Jackson County approves Goal 11 exception for Del Rio area, excludes Parcel N

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners on July 29 unanimously approved a reasons-based Statewide Planning Goal 11 exception to allow future connection to a Rogue Valley Sewer Services (RVSS) sewer line for properties in the Del Rio area near Gold Hill, excluding Parcel N. The board voted to add 13 parcels (roughly 213 acres) to Area of Special Concern 2003-1 and directed staff to prepare an ordinance with readings set for Aug. 19 and Sept. 2, 2026.

Dan O'Connor, agent for the applicants (O'Connor West LLC on behalf of Del Rio Vineyard, Wallace Family Trust, Lynn M. Steele and Donna Christella Williams), told the board he was requesting a "reasons-based exception," provided copies of the Oregon Administrative Rules text and cited an Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals decision as legal support. He said environmental consultants had warned of threats to salmon in the area and argued the exception would help protect waterways from "nitrates and phosphorous," adding, "there is no reason not to approve this application." Steve Rouse, board president of Rogue Advocates, submitted written comments and testified in opposition, saying he saw "no evidence to support that an imminent and public health hazard exists."

Commissioner Rick Dyer said denying the exception could "irreversibly damage the land and potentially create a public health hazard by leeching into the river," and noted the proximity of existing sewer service as a factor in support. After public testimony and applicant rebuttal, Commissioners Colleen Roberts and Randy Sparacino joined Dyer in a unanimous vote to approve the application less Parcel N. The board also voted to admit Exhibits 1-19 into the record and close the hearing record before taking the approval vote.