Council directs staff to draft change allowing two out-of-city planning commissioners within ZIP 97148

The Yamhill City Council on Sept. 10 directed staff to prepare an amendment to Ordinance 507 to allow two planning-commission members to live outside city limits provided they reside within ZIP code 97148 and within five miles of the city center. The motion to direct staff passed 3–1.

Council discussion focused on the commission's longstanding shortfall of members and the need for flexibility to fill vacancies. One council participant framed the change as a practical response to recruitment challenges, saying it would “give us the flexibility to appoint somebody” when vacancies arise. The council noted any ordinance change requires public notice and at least a first reading before appointments could be made.

Opponents warned that adding out-of-city members could tilt decisions in favor of nonresidents with financial interests. A resident raised the concern directly: “They don't pay taxes,” and argued out-of-city members might favor projects that benefit their travel or businesses rather than daily local impacts. Councilors responded that the appointing authority retains removal power: commissioners may be removed for misconduct, nonperformance, or prolonged unexcused absences, and that the commission’s role is to apply code-based criteria rather than personal preference.

Councilors also clarified the geographic and administrative limits of the change: the draft direction limits eligible out-of-city members to those within ZIP code 97148 and within a 5-mile radius from the town center. The council was explicit that directing staff to prepare the ordinance does not itself appoint any new members; appointments would follow the public-notice and first-reading process. The council's action was recorded as passing by a 3–1 vote.