Shepherd Motors seeks zone change to E2 for 5-acre Old Coburg Road lot; planning commission recommended approval

Shepherd Motors asked the Eugene City Council on Jan. 21 to approve a metro plan amendment, a refinement plan amendment and a zone change to E2 (mixed-use employment) for an undeveloped five-acre property on the west side of Old Coburg Road, across from the Shepherd Motors auto dealership. The applicant said the change would allow light–medium industrial uses consistent with the E2 zone and would permit expansion of Shepherd Motors if market conditions allow.

Mike Reeder, attorney for Shepherd Motors, said the planning commission voted unanimously to recommend approval and that he supports the planning staff’s analysis and recommendation. "Tonight we wish to support the planning staff's AIS that recommends approval," Reeder said.

No members of the public testified in opposition or in support aside from the applicant and their representatives. The applicant's transportation engineer, Chris Clamal, identified himself as available to answer technical transportation questions but said he did not need to speak. Jeff Kepper, senior planner with the City of Eugene, told the council the planning commission hearing had produced no testimony on concerns about manufacturing uses adjacent to residential areas.

Councilors asked questions about whether E2 allows manufacturing near residences. Councilor Kaczynski raised concerns about industrial and potentially polluting manufacturing locating next to residential properties. "Was that part of the conversation with this application at all?" Kaczynski asked. Kepper responded, "That topic didn't come up during planning commission. I don't believe we either, we haven't received testimony on that either," and noted that buffering standards apply where industrial uses abut residential areas and that the E2 zone limits some heavier industrial uses and outdoor storage.

The hearing was held in a quasi-judicial format; Councillor Clark disclosed a friendship with the owners of Shepherd Motors and stated she had no ex parte communications or biases that would keep her from rendering a fair decision. The council closed the public hearing and the record; deliberations and potential action are scheduled for Feb. 10, 2025.