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Board follows staff recommendation on Breyman Orchard parcel, allowing family to pursue house construction
Summary
After a staff report on a 1976 land-use approval and supporting testimony from family members, the board unanimously moved to return the application to staff for confirmation of substantial construction and approved the process to allow a single-family dwelling on the 4.2-acre parcel.
The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners heard a public hearing June 25 on a land-use matter involving a 4.2-acre parcel tied to a 1976 lot-size variance and multiple later records. After staff review and supportive testimony from family members, the board voted unanimously to follow staff recommendations and to return the file to planning staff to confirm substantial construction documentation.
Ken, the county planner, summarized the administrative history: a 1976 land-use approval for a single-family dwelling via a lot-size variance, a 1995 planning letter confirming the approval, a 1998 septic permit, and a 2014 septic inspection. He said his May 8, 2026 letter informed the applicant of public-notice requirements and options and that the applicant had since hired counsel and that staff had posted notice to neighbors with no recorded opposition. “My suggestion would be to ... ask the board to send this application back to my office and I’ll sign off on it as being substantial construction,” Ken said.
Michelle Crawford and several family members testified in support, describing multi-generational ties to the Breyman Orchard property, historical use of the land and the family’s intention to build a home on a small parcel owned since 1970. Michelle told the board she planned to return to the family property and build a permanent home near relatives.
No testimony in opposition was presented during the hearing. Planning staff recommended the board refer the application back to staff to finalize the substantial-construction determination and permit processing. The board moved to adopt staff recommendations; the motion passed unanimously. The chair said the board would deliberate the matter further administratively as staff completes the confirmation.
The hearing record will reflect the staff recommendation and the unanimous board motion; no immediate building permit was issued on the dais. The county closed the hearing at 10:56 a.m.
