Umatilla council approves two city annexations and sets zoning

The Umatilla City Council approved two city-initiated annexations on Tuesday, moving the properties into the city limits and assigning city zoning.

Community Development Director Zach Rack High told the council the applicant in both cases is the City of Umatilla and that the parcels are contiguous to existing city boundaries and lie within the urban growth boundary. He said the planning commission reviewed both proposals on May 26 and forwarded recommendations of approval, and "staff recommends approval" of each annexation. The first parcel is listed in staff materials as 28895 Highway 730; the second action covers multiple River Road parcels the city recently acquired by quitclaim deed and proposes a community-service zoning designation.

No members of the public testified in favor or opposition during the public hearings. After staff reports and a period for council questions, councilors moved to close the records and approved both annexations on roll-call votes. Council also held first readings by title only of Ordinance 886 (to ratify the Highway 730 annexation and set Highway Commercial zoning) and Ordinance 887 (to ratify the River Road annexation and set Community Services zoning); both ordinances passed first reading and will return for subsequent readings and final adoption.

Why it matters: The additions bring city-owned land into the municipal urban renewal area and align zoning with the city’s development plans, clearing the path for city-managed redevelopment and service provision.

What’s next: Ordinances 886 and 887 had first readings and will come back for final votes on later council agendas. The council record and staff report are the official sources for parcel descriptions and findings of fact.