Yamhill County directs planning director to sign off on Michelle Crawford's dwelling after appeal

The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners on June 25 heard and resolved Docket M-06-26, an appeal filed by Michelle Crawford concerning a Planning Director letter that required a land use application and neighbor notice related to vesting and substantial construction.

Planning Director Ken Friday presented the staff report, stating the subject property is a 4.2-acre lot that received a lot size variance in 1976, had a septic permit issued later, and underwent an inspection in 2014; Friday said the application met the county's substantial construction criteria and staff recommended remanding the matter to Planning for a decision.

Applicant Michelle Crawford testified that the property has been in her family since the 1950s and that she plans to build a home on the lot. Support witnesses included Cindy Robertson, Michael Timmons, Craig Timmons and Kim Spiegle. Charles W. Woodward IV, the applicant's attorney, said the appeal was filed "out of an abundance of caution" and questioned whether the neighbor-notice item constituted a decision.

No appellant testimony was offered and no public agency reports were submitted. After deliberation, Commissioner Kit Johnston moved to direct the Planning Director to sign off on the dwelling based on Yamhill County's Substantial Construction policy; the motion passed unanimously with Commissioners Johnston, Starrett and King voting aye. The board noted staff's recommendation to approve and remand to Planning for a formal decision.

The record and public hearing materials are available on the county's public hearing notices page.