Lawmakers pass bill to ease cities’ UGB approval path

The Oregon Senate gave final legislative approval Wednesday to a bill aimed at helping cities like Bend make it through the lengthy urban growth boundary approval process by being able to focus on the issues raised by state land use officials

HB 3282-A was carried by Sen. Tim Knopp (R-Bend) and was passed by a vote of 29-0.

It provides that the Land Conservation and Development Commission can allow cities to undergo periodic review, permitting them to complete work relating to certain aspects of urban growthboundaries.

HB 3282-A was unopposed in both the House and the Senate. The House passed HB 3282-A carried by Rep. Knute Buehler (R-Bend) with a vote of 57-0 back in late April.

Knopp spoke to the bill quoting city manager Eric King, “It’s simple: It clarifies that a city can resolve a remand of an urban growth boundary amendment by using periodic review for the limited purpose of addressing only the unresolved elements in the remand.”

Knopp commented briefly on the current UGB practice, saying, “It often requires cities to resubmit the entire proposal, even if only several small elements need to be addressed, which can come at significant time and expense.”

Knopp noted the city of Bend has spent millions on the UGB process that could have been better spent on important priorities like roadmaintenance.

HB 3282-A now awaits Governor Brown’s signature before it’s adopted into law.