Land‑use appeal filed by Rusty Inglis prompts Harney County Court to schedule review

Harney County planning staff informed the county court on Dec. 18 that a Notice of Intent to Appeal was filed by Rusty Inglis (also referenced in the notice as Thurston Inglis) challenging a planning commission decision approving a non‑farm dwelling. The planning director told the court the county court acts as the land‑use appellate body and must decide whether to accept the appeal and review the record or hold a de novo hearing.

County counsel and the planning director said the critical dates for appeal timing are the date the decision was mailed (which opens a 15‑day appeal window) and the date the application was deemed complete (which starts a 150‑day period for a county final decision should a writ of mandamus be invoked). Staff indicated the application record began review in October and estimated the county may already be close to 100 days of the 150‑day period. The planning director recommended a work session to read the record and set a course for the appellate review; the court agreed to schedule a work session around the Jan. 8 or Jan. 23 calendar and to involve county counsel.

During public comment, Susan Ramsey said she had participated in the planning hearings but received the mailed notice late due to an addressing error and asked the court to consider whether a late appeal filing could be accepted. The court said staff would consult county counsel about options for accepting a late filing and would follow up with Ramsey.

The court did not reach a final appellate decision on Dec. 18 but directed staff to provide the full record before the scheduled work session and to confirm the application completeness date so the court can track the 150‑day timeline.