Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Ugb Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves first reading to expand Roseburg urban growth boundary to include Sunshine Park
Summary
Roseburg council voted to adopt planning commission findings and held a first reading of Ordinance 3608 to expand the urban growth boundary and annex 49.92 acres of Sunshine Park into the city for future park and trail development; the action remains subject to Douglas County approval and possible appeals.
The Roseburg City Council on Jan. 27 adopted the planning commission’s findings and approved a first reading of an ordinance to expand the city’s urban growth boundary to include 49.92 acres of Sunshine Park, annex the land into the city, apply a public‑semi public comprehensive plan designation and zone it public reserve.
Why it matters: The proposed change (file CPA‑24‑002; ordinance No. 3608) is intended to resolve a split jurisdiction that runs through Sunshine Park and to allow the city to use an award of $148,000 from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreational Trails Program for a proposed trail network. City staff said bringing the park fully inside the city and UGB will simplify approvals for future improvements and emergency jurisdiction.
What the council approved: Staff described a multi‑step land‑use process coordinated with Douglas County and state rules, including a demonstration of parkland need under Oregon’s Goal 14 and associated Oregon Administrative Rules. The staff presentation identified Site A (Sunshine Park) as the preferred location because it is already parkland, has parking and access, and would avoid new roads or utility extensions. Planner Sam Huck of 3j Consulting summarized the applications as an urban growth boundary expansion, a comprehensive plan map amendment, annexation and a zone change to public reserve.
Public comment and mitigation: Supporters and opponents spoke during the hearing. Evan Cruz, who said he farms near Roseburg, spoke in favor, calling the proposal an appropriate park use in agricultural buffer areas and citing examples of trail systems that work adjacent to farmland. A landowner’s concerns about farm operations adjacent to a proposed trail were discussed; staff said the trail layout had been modified to provide a 100‑foot buffer in parts, added field fencing and that some trail construction near a pioneer cemetery would require hand work and a 50‑foot buffer. Developer Jerry Reeves praised city staff coordination on the project.
Council action and next steps: A councilor moved to adopt the planning commission’s recommended findings to approve the land‑use actions required for CPA‑24‑002; the motion carried. The council then conducted a first reading of Ordinance No. 3608 to: expand the Roseburg UGB at Sunshine Park, annex the identified property, amend the comprehensive plan map to the public/semi‑public designation, amend the zoning map to public reserve, and direct staff to file required instruments with county and state agencies. Staff and councilors noted the county Board of Commissioners must also approve the county portion of the action, and that the application has an appeal path to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
Funding and timeline: Staff explained the local portion of the project is tied to a $148,000 reimbursable grant; the state will issue a notice to proceed before the city may spend funds, and staff said the grant includes a two‑year period to begin construction once notice to proceed is given. City staff said they plan to budget local matching funds in the current fiscal year in case approvals are received.
Ending: The ordinance received a first reading; final council adoption will follow required county approvals and the resolution of any appeals.
