Council considers easing residency limit for planning commission after two vacancies

The Yamhill City Council on May 14 discussed two vacancies on the five-member planning commission and whether to adjust the ordinance that currently allows only one commission member to live outside city limits (but within the ZIP code/5-mile rule).

Staff said the city had one application that arrived that day from an applicant who lives outside the city limits. Under the current ordinance the council may seat only one outside-the-city resident on the planning commission; with two vacancies the council discussed whether to temporarily allow a second outside member to ensure the commission can reach quorum and continue hearings.

Some councilors argued for preserving an in-city majority because land-use decisions directly affect city residents, while others said the city has struggled to recruit commissioners and that a modest relaxation could give the commission the staff support it needs.

Council directed staff to place the item on next month's agenda for a fuller review, and to solicit further applications and opinions from the planning commission. No ordinance change was made at the May 14 meeting; councilors asked staff to return with options and suggested outreach steps (mailing applications, social media outreach) to fill vacancies.