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DLCD regional rep briefs Astoria planning body on Oregon land‑use basics
Summary
Brett Estes of the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development told Astoria commissioners and councilors how statewide planning goals, the LCDC and DLCD fit together, and outlined permit types, appeals and DLCD’s technical role.
Brett Estes, North Coast regional representative for the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, gave a step‑by‑step primer on the state’s land‑use framework to Astoria planning commissioners and city council members. "My name is Brett Estes, and I am the North Coast Regional Representative for the Department of Land Conservation and Development," Estes said, and described DLCD’s role in reviewing and acknowledging local comprehensive plans and advising jurisdictions across Lincoln, Tillamook, Clatsop and Columbia counties.
Estes traced zoning authority from 1919, noted the creation of exclusive farm use zones in 1963, and summarized Senate Bill 100 (1973), which established the statewide planning system and the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC). He emphasized the hierarchy that guides local decisions: legislation (Oregon Revised Statutes), administrative rules, statewide planning goals adopted by LCDC and, at the local level, comprehensive plans and implementing ordinances. On DLCD’s powers he said, "The Department of Land Conservation Development does not have the ability to tell a jurisdiction to stop," explaining the agency reviews, comments and—if needed—may appeal local decisions to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
Estes said DLCD now offers technical assistance and specialist support and that mandatory periodic review has been suspended for many jurisdictions because of cost; some communities opt into a voluntary periodic review instead. He told Astoria staff and commissioners that DLCD can provide guidance and grant support for local work, and that recent state housing legislation has increased the need for local code updates.
