The Comprehensive Plan

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GOALS, POLICIES, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

September 16, 1997

INTRODUCTION

A. Foreword

This Comprehensive Plan is a general plan for the logical and orderly development of Dunes City over the years. There are reasons for writing it beyond the State requirements that each city and county in Oregon have a plan.

There are already in existence building codes, zoning ordinances, health and safety codes, anti-pollution requirements, and many more laws that restrict what a person may do with their own property. These are necessary rules so that we can have some assurance of what our neighborhoods will generally be like in the future.

Developers should be able to put the proper type of construction in the right place with the least damage to the environment. New citizens may be attracted by having some assurance of what their future surroundings will look like. Residents who are already here should gain confidence that their city will not deteriorate as has been the case in so many unplanned communities.

The first section of the plan contains the policies that guide the city decision-makers. Following the policies are sections that contain inventory material that were used to develop the policies and a section on the history of Dunes City and the surrounding area.

The original plan, adopted September 9, 1976 , was put together by a group of area citizens with a variety of backgrounds. New members were appointed by the Mayor and the City Council at public meetings from a list of interested citizens. This Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee met 24 times in 1974. The group learned the mechanics of planning. They gathered statistics, made a partial survey, determined desires and complaints of the populace, and discussed solutions to the problems.

The next operation was the assembly into usable form of all the information that had been gathered. This resulted in an outline of the Plan and Preliminary Goals and Policies being completed by the end of 1974.

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The first Dunes City Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council on September 9, 1976 . The Comprehensive Plan was reviewed by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. The staff report stated:

The Dunes City Comprehensive Plan is one of the finest small community plans the staff has had the opportunity to review. Almost all statewide planning goals are adequately addressed, with the exception of the coastal goals and other minor deficiencies as outlined in the findings of fact. The Plan is an accurate reflection of Dunes City 's needs, because it was developed almost entirely by area residents.

In 1978, the City began a process to review and update the Comprehensive Plan. The ongoing Citizen Involvement Program was established to further refine the Plan and to reflect the majority wishes of the community. Over the years the citizens' committee has held many meetings and has done a great deal of work to develop and update the plan. Any resident or landowner attending a Citizen’s Committee for Involvement (CCI) meeting automatically became a voting member. This town hall meeting atmosphere helps assure that the plan truly represents the desires of Dunes City residents. This document contains more detailed maps and planning data and addresses comments made on the first plan by citizens, city officials, and the State Department of Land Conservation and Development. However, the intent, spirit and much of the original wording has been retained.

To ensure that the plan continued to meet Statewide Planning Goals, it was reviewed and updated in 1978, 1985 and in 1996. Evaluation of the plan is conducted as part of the Plan Update and Periodic Review process required by the State Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). A review of the Plan resulted in recommendations for adding, deleting, or modifying Plan findings, goals, objectives, and policies. The CCI and Periodic Review Committee met numerous times to review the Plan page by page. The Committee discussed outdated information, current problems, and possible solutions. A Periodic Review Grant allowed the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) to do parts of the update, although much of the work was done by citizens of Dunes City .

Dunes City is a naturally beautiful city located in western Lane County, Oregon. The purposes of this Comprehensive Plan are to formulate guidelines under which Dunes City will develop in an orderly manner, and to reflect the desire of its people to maintain the City as a predominantly rural residential community. The majority of people recognize that, while growth will occur, it should be limited to that which the land will support without the necessity for expensive public services, such as municipal water and sewage disposal systems. Growth for growth's sake should not be encouraged. Single-family residences are more desirable than multiple-family apartments, high-rise type condominiums, and motel-hotel complexes in order to preserve the rural atmosphere and to keep an attractive, natural setting. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) could be an asset if the densities are limited.

This plan is based on citizen desires (including surveys) as developed by the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee and the CCI, which has continued the work of the former committee during the Plan update process. Other mention of surveys in the text refers to these same surveys and that a

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vote for a water system on March 18, 1975 , was defeated by a margin of three to one and was defeated again in 1993. This Plan will be further refined to reflect majority wishes through the methods outlined in the Citizen Involvement Program.

Dunes City provides a different type of living experience that can be classed as semi-rural because of the nature of the land, the presence of two coastal lakes, and the low overall density. This plan has provided a framework on which the city may grow at a reasonable rate and provide this same living style for future residents to the year 2017. With 33.6 percent of its residents in the low/moderate income category the city provides opportunities for citizens of varying incomes to share the beauty of this unique city. When the time comes that the compact urban growth form characteristic of most cities with their multiple dwellings and high density must be forced on Dunes City , this plan will be history. The fish runs and wildlife and natural vegetation will vanish. In this case, the demand to share this way of life cannot be satisfied but will only destroy the supply.

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I. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POLICIES

A. Citizen Involvement and Land Use Planning

Policy A1. Citizens involvement. Dunes City ’s citizens involvement program shall insure that the citizens of Dunes City have the opportunity to be involved in all phases of the planning process. The City Council may appoint members to serve on the Committee for Citizen Involvement (CCI). All interested parties, by their attendance at the meetings of the CCI, shall become voting members of the CCI for that meeting. The CCI shall make recommendations to the Planning Commission, who themselves shall make recommendations to the City Council, on matters pertaining to post acknowledgment Plan amendments and periodic review of the Comprehensive Plan.

The citizens involvement program shall incorporate the following components:

1. Citizen Involvement; to provide for widespread citizen involvement.

2. Communication; to assure effective two-way communication with citizens.

3. Citizen Influence; to provide the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process.

4. Technical Information; to assure that technical information is available in an understandable form.

5. Feedback Mechanism; to assure that citizens will receive a response from policy-makers.

6. Financial Support; to insure funding for the citizen involvement program.

Planning Recommendations

a. The CCI will include the City Council, the Planning Commission, and citizens-at-large. Citizens will be members of the committee upon meeting attendance.

b. Participation by elected officials in the CCI should be encouraged.

c. Greater efforts will be made to increase participation by the public.

Policy A2. Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan shall abide by the statewide planning goals.

Planning, Zoning, and Subdivision Control Policies

Policy A3. Dunes City ’s City Council shall appoint a Planning Commission for planning and zoning.

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Policy A4. The city shall coordinate and cooperate with Lane County Planning, Building, and Sanitation Departments for staff assistance.

Policy A5. Before a permit is issued on any lot or parcel of land the applicant must present a development plan to the city. Such plan shall include, but not be limited to, water supply and sewage disposal locations, proposed land drainage system and means of controlling run-off, and a plan and time schedule for re-landscaping land from which vegetation is to be removed. Standards for the above will be set by the City Council.

Policy A6. All construction on property contiguous to a lake, class F (fish bearing) stream, or wetland shall require a site review.

Lane County Boundary Commission

Policy A7. Annexations, special district boundary amendments, extra-territorial extensions of sewer or water services, and Community Sewer and Water Systems are required by law to be approved by the Lane County Boundary Commission.

Planning Program Responsibilities

Policy A8. Dunes City should develop emergency disaster awareness..

Land Use and Urbanization

Policy A9. Dunes City shall provide for the orderly development and preservation of the land, control densities to prevent the need of extensive public services and remain commensurate with the carrying capacity of the land and water resources of the city.

Policy A10. Dunes City shall create an environment which is visually attractive and which preserves the basically rural, low-density residential character of the city.

Policy A11. Dunes City defines its urban growth boundary as Dunes City ’s corporate limits. Lands commonly referred to as Ordinance 15 lands will be dealt with in the following manner.

1. Dunes City will withdraw those lands from its jurisdictional boundary which are

identified on Appendix "O" as "area to be withdrawn." These lands represent a major portion of the Ordinance 15 lands.

2. Dunes City will extend its urban growth boundary to include the remainder of the Ordinance 15 lands.

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+/- 10 acres of Map 19-12-13 , Tax Lot 308

+/- 11 acres of Map 19-12-13 , Tax Lot 306

+/- 1.47 acres - All of Map 19-12-24 , Tax Lot 209

3. Dunes City will extend its residential zone to the property being added to its urban growth boundary.

(NOTE: Ordinance 15 lands adjusted as described above by Lane County Boundary Commission Final Order #1108 effective June 11, 1997 which re-defined Dunes City ’s corporate and urban growth boundaries. See Appendix "O") Policy A12. Dunes City shall coordinate land use decisions where needed with Lane County, Douglas County, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon State Parks, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, The Oregon Department of Forestry, and other local, state and federal agencies.

Policy A13. Before additional land can be annexed to the city, a plan amendment is required to extend the urban growth boundary. Land must be necessary, buildable and suitable for urban use

Policy A14. Dunes City shall continue land use coordination with Lane County within its sphere of influence to ensure that Dunes City will have the opportunity to review and comment on actions taken by the West Lane Planning Commission ( Lane County ) and Hearings Official Public Hearings.

Policy A15. Dunes City shall continue to operate under the State Building Code, providing standards for building construction.

Policy A16. Final action on applications for land use permits or zone changes shall occur within 120 days after a complete application has been received by the City, as per ORS 227.178.

Policy A17. Dunes City shall comply with the urban growth management requirements of Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission.

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B. Open Space, Scenic Areas, and Natural Resources

Policy B1. The city shall protect natural resources and encourage their wise management, proper development, and reuse. Areas possessing unique ecological, scenic, aesthetic, scientific, or educational values shall be considered in the planning and zoning process.

Policy B2. The city shall protect the waterways and geologic and wooded integrity of the area so that the community may proudly identify itself with trees, lakes, dunes and rivers.

Dunes

Policy B3. Stabilizing vegetation on older dunes will be protected through special planning and development review procedures. Approval of new development on stabilized dunes will be subject to a site review.

Policy B4. Dunes City will coordinate with Lane County , the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to protect the stabilized dunes west of Highway 101.

Lakes

Policy B5. Elements of the aquatic environment such as the lakes, marshes, mudflats, lagoons, riparian vegetation, and critical wildlife habitat and resources shall be considered in the planning and zoning process.

Policy B6. Methods of conserving water resources must be considered in all land use and development proposals and decisions. In compliance with the Mid-Coast Basin Program adopted on September 25, 1984 , the City recognizes that Siltcoos and Woahink Lakes are classified only for utilization of water for domestic, livestock, and in-lake uses for recreation, wildlife, and fish life purposes.

Policy B7. Dunes City will coordinate its efforts with governmental agencies and nearby jurisdictions, for implementing and studying possible alternatives for maintaining good water quality.

Policy B8. Dunes City shall strive to maintain the high water quality of Siltcoos and Woahink Lakes through monitoring recreation use, commercial and industrial use, and run-off of septic tank effluent. A Water Quality Control Committee will be formed to examine problems with water quality.

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Policy B9. Nonpoint pollution sources are a threat to the water quality of the city's lakes and streams. There shall be no direct urban run off into the city's lakes and streams. New construction and site development, including roads, shall provide a storm water management system consistent with sound engineering practice and the requirements of this policy. Owners of existing homes are to be encouraged to contain their run off as well. Site construction procedures shall not contribute to erosion into lakes and streams.

Policy B10. The city will work with Lane County , ODOT and other state agencies to develop a protective barrier where highway 101 runs parallel to Woahink Lake . ODOT needs to protect the lake from spills and road runoff.

Fish and Wildlife

Policy B11. The city shall strive to protect the habitat of wildlife and fish, including lakes, fish-bearing (Class "F") streams, wetlands, riparian areas, and forested-lands. These resources shall be protected and conserved to the greatest extent possible, consistent with low-density development of the city.

Policy B12. Significant natural areas and habitats of listed plant and animal species (refer to federal and state law) shall be retained in open space whenever possible and will be considered in the planning and zoning process, particularly those areas containing unique ecological, scenic, aesthetic, scientific or educational values.

Scenic Areas Policies

Policy B13. Urban appurtenances, such as roadway and building signs, traffic signals, overhead wires, and utility poles, shall have an uncluttered appearance and be subordinate to their urban, rural, or natural setting. Removal of vegetation in privately-owned areas must comply with Dunes City ’s vegetation ordinance.

Policy B14. The city will adopt policies and regulations to control vegetation removal in the public right-of-way.

Policy B15. Open space shall be used to protect and enhance the character and identity of the community and serve as a buffer between incompatible land uses.

Wetlands

Policy B16. Dunes City hereby adopts the Dunes City Local Wetlands Inventory and Riparian Inventory, prepared by LCOG/Pacific Habitat Services, Inc., November, 1996, as part of its comprehensive plan.

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Policy B17. The wetlands in Dunes City serve as the most efficient biofilter known in maintaining a high level of water quality. They provide critical habitat for fish, plants and wildlife. The city shall protect these assets by regulating filling or dredging of the wetlands and by requiring setbacks to protect and maintain these values. Review of development activities within the setback area will be coordinated with the Division of State Lands.

Policy B18. In compliance with the LCDC Administrative Rule on Goal 5, Natural Resources, the City shall classify the Darlingtonia California bogs identified in the Dunes City Local Wetlands Inventory and located on private property as a "1B" resource.

C. Geology, Natural Hazards, and Development Constraints

Policy C1. The city will protect against natural hazards by requiring that building and land division are done within the limits of the natural environment.

Policy C2. The city shall encourage areas subject to flooding or severe soil erosion to be retained as open space.

Policy C3. Grading and excavation shall complement the natural configuration of the topography. No grading shall occur which impacts riparian areas without a site review.

Policy C4. Development will not exceed the level of use that can be accommodated without irreversible damage to or impairment of the natural resources or their quality.

Policy C5. Dunes City will continue participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Policy C6. Development proposed on slopes 12 to 16 percent is subject to site review. New development on slopes over 16 percent will require documentation from a licensed Oregon Engineer which shows such development to be safe.

Policy C7. No development will be permitted in areas subject to landslide, as identified in Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) maps and/or text.

D. Public Utilities, Facilities, and Services

Policy D1. Where possible, the city shall provide public utilities, services, and facilities in an orderly and efficient manner.

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Policy D2. Where possible, the city shall provide services through decentralized systems which do not require tax money for support. Community systems should be funded through direct user charges to those who use them.

Policy D3. The city shall encourage citizens to make use of the existing procedures for funding neighborhood improvements for levying and collecting special assessments. This would allow the creation of local improvement districts where those directly benefiting from improvements would pay for them.

Policy D4. The city will cooperate with the Lane County Sheriffs’ Office, Oregon State Police, and the Neighborhood Watch program.

Policy D5. The city supports efforts of the Siuslaw Rural Fire District to encourage citizen participation in fire prevention programs.

Policy D6. The city shall cooperate with Central Lincoln PUD to assist Dunes City residents in reducing their consumption of energy through conservation.

E. Air, Land and Water Quality

General Policies

Policy E1. The city shall strive to preserve the quality of the land, air, and water resources in the city.

Policy E2. All development in the city shall comply with DEQ's applicable air and water quality standards and noise control standards.

Policy E3. Waste discharges from future facilities shall not exceed the carrying capacity nor degrade the quality of the land, air, and water resources.

Policy E4. Regulations involving land, air, and water resources of the city shall be based upon long-term capabilities of the available natural resources to both support economic activity and absorb the future, resulting man-made pollutants.

Sewage Systems Policies

Policy E5. The city shall cooperate with the Department of Environmental Quality to ensure compliance with disposal system requirements.

Policy E6. The city shall adopt a program to improve maintenance of septic systems for the benefit of all residents.

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Water Supply Policies

Policy E7. The city shall draft city ordinances regulating nonpoint source polluted runoff into lakes and streams and will work with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to address the use of pesticides and herbicides within the city.

Policy E8. Providing that an application meets Lane County requirements, the city shall permit adjoining lots to share a water system (Note: if more than three residences share a well it is considered a community water system and is subject to the approval by the Lane County Boundary Commission and applicable state law).

Policy E9. In compliance with the Mid-Coast Basin Program, the City recognizes that it should not exceed its water right from Woahink Lake issued by the Water Resource Board.

Policy E10. Future land developments shall demonstrate adequate water supply.

Solid Waste Policies

Policy E11. The City shall coordinate solid waste planning with Lane County . Solid waste disposal must not exceed the carrying capacity of the land nor contaminate water resources.

Noise Policies

Policy E12. The city recognizes that increased efforts will be needed to minimize noise problems. Off-road vehicles in violation of noise levels near the city limits will be discouraged. The City shall continue to work with Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the Department of Environmental Quality, and other local, state and federal agencies to work toward alleviating noise problems.

Air Quality Policies

Policy E13. The City shall work with other agencies to provide information to residents that will help them maintain good air quality.

F. Transportation

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Policy F1. The city shall strive to maintain an efficient, safe and attractive road system. All modes of transportation will be considered. The city will appoint a road commission consisting of Dunes City residents for planning and recommendations.

Policy F2. The city shall strive to minimize adverse impacts of the transportation system.

Policy F3. Public or private streets shall not be used to encourage development in an area where such development would constitute a threat to public health or welfare, or create excessive public expense.

Policy F4. Every developed property shall have direct access by streets or deeded easements.

Policy F5. Public street rights-of-way shall continue to serve as primary access to properties for transportation and public utilities.

Policy F6. The city shall require subdividers to provide adequate streets with no less than minimum requirements as set forth in the Subdivision Ordinance. All future dead-end streets must have turn-arounds that meet state requirements for emergency vehicles.

Policy F7. Off-street parking must be provided as part of any land development.

Policy F8. The city shall encourage provisions to be made for pedestrian and bicycle access.

Policy F9. The city will limit access to major thoroughfares.

Policy F10. Dunes City will coordinate the local planning review of highway projects with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Policy F11. Dunes City will coordinate efforts with existing local agencies to provide public transportation and alternative transportation services in Dunes City .

Policy F12. A minimum driving width adequate for emergency vehicles will be maintained.

Policy F13. The city will encourage improvement programs to bring substandard street and drainage systems to minimum standards.

Policy F14. The city will develop a master transportation plan that includes an inventory of existing streets, bike and pedestrian ways and their condition, prioritizes needed improvements, and estimates costs.

Policy F15. The city will adopt standards for maintaining the road system.

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G. The Economy

Economic Policies

Policy G1. Dunes City and its residents should take an active interest in maintaining and improving the economic health of the region, including continued participation with the Lane Economic Committee.

Policy G2. The city discourages strip development.

Policy G3. The retirement industry shall be encouraged as the prime economic base of the city.

Policy G4. Minor economic activities, such as home occupations, will be permitted if they are not harmful to air, water, or land quality, and if they are not potential nuisances to neighboring uses. Dunes City does not seek industries to locate in the city.

H. Residential Land Use

Residential Land Use and Housing

Policy H1. Dunes City shall provide housing opportunities responding to the needs of Dunes City residents.

Policy H2. Dunes City shall allow infilling of existing vacant lots to provide for a more compact urban growth form when sanitary conditions are met.

Policy H3. Dunes City shall allow orderly residential development through the use of the PUD to cluster housing and protect areas with open space or natural values.

Policy H4. Dunes City shall allow a mixture of dwelling unit types where use criteria and conditions can be met, as specified in the zoning ordinance, consistent with the rural residential nature of the city.

Policy H5. The city shall require that lot size be capable of providing permanent subsurface sewage disposal.