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Board approves first reading for Cascades Academy plan amendment and zone change
Summary
The board approved first reading by title of Ordinance 2026‑005 to rezone and redesignate ~22.5 acres for Cascades Academy from surface mine/EFU to MUA; second reading was scheduled for March 11, 2026. One commissioner reiterated concerns about potential future rural residential conversions but the motion carried.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25 approved first reading, by title only, of Ordinance 2026‑005 to amend the county comprehensive plan and zoning map for a plan amendment and zone change to benefit Cascades Academy.
Nicole Mardell, principal planner, said the 22.5‑acre property immediately south of the Tumalo rural community had earlier been the subject of a hearings officer recommendation of denial (citing Goal 5 findings). The applicant supplied additional economic, social, environmental and energy analyses and the board previously deliberated and voted 2–1 to approve the application in August 2025. Mardell presented a draft ordinance reflecting that outcome and advised that second reading would return to the board on March 11.
Commissioners discussed the merits and risks; one commissioner said that while supportive of schools, rezoning to MUA creates concern about the potential for future rural residential development absent additional conditions. The motion to approve first reading by title only was moved and seconded and the board approved the measure to proceed to second reading.
