Deschutes County holds de novo hearing on 240-acre EFU-to-MUA10 rezoning east of Bend; record left open

The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 20 conducted a de novo public hearing on an application to amend the county comprehensive plan and rezone 240 acres east of Bend from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) to Multiple Use Agricultural (MUA-10). Staff described the property as four tax lots totaling 240 acres, including one dwelling and a photovoltaic array that covers about 62 acres. The board set a written open-record period (standard 7-7-7): new evidence due Aug. 27 at 4 p.m., rebuttal due Sept. 3 at 4 p.m., and final applicant legal argument due Sept. 10 at 4 p.m.; no final decision was made at the hearing.

Why this matters: If ultimately approved and later added to the city urban growth boundary, the zoning change would affect the timing and pattern of development at the urban edge and influence which lands are available for future urbanization. Opponents argued the change would permit suburban-style development near the UGB, while the applicant and hearings officer said the MUA-10 designation supports an orderly transition from urban to rural uses.

Staff presentation and procedural background Audrey Stewart, associate planner, opened the hearing with a staff overview and explained procedures. Stewart told the board the application seeks a concurrent comprehensive plan amendment (agriculture to rural residential exception area) and a zone change from EFU to MUA-10. She said the property is east of Bend, north of Highway 20, bordered by Ward Road to the west and Erickson Road to the east, and contains one dwelling and a photovoltaic solar array. Stewart summarized the administrative record: an initial hearings officer hearing was held May 9; the hearings officer recommended approval (recommendation mailed July 9); seven written public comments opposed the application prior…