16.
Kelly Halsey Glover, Wasco County Community Development managing director, told the commission the county ordinance has been on the books for more than a decade but has not been used in recent years. She said the Oregon Right to Farm Act and the Oregon Forest Practices Act create protections that make the local mediation ordinance effectively redundant in many circumstances.
“The state process…basically says it’s unlawful to pursue any claims of injury against somebody for either legal or preexisting nonconforming farm or forest practices,” Kelly said, summarizing how state law frames potential nuisance claims while noting the county still encourages mediation when disputes arise that fall outside those protections.
Andrea Pacheco, executive director of 6 Rivers Dispute Resolution Center, testified that 6 Rivers is neutral on repeal but urged county leaders to preserve and promote accessible mediation services. She described community mediation as a confidential, lower‑cost alternative to court and said mediation can help neighbors navigate conflicts that arise as residential development expands near farm and forest operations.
The commission read the ordinance by title only—Ordinance No. 25002, “Repealing the ordinance providing protection for generally accepted farming and forestry practices, and establishing a complaint mediation process”—and closed the first hearing. Commissioners said the item will return for a second reading and public comment on April 16.
Commissioners and staff discussed how the state disclosure processes—recorded notices when new land uses abut farm or forest practices—inform residents and reduce the legal remedies available for some complaints; staff said the county will continue encouraging mediation and can provide resources when conflicts emerge.
