Yamhill County planning commission approves PAZ 0125 zone change, forwards recommendation to county commissioners

On Jan. 8 the Yamhill County Planning Commission voted to approve plan amendment/zone change PAZ 0125 for an approximately 18.8-acre parcel, following a staff recommendation and public support from an adjacent landowner. The motion passed with six votes in favor and one commissioner recusing, and the commission will forward a recommendation for approval to the Board of Commissioners.

A staff member told the commission that the parcel is roughly 18.8 acres, currently planted in grass seed, hay and some commercial tree species, and that the only existing development is a bull barn that was permitted in 2019. The property was described on the record as zoned “PWS (public safety district),” with adjacent parcels zoned EFU and Forestry. The staff report referenced applicable sections of the Yamhill County Zoning Ordinance and the county’s comprehensive land-use goals and policies and recommended approval, saying, “Staff believes that the applicant has addressed the requirements of the relevant comprehensive planning goals, administrative rules, and [county ordinance] sections.”

A neighboring property owner identified in the hearing record as Clark Ellenson (the transcript also contains the variant spelling “Ellington”) spoke in support and said he represents 48 Land LLC, which owns land immediately south of the subject parcel. He told the commission he saw no detriment to the proposed zoning change and said he would even support a more permissive classification. “We certainly understand the challenge of being zoned EFU 80 in that particular location,” he said, adding he saw no opposition from his perspective as a nearby landowner.

Commissioners expressed general agreement with the staff recommendation, and a commissioner moved to approve PAZ 0125; another commissioner seconded. One commissioner earlier had disclosed a family relationship with the applicant and recused from the consideration. After roll call the chair stated the motion passed (six in favor, one recusal). The commission’s staff noted that because the recommendation received more than five votes it will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners with a recommendation for approval, and staff will coordinate applicant attendance at the board meeting.

The staff report and public testimony on record identified the parcel’s size and existing agricultural uses; applicable county zoning sections and county comprehensive goals were cited during the hearing. The commission did not record any formal opposition testimony on PAZ 0125 at this meeting.

The commission’s approval is a recommendation to the county board; the Board of Commissioners will consider the record and make the final decision at a subsequent public meeting. The planning office said it will notify the applicants and coordinate next steps.