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Deschutes County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18

36 FOREST USE ZONE; F-1

18.36.010 Purpose

The purpose of the Forest Use Zone is to conserve forest lands.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Repealed & Reenacted by Ord. 91-020 §1 on 5/29/1991

18.36.020 Uses Permitted Outright

The following uses and their accessory uses are permitted outright, subject to applicable siting criteria set forth in DCC 18.36 and any other applicable provisions of DCC Title 18.

  1. Forest operations or forest practices including, but not limited to, reforestation of forest land, road construction and maintenance, harvesting of a forest tree species, application of chemicals and disposal of slash, subject to the Forest Practices Act (ORS Chapter 527) and Goal 4.
  2. Temporary on-site structures, that are auxiliary to and used during the term of a particular forest operation, subject to the Forest Practices Act (ORS Chapter 527) and Goal 4. As used here, temporary structures are those which are portable and/or not placed on a permanent foundation, and which are removed at the conclusion of the forest operation requiring its use. For the purposes of this section, including DCC 18.36.020(B) and (C) "auxiliary" means a use or alteration of a structure or land, that provides help or is directly associated with the conduct of a particular forest practice. An auxiliary structure is located on site, temporary in nature, and is not designed to remain for the forest's entire growth cycle from planting to harvesting. An auxiliary use is removed when a particular forest practice has concluded.
  3. Physical alterations to the land auxiliary to forest practices including, but not limited to, those made for purposes of exploration, mining, commercial gravel extraction and processing, land disposal sites, dams, reservoirs, road construction or recreational facilities, subject to the Forest Practices Act (ORS Chapter 527) and Goal 4). Gravel extraction and processing not covered by DCC 18.36.020 is governed by DCC 18.52.
  4. Uses to conserve soil, air and water quality and to provide for wildlife and fisheries resources.
  5. Farm use as defined in ORS 215.203.
  6. Local distribution lines (e.g., electric, telephone, natural gas, etc.) and accessory equipment (e.g., electric distribution transformers, poles, meter cabinets, terminal boxes, pedestals), or equipment that provides service hookups, including water service hookups.
  7. Temporary portable facility for the primary processing of forest products. The facility shall not be placed on a permanent foundation and shall be removed at the conclusion of the forest operation requiring its use.
  8. Exploration for mineral and aggregate resources as defined in ORS 517.
  9. Towers and fire stations for forest fire protection.
  10. Widening of roads within existing rights of way in conformance with the transportation element of the comprehensive plan including public road and highway projects as described in ORS 215.283(1).
  11. Water intake facilities, canals and distribution lines for farm irrigation and ponds.
  12. Uninhabitable structures accessory to fish and wildlife enhancement.
  13. A lawfully established dwelling may be altered, restored or replaced, as allowed by and subject to the requirements of ORS 215.291 and OAR 660-006-0025.
  14. An outdoor mass gathering as defined in ORS 433.735 or other gathering of fewer than 3,000 persons that is not anticipated to continue for more than 120 hours in any three-month period is not a "land use decision" as defined in ORS 197.015(10) or subject to review under OAR 660-006.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 91-002 §8 on 2/6/1991
Amended by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 91-020 §1 on 5/29/1991
Amended by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2003-007 §1 on 3/26/2003
Amended by Ord. 2012-007 §3 on 5/2/2012
Amended by Ord. 2023-001 §5 on 5/30/2023
Amended by Ord. 2024-008 §5 on 1/7/2025
Amended by Ord. 2025-016 §3 on 1/13/2026

18.36.025 Lawfully Established Dwelling Replacement (Repealed)

(Repealed)

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 2024-008 §5 on 1/7/2025
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025
Amended by Ord. 2025-016 §3 on 1/13/2026

18.36.030 Conditional Uses Permitted

The following uses and their accessory uses may be allowed in the Forest Use Zone, subject to applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Plan, DCC 18.36.040 and other applicable sections of DCC Title 18.

  1. Private hunting and fishing operations without any lodging accommodations.
  2. Caretaker residences for public parks and fish hatcheries.
  3. Temporary forest labor camps limited to the duration of the forest operation requiring its use.
  4. Exploration for and production of geo-thermal, gas, oil and other associated hydrocarbons, including the placement and operation of compressors, separators and other customary production equipment for an individual well adjacent to the well head.
  5. Log scaling and weigh stations.
  6. A disposal site which includes a land disposal site which the Department of Environmental Quality has granted a permit under ORS 459.245, together with equipment, facilities or buildings necessary for its operation.
  7. Private parks and campgrounds as allowed by and subject to the requirements of ORS 215.459 and OAR 660-006-0025.
  8. Mining and processing of oil, gas or other subsurface resources, as defined in ORS 520.005, and not otherwise permitted under DCC 18.36.030(D).
  9. Television, microwave and radio communication facilities and transmission towers.
  10. Fire stations for rural fire protection.
  11. Commercial utility facilities for the purpose of generating power. A power generation facility shall not preclude more than 10 acres from use as a commercial forest operation unless an exception is taken pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rules 660, Division 4.
  12. Aids to navigation and aviation.
  13. Water intake facilities, related treatment facilities, pumping stations and distribution lines.
  14. Reservoirs and water impoundments.
  15. Cemeteries.
  16. New electric transmission lines with right-of-way widths of up to 100 feet as specified in ORS 772.210. New distribution lines (e.g. electrical, gas, oil, geothermal, telephone, fiber optic cable) with rights of way 50 feet or less in width.
  17. Temporary asphalt and concrete batch plants as accessory uses to specific highway projects.
  18. Home Occupations as allowed by and subject to the requirements of ORS 215.448 and DCC 18.116.280.
  19. Expansion of existing airports.
  20. Public road and highway projects as described as ORS 215.283(2) and 215.283(3).
  21. Private accommodations for fishing occupied on a temporary basis subject to other applicable sections of DCC Title 18 and the following requirements:
    1. Accommodations are limited to no more than 15 guest rooms as that term is defined in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code;
    2. Only minor incidental and accessory retail sales are permitted;
    3. Accommodations are occupied temporarily for the purpose of fishing during fishing seasons authorized by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission; and
    4. Accommodations must be located within one-quarter mile of fish bearing Class I waters.
  22. Forest management research and experimentation facilities as described by ORS 526.215 or where accessory to forest operations.
  23. Fill or removal within the bed and banks of a stream or river or in a wetland, subject to DCC 18.120.050 and 18.128.270.
  24. Temporary hardship dwelling.
    1. A temporary hardship dwelling is conditionally allowed subject to DCC 18.116.090, 18.36.040, and 18.36.060.
    2. A temporary hardship dwelling approved under this subsection is not eligible for replacement under OAR 660-006-025.
  25. Single-unit dwellings or manufactured dwellings as specified in DCC 18.116.070, as pursuant to DCC 18.36.050.
  26. Public parks including only those uses specified under OAR 660-034-0035 or 660-034-0040, whichever is applicable.
  27. Private seasonal accommodations for fee hunting operations may be allowed subject to DCC 18.36.050 and the following requirements:
    1. Accommodations are limited to no more than 15 guest rooms as that term is defined in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code;
    2. Only minor incidental and accessory retail sales are permitted; and
    3. Accommodations are occupied temporarily for the purpose of hunting during game bird and big game hunting seasons authorized by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.
  28. An Extended Outdoor Mass gathering subject to review by a county planning commission pursuant to DCC Chapter 8.16.
  29. Permanent facility for the primary processing of forest products.
  30. Firearms training facility.
  31. Transportation improvements on rural lands allowed by and subject to the requirements of OAR 660-012-0065.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 86-018 §8 on 6/30/1986
Amended by Ord. 90-014 §28 on 7/12/1990
Amended by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 91-038 §2 on 9/30/1991
Amended by Ord. 92-068 §1 on 12/7/1992
Amended by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2001-001 §1 on 1/22/2001
Amended by Ord. 2004-002 §5 on 4/28/2004
Amended by Ord. 2007-020 §3 on 2/6/2008
Amended by Ord. 2012-007 §3 on 5/2/2012
Amended by Ord. 2018-006 §6 on 11/20/2018
Amended by Ord. 2020-007 §10 on 10/27/2020
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025
Amended by Ord. 2025-005 §3 on 8/19/2025
Amended by Ord. 2025-016 §3 on 1/13/2026

18.36.040 Limitations On Conditional Uses

A use authorized by DCC 18.36.030 must meet the following requirements. These requirements are designed to make the use compatible with forest operations and agriculture and to conserve values found on forest lands.

  1. The proposed use will not force a significant change in, or significantly increase the cost of, accepted farming or forest practices on agricultural or forest lands.
  2. The proposed use will not significantly increase fire hazard or significantly increase fire suppression costs or significantly increase risks to fire suppression personnel.
  3. Prior to final approval of the uses listed in DCC 18.36.030(G), (N), (R), (U), (X), and (Y) the land owner shall sign and record in the County Clerk's office a written statement recognizing the rights of adjacent and nearby land owners to conduct forest operations consistent with the Forest Practices Act and Rules.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 91-020 §1 on 5/29/1991
Amended by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2012-007 §3 on 5/2/2012
Amended by Ord. 2018-006 §6 on 11/20/2018

18.36.050 Standards For Single-Unit Dwellings

  1. General provisions.
    1. Dwellings listed as a conditional use under DCC 18.36.050 shall meet the following standards:
      1. One of the alternative tests set out in DCC 18.36.050(B) (lot of record dwelling), (C) (large tract dwelling), or (D) (template dwelling);
      2. If the lot or parcel is part of a "tract," the remaining undeveloped lots or parcels of the tract shall be consolidated into a single lot or parcel, or the applicant shall sign and record with the County Clerk covenants, conditions and restrictions (on a form substantially similar to that set forth in DCC 18.36.140) prohibiting the siting of a dwelling on the undeveloped portions of the tract. Such covenants, conditions and restrictions are irrevocable, unless a statement of release is signed by the County Planning Director, or his authorized representative.
      3. No other dwellings shall be located on the tract.
      4. The applicant shall provide evidence that any domestic water supply is from a source authorized in accordance with the Department of Water Resources Oregon Administrative Rules for the appropriation of ground water (Oregon Administrative Rules 690, Division 10) or surface water (Oregon Administrative Rules 690, Division 20) and not from a Class II stream as defined in the Forest Practices Rule (Oregon Administrative Rules chapter 629).
        1. For purposes of DCC 18.36.050, evidence of a domestic water supply means:
          1. Verification from a water purveyor that the use described in the application will be served by the purveyor under the purveyor's rights to appropriate water; or
          2. A water use permit issued by the Water Resources Department for the use described in the application; or
          3. Verification from the Water Resources Department that a water use permit is not required for the use described in the application. If the proposed water supply is from a well and is exempt from permitting requirements under ORS 537.545, the applicant shall submit the well construction report to the County upon completion of the well.
      5. If road access to a dwelling is by a road owned and maintained by a private party or by the Oregon Department of Forestry, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Forest Service, then the applicant shall provide proof of a long-term road access use permit or agreement. The road use permit may require the applicant to agree to accept responsibility for road maintenance.
    2. In addition, dwellings listed as a conditional use under DCC 18.36.030(Y) shall be subject to the following standards or conditions:
      1. The conditional use standards set forth in DCC 18.36.040;
      2. The siting criteria set forth in DCC 18.36.060;
      3. The fire siting standards set forth in DCC 18.36.070;
      4. The fire safety design standards for roads set forth in DCC 18.36.080;
      5. The stocking requirements set forth in DCC 18.36.085, if applicable; and
      6. Any other provisions made applicable by DCC Title 18 or the comprehensive plan.
    3. Dwellings in forest zones shall not be subject to conditional use standards.
    4. Approval of a dwelling in the forest zone under DCC Chapter 18.36 shall include a condition of approval requiring that, prior to the issuance of a building permit, the landowner sign and record in the deed records for the County a document binding the landowner, and the landowner’s successors in interest, prohibiting them from pursuing a claim for relief or cause of action alleging injury from farming or forestry practices for which no action or claim is allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937.
  2. Lot of Record Dwelling. For approval under DCC 18.36.050(B), a single-unit dwelling shall meet the following requirements:
    1. The lot or parcel on which the dwelling would be sited was lawfully created prior to January 1, 1985, and was acquired and owned continuously by the present owner either prior to January 1, 1985, or by devise or by intestate succession from a person who acquired the lot or parcel prior to January 1, 1985.
    2. For the purposes of DCC 18.36.050(B), "owner" includes the wife, husband, son, daughter, mother, father, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, step-parent, step-child, grandparent, or grandchild of the owner or a business entity owned by any one or combination of these family members.
    3. The dwelling must be located on a tract that is composed of soils not capable of producing 4,000 cubic feet per year of commercial tree species and is located within 1,500 feet of a public road as defined under ORS 368.001 that provides or will provide access to the subject tract.
      1. The road shall be maintained and either paved or surfaced with rock and shall not be a:
        1. United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) road, or
        2. a United States Forest Service road unless the road is paved to a minimum width of 18 feet, there is at least one defined lane in each direction, and a maintenance agreement exists between the United States Forest Service and landowners adjacent to the road, a local government or a state agency.
    4. For the purposes of DCC 18.36.050, "commercial tree species" means trees recognized for commercial production under rules adopted by the Oregon Department of Forestry pursuant to ORS 527.715.
    5. The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited was part of a tract on November 4, 1993, no dwellings exists on another lot or parcel that was part of the tract.
    6. When the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited is part of a tract, the remaining portions of the tract shall be consolidated into a single lot or parcel when the dwelling is allowed.
    7. For lots or parcels located within a Wildlife Area (WA) Combining Zone, siting of the proposed dwelling would be consistent with the limitations on density as applied under the applicable density restrictions of DCC 18.88.
  3. Large Tract Dwelling. A dwelling not allowed pursuant to DCC 18.36.050(B) may be allowed if the subject property consists of at least 240 contiguous acres or 320 acres in one ownership that are not contiguous but are in the same county or adjacent counties and zoned for forest use and does not include an existing dwelling.
    1. A deed restriction shall be filed pursuant to DCC 18.36.140 for all tracts that are used to meet the acreage requirements of this subsection.
    2. A tract shall not be considered to consist of less than 240 acres because it is crossed by a public road or a waterway.
  4. Template Dwelling. For approval under DCC 18.36.050(D), a single-unit dwelling shall meet the following requirements: 
    1. The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited:
      1. Was lawfully established;
      2. Any property line adjustment to the lot or parcel complied with the applicable property line adjustment provisions in ORS 92.192;
      3. Any property line adjustment to the lot or parcel after January 1, 2019, did not have the effect of qualifying the lot or parcel for a dwelling under this section; and
      4. If the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited was part of a tract on January 1, 2019, no dwelling existed on the tract on that date, and no dwelling exists or has been approved on another lot or parcel that was part of the tract:
    2. The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited is predominantly composed of soils that are:
      1. Capable of producing zero to 20 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber if:
        1. All or part of at least three other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160 acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and
        2. At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, and continue to exist on the other lots or parcels.
      2. Capable of producing 21 to 50 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber if:
        1. All or part of at least seven other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160 acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and
        2. At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, and continue to exist on the other lots or parcels.
      3. Capable of producing more than 50 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber if:
        1. All or part of at least 11 other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160 acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and
        2. At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, and continue to exist on the other lots or parcels.
    3. Requirements of Applying Template
      1. Lots or parcels within urban growth boundaries shall not be used to satisfy the template requirements under this subsection.
      2. As used in this section, "center of the subject tract" means the mathematical centroid of the tract.
      3. If a tract 60 acres or larger described in DCC 18.36.050(D) abuts a road or perennial stream, the measurement shall be made by using a 160-acre rectangle that is one mile long and one fourth mile wide centered on the center of the subject tract and that is to the maximum extent possible aligned with the road or stream.
      4. If a road crosses the tract on which the dwelling will be located, at least one of the three required dwellings shall be on the same side of the road as the proposed dwelling. However, one of the three required dwellings shall be on the same side of the road or stream as the tract and:
        1. Be located within a 160-acre rectangle that is one mile long and one-fourth mile wide centered on the center of the subject tract and that is to the maximum extent possible aligned with the road or stream;
        2. Be within one-quarter mile from the edge of the subject tract but not outside the length of the 160-acre rectangle, and on the same side of the road or stream as the tract.
      5. If a tract reviewed under DCC 18.36.050(D) abuts a road that existed on January 1, 1993, the measurement may be made by creating a 160-acre rectangle that is one mile long and one-fourth mile wide centered on the center of the subject tract and that is to the maximum extent possible, aligned with the road.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 91-020 §1 on 5/29/1991
Amended by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2003-007 §1 on 3/26/2003
Amended by Ord. 2012-007 §3 on 5/2/2012
Amended by Ord. 2021-013 §6 on 4/5/2022
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025
Amended by Ord. 2025-016 §3 on 1/13/2026

18.36.060 Siting Of Dwellings And Structures

  1. All new dwellings and structures approved pursuant to DCC 18.36.030 or permitted under DCC 18.36.020 shall be sited in accordance with DCC 18.36.060 and DCC 18.36.070.
  2. These criteria are designed to make such uses compatible with forest operations and agriculture, to minimize wildfire hazards and risks and to conserve values found on forest lands.
  3. These criteria shall include the following such that the dwellings and structures shall be sited on the lot or parcel so that they:
    1. Have the least impact on nearby or abutting forest or agricultural lands;
    2. Ensure that adverse impacts on forest operations and accepted farming practices on the tract will be minimized;
    3. Minimize the amount of forest lands used to site the dwelling and structures, road access and service corridors;
    4. Are consistent with the applicable provisions of DCC 18.36.070, minimizes the risks associated with wildfire.
  4. Siting criteria satisfying the above may include setbacks from abutting properties, clustering near or among existing structures, siting close to existing roads and siting on that portion of the lot or parcel least suited for growing trees.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2012-007 §3 on 5/2/2012
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025

18.36.070 Fire Siting Standards For Dwellings And Structures

The following fire siting standards shall apply to all new dwellings and permanent structures (including permitted uses), except as otherwise noted:

  1. Access
    1. If a water supply, such as a swimming pool, pond, river, stream, or lake, is available and suitable for fire protection or is required under DCC 18.36.070, then road access to within 15 feet of the water's edge shall be provided for pumping units. The road access shall be constructed and maintained to accommodate the maneuvering of fire fighting equipment during the fire season. Permanent signs shall be posted along the access route to indicate the location of the emergency water source.
    2. Road access to the dwelling or structure shall meet the road design standards described in DCC 18.36.080.
  2. Firebreaks. The owners of dwellings and structures shall construct and maintain the following firebreaks on land surrounding the structures that is owned or controlled by the owner:
    1. Primary Firebreak. Prior to use, a primary firebreak, not less than 10 feet wide, shall be constructed containing nonflammable materials. This may include lawn, walkways, driveways, gravel borders, or other similar materials.
    2. Secondary Firebreak. A secondary firebreak of not less than 20 feet shall be constructed outside the primary firebreak. This firebreak need not be bare ground, but can include a lawn, ornamental shrubbery or individual or groups of trees separated by a distance equal to the diameter of the crowns adjacent to each other, or 15 feet, whichever is greater. All trees shall be pruned to at least eight feet in height. Dead fuels shall be removed.
    3. Fuel Break. A fuel break shall be maintained, extending a minimum of 100 feet in all directions around the secondary firebreak. Individual and groups of trees within the fuel break shall be separated by a distance equal to the diameter of the crowns adjacent to each other, or 15 feet, whichever is greater. Small trees and brush growing underneath larger trees shall be removed to prevent spread of fire up into the crowns of the larger trees. All trees shall be pruned to at least eight feet in height. Dead fuels shall be removed. The fuel break shall be completed prior to the beginning of the coming fire season.
    4. No portion of a tree or any other vegetation shall extend to within 15 feet of the outlet of a stovepipe or chimney.
  3. Caretaker residences and private accommodations for fishing shall not be located on hillsides steeper than 30 percent and containing flammable fuels. A single-unit dwelling shall not be sited on a slope greater than 40 percent.
  4. The applicant for a single-unit dwelling, caretaker residence, or private accommodations for fishing shall obtain an address from the County address coordinator and shall display that number in a location of the property that is clearly visible from the road used as the basis for numbering. The numbers shall not be less than three inches in height, shall be painted in a contrasting or visible color and shall comply with all other applicable standards for signs.
  5. Structural Standards.
    1. All dwellings and structures shall use noncombustible or fire resistant roofing materials. This means roofing material identified as Class A, B or C in the Oregon Residential Speciality Code. Roof sprinklers are not an acceptable alternative to this standard.
    2. If the dwelling or structure has a chimney, it shall have a spark arrester.
  6. Fire Protection. Single-unit dwellings, caretaker residences, and private accommodations for fishing shall be located upon a lot or parcel for which fire protection services are available or where alternative protective measures are authorized by DCC 18.36.070(F).
    1. For the purposes of DCC 18.36.070 fire protection services are available if the lot or parcel is located within the boundaries of a fire protection district or residential fire protection service is provided by contract, as evidenced by a written, signed contract.
    2. If the dwelling or structure is not within a fire protection district, the applicant shall provide evidence that the applicant has asked to be included in the nearest such district.
    3. If the lot or parcel is not located within a fire protection district and it is determined, following application for inclusion within the nearest such district, that inclusion in the district would be impracticable, alternative means of fire protection shall be allowed, consistent with the following standards:
      1. The dwelling or structure shall be equipped with a residential fire sprinkler system. For a caretaker residence or single-unit dwelling, such a sprinkler system shall be installed to the minimum requirements of NFPA 13D "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes."
      2. The dwelling shall have on-site water storage capability from a swimming pool, pond, lake, or similar water body of at least 4,000 gallons or a stream having a continuous year round flow of at least one cubic foot per second. The applicant shall provide verification from the Water Resources Department that any permits or registrations required for water diversions have been obtained or that such permits or registrations are not required under state law for the use.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2003-007 §1 on 3/26/2003
Amended by Ord. 2004-013 §3 on 9/21/2004
Amended by Ord. 2024-008 §5 on 1/7/2025
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025

18.36.080 Fire Safety Design Standards For Roads

The following standards apply to all roads and driveways, except for private roads accessing only commercial forest uses, which access uses permitted under DCC 18.36.020 or approved under DCC 18.36.030.

  1. Roads, bridges and culverts shall be designed and maintained to support a minimum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 50,000 lbs. If bridges or culverts are involved in the construction of a road or driveway, written verification of compliance with the 50,000 lb. GVW standard shall be provided by a Professional Engineer, registered in Oregon.
  2. Access roads shall have an unobstructed horizontal clearance of not less than 20 feet and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13.5 feet, and provide an all-weather surface.
  3. Turnarounds shall have a minimum of 50 feet of turn radius with an all-weather surface and be maintained for turning of fire fighting equipment.
  4. Road grades should not exceed eight percent, with a maximum of 12 percent on short pitches. Variations from these standards may be granted by the fire service having responsibility for the area when topographic conditions make these standards impractical and where the local fire protection district states their fire fighting equipment can negotiate the proposed road grade.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991

18.36.085 Stocking Requirement

All dwellings approved under DCC 18.36.050 shall be subject to the provisions of DCC 18.36.085.

  1. Stocking Requirement.
    1. Dwellings approved under DCC 18.36.050 shall include a condition requiring the owner to plant a sufficient number of trees on the tract to demonstrate that the tract is reasonably expected to meet Department of Forestry stocking requirements specified in Department of Forestry administrative rules in force at the time the approval is granted.
    2. If the lot or parcel is more than 30 acres, the property owner shall submit a stocking survey report to the county assessor and the assessor will verify that the minimum stocking requirements have been met by the time required by Department of Forestry rules.
  2. Reporting Requirements.
    1. The Planning Director or his designee shall notify the County Assessor of any stocking requirement condition at the time the dwelling is approved.
    2. The property owner shall submit a stocking survey report to the County Assessor and the Assessor shall verify that the minimum stocking requirements have been met by the time required under Department of Forestry rules. The assessor shall inform the Department of Forestry in cases where the property owner has not submitted a stocking report or where the survey report indicates that minimum stocking requirements have not been met.
    3. Upon notification by the Assessor, the Department of Forestry shall determine whether the tract meets minimum stocking requirements of the Forest Practices Act. That decision shall be solely the decision of the Department of Forestry. If the department determines that the tract does not meet those requirements, the department shall notify the owner and the Assessor that the land is not being managed as forest land. The assessor shall then remove the forest land designation pursuant to ORS 321.359.

The tax penalty imposed by the Assessor under DCC 18.36.085 shall be the only sanction for failure to meet stocking requirements.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2003-007 §1 on 3/26/2003

18.36.090 Dimensional Standards

In an F-1 Zone, the following dimensional standards shall apply:

  1. The minimum lot area is 80 acres; or
  2. Land divisions creating lots or parcels with a lot area of less than 80 acres may only be approved for uses listed in DCC 18.36.030(D) through (O), provided that those uses have been approved pursuant to DCC 18.36.040. Such division shall create a lot or parcel that is the minimum lot area necessary for the use.
  3. No structure shall be erected or enlarged to exceed 30 feet in height, except as approved under DCC 18.120.040.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 83-037 §10 on 6/1/1983
Amended by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 92-055 §4 on 8/17/1992
Amended by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025

18.36.100 Setbacks

  1. The front setback shall be 40 feet from a lot line with street frontage on a local street right of way, 60 feet from a lot line with street frontage on a collector right of way, and 100 feet from a lot line with street frontage on an arterial right of way.
  2. Each side setback shall be a minimum of 25 feet, except a parcel or lot with a side lot line abutting land zoned forest use shall have a minimum side setback of 100 feet.
  3. Rear setbacks shall be a minimum of 25 feet, except parcels or lots with rear lot lines abutting land zoned forest use shall have a minimum rear setback of 100 feet.
  4. The setback from any north lot line shall meet the solar setback requirements in DCC 18.116.180.
  5. In addition to the setbacks set forth herein, any greater setbacks required by applicable building or structural codes adopted by the State of Oregon and/or the County under DCC 15.04 shall be met.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 83-037 §11 on 6/1/1983
Amended by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 94-008 §18 on 6/8/1994
Amended by Ord. 95-075 §1 on 11/29/1995
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025

18.36.110 Ordinary High Water Mark Setbacks

All sewage disposal installations such as vault toilets, septic tanks and drainfield systems shall be set back from the ordinary high water mark along all rivers, streams, and lakes a minimum of 100 feet measured at right angles to the ordinary high water mark. All structures, buildings or similar permanent fixtures shall be set back from the ordinary high water mark along all rivers, streams, or lakes a minimum of 100 feet measured at right angles to the ordinary high water mark.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025

18.36.120 State Law Controls

Forest operations are governed by the State Forest Practices Act. Whenever a use allowed by DCC 18.36 conflicts with or is prohibited by the Oregon Forest Practices Act or regulations promulgated thereunder, state law shall control.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 92-025 §2 on 4/15/1991

18.36.130 Rimrock Setbacks

Setbacks from rimrock shall be as provided in DCC 18.116.160 or 18.84.090, whichever is applicable.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. PL-15 on 11/1/1979
Amended by Ord. 86-053 §8 on 6/30/1986
Amended by Ord. 2025-002 §7 on 3/28/2025

18.36.140 Restrictive Covenants

Restrictive covenants required under DCC 18.36 shall substantially comply with the form set forth below:

"Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions:

Whereas, the undersigned ______________ hereinafter referred to as "Declarant," is owner in fee simple of the property described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein; and

Whereas, the Declarant desires to declare his/her intention to create certain covenants, conditions and restrictions in order to effectuate and comply with the requirements of Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-06-027;

Declarant hereby declares that all of the property described on Exhibit A shall be held, sold, and conveyed subject to the following covenants, conditions and restrictions:

It is not lawful to use the property described in this instrument for the construction or siting of a dwelling or to use the acreage of the tract to qualify another tract for the construction or siting of a dwelling.

These covenants, conditions and restrictions can be removed only and at such time as the property described herein is no longer protected under the statewide planning goals for agricultural and forest lands or the legislature otherwise provides by statute that these covenants, conditions and restrictions may be removed, and the authorized representative of the County or counties in which the property subject to these covenants, conditions and restrictions are located executes and records a release of the covenants, conditions and restrictions created by this instrument.

In witness whereof, the undersigned, being Declarant herein, has heretofore set their hand this _____ day of ____________."

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 94-038 §1 on 10/5/1994

PL-15

92-025

91-020

91-002

94-038

2003-007

2012-007

2023-001

2024-008

2025-016

2025-002

86-018

90-014

91-038

92-068

2001-001

2004-002

2007-020

2018-006

2020-007

2025-005

2021-013

2004-013

83-037

92-055

94-008

95-075

86-053