New Deschutes Co. Rural Event Rules Set

After several years of debate, you can now rent (or rent out) farm land in Deschutes County to hold weddings or other events, and have a clearer idea of what the requirements are.

It’s all thanks to a new ordinance passed by Deschutes County commissioners in mid-April.

The new ordinance is in response to legislation passed in Salem in 2011 that outlines what land owners can and can not do in regards to public events on their land.

“The law provides a number of standards that have to be met,” said Nick Lelack, county planning director, “Now Deschutes County can be more restrictive than state law — but just not less restrictive.”

Monday night, the county held a workshop for interested parties, to go over the specifics of the ordinance.

“The ordinance is in effect,” said Lelack, “so from tonight forward, we will likely begin to see applications submitted for rural property owners who would like to host events on their property.”

One of the big issues faced during debate over the ordinance was how much noise the events would make.

Within the rules, events must abide by the DEQ standards, keeping music and the like below a certain decibel level between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sound measurements also must be taken on site during the event.

Several years ago, Deschutes County began to get complaints about out outdoor events on farmland.

At Monday’s workshop, county planners stressed they are ready to work with land owners in hopes of making the new rules work.

“We want you to contact us before you walk in the door with an application and a fee,” said Lelack, “and talk with us about what you are thinking about. We’re more than happy to meet with you.”

Both sides of the debate seem to be fairly happy with the outcome, as both finally have a set of rules to tell the what’s allowed and what’s not. Time will tell if all the bases are covered, and if disputes can be resolved under the new rules’ framework.

Aplications for the new “limited use permit” can be picked up at the county’s Community Development Department on Lafayette Avenue in Bend.