HomeMy WebLinkAbout23_10_13_1615 River Road-Santa Clara Draft Metro Plan FindingsFrom:DOMINGO Elena M
To:ISAACSON Dan (SMTP); FRAGALA Lisa (SMTP); RAMEY Chris (SMTP); BEESON Ken (SMTP); EDWARDS Tiffany
(SMTP); BEHLING Diane (SMTP); LEAR Jason (SMTP)
Cc:HARDING Terri L; HANSEN Alissa H
Subject:River Road-Santa Clara Draft Metro Plan Findings
Date:Friday, October 13, 2023 3:27:00 PM
Attachments:10.13.23 DRAFT RRSC Metro Plan Findings.pdf
Good afternoon commissioners,
The draft findings for the Metro Plan Amendments related to the River Road-Santa Clara
Neighborhood Plan are attached. Staff are still working on the findings for the Code Amendments.
Have a lovely weekend,
Elena
Elena Domingo | Associate Planner (she/her)
City of Eugene | Community Planning and Design
99 West 10th Avenue
Eugene OR 97401
541-682-5002
From:BAUDER Jared W
To:CHOATE, Jeffery; DIGNAM, Stephen; HADLEY, Bruce; KASHINSKY Eliza (SMTP); michellehankes@gmail.com;
LAY, Markus; PEACOCK, Jonnie; SNIDER, Stephen; WIHTOL, Christian
Cc:BELL Amber R; EICHNER Lindsey A; HARDING Terri L; DOMINGO Elena M
Subject:RE: Planning Commission Materials for 10/17/2023
Date:Friday, October 13, 2023 4:15:56 PM
Attachments:10.13.23 DRAFT RRSC Metro Plan Findings.pdf
[EXTERNAL ]
Hello All –
Attached are the Findings that were not included in my October 10th email; for the joint meeting on
the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan this coming Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Jared
Jared Bauder
Senior Planner, CFM, Rural Addressing, Firewise Program
Land Management Division | Lane County Public Works
Customer Service Center
3050 N Delta Hwy. | Eugene, OR 97408
Website : www.lanecountyor.gov/planning
From: BAUDER Jared W
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 4:25 PM
To: CHOATE, Jeffery <jeff.choate@comcast.net>; DIGNAM, Stephen <stevedignam11@yahoo.com>;
HADLEY, Bruce <bwh541@gmail.com>; KASHINSKY, Eliza <Eliza.kashinsky@gmail.com>;
michellehankes@gmail.com; LAY, Markus <layzranch@gmail.com>; PEACOCK, Jonnie
<jonnie_peacock@icloud.com>; SNIDER, Stephen <Stephen.snider@gmail.com>; WIHTOL, Christian
<wihtolc@yahoo.com>
Cc: BELL Amber R <amber.bell@lanecountyor.gov>; EICHNER Lindsey A
<lindsey.eichner@lanecountyor.gov>; HARDING Terri L <THarding@eugene-or.gov>; DOMINGO
Elena M <EDomingo@eugene-or.gov>; MILLER Keir C <Keir.MILLER@lanecountyor.gov>
Subject: Planning Commission Materials for 10/17/2023
Hello Planning Commissioners –
Attached is the agenda and staff report memo for the joint meeting on 10/17, and they have also
been uploaded to the LCPC website. You will notice that findings are not attached to the memo
materials, and we will prove them as soon as possible in advance of the meeting next Tuesday.
Elena Domingo with the City will be sending you individual invitations to access a OneDrive folder
that contains all of the record documents for your review. When you receive the link to open the
folder, it will require you to verify your identity by sending another email with a confirmation code to
your email address. If you don’t quickly receive an email with the confirmation code, you may want
to check if this verification email has gone to your junk email folder. If you have trouble accessing
the folder, please reach out to Elena at edomingo@eugene-or.gov or 541-682-5002.
Sincerely,
Jared
Jared Bauder
Senior Planner, CFM, Rural Addressing, Firewise Program
Land Management Division | Lane County Public Works
Customer Service Center
3050 N Delta Hwy. | Eugene, OR 97408
Website : www.lanecountyor.gov/planning
1
Findings in Support of the Adoption of the
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
Metro Plan Amendments
City of Eugene and Lane County
(City File MA 23-5 and County File: 509-PA23-05532)
Overview
The City of Eugene and Lane County, in collaboration with the River Road and Santa Clara Community
Organizations and neighborhood volunteers have been working together on an updated neighborhood
plan that creates a vision for growth and development in a manner that respects the area’s unique
characteristics and opportunities.
The purpose of the Metro Plan Amendments is to adopt an updated neighborhood plan that:
• provides policy direction for City and County decision-makers as they consider future legislative
actions
• guides City and County staff in:
o formulating proposed changes to local land use regulations and other regulatory
documents
o developing other work programs and long-range planning projects
o preparing budgets and capital improvement programs
• calls for collaboration as well as continued or additional efforts from the River Road and Santa
Clara Community Organizations and other community partners
Metro Plan Amendments
The proposal involves a Type II Metro Plan Amendment pursuant to EC 9.7705(2)(b) to:
• repeal the 1987 River Road Santa-Clara Urban Facilities Plan;
• adopt the new River Road- Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan as a refinement of the Eugene-
Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan);
• remove Chapter II Section F from the Metro Plan as well as references to the section in the Table
of Contents and Chapter II Introduction of the Metro Plan;
• Amend Appendix B to the Metro Plan to remove references to the 1987 River Road Santa-Clara
Urban Facilities Plan and to add a reference to the new River Road- Santa Clara Neighborhood
Plan.
The proposed River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan (Neighborhood Plan) creates a vision for
growth and development in a manner that respects the area’s unique characteristics and
opportunities and includes vision statements, goals, and policies that reflect community values,
aspirations, and priorities expressed during outreach. The Neighborhood Plan also carries over
relevant themes and policies from the previously adopted 1987 Urban Facilities Plan, while
significantly updating the content to reflect changes in the community over the last 36 years. The
Neighborhood Plan provides policy direction for City and County decision-makers as they consider
future legislative actions, and guides City and County staff in formulating proposed changes to local
land use regulations and other regulatory documents, developing other work programs and long-
range planning projects, and preparing budgets and capital improvement programs. The
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Neighborhood Plan also calls for collaboration and continued or additional efforts and advocacy
from the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations and other community partners. A
non-regulatory Action Plan was developed with input from the community; however, as the Action
Plan is not a land use regulation, is not regulatory in nature, and will not be adopted by either the
Eugene City Council or the Lane County Board of Commissioners, these findings need not and do not
address compliance of the Action Plan with land use approval criteria.
As part of the acknowledgment process for the 1982 Metro Plan, the Oregon Land Conservation and
Development Commission provided direction that a serving plan be developed for both River Road
and Santa Clara and that City of Eugene provide those services. This direction was memorialized in
text and policy language in the 1982 Metro Plan. After the 1987 River Road-Santa Clara Urban
Facilities Plan was adopted, the River Road-Santa Clara specific text was revised in 1987 to reflect
adoption of that plan, and moved into Chapter II Section F of the Metro Plan, “River Road and Santa
Clara Goals, Findings, Objectives, and Policies,” with the intention that the policies would lead to the
delivery of urban services to the River Road and Santa Clara areas, most specifically wastewater
service.
In 1980, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) concluded that a public health hazard
existed for people using the River-Road Santa Clara aquifer, resulting from individual septic tank
disposal systems. The 1987 Urban Facilities Plan and the Chapter II Section F Metro Plan policies
address the extension of wastewater service to the area in order to address the groundwater
pollution problem. Since the 1987 Urban Facilities Plan and the Chapter II Section F Metro Plan
policies were adopted, additional planning tools have been made available for planning for
wastewater and other urban services, for example Eugene’s Wastewater Master Plan, the Capital
Improvement Program, and the regional Public Facilities and Services Plan. Consistent with the
policy direction contained in the 1987 Urban Facilities Plan and Chapter II Section F of the Metro
Plan, wastewater has been extended throughout the area. As a result, the properties in the River
Road and Santa Clara basins are fully served with wastewater service, with the exception of the
eastern fringe, and some limited in-fill. For these reasons, the 1987 Urban Facilities Plan is proposed
to be repealed and Chapter II Section F from the Metro Plan is proposed for removal.
Additionally, a set of proposed amendments to the City of Eugene’s Land Use Code which would
apply within the city limits in the River Road and Santa Clara areas are also included in the proposed
adoption package. The Code Amendments only apply within the City of Eugene and therefore will
only be adopted by the City of Eugene. The proposed code amendments are not addressed in these
findings. The Eugene City Council will adopt a separate ordinance and set of findings in order to
approve the proposed code amendments. These findings only address the Metro Plan amendments
that must be adopted by both the Eugene City Council and the Lane County Board of
Commissioners.
Metro Plan Amendment Criteria
City of Eugene Criteria
EC 9.7735 Metro Plan Amendments – Criteria for Approval.
(1) The proposed amendment is consistent with the relevant Statewide Planning Goals; and
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(2) The proposed amendment does not make the Metro Plan internally inconsistent; and
(3) When the city-specific local comprehensive plan also applies, the proposed amendment is
consistent with the city-specific local comprehensive plan.
Lane County Criteria
LC 12.300.030 Metro Plan Amendment Criteria
The following criteria will be applied by the Board of Commissioners and other applicable governing
body or bodies in approving or denying a Metro Plan amendment application:
A. The proposed amendment is consistent with the relevant Statewide Planning Goals; and
B. The proposed amendment does not make the Metro Plan internally inconsistent.
Consistency with Statewide Planning Goals
City of Eugene Criteria
EC 9.7735 Metro Plan Amendments – Criteria for Approval.
(1) The proposed amendment is consistent with the relevant Statewide Planning Goals
Lane County Criteria
LC 12.300.030 Metro Plan Amendment Criteria
A. The proposed amendment is consistent with the relevant Statewide Planning Goals
Statewide Planning Goal 1 – Citizen Involvement. To develop a citizen involvement program that
insures the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process.
The City’s and County’s acknowledged procedures for adoption of legislative land use decisions, located
in sections 9.7700 through 9.7735 (Metro Plan Amendment Procedures) of the Eugene Code, 1971, and
sections 12.300.005 through 12.300.035 (Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan Element)
of the Lane County Code, ensure the opportunity for community members to be involved in all phases of
the legislative land use decision process and set out the requirements for such involvement.
These Metro Plan amendments do not amend or affect either jurisdiction’s state acknowledged citizen
involvement program. As addressed below, the process for adopting these Metro Plan amendments
complies with Goal 1 because it is consistent with the citizen involvement provisions cited above.
The City’s citizen involvement program is adopted into the Eugene Code. The County’s citizen
involvement program is adopted into the county regulations applicable to the Eugene urban transition
area (the area outside the city limits but within the urban growth boundary) and the Lane Code. They
include a formal land use review procedure with public notification, meetings, and hearings. The public
engagement actions for the neighborhood planning work were completed consistently with the City’s
and County’s acknowledged citizen involvement programs and went beyond the requirements of those
programs to ensure that citizens had opportunities to be involved in the process.
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This package of Metro Plan amendments has been the subject of extensive public involvement over the
course of several years. The document titled River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan Engagement
Summary attached to these Findings as Appendix 1 and hereby adopted as additional findings of
compliance with Goal 1, summarizes the public engagement efforts used to educate the public and
obtain feedback on the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan throughout each phase of the
planning process.
A final round of community engagement took place during the adoption phase, leading up to the pre-
adoption notice provided to the Department of Land Conservation and Development. In March 2023,
the Neighborhood Plan’s Community Advisory Committee approved bringing the draft Neighborhood
Plan, a non-regulatory Action Plan, and neighborhood-specific code amendments out for community
feedback, kicking-off the broader engagement process for the adoption phase. Updated drafts of the
Neighborhood Plan, Action Plan, and the neighborhood-specific code amendments were published to
the project website and the project’s Engage Eugene site, part of the City of Eugene’s online
engagement platform.
Project staff distributed information about the neighborhood planning process and the adoption process
through a variety of digital media, including the project website, Engage Eugene webpage, social media,
and e-newsletters from the City Planning Division and both community organizations. Project staff also
developed summary documents and graphics that were made available online and at in-person events.
In early May 2023, project staff mailed a postcard to all owners and residents of the River Road and
Santa Clara neighborhoods, approximately 16,800 people. The postcard featured ways to engage during
the adoption phase, including virtual information sessions, an in-person community event, a meeting
toolkit, and an online feedback form.
A joint public hearing on the proposed River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan was held by the
Eugene and Lane County Planning Commissions on October 17, 2023. Consistent with City and County
code requirements, the Planning Commissions’ joint public hearing on the proposal was duly noticed to
all neighborhood organizations in Eugene as well as community groups and individuals who requested
notice. Notices were provided at the following times:
September 12, 2023: The City’s proposed River Road-Santa Clara neighborhood-
specific code amendments and notice of the Joint Planning
Commission public hearing on the amendments were filed with
the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and
Development.
September 15, 2023: Notice of the Joint Planning Commission public hearing on the
proposed amendments was mailed to the parties listed in
section 9.7520(2) of the Eugene Code and to the individuals and
entities on the City’s interested parties list.
September 22, 2023: Notice of the Joint Planning Commission public hearing was
published in the Register Guard Newspaper.
October 17, 2023: The Eugene and Lane County Planning Commissions held a joint
public hearing on the proposed Metro Plan Amendments and
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the Eugene Planning Commission held a public hearing on the
proposed Land Use Code Amendments.
In addition, information concerning the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan, including the dates
of the public hearings and instructions on how to submit testimony, was posted on the City of Eugene
website and project updates were provided via email to the Planning Division e-newsletter that is sent
to over 17,000 subscribers, as well as to the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan interested
parties list.
• The public was able to provide spoken testimony at the October 17, 2023, virtual joint Planning
Commission public hearing and to submit written testimony to the Eugene and/or Lane County
Planning Commissions, c/o Elena Domingo, City of Eugene Planning Division, 99 West 10th
Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401, or by email to RRSCPlan@eugene-or.gov.
*Placeholder for information about the process before the governing bodies*
These processes afforded ample opportunity for citizen involvement; therefore, the Metro Plan
amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 1.
Statewide Planning Goal 2 – Land Use Planning. To establish a land use planning process and policy
framework as a basis for all decision and actions related to use of land and to assure an adequate
factual base for such decisions and actions.
Guiding land use processes and a policy framework for the lands within the Eugene city limits exist
within the Metro Plan, the Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan, adopted Refinement Plans, and
Chapter 9 of the Eugene Code. Guiding land use processes and a policy framework for lands outside the
city limits but within the Metro Plan boundary exist within the Metro Plan and Chapter 12 of the Lane
Code.
The Eugene and Lane County codes specify the procedures and criteria that were used in considering
these Metro Plan amendments. These findings and the record for this land use decision show that there
is an adequate factual base for the amendments. The River Road and Santa Clara Community
Organizations, City of Eugene and Lane County staff, consultants and neighborhood volunteers have
worked together since fall 2017 to create a neighborhood plan with a vision for growth and
development in a manner that respects the area’s unique characteristics and opportunities, which will
guide decision-making in River Road and Santa Clara for decades to come. The Neighborhood Plan
reflects the community values, aspirations, and priorities expressed during outreach.
The Goal 2 coordination requirement is met when the City of Eugene and Lane County engage in an
exchange, or invite an exchange, between the City, County and any affected governmental unit and
when the City and County use the information obtained in the exchange to balance the needs of their
constituents. In addition to the City and County’s collaboration on these amendments, the City and
County engaged in an exchange about the subject of these amendments with affected local government
units. Specifically, the City and County provided notice of the proposed action and opportunity to
comment to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, the City of Springfield,
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and special districts including the River Road Water District, River Road Parks and Recreation District,
Santa Clara Water District, Junction City Water Control District, Santa Clara Rural Fire Protection District,
Lane Fire Authority, and Lane Transit District. There are no exceptions to Statewide Planning Goal 2
required for these amendments. Therefore, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning
Goal 2.
Statewide Planning Goal 3 – Agricultural Lands. To preserve agricultural lands.
The Metro Plan amendments do not change the zoning or plan designation for any lands designated by
the comprehensive plan for agricultural use. To the extent that there are properties within the
Neighborhood Plan Area that are currently designated and/or zoned for agricultural use, the Metro Plan
amendments do not change the zoning of those properties or force a discontinuance of agricultural
practices. For these reasons, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 3.
Additionally, the Metro Plan amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 3 because the
Neighborhood Plan includes goals and policies intended to preserve agricultural lands and practices,
including: Goal 10, “Preserve agricultural land and open spaces within the Neighborhood Plan
boundary;” and Policy 10.1 provides “Agricultural Land Preservation Outside the Eugene Urban Growth
Boundary (UGB): Preserve high value farmland (Class 1 and Class 2 soils) outside the UGB for farm use,
where feasible or as the state allows.” The Neighborhood Plan provides for preservation of agricultural
lands.
Statewide Planning Goal 4 – Forest Lands. To conserve forest lands.
The amendments do not affect any lands designated by the comprehensive plan for forest use. The
amendments are therefore consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 4.
Statewide Planning Goal 5 - Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources. To
conserve open space and protect natural and scenic resources.
OAR 660-023-0250(3) provides: Local governments are not required to apply Goal 5 in consideration of a
PAPA unless the PAPA affects a Goal 5 resource. For purposes of this section, a PAPA would affect a Goal
5 resource only if:
(a) The PAPA creates or amends a resource list or a portion of an acknowledged plan or land use
regulation adopted in order to protect a significant Goal 5 resource or to address specific
requirements of Goal 5;
(b) The PAPA allows new uses that could be conflicting uses with a particular significant Goal 5
resource site on an acknowledged resource list; or
(c) The PAPA amends an acknowledged UGB and factual information is submitted demonstrating
that a resource site, or the impact areas of such a site, is included in the amended UGB area.
These Metro Plan amendments do not create or amend the City’s or County’s list of Goal 5 resources, do
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not amend a code provision adopted in order to protect a significant Goal 5 resource or to address
specific requirements of Goal 5, do not allow new uses that could be conflicting uses with a significant
Goal 5 resource site, and do not amend the acknowledged urban growth boundary. For these reasons,
the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 5.
Additionally, the Metro Plan amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 5 because the
Neighborhood Plan includes goals and policies that are intended to conserve open space and protect
natural and historic resources, including: Goal 7, “Maintain and create natural areas which are healthy,
thriving spaces that provide habitat for native species and function as natural infrastructure;” and Policy
7.4 “Public Natural Areas: Create new and enhance existing natural areas, including within the
Willamette River Greenway, that are accessible to all residents.”
Statewide Planning Goal 6 - Air, Water and Land Resources Quality. To maintain and improve the
quality of the air, water and land resources of the state.
Goal 6 addresses waste and process discharges from development, and is aimed at protecting air, water
and land from impacts from those discharges. The Metro Plan amendments will repeal the 1987 River
Road-Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan, which to a large extent focuses on sanitary sewer service. In the
1980’s, after a groundwater pollution problem became apparent in the River Road Santa Clara area, the
City accepted responsibility for providing sewer service to River Road and Santa Clara to address the
health hazard and remedy the situation. The implementation piece of the Urban Facilities Plan related to
providing sewers to the River Road-Santa Clara area has been executed and repealing the Urban
Facilities Plan will have no impact on the provision of wastewater service. The City of Eugene’s 2020
Wastewater Master Plan states that, “With the exception of the eastern fringe, and some limited in-fill,
the properties in the River Road and Santa Clara basins are fully served.” The Wastewater Master Plan
also notes that much of the wastewater lines in the River Road and Santa Clara basins have been built
since the 1980’s and 1990’s, “The River Road basin includes nine sub-basins, all south of the Beltline
Highway between the Willamette River and Northwest Expressway. With the exception of the West
Bank interceptor built in 1951, the 48 miles of wastewater lines in this basin were built since 1971. Of
those 48 miles, 37 miles were built since 1990. The Santa Clara basin includes 10 sub-basins, all north of
Beltline and east of Northwest Expressway. The majority of the 82-mile system has been built since
1980.”
Similarly, these amendments will remove Chapter II Section F from the Metro Plan. The policies in
Chapter II Section F of the Metro Plan also focused on the provision of a wastewater system and
implementing the Urban Facilities Plan. These policies have been addressed since adoption of the Urban
Facilities Plan and removing them from the Metro Plan will have no impact on the provision of
wastewater service and therefore do not negatively affect the quality of the water resources of the
state.
These Metro Plan amendments do not affect other existing regulations or adopted plan provisions for
protection of air, water, and land resources. Therefore, the amendments are consistent with Statewide
Planning Goal 6.
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Statewide Planning Goal 7 - Areas Subject to Natural Disasters and Hazards. To protect life and
property from natural disasters and hazards.
Goal 7 requires that local government planning programs include provisions to protect people and
property from natural hazards such as floods, landslides, wildfires and earthquakes and related hazards.
The City and County protect people and property from natural hazards through various land use and
building code requirements. The Metro Plan amendments do not make changes to adopted policies or
regulations that protect people and property from natural hazards.
Based on these findings, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 7.
Statewide Planning Goal 8 - Recreational Needs. To satisfy the recreational needs of the citizens of the
state and visitors, and where appropriate, to provide for the siting of necessary recreational facilities
including destination resorts.
Goal 8 ensures that recreational facilities are provided to Oregon citizens and is primarily concerned
with the provision of recreational facilities in non-urban areas of the state. These amendments do not
affect the City’s or County’s provisions for, or citizens’ access to, recreation areas, facilities, or
recreational opportunities. Therefore, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 8.
Additionally, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 8 because the Neighborhood
Plan contains goals and policies related to providing parks access, connectivity, promoting recreational
uses along the river, and expanding parks and recreation services. For example, the Neighborhood Plan’s
Goal 8 states, “Provide neighborhood access to recreational opportunities, parks, and community
centers.” Goal 8 is supported by multiple policies, including Policy 8.3, “Recreational Opportunities and
Community Centers: Enhance equitable access to recreational opportunities and well-maintained
community centers.”
Statewide Planning Goal 9 - Economic Development. To provide adequate opportunities throughout
the state for a variety of economic activities vital to the health, welfare, and prosperity of Oregon’s
citizens.
Goal 9 requires local governments to evaluate the supply and demand of commercial land relative to
community economic objectives. Goal 9 and Chapter 660, division 009 of the Oregon Administrative
Rules, which implements the requirements of Goal 9, require the City and County to provide, within the
UGB, through their adopted comprehensive plans, at least an adequate supply of sites of suitable sizes,
types, locations, and service levels for a variety of industrial and commercial uses. This need was
addressed when the City and County adopted a Eugene-specific UGB in 2017, which included an
expansion for industrial land. The Envision Eugene Employment Land Supply Study includes an
acknowledged inventory of land for economic growth and activity in Eugene’s UGB. That inventory is
expected to address the City’s needs for such land through 2032. Chapter 660, division 009 of the
Oregon Administrative Rules does not require or restrict planning for industrial and other employment
uses outside urban growth boundaries. The City’s and County’s policies pertaining to employment are
housed in their relevant comprehensive plans. These amendments will not rezone or redesignate any
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properties and do not impact the supply of industrial or commercial lands. Therefore, the amendments
are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 9.
Additionally, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 9 because the Neighborhood
Plan contains vision, goals, and policies related to economic development. Economic development is
one of five topic areas included in the Neighborhood Plan. The Plan’s goals aim to encourage the growth
and creation of local businesses, promote redevelopment and mixed-use buildings, and create
employment opportunities that offer a living wage.
Statewide Planning Goal 10 – Housing. To provide for the housing needs of citizens of the state.
Goal 10 requires local governments to provide an adequate supply of buildable land within the UGB to
accommodate their City’s estimated housing needs for a 20-year planning period. When the City and
County approved an expansion of Eugene’s UGB in 2017, they adopted, and received State
acknowledgement of a 20-year inventory of buildable lands for residential use. The Envision Eugene
Residential Land Supply Study (2012-2032) was adopted by the City of Eugene in 2017 as a refinement of
the Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan and complies with the requirements of Goal 10 and Chapter
660, Division 008 of the Oregon Administrative Rules.
The Envision Eugene Residential Land Supply Study includes an inventory of buildable lands for
residential use. According to the Residential Land Supply Study, there is sufficient buildable residential
land within Eugene’s acknowledged urban growth boundary to meet the identified land need. These
amendments do not impact the supply of residential buildable land within Eugene’s UGB. No land is
being re-designated from a residential use to a non-residential use, and the amendments do not
otherwise diminish the amount of land available for residential use.
Goal 10 also requires local governments to conduct a Housing Needs Analysis (HNA) in order to assess
whether their estimated housing needs for a 20-year planning period can be satisfied within the UGB.
The Envision Eugene Residential Land Supply Study (2017) includes an HNA. These amendments do not
impact the supply of residential buildable lands or affect the estimated housing needs within Eugene’s
UGB. Therefore, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 10.
Additionally, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 10 because the
Neighborhood Plan contains goals and policies related to housing needs. For example, Goal 12 of the
Neighborhood Plan reads, “Plan for future housing that addresses the needs of the community.” Policies
also highlight planning for affordable housing and pursuing innovative housing strategies.
Statewide Planning Goal 11 – Public Facilities and Services. To plan and develop a timely, orderly and
efficient arrangement of public facilities and services to serve as a framework for urban and rural
development.
Goal 11 requires that urban development be supported by urban facilities and services. Goal 11 and ORS
197.712 require a public facilities plan for water, sewer and transportation services within Eugene’s
UGB. The Land Conservation and Development Commission has acknowledged the Eugene-Springfield
Metropolitan Area Public Facilities and Services Plan (PFSP) as the public facilities plan for wastewater
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and stormwater facilities within Eugene’s UGB. The PFSP is a refinement plan of the Metro Plan,
adopted by Lane County, the City of Eugene, and the City of Springfield. The Eugene 2035 Transportation
System Plan is the transportation element of Eugene’s comprehensive land use plan, applies within
Eugene’s UGB, and was designed to support the Envision Eugene project, the community’s evolving plan
for how Eugene will grow for the next 20 years. Transportation planning is addressed under Goal 12,
below.
These Metro Plan amendments do not affect the planning or development of future public facilities or
services. The amendments do not make changes to the provision of public facilities and services within
Eugene’s UGB or to the currently adopted Eugene/Springfield Public Facilities and Services Plan (PFSP).
Consistent with the PFSP, the City will continue to plan and develop public facilities to support the land
uses designated in the City’s acknowledged comprehensive plan, for lands located within Eugene’s UGB.
The amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 11.
The City of Eugene updated the PFSP during the adoption of Eugene Urban Growth Boundary in 2017 to
ensure that all lands within the UGB could be served.
These Metro Plan amendments will repeal the 1987 River Road-Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan, which
to a large extent focuses on sanitary sewer service. In the 1980’s, after a groundwater pollution problem
became apparent in the area, the City accepted responsibility for providing sewer service to River Road
and Santa Clara to address the health hazard and remedy the situation. The implementation piece of the
Urban Facilities Plan related to providing sewers to the River Road-Santa Clara area has been executed
and repealing the Urban Facilities Plan will have no impact on the provision of wastewater service or on
the current PFSP (which was adopted in 2001, subsequent to the groundwater pollution problems and
the Urban Facilities Plan).
The City of Eugene’s 2020 Wastewater Master Plan states that, “With the exception of the eastern
fringe, and some limited in-fill, the properties in the River Road and Santa Clara basins are fully served.”
The Wastewater Master Plan also notes that much of the wastewater lines in the River Road and Santa
Clara basins have been built since the 1980’s and 1990’s, “The River Road basin includes nine sub-basins,
all south of the Beltline Highway between the Willamette River and Northwest Expressway. With the
exception of the West Bank interceptor built in 1951, the 48 miles of wastewater lines in this basin were
built since 1971. Of those 48 miles, 37 miles were built since 1990. The Santa Clara basin includes 10
sub-basins, all north of Beltline and east of Northwest Expressway. The majority of the 82-mile system
has been built since 1980.”
Similarly, these amendments will remove Chapter II Section F from the Metro Plan. The policies in
Chapter II Section F of the Metro Plan also focused on the provision of a wastewater system and
implementing the Urban Facilities Plan. These policies have been addressed since adoption of the Urban
Facilities Plan and removing them from the Metro Plan will have no impact on the provision of public
services and facilities or the current PFSP. Based on these findings, these amendments are consistent
with Statewide Planning Goal 11.
Statewide Planning Goal 12 – Transportation. To provide and encourage a safe, convenient and
economic transportation system.
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The Transportation Planning Rule (OAR 660-012-0060) contains the following requirement:
(1) If an amendment to a functional plan, an acknowledged comprehensive plan, or a land use
regulation (including a zoning map) would significantly affect an existing or planned
transportation facility, then the local government must put in place measures as provided in
section (2) of this rule, unless the amendment is allowed under section (3), (9) or (10) of this rule.
A plan or land use regulation amendment significantly affects a transportation facility if it would:
(a) Change the functional classification of an existing or planned transportation facility
(exclusive of correction of map errors in an adopted plan);
(b) Change standards implementing a functional classification system; or
(c) Result in any of the effects listed in paragraphs (A) through (C) of this subsection based
on projected conditions measured at the end of the planning period identified in the
adopted TSP. As part of evaluating projected conditions, the amount of traffic projected
to be generated within the area of the amendment may be reduced if the amendment
includes an enforceable, ongoing requirement that would demonstrably limit traffic
generation, including, but not limited to, transportation demand management. This
reduction may diminish or completely eliminate the significant effect of the amendment.
(A) Types or levels of travel or access that are inconsistent with the functional
classification of an existing or planned transportation facility;
(B) Degrade the performance of an existing or planned transportation facility such
that it would not meet the performance standards identified in the TSP or
comprehensive plan; or
(C) Degrade the performance of an existing or planned transportation facility that is
otherwise projected to not meet the performance standards identified in the TSP
or comprehensive plan.
The Transportation Planning Rule requires that land use changes that would significantly affect a
transportation facility provide mitigation measures to address the anticipated impacts. The Metro Plan
amendments will not significantly affect a planned or existing transportation facility, and no changes to
existing, adopted land use designations or zoning of properties are proposed. The amendments will not
change the functional classification of an existing or planned transportation facility, nor will they change
any standards implementing a functional classification system. Further, because the Metro Plan
amendments do not alter or affect allowed land uses, the amendments will not result in levels of travel
or access which are inconsistent with the functional classification of an existing or planned
transportation facility or degrade the performance standards of an existing or planned transportation
facility so that it will not meet the performance standards identified in the Eugene 2035 Transportation
System Plan, or Lane County Transportation System Plan, the City’s and County’s respective adopted
transportation system plans. Therefore, the Metro Plan amendments are consistent with Statewide
Planning Goal 12.
Additionally, the amendments are consistent with State Planning Goal 12 because the Neighborhood
Plan includes vision, goals, and policies related to transportation. Transportation is one of five topic
areas that the Neighborhood Plan focuses on. The Plan’s goals aim to implement a transportation
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system that is safe for all users, is efficient, equitable, and affordable as well as future oriented and
environmentally responsible.
Statewide Planning Goal 13 – Energy Conservation. To conserve energy.
Goal 13 provides guidance on the management of land and land uses to maximize the conservation of
energy. Consistent with the language of Goal 13, the Neighborhood Plan includes a policy related to
renewable resources and energy that reads, “Promote renewable resources and energy conservation to
decrease reliance on public utility grid through community education, outreach, and incentives. The
amendments do not change any local energy policy or implementing provisions. Therefore, the
amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 13.
Statewide Planning Goal 14 – Urbanization. To provide for an orderly and efficient transition from
rural to urban land use, to accommodate urban population and urban employment inside urban
growth boundaries, to ensure efficient use of land, and to provide for livable communities.
Goal 14 requires cities to plan for urbanization within an urban growth boundary. The Neighborhood
Plan Boundary includes urban, rural, and urban transition areas, but the Metro Plan amendments will
not change any zoning, plan designations, or annexation procedures applicable to properties within the
Neighborhood Plan boundary nor do they amend the acknowledged urban growth boundary.
The Metro Plan amendments include removing a policy related to annexation in the River Road and
Santa Clara areas from the Metro Plan; however, this policy is now included verbatim in the
Neighborhood Plan. This policy reads, “Annexation of the River Road and Santa Clara areas will occur
only through strict application of state laws and local policies (e.g., ability to extend key urban facilities
and services in a timely manner). In each case, Eugene will make every reasonable attempt to provide
for annexation only on a voluntary basis and according to prior individual property annexation
agreements.” The Metro Plan amendments will not change any annexation procedures and will not
force County residents to annex into the City.
These amendments do not affect the City and County’s provisions regarding the transition of land from
rural to urban uses. Therefore, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 14.
Statewide Planning Goal 15 – Willamette Greenway. To protect, conserve, enhance and maintain the
natural, scenic, historical, agricultural, economic and recreational qualities of lands along the
Willamette River as the Willamette River Greenway.
Goal 15 is designed to “protect, conserve, enhance, and maintain the natural, scenic, historical,
agricultural, economic, and recreational qualities of lands along the Willamette River as the Willamette
River Greenway.” The River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan boundary includes lands within the
Willamette River Greenway; however, the Metro Plan amendments do not contain any changes to the
City’s or County’s Willamette River Greenway regulations. Therefore, the amendments are consistent
with Statewide Planning Goal 15.
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Additionally, the amendments are consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 15 because the
Neighborhood Plan includes policies aimed at conserving, enhancing and protecting the Willamette
River Greenway, including: Policy 14.3 “Willamette River Compatibility: Encourage development that is
less intense along the river by making legislative updates to local land use regulations that include
additional standards to protect, maintain, preserve, and enhance the natural, scenic, historic, and
recreational qualities of the Willamette River Greenway;” and Policy 7.4 “Public Natural Areas: Create
new and enhance existing natural areas, including within the Willamette River Greenway, that are
accessible to all residents.”
Goal 16 through 19 (Estuarine Resources, Coastal Shorelands, Beaches and Dunes. and Ocean
Resources):
There are no estuarine, coastal, beach and dune, or ocean resources related to the lands affected by
these amendments. Therefore, Statewide Planning Goals 16, 17, 18, and 19 do not apply.
Internal Metro Plan Consistency
City of Eugene Criteria
EC 9.7735 Metro Plan Amendments – Criteria for Approval.
(2) The proposed amendment does not make the Metro Plan internally inconsistent; and
Lane County Criteria
LC 12.300.030 Metro Plan Amendment Criteria
B. The proposed amendment does not make the Metro Plan internally inconsistent.
These Metro Plan amendments, including adoption of the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan,
do not make the Metro Plan internally inconsistent. As stated in the Neighborhood Plan, if
inconsistencies occur between the Neighborhood Plan and the Metro Plan, the Metro Plan is the
prevailing policy document.
Metro Plan Policies
The Neighborhood Plan and Metro Plan amendments are consistent with the following policies from the
Metro Plan (identified below in italics).
Chapter II C. Growth Management Goals, Findings, and Policies
C.5 To maintain the existing physical autonomy of the smaller outlying communities, urban development
on agricultural and rural lands beyond the UGB shall be restricted and based on at least the following
criteria:
a. Preservation and conservation of natural resources
b. Conformity with the policies and provisions of the Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan that
borders the metropolitan area
c. Conformance with applicable mandatory statewide planning goals
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The Neighborhood Plan includes a policy that aims to preserve agricultural land outside the UGB,
consistent with this Metro Plan policy. The policy states, “Preserve high value farmland (Class 1 and
Class 2 soils) outside the UGB for farm use, where feasible or as the state allows.”
C.10 Annexation to a city through normal processes shall continue to be the highest priority.
C.15 Ultimately, land within the UGB shall be annexed to a city and provided with the required minimum
level of urban facilities and services. While the time frame for annexation may vary, annexation should
occur as land transitions from urbanizable to urban.
The Neighborhood Plan is consistent with the Metro Plan policies C.10 and C.15, as the Neighborhood
Plan intends to continue current annexation policies. As stated in Neighborhood Plan Policy 17.4,
“annexation of the River Road and Santa Clara areas will occur only through strict application of state
laws and local policies (e.g., ability to extend key urban facilities and services in a timely manner). In
each case, Eugene will make every reasonable attempt to provide for annexation only on a voluntary
basis and according to prior individual property annexation agreements.” Annexation is voluntary,
however it is typically required when a property owner proposes to develop a property that is within the
UGB but not within city limits as a condition of certain land use approvals.
Chapter II F. River Road and Santa Clara Goals, Findings, Objectives, and Policies
The deleted section of the Metro Plan (Chapter II Section F. River Road and Santa Clara Goals, Findings,
Objectives, and Policies) is no longer relevant or necessary. The deleted findings, objectives, and policies
were relevant to the implementation of the 1987 River Road-Santa Clara Urban Facilities Plan; many
having to do with the provision of wastewater service as discussed under Statewide Planning Goal 11
above. The findings, objectives, and policies in Chapter II Section F reflect the situation at the time the
Urban Facilities Plan was completed and the resulting implementation of that plan. The policies in this
section have been addressed since their initial adoption. This section of the Metro Plan is no longer
necessary because wastewater infrastructure in the area has been built and service was extended to
developed properties to address the groundwater pollution problem that was present at the time this
Metro Plan text was originally adopted. The Urban Facilities Plan will be repealed in addition to the
deletion of Chapter II Section F of the Metro Plan.
Policy 3 of Chapter II, Section F of the Metro Plan, concerning annexation of properties in the River Road
and Santa Clara areas will be deleted from the Metro Plan but has been included as Policy 17.4 in the
Neighborhood Plan. The annexation policy provides: “Annexation of the River Road and Santa Clara
areas will occur only through strict application of state laws and local policies (e.g., ability to extend key
urban facilities and services in a timely manner). In each case, Eugene will make every reasonable
attempt to provide for annexation only on a voluntary basis and according to prior individual property
annexation agreements.”
Chapter III A. Metropolitan Residential Land Use and Housing Element
A.2 Residentially designated land within the UGB should be zoned consistent with the Metro Plan, and
applicable plans and policies; however, existing agricultural zoning may be continued within the area
between the city limits and UGB until rezoned for urban uses.
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The Urban Facilities Plan contains Policy 4.2(2) that reads, “In the event of annexation or incorporation,
agricultural zoning shall be maintained on land to which it is currently applied until the property is
needed for urban levels of development.” Although repealing the Urban Facilities Plan is proposed, the
policy direction related to agricultural land continues to be represented in the Metro Plan.
A.23 Reduce impacts of higher density residential and mixed-use development on surrounding uses by
considering site, landscape, and architectural design standards or guidelines in local zoning and
development regulations.
The Neighborhood Plan includes policies related to reducing impacts from surrounding uses. For
example, Neighborhood Plan Policy 14.1 states, “Compatibility Transitions: Enhance compatibility
through development standards such as height and scale transitions, setbacks, buffering with trees, and
window offsets between adjacent properties that are zoned differently through legislative updates to
local land use regulations.”
A.36 Coordinate public, private, and consumer sectors of the area’s housing market, including public-
private partnerships, to promote housing for low- and very low-income households and to increase
housing density and types.
Consistent with this Metro Plan policy, Neighborhood Plan Policy 12.2 aims to plan for affordable
housing in the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods through collaboration with community
partners. The policy states, “Affordable Availability: Plan for affordable and moderate-income housing
throughout the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods through strategies, funding, partnerships,
and execution of the City and County’s housing plans.”
Chapter III C. Environmental Resources Element
C.2 Designated agricultural lands shall be protected for agricultural uses through zoning for exclusive
farm use or equivalent acceptable zoning and through application of other protective measures.
Consistent with this Metro Plan policy, Neighborhood Plan Policy 10.1 aims to protect agricultural land
outside the UGB. It states, “Preserve high value farmland (Class 1 and Class 2 soils) outside the UGB for
farm use, where feasible or as the state allows.”
Chapter III D. Willamette River Greenway, River Corridors, and Waterways Element
D.3 Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County shall continue to cooperate in expanding water-related parks
and other facilities, where appropriate that allow access to and enjoyment of river and waterway
corridors.
D.9 Local and state governments shall continue to provide adequate public access to the Willamette
River Greenway.
The Urban Facilities Plan contains Policy 4.8(1) that reads, “Increased public access to the Willamette
River shall be a high priority in recreation land acquisition.” Although repealing the Urban Facilities Plan
is proposed, the policy direction related to recreation along the river continues to be represented in the
Metro Plan. Additionally, the Neighborhood Plan is consistent with these Metro Plan policies, as it
contains similar policies, including Policy 9.1, “Safe and Convenient Access: Provide safe and convenient
access to the riverbank park system for people walking, biking, and using mobility devices,” and Policy
9.2, “Stewardship of the Willamette River Ecosystem: Work with the community and non-profit
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organizations to balance preservation and access to the river.” The Willamette River Greenway is a
valued asset to the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods.
Chapter III E. Environmental Design Element
E.3 The planting of street trees shall be strongly encouraged, especially for all new developments and
redeveloping areas (where feasible) and new streets and reconstruction of major arterials within the
UGB.
Consistent with this Metro Plan policy, preserving and planting street trees is reflected in Neighborhood
Plan Policy 7.5, “Tree Canopy: Promote, conserve, protect, and improve our urban forest by preserving
and planting street trees and encouraging private property owners to plant trees with education and
incentives, consistent with Eugene’s Urban Forestry program.” Additionally, the Urban Facilities Plan
contains Policy 4.4(2), “Encourage street tree planting in the study area,” and although repealing the
Urban Facilities Plan is proposed, the policy direction related to planting street trees continues to be
represented in the Metro Plan and the Neighborhood Plan.
Chapter III F. Transportation Element
F.3 Provide for transit-supportive land use patterns and development, including higher intensity, transit-
oriented development along major transit corridors and near transit stations; medium- and high-density
residential development within ¼ mile of transit stations, major transit corridors, employment centers,
and downtown areas; and development and redevelopment in designated areas that are or could be well
served by existing or planned transit.
F.10 Protect and manage existing and future transportation infrastructure.
F.11 Develop or promote intermodal linkages for connectivity and ease of transfer among all
transportation modes.
F.13 Support transportation strategies that enhance neighborhood livability.
F.18 Improve transit service and facilities to increase the system’s accessibility, attractiveness, and
convenience for all users, including the transportation disadvantaged population.
F.26 Provide for a pedestrian environment that is well integrated with adjacent land uses and is designed
to enhance the safety, comfort, and convenience of walking.
Consistent with the transportation element in the Metro Plan, one of the five topic areas in the
Neighborhood Plan also focuses on transportation. Both sections include policies related to
infrastructure improvements, connectivity, safety for all users, and creating pedestrian-friendly
environments. See the related Neighborhood Plan policies below:
Policy 5.3 Active Transportation to Commercial Centers: Expand active transportation networks
that connect neighborhoods to their adjacent commercial areas, schools, and community
gathering spaces.
Policy 5.4 Traffic Management: Prioritize transportation infrastructure improvements to support
the traffic flow and enhance safety objectives.
Policy 13.1 Key Areas for Development: Support more development and redevelopment in key
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areas for residential, commercial, and mixed-use development through legislative updates to
local land use regulations.
Policy 4.1 Safety and Accessibility: Improve safety and accessibility for people walking, biking,
and using mobility devices.
Policy 5.1 Regional Transportation Network: Work towards convenient, equitable, and
affordable access to a regional pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicle network throughout the
River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods.
Policy 11.2 Well Designed Built Environment: Update design standards through legislative
updates to local land use regulations so that they provide for gradual transitions between
different uses and scales and incorporate pedestrian scale design through building design, size,
scale, and site layout requirements.
The Metro Plan policies and the Neighborhood Plan policies related to transportation continue to
represent relevant issues from the Urban Facilities Plan. For example, Policy 5.7(2) from the Urban
Facilities Plan states, “Support alternatives to the automobile including mass transit, bicycle, walking,
and carpooling.” This policy direction exists in the remaining plans.
The Urban Facilities Plan also includes Policy 5.7(3), “The City of Eugene or newly-incorporated city and
Lane County shall jointly develop an equitable transition policy for the maintenance and upgrading of
street systems.” This policy direction is represented in the Neighborhood Plan in Policy 5.5, “Public
Right-of-Way Management: City and County will continue to cooperatively work towards addressing
jurisdictional issues in the right of way, including parking, maintenance, street improvements, and
annexation issues.”
Chapter III G. Public Facilities and Services Element
G.6 Efforts shall be made to reduce the number of unnecessary special service districts and to revise
confusing or illogical service boundaries, including those that result in a duplication of effort or overlap of
service. When possible, these efforts shall be pursued in cooperation with the affected jurisdiction.
The Urban Facilities Plan Policy 3.3(1) states, “In accordance with the acknowledged Metropolitan Plan,
special purpose water districts within the urban growth boundary ultimately shall be extinguished.” This
policy, as it states, will continue to be represented in the Metro Plan after the Urban Facilities Plan is
repealed.
G.22 The cities shall initiate a process with school districts within the UGB for coordinating land use and
school planning activities. The cities and school districts shall examine the following in their coordination
efforts:
a. The need for new public school facilities and sufficient land to site them;
b. How open enrollment policies affect school location;
c. The impact of school building height and site size on the buildable land supply;
d. The use of school facilities for non-school activities and appropriate reimbursement for this use;
e. The impact of building and land use codes on the development and redevelopment of school facilities
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f. Systems development charge adjustments related to neighborhood schools; and
g. The possibility of adjusting boundaries, when practical and when total enrollment will not be affected,
where a single, otherwise internally cohesive area is divided into more than one school district.
The Urban Facilities Plan contains Policy 3.7(2), “School districts are encouraged to examine district
boundaries in light of servicing economies, especially bussing, and their effect on maintaining a cohesive
community identity” and Policy 3.7(3), “Encourage the continued multiple use of school facilities.”
Though the Urban Facilities Plan is proposed to be repealed, this school-related policy direction
continues to be represented in the Metro Plan.
Chapter III I. Historic Preservation Element
I.1 Adopt and implement historic preservation policies, regulations, and incentive programs that
encourage the inventory, preservation, and restoration of structures; landmarks; sites; and areas of
cultural, historic, or archaeological significance, consistent with overall policies.
The Urban Facilities Plan contains Policy 4.6(1), “Inventory structures, landmarks, sites, and areas of
cultural, historic, or archaeological significance,” and Policy 4.6(2), “Encourage the preservation and
restoration of structures, landmarks, sites, and areas of cultural, historic, or archaeological significance.”
Though the Urban Facilities Plan is proposed to be repealed, the policy direction related to historic
structures continues to be captured in the Metro Plan.
City of Eugene Criteria
EC 9.7735 Metro Plan Amendments – Criteria for Approval.
(3) When the city-specific local comprehensive plan also applies, the proposed amendment is
consistent with the city-specific local comprehensive plan.
The City Council finds that the Metro Plan amendments are consistent with the Eugene-specific local
comprehensive plan, the Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan (Envision Eugene). The currently adopted
chapters of the Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan include Economic Development, Transportation,
Administration & Implementation, and Eugene Urban Growth Boundary. The Neighborhood Plan’s
economic development policies are consistent with those in Envision Eugene, such as the promotion of
locally-owned businesses, capitalizing on Eugene’s economic advantages, and employment growth. As
discussed in Statewide Planning Goals 11 and 12 above, the Eugene 2035 Transportation System Plan
(TSP) is the transportation element of Eugene’s comprehensive land use plan. The Neighborhood Plan is
consistent with and aligns with policies in the TSP, especially those related to walkable neighborhoods
and compact development. For example, one of the TSP system-wide policies is to “Foster
neighborhoods where Eugene residents could meet most of their basic daily needs without an
automobile by providing streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and access to transit in an inviting environment
where all travelers feel safe and secure” and one of the transit policies aims to “Prioritize improved
transit service in Key Corridors and other areas with sufficient employment, activities, or residential
density that best support transit service and transit services that connect residents to employment
centers. If operational funding is sufficient, extend transit to support higher density housing and
employment development planned for other areas.” The Neighborhood Plan does not affect the
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maintenance or updating of the comprehensive plan, any related monitoring efforts, or the Eugene
urban growth boundary. Therefore, these amendments are consistent with the Envision Eugene
Comprehensive Plan.
Refinement Plan Amendment Criteria
City of Eugene Criteria
EC 9.8424 Refinement Plan Amendment Approval Criteria.
Approval, or approval with modifications shall be based on compliance with the following criteria:
(1) The refinement plan amendment is consistent with all of the following:
(a) Statewide planning goals.
(b) Applicable provisions of the Metro Plan.
(c) Remaining portions of the refinement plan.
EC 9.8422 states, “Refinement plan amendment procedures only apply when specific changes are
proposed to an existing refinement plan that covers areas only within the jurisdiction of the city. The
procedures are not applicable to comprehensive updates of an entire refinement plan.”
The refinement plan criteria in EC 9.8424 do not apply to the Metro Plan amendments because the
amendments repeal and replace an existing refinement plan, rather than only applying to specific
changes to an existing refinement plan. Additionally, the Urban Facilities Plan that is to be repealed and
the new River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan that is to be adopted cover areas within both the
City of Eugene and Lane County jurisdictions.
However, even if the Refinement Plan Amendment criteria in EC 9.8424 did apply, the City Council finds
that the criteria in subsections (a) and (b) have been addressed above and the criterion in subsection (c)
is not applicable.
Appendix 1
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
Engagement Summary
Launched in fall 2017, the River Road-Santa Clara
neighborhood planning process has been a collaborative
effort among community members, River Road
Community Organization (RCCO), Santa Clara Community
Organization (SCCO), City of Eugene, Lane County, and
other stakeholders throughout both neighborhoods. The process had six phases: Reaching Out,
Neighborhood Visioning, Neighborhood Priorities, Policy Development, Action Planning, and Adoption,
with opportunities for community and stakeholder feedback along the way. This engagement summary
includes the community engagement objectives and outcomes from each of the six planning phases.
In July 2017, the Eugene Planning Commission (acting as the Citizen Involvement Committee) approved
the RRSC Neighborhood Planning Public Involvement Plan. The Project Management Team committed to
a community engagement process that was:
•Meaningful: creates a vision crafted with beauty, fun, warmth, and welcome
•Accountable: responds to ideas, critique, comments, and praise
•Inclusive: communicates with all stakeholders, including the under-represented, outside of
structured meetings, in ways that people understand and can relate to
•Transparent: makes decisions public; shares information in a variety of formats and places
•Realistic: informs about constraints, opportunities, and objectives
•Outcome-oriented: creates a community-supported and council-adopted neighborhood plan!
The Public Involvement Plan and the associated Project Charter (July 2017) established several
foundational, community-led groups that would lead neighborhood planning, including:
•Community Advisory Committee (CAC): A group of 11 voting members, appointed by the
Eugene Planning Commission, that represent the varied voices of the two neighborhoods. The
CAC was responsible for considering the full breadth of public input, developing operating rules,
working with City and County staff to reach a mutually agreed upon community vision and plan
that works within the larger Envision Eugene community vision, and making a final community
recommendation.
•Project Management Team (PMT): A small core team of the CAC co-chairs and City and County
staff tasked with carrying out the project in accordance with the Project Charter.
•Technical Advisory Committee (TAC): Composed of City and partner agency staff to serve as
advisory body to the Project Management Team and the Community Advisory Committee. The
TAC represented their own project or departmental interests and communicated how the
neighborhood-specific issues fit within the broader City/County context.
•Topic Area Working Groups: Each group focused on one of the Plan’s priority areas and
included community members and staff.
•River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations: Both community organizations
supported public outreach throughout the project. During key decision points in the project, the
organizations led efforts to host meetings and communicate with stakeholders. Both community
organizations made recommendations to the CAC to inform the final community
recommendation on the plan adoption package.
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
Engagement Summary
Page 2 of 11
Phase 1: Reaching Out (2017)
In the summer of 2017, the community organizations, volunteers, and staff began the ‘Reaching Out’
phase to raise awareness about the project and opportunities for input.
The goal of the Reaching Out phase was to give as many community members as possible the
opportunity to provide input into the vision for their neighborhood. The results of this outreach
identified areas where community members were united, and it flagged some more complicated areas
for future neighborhood conversations.
Raising Awareness
Community volunteers and project staff began raising awareness about the project by meeting with
neighbors where they were. They promoted the project at fun activities like Sunday Streets and the
grand opening of the new River Road Elementary School and during routine errands at the grocery store.
Volunteers from the community organizations canvassed their neighborhoods with informational flyers,
sent updates in their newsletters, and used social media to share information. In total, there were more
than 20 events in advance of the fall kick-off event.
Kick-off Event
The fall 2017 community event at North Eugene High School was a huge success, with nearly 400 people
filling the Highlander gymnasium. Activities at the kick-off event included a mapping exercise to identify
what residents value about the area and a ‘my ideas’ activity that asked participants to share their
future hopes for the neighborhood. Community volunteers and project staff were thrilled with this
result but knew there were community members who were unable to attend evening meetings, so an
extra effort was made to meet with them at more convenient times and places with targeted outreach.
Targeted Outreach
To bring in fresh voices, the project stepped out of the meeting room and into the community,
conducting unique activities with interesting visuals that stimulated important conversations. The
project staff and community volunteers formed partnerships with local organizations like St. Vincent
DePaul, Food for Lane County, and our local schools. These organizations helped reach a broader cross
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
Engagement Summary
Page 3 of 11
section of residents. Small group meetings were held with high school students, affordable housing
residents, Spanish speakers, and rural residents in Santa Clara. In addition, a group of neighborhood
volunteers and City and County staff did door-to-door canvassing of local businesses to gather their
input on the neighborhood.
• Rural Santa Clara: SCCO includes rural residents who live beyond the urban growth boundary (UGB).
Members of this community are more unlikely to participate in broader neighborhood workshops
that are not tailored to their unique geographic location. The project staff and volunteers thought it
was important to target outreach efforts at these constituencies. A rural Santa Clara workshop in
December 2017 attracted over 20 participants.
• Business Canvassing: Regardless of whether
business owners and employees reside in the
neighborhood, they have a stake in the outcome of
the neighborhood planning process. However, they
are often tied to their workplace and may not be
able to attend conventional neighborhood
outreach events. Community volunteers and
project staff made a concerted effort to reach out
to businesses in the River Road and Santa Clara
neighborhoods. In November and December 2017,
neighborhood volunteers teamed with City and
County staff to conduct door-to-door outreach.
These pairs spoke with nearly 300 businesses along River Road and in other commercial areas
throughout the neighborhoods. They promoted the planning process, conducted interviews, and
encouraged business owners and employees to get involved.
• Inclusive Outreach: Building a foundation of trust and democracy starts with understanding who has
a stake in the outcome of the project and how and when they can participate. Public meetings are
often filled with elderly, white, middle-class people listening to public servants slogging through long
presentations. To involve youth, low-income residents, people with disabilities, and communities of
color, project staff and community volunteers forged relationships with community partners who
have earned the trust and respect of historically marginalized community groups through consistent
service. Working in collaboration with organizations such as Saint Vincent De Paul, Food for Lane
County, and the school districts, the project involved people who do not typically attend public
meetings.
This targeted outreach to rural Santa Clara residents, the business community, and historically
marginalized community groups helped diversify the voices involved in the neighborhood planning
process. The values, hopes, and concerns expressed by these stakeholders were balanced with those
expressed by other members of the public to create a comprehensive community vision.
City staff and community volunteers
canvassing neighborhood businesses
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
Engagement Summary
Page 4 of 11
Phases 2-3: Visioning and Neighborhood Priorities (January – June 2018)
The Visioning and Neighborhood Priorities phases continued focus on raising awareness of the project
and asking community members what they valued in their neighborhoods and hopes for the future.
Starting in early 2018, the CAC and topic area Working Groups met monthly to compile and review the
feedback received during the Reaching Out phase, recognizing the priorities and values heard during this
process, as well as the many years of community engagement through previous planning work. Different
themes emerged and the Neighborhood Plan began to develop around five main topic areas: Economic
Development, Transportation, Parks and Natural Resources, Land Use, and Community. A vision for the
future of the River Road and Santa Clara communities started to appear.
Outreach Questionnaires
In summer 2018, the CAC and Working Groups developed outreach questionnaires for each of the plan
topic areas. These questions were used during community forums, an online survey, and several
targeted outreach events.
The June 2018 community forums (attended by over 300 people) provided a chance for neighbors to
come back together and review the community vision, developed by the CAC, working group members
and staff, based on community input received in the Reaching Out Phase. They discussed the
questionnaire in small groups and heard each other’s opinions. The events were held on two different
days of the week (Wednesday and Sunday) and at different times (evening and afternoon) to make it
more accessible to people with varying schedules. A light meal and activities for children were provided.
Recruitment to these forums included a hard copy invitation mailed to all property owners in River Road
and Santa Clara, email invitations to more than 1,000 people on the project’s interested parties list, yard
signs at high traffic areas (such as parks and major intersections), and posters in area businesses. In
addition, community volunteers attended neighborhood events and personally extended invitations.
River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan
Engagement Summary
Page 5 of 11
The online survey, posted after the June
2018 forums, was disseminated through
the website, interested parties emails, area
organizations, and Facebook, resulting in
106 completed surveys.
The project staff and community
volunteers worked hard on inclusive
outreach to connect with people who were
not well represented at the community
forum: youth, communities of color, people
with disabilities, and low-income residents.
Events included a picnic for young families,
attendance at the North Eugene
Highlanders football team practice, a small
group discussion with people with
disabilities, and individual conversations
with people with limited incomes.
The project collaborated with organizations such as Cornerstone Housing, St. Vincent De Paul,
Headstart, Lane Independent Living Alliance, St. Mary’s Church, the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz,
North Eugene High School, and Huerto de la Familia. This targeted outreach resulted in an additional
142 completed surveys.
A CAC volunteer guides a neighbor through a survey at a
community event
Chatting with the North Eugene Highlanders football team
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Phase 4: Policy Development (July 2018 – May 2019)
After laying the groundwork through the phases of Reaching Out, Visioning, and Neighborhood
Priorities, the Policy Development phase started in late 2018 through spring 2019 and focused on the
drafting of policies related to the vision and neighborhood priorities developed from community input.
Throughout the policy development phase, Working Group meetings were held periodically and
interested community members were welcome to attend.
Policy Round-Up
Policy writing was led by the CAC and supported by staff on the TAC as well as Working Group members.
At the ‘Policy Round-Up’ in December 2018, participants sorted the draft policies into broad, cross-
cutting themes organized under 18 high-level goals. The goal of the activity was to review the draft
policies and identify missing ideas, such as places where certain themes across a topic area were not
well represented within the draft policies. More than 60 people participated.
Triple Bottom Line Sounding Board
In January 2019, the TAC did a closer review of the policies to ensure that the draft policies aligned with
existing City and County policies. In February 2019, the first Triple Bottom Line Sounding Board meeting
was held to provide a citywide perspective about the equity, environmental, and economic implications
of proposed action items in the Neighborhood Plan topic areas. Throughout the topic areas, there are
overarching themes such as equity and inclusion, connectivity, healthy people and climate, safety,
prosperity, and neighborhood identity.
River Road Corridor Study
February 2019 brought the first workshops for the River Road Corridor Study.1 Over the span of the
three-day open house the public had a chance to dive into the details and create actual designs for
neighborhood centers along River Road. The theme of the first open house was, “Getting Started:
1 The River Road Corridor Study was a partnership between Lane Transit District and the City of Eugene, supported
by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration. The completed study is available here: https://www.eugene-
or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/60545/River-Road-Corridor-Study-FTA-Grant
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Reflecting the Neighborhood Vision and Priorities,” the second “Developing Concepts: Exploring the
Ways the Vision Can Take Shape Along the Corridor,” and the third open house concluded with
“Establishing Criteria: Refining Ideas and Creating Evaluation Criteria.” These workshops were followed
by an email survey to participants asking about additional ideas, concerns, and areas of excitement. For
those that couldn’t attend, we developed an online survey to give people an opportunity to weigh in on
both high-level principles for the project and some of the early concepts.
As part of the initial workshops, the Corridor Study project staff hosted a Business Round Table, inviting
businesses and commercial properties along River Road to talk about design concepts along the corridor
and provide input.
Planning in Action Open House
In April 2019, another community event, the ‘Planning in Action Open House’ at North Eugene High
School provided community members an opportunity to review the draft policies as well as draft
actions. The Open House took place on both a Sunday afternoon and a Wednesday evening to
accommodate as many community members and businesses as possible. Food and activities for children
were provided at these meetings. More than 200 neighbors attended in total and there were great, in-
depth conversations at each of the tables. There were many new faces joining the neighborhood
planning process at these open houses. These conversations were a chance for neighbors to see how
their concerns and aspirations were represented in the draft policies and started the transition from
policy development into action planning.
On May 15, 2019, City Council officially approved the draft goals and policies as a platform for moving
into the Action Planning Phase.
Photos from the Corridor Study Workshop #1
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Phase 5: Action Planning (May 2019 – March 2021)
In May 2019, the project transitioned into the Action Planning phase, which focused on drafting,
evaluating and prioritizing actions to implement the draft policies. Refining the action items was a
collaborative process among the CAC, Working Group members, and City, County, and partner agency
staff to incorporate community and technical feedback.
River Road Corridor Study
In June 2019, project staff held a second series of Corridor Study workshops. Participants learned about
corridor concepts and land use and zoning options. The design team and community members discussed
implementation strategies and land use policies that could guide the type and location of growth. As
they reviewed the work of the design team, community members were asked a series of questions to
determine whether the proposed development standards and land use types fit with the vision for the
River Road Corridor area and desired neighborhood character. Community members, staff, and
consultant team members brainstormed draft land use concepts, zoning options and design standards
to further vet with the community using an online survey throughout summer and fall 2019 focusing on
two draft land use concepts.
Project Fair, Pumpkin Pie and Planning, and Community Events
Also in June 2019, project staff highlighted the Neighborhood Plan at a City of Eugene Planning Division
Project Fair at the Downtown Library, connecting with community members and talking to them about
the neighborhood planning efforts. Staff and community volunteers attended several other events
throughout the summer of 2019 to talk with community members about the Neighborhood Plan and
collect input.
In November 2019, community volunteers and project staff hosted the ‘Pumpkin Pie and Planning’
event. Over 150 community members, the CAC and City and County staff discussed and shared thoughts
on draft action items. It was both a celebration with neighbors on all the work that had been done on
the Neighborhood Plan and an opportunity to continue providing input. Highlights of the presentation
and discussion included land use, zoning, better transportation, the development of parks and the
future of housing in Santa Clara and River Road. Given the large number of participants, discussions
were geared towards covering topics with highest priority and expressing support or concern for the
action items. Free pumpkin pie was available for those who attended, as well as harvest art activities,
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and a chance to win a basket of goodies. The Land Use topic area had the widest range of opinions, with
many participants wanting more information on future land use standards that could address
community concerns.
Online Survey
An online survey was open from August to November 2019, reaching nearly 500 respondents and
collecting input and concerns regarding draft actions. Results from in-person outreach events were
collated with the online survey results to refine policies and actions.
Triple Bottom Line Sounding Board
In February 2020, the planning team convened a second Trible Bottom Line Sounding Board meeting,
and their feedback was collected on the Action Plan highlights.
Neighborhood Conversations
From January to March of 2020 a series of small group discussions, Neighborhood Conversations, took
place in common neighborhood gathering spaces to discuss how the proposed Neighborhood Plan vision
would be implemented. At each of these small group meetings, participants reviewed the proposed land
use concepts and discussed: What land uses will be allowed? How is zoning proposed to change? How
quickly might changes start to happen? These conversations focused on the Land Use topic area of the
Neighborhood Plan and exploring the initial details of the River Road Corridor Study.
An invitation to the Neighborhood Conversations was mailed to 16,000+ addresses including all
residents and property owners in the neighborhood, emailed to the 1,500+ interested parties list, and
shared by the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations. Overwhelming interest from
residents and property owners in the neighborhood led to scheduling additional meetings – 13
conversations in total, attended by approximately 200 residents. Another 80+ people did not attend
but learned about the project and received answers from staff or community leaders about their
questions in response to the invitations.
Approximately half of the participants
were new to the project, and the other
half had some previous knowledge or had
participated in a Plan meeting. While most
participants were over 50, the project staff
and community volunteers did engage
younger residents and communities of
color through both the Conversations and
a meeting hosted jointly with El Camino
Del Rio Elementary School in River Road.
The meetings provided the opportunity for
groups of staff, volunteers, and
community members to discuss elements
of the land use changes, sharing support and reservations.
In mid-March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and slowed down the engagement process. However,
after receiving comprehensive feedback from previous engagement, the CAC continued to meet virtually
on Zoom each month and refine the draft actions. Project staff continued to send newsletters through
our interested parties email list and in March 2021 launched the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood
Plan Engage Eugene project website, part of the City of Eugene’s online engagement platform.
A Neighborhood Conversation at Camino Del Rio
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Phase 6: Adoption (March 2021 – xxx 2024)
On May 12, 2021, project staff received direction from the Eugene City Council and Lane County Board
of Commissioners to move into the Adoption Phase and prepare a plan adoption package for community
review. Between spring 2021 and spring 2023, staff and the CAC worked on refining the adoption
package and adapting the plan and implementation tools to evolving state requirements, including
legislation affecting middle housing and more climate-friendly housing development.
In March 2023, the CAC approved bringing the draft Neighborhood Plan, Action Plan, and neighborhood-
specific code amendments out for community feedback, kicking-off the broader engagement process for
the Adoption Phase. Updated drafts of the Neighborhood Plan and Action Plan and an initial draft of the
neighborhood-specific code amendments were published to the project website and the project’s
Engage Eugene site.
Public Information Campaign
Project staff distributed information about neighborhood planning and the adoption process through a
variety of digital media, including updates to the project website, Engage Eugene webpage, social media,
and e-newsletters from the City Planning Division, and both community organizations. Project staff also
developed summary documents that were available online and at in-person events, as well as graphics
depicting the proposed code amendments.
Postcard Mailing
In early May 2023, project staff mailed
a postcard to all owners and residents
of the River Road and Santa Clara
neighborhoods, approximately 16,800
people. The postcard featured ways to
engage during the adoption phase,
including virtual information sessions,
an in-person community event,
meeting toolkit, and online feedback
form. A postcard mailing for ways to engage during the Adoption Phase
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Virtual Information Sessions
Project staff hosted two virtual information sessions to provide an opportunity for community members
to learn about neighborhood planning, the draft adoption package, and ways to engage. A total of 21
people attended the two sessions in May 2023, including CAC members.
Facilitated Discussions with Community Organizations
Project staff participated in the community organization meetings to provide an update on
neighborhood planning and support small group discussions. The RCCO meeting was in-person only,
while the SCCO meeting included an opportunity for virtual participation during the presentation
followed by in-person discussions. Approximately 65+ people participated in the two meetings.
In-Person Community Event
Project staff and the CAC hosted an evening, in-person community event at North Eugene High School
on May 25, 2023. A total of 47 residents participated. Community members were invited to learn about
the draft plan by visiting topic tables and reviewing maps and topic area summaries. Staff presented an
overview of neighborhood planning and then participants joined small group discussions based on topic
area. In addition to CAC members and City and County planning staff, other city departments including
Parks and Open Space, Transportation Planning, and the Office of Equity and Community Engagement
participated in discussions.
Meeting Toolkit
For community members who wanted to dive deeper into the plan, project staff provided a meeting
toolkit. This toolkit offered guidance on hosting a small or medium-size group discussion with neighbors,
family and friends, or existing groups. The same guidance was used by the community organizations for
their meetings.
Community Advisory Committee members at the May
Community Event
Community members learning about
the Draft Neighborhood Plan