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Oregon Bulletin

January 1, 2012

Land Conservation and Development Department
Chapter 660

Rule Caption: Adopt permanent rules specifically applicable to siting photovoltaic solar power generation facilities.

Adm. Order No.: LCDD 9-2011

Filed with Sec. of State: 11-23-2011

Certified to be Effective: 11-23-11

Notice Publication Date: 6-1-2011

Rules Amended: 660-033-0120, 660-033-0130

Subject: The proposed changes amend OAR Chapter 660, division 33 regarding the process for siting commercial photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on farm and ranch lands without a Goal 2 exception.

Rules Coordinator: Casaria Tuttle—(503) 373-0050, ext. 322

660-033-0120

Uses Authorized on Agricultural Lands

The specific development and uses listed in the following table are allowed or may be allowed in the areas that qualify for the designation pursuant to this division. All uses are subject to the general provisions, special conditions, additional restrictions and exceptions set forth in this division. The abbreviations used within the schedule shall have the following meanings:

(1) A – Use is allowed. Authorization of some uses may require notice and the opportunity for a hearing because the authorization qualifies as a land use decision pursuant to ORS chapter 197. Minimum standards for uses in the table that include a numerical reference are specified in OAR 660-033-0130. Counties may prescribe additional limitations and requirements to meet local concerns only to the extent authorized by law.

(2) R – Use may be allowed, after required review. The use requires notice and the opportunity for a hearing. Minimum standards for uses in the table that include a numerical reference are specified in OAR 660-033-0130. Counties may prescribe additional limitations and requirements to meet local concerns.

(3) * – Use not allowed.

(4) # – Numerical references for specific uses shown on the chart refer to the corresponding section of OAR 660-033-0130. Where no numerical reference is noted for a use on the chart, this rule does not establish criteria for the use.

[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 197.040 & 197.245

Stats. Implemented: ORS 197.015, 197.040, 197.230, 197.245, 215.203, 215.243, 215.283, 215.700 - 215.710 & 215.780

Hist.: LCDC 6-1992, f. 12-10-92, cert. ef. 8-7-93; LCDC 3-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-1-94; LCDC 6-1994, f. & cert. ef. 6-3-94; LCDC 2-1995(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-14-95; LCDC 7-1995, f. & cert. ef. 6-16-95; LCDC 5-1996, f. & cert. ef. 12-23-96; LCDD 2-1998, f. & cert. ef. 6-1-98; LCDD 1-2002, f. & cert. ef. 5-22-02; LCDD 1-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-30-04; LCDD 2-2006, f. & cert. ef. 2-15-06; LCDD 3-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-18-08; LCDD 5-2008, f. 12-31-08, cert. ef. 1-2-09; LCDD 5-2009, f. & cert. ef. 12-7-09; LCDD 6-2010, f. & cert. ef. 6-17-10; LCDD 4-2011, f. & cert. ef. 3-16-11; LCDD 9-2011, f. & cert. ef. 11-23-11

660-033-0130

Minimum Standards Applicable to the Schedule of Allowed and Conditional Uses

The following standards apply to uses listed in OAR 660-033-0120 where the corresponding section number is shown on the chart for a specific use under consideration. Where no numerical reference is indicated on the chart, this division does not specify any minimum review or approval criteria. Counties may include procedures and conditions in addition to those listed in the chart as authorized by law:

(1) A dwelling on farmland may be considered customarily provided in conjunction with farm use if it meets the requirements of OAR 660-033-0135.

(2)(a) No enclosed structure with a design capacity greater than 100 people, or group of structures with a total design capacity of greater than 100 people, shall be approved in connection with the use within three miles of an urban growth boundary, unless an exception is approved pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4, or unless the structure is described in a master plan adopted under the provisions of OAR chapter 660, division 34.

(b) Any enclosed structures or group of enclosed structures described in subsection (a) within a tract must be separated by at least one-half mile. For purposes of this section, “tract” means a tract as defined by ORS 215.010(2) that is in existence as of June 17, 2010.

(c) Existing facilities wholly within a farm use zone may be maintained, enhanced or expanded on the same tract, subject to other requirements of law, but enclosed existing structures within a farm use zone within three miles of an urban growth boundary may not be expanded beyond the requirements of this rule.

(3)(a) A dwelling may be approved on a pre-existing lot or parcel if:

(A) The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited was lawfully created and was acquired and owned continuously by the present owner as defined in subsection (3)(g) of this rule:

(i) Since prior to January 1, 1985; or

(ii) By devise or by intestate succession from a person who acquired and had owned continuously the lot or parcel since prior to January 1, 1985.

(B) The tract on which the dwelling will be sited does not include a dwelling;

(C) The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited was part of a tract on November 4, 1993, no dwelling exists on another lot or parcel that was part of that tract;

(D) The proposed dwelling is not prohibited by, and will comply with, the requirements of the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations and other provisions of law;

(E) The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited is not high-value farmland except as provided in subsections (3)(c) and (d) of this rule; and

(F) When the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited lies within an area designated in an acknowledged comprehensive plan as habitat of big game, the siting of the dwelling is consistent with the limitations on density upon which the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations intended to protect the habitat are based.

(b) When the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited is part of a tract, the remaining portions of the tract are consolidated into a single lot or parcel when the dwelling is allowed;

(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (3)(a)(E) of this rule, a single-family dwelling may be sited on high-value farmland if:

(A) It meets the other requirements of subsections (3)(a) and (b) of this rule;

(B) The lot or parcel is protected as high-value farmland as defined in OAR 660-033-0020(8)(a);

(i) The lot or parcel cannot practicably be managed for farm use, by itself or in conjunction with other land, due to extraordinary circumstances inherent in the land or its physical setting that do not apply generally to other land in the vicinity. For the purposes of this section, this criterion asks whether the subject lot or parcel can be physically put to farm use without undue hardship or difficulty because of extraordinary circumstances inherent in the land or its physical setting. Neither size alone nor a parcel’s limited economic potential demonstrate that a lot of parcel cannot be practicably managed for farm use. Examples of “extraordinary circumstances inherent in the land or its physical setting” include very steep slopes, deep ravines, rivers, streams, roads, railroad or utility lines or other similar natural or physical barriers that by themselves or in combination separate the subject lot or parcel from adjacent agricultural land and prevent it from being practicably managed for farm use by itself or together with adjacent or nearby farms. A lot or parcel that has been put to farm use despite the proximity of a natural barrier or since the placement of a physical barrier shall be presumed manageable for farm use;

(ii) The dwelling will comply with the provisions of ORS 215.296(1); and

(iii) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern in the area by applying the standards set forth in paragraph (4)(a)(D) of this rule; and

(D) A local government shall provide notice of all applications for dwellings allowed under subsection (3)(c) of this rule to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Notice shall be provided in accordance with the governing body’s land use regulations but shall be mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to the public hearing before the hearings officer under paragraph (3)(c)(C) of this rule.

(d) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (3)(a)(E) of this rule, a single-family dwelling may be sited on high-value farmland if:

(A) It meets the other requirements of subsections (3)(a) and (b) of this rule;

(B) The tract on which the dwelling will be sited is:

(i) Identified in OAR 660-033-0020(8)(c) or (d);

(ii) Not high-value farmland defined in OAR 660-033-0020(8)(a); and

(iii) Twenty-one acres or less in size; and

(C) The tract is bordered on at least 67 percent of its perimeter by tracts that are smaller than 21 acres, and at least two such tracts had dwellings on January 1, 1993; or

(D) The tract is not a flaglot and is bordered on at least 25 percent of its perimeter by tracts that are smaller than 21 acres, and at least four dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, within one-quarter mile of the center of the subject tract. Up to two of the four dwellings may lie within an urban growth boundary, but only if the subject tract abuts an urban growth boundary; or

(E) The tract is a flaglot and is bordered on at least 25 percent of its perimeter by tracts that are smaller than 21 acres, and at least four dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, within one-quarter mile of the center of the subject tract and on the same side of the public road that provides access to the subject tract. The governing body of a county must interpret the center of the subject tract as the geographic center of the flaglot if the applicant makes a written request for that interpretation and that interpretation does not cause the center to be located outside the flaglot. Up to two of the four dwellings may lie within an urban growth boundary, but only if the subject tract abuts an urban growth boundary:

(i) “flaglot” means a tract containing a narrow strip or panhandle of land providing access from the public road to the rest of the tract.

(ii) “Geographic center of the flaglot” means the point of intersection of two perpendicular lines of which the first line crosses the midpoint of the longest side of a flaglot, at a 90-degree angle to the side, and the second line crosses the midpoint of the longest adjacent side of the flaglot.

(e) If land is in a zone that allows both farm and forest uses, is acknowledged to be in compliance with both Goals 3 and 4 and may qualify as an exclusive farm use zone under ORS chapter 215, a county may apply the standards for siting a dwelling under either section (3) of this rule or OAR 660-006-0027, as appropriate for the predominant use of the tract on January 1, 1993;

(f) A county may, by application of criteria adopted by ordinance, deny approval of a dwelling allowed under section (3) of this rule in any area where the county determines that approval of the dwelling would:

(A) Exceed the facilities and service capabilities of the area;

(B) Materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; or

(C) Create conditions or circumstances that the county determines would be contrary to the purposes or intent of its acknowledged comprehensive plan or land use regulations.

(g) For purposes of subsection (3)(a) of this rule, “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, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent or grandchild of the owner or a business entity owned by any one or a combination of these family members;

(h) The county assessor shall be notified that the governing body intends to allow the dwelling.

(i) When a local government approves an application for a single-family dwelling under section (3) of this rule, the application may be transferred by a person who has qualified under section (3) of this rule to any other person after the effective date of the land use decision.

(4) A single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use requires approval of the governing body or its designate in any farmland area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(a) In the Willamette Valley, the use may be approved if:

(A) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(B) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel that is predominantly composed of Class IV through VIII soils that would not, when irrigated, be classified as prime, unique, Class I or II soils;

(D) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area. In determining whether a proposed nonfarm dwelling will alter the stability of the land use pattern in the area, a county shall consider the cumulative impact of possible new nonfarm dwellings and parcels on other lots or parcels in the area similarly situated. To address this standard, the county shall:

(i) Identify a study area for the cumulative impacts analysis. The study area shall include at least 2000 acres or a smaller area not less than 1000 acres, if the smaller area is a distinct agricultural area based on topography, soil types, land use pattern, or the type of farm or ranch operations or practices that distinguish it from other, adjacent agricultural areas. Findings shall describe the study area, its boundaries, the location of the subject parcel within this area, why the selected area is representative of the land use pattern surrounding the subject parcel and is adequate to conduct the analysis required by this standard. Lands zoned for rural residential or other urban or nonresource uses shall not be included in the study area;

(ii) Identify within the study area the broad types of farm uses (irrigated or nonirrigated crops, pasture or grazing lands), the number, location and type of existing dwellings (farm, nonfarm, hardship, etc.), and the dwelling development trends since 1993. Determine the potential number of nonfarm/lot-of-record dwellings that could be approved under subsections (3)(a) and section (4) of this rule, including identification of predominant soil classifications, the parcels created prior to January 1, 1993 and the parcels larger than the minimum lot size that may be divided to create new parcels for nonfarm dwellings under ORS 215.263(4). The findings shall describe the existing land use pattern of the study area including the distribution and arrangement of existing uses and the land use pattern that could result from approval of the possible nonfarm dwellings under this subparagraph; and

(iii) Determine whether approval of the proposed nonfarm/lot-of-record dwellings together with existing nonfarm dwellings will materially alter the stability of the land use pattern in the area. The stability of the land use pattern will be materially altered if the cumulative effect of existing and potential nonfarm dwellings will make it more difficult for the existing types of farms in the area to continue operation due to diminished opportunities to expand, purchase or lease farmland, acquire water rights or diminish the number of tracts or acreage in farm use in a manner that will destabilize the overall character of the study area; and

(E) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designate considers necessary.

(b) In the Willamette Valley, on a lot or parcel allowed under OAR 660-033-0100(11), the use may be approved if:

(B) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area. In determining whether a proposed nonfarm dwelling will alter the stability of the land use pattern in the area, a county shall consider the cumulative impact of nonfarm dwellings on other lots or parcels in the area similarly situated and whether creation of the parcel will lead to creation of other nonfarm parcels, to the detriment of agriculture in the area by applying the standards set forth in paragraph (4)(a)(D) of this rule; and

(B)(i) The dwelling is situated upon a lot or parcel, or a portion of a lot or parcel, that is generally unsuitable land for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species, considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage and flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel shall not be considered unsuitable solely because of size or location if it can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land; and

(ii) A lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel is not “generally unsuitable” simply because it is too small to be farmed profitably by itself. If a lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel can be sold, leased, rented or otherwise managed as a part of a commercial farm or ranch, then the lot or parcel or portion of the lot or parcel is not “generally unsuitable”. A lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel is presumed to be suitable if, in Western Oregon it is composed predominantly of Class I-IV soils or, in Eastern Oregon, it is composed predominantly of Class I-VI soils. Just because a lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel is unsuitable for one farm use does not mean it is not suitable for another farm use; or

(iii) If the parcel is under forest assessment, the dwelling shall be situated upon generally unsuitable land for the production of merchantable tree species recognized by the Forest Practices Rules, considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage and flooding, vegetation, location and size of the parcel. If a lot or parcel is under forest assessment, the area is not “generally unsuitable” simply because it is too small to be managed for forest production profitably by itself. If a lot or parcel under forest assessment can be sold, leased, rented or otherwise managed as a part of a forestry operation, it is not “generally unsuitable”. If a lot or parcel is under forest assessment, it is presumed suitable if, in Western Oregon, it is composed predominantly of soils capable of producing 50 cubic feet of wood fiber per acre per year, or in Eastern Oregon it is composed predominantly of soils capable of producing 20 cubic feet of wood fiber per acre per year. If a lot or parcel is under forest assessment, to be found compatible and not seriously interfere with forest uses on surrounding land it must not force a significant change in forest practices or significantly increase the cost of those practices on the surrounding land;

(C) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area. In determining whether a proposed nonfarm dwelling will alter the stability of the land use pattern in the area, a county shall consider the cumulative impact of nonfarm dwellings on other lots or parcels in the area similarly situated by applying the standards set forth in paragraph (4)(a)(D) of this rule. If the application involves the creation of a new parcel for the nonfarm dwelling, a county shall consider whether creation of the parcel will lead to creation of other nonfarm parcels, to the detriment of agriculture in the area by applying the standards set forth in paragraph (4)(a)(D) of this rule; and

(D) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designate considers necessary.

(d) If a single-family dwelling is established on a lot or parcel as set forth in section (3) of this rule or OAR 660-006-0027, no additional dwelling may later be sited under the provisions of section (4) of this rule;

(e) Counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions before January 1, 1993, shall apply the standards in ORS 215.213(3) through 215.213(8) for nonfarm dwellings on lands zoned exclusive farm use that are not designated marginal or high-value farmland.

(5) Approval requires review by the governing body or its designate under ORS 215.296. Uses may be approved only where such uses:

(a) Will not force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; and

(b) Will not significantly increase the cost of accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use.

(6) A facility for the primary processing of forest products shall not seriously interfere with accepted farming practices and shall be compatible with farm uses described in ORS 215.203(2). Such facility may be approved for a one-year period that is renewable and is intended to be only portable or temporary in nature. The primary processing of a forest product, as used in this section, means the use of a portable chipper or stud mill or other similar methods of initial treatment of a forest product in order to enable its shipment to market. Forest products as used in this section means timber grown upon a tract where the primary processing facility is located.

(7) A personal-use airport as used in this section means an airstrip restricted, except for aircraft emergencies, to use by the owner, and, on an infrequent and occasional basis, by invited guests, and by commercial aviation activities in connection with agricultural operations. No aircraft may be based on a personal-use airport other than those owned or controlled by the owner of the airstrip. Exceptions to the activities permitted under this definition may be granted through waiver action by the Oregon Department of Aviation in specific instances. A personal-use airport lawfully existing as of September 13, 1975, shall continue to be permitted subject to any applicable rules of the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(8)(a) A lawfully established dwelling is a single-family dwelling which:

(A) Has intact exterior walls and roof structure;

(B) Has indoor plumbing consisting of a kitchen sink, toilet and bathing facilities connected to a sanitary waste disposal system;

(D) Has a heating system.

(b) In the case of replacement, the dwelling to be replaced shall be:

(i) Removed, demolished, or converted to an allowable nonresidential use within three months of the completion of the replacement dwelling. A replacement dwelling may be sited on any part of the same lot or parcel. A dwelling established under this section shall comply with all applicable siting standards. However, the standards shall not be applied in a manner that prohibits the siting of the dwelling. If the dwelling to be replaced is located on a portion of the lot or parcel not zoned for exclusive farm use, the applicant, as a condition of approval, shall execute and record in the deed records for the county where the property is located a deed restriction prohibiting the siting of a dwelling on that portion of the lot or parcel. The restriction imposed shall be irrevocable unless a statement of release is placed in the deed records for the county. The release shall be signed by the county or its designee and state that the provisions of this section regarding replacement dwellings have changed to allow the siting of another dwelling. The county planning director or the director’s designee shall maintain a record of the lots and parcels that do not qualify for the siting of a new dwelling under the provisions of this section, including a copy of the deed restrictions and release statements filed under this section; and

(ii) For which the applicant has requested a deferred replacement permit, is removed or demolished within three months after the deferred replacement permit is issued. A deferred replacement permit allows construction of the replacement dwelling at any time. If, however, the established dwelling is not removed or demolished within three months after the deferred replacement permit is issued, the permit becomes void. The replacement dwelling must comply with applicable building codes, plumbing codes, sanitation codes and other requirements relating to health and safety or to siting at the time of construction. A deferred replacement permit may not be transferred, by sale or otherwise, except by the applicant to the spouse or a child of the applicant.

(c) An accessory farm dwelling authorized pursuant to OAR 660-033-0130(24)(a)(B)(iii), may only be replaced by a manufactured dwelling.

(9)(a) To qualify, a dwelling shall be occupied by relatives whose assistance in the management and farm use of the existing commercial farming operation is required by the farm operator. The farm operator shall continue to play the predominant role in the management and farm use of the farm. A farm operator is a person who operates a farm, doing the work and making the day-to-day decisions about such things as planting, harvesting, feeding and marketing.

(b) Notwithstanding ORS 92.010 to 92.192 or the minimum lot or parcel requirements under ORS 215.780, if the owner of a dwelling described in OAR 660-033-0130(9) obtains construction financing or other financing secured by the dwelling and the secured party forecloses on the dwelling, the secured party may also foreclose on the “homesite,” as defined in ORS 308A.250, and the foreclosure shall operate as a partition of the homesite to create a new parcel. Prior conditions of approval for the subject land and dwelling remain in effect.

(c) For the purpose of OAR 660-033-0130(9)(b), “foreclosure” means only those foreclosures that are exempt from partition under ORS 92.010(9)(a).

(10) A manufactured dwelling, or recreational vehicle, or the temporary residential use of an existing building allowed under this provision is a temporary use for the term of the hardship suffered by the existing resident or relative as defined in ORS chapter 215. The manufactured dwelling shall use the same subsurface sewage disposal system used by the existing dwelling, if that disposal system is adequate to accommodate the additional dwelling. If the manufactured home will use a public sanitary sewer system, such condition will not be required. Governing bodies shall review the permit authorizing such manufactured homes every two years. Within three months of the end of the hardship, the manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle shall be removed or demolished or, in the case of an existing building, the building shall be removed, demolished or returned to an allowed nonresidential use. A temporary residence approved under this section is not eligible for replacement under ORS 215.213(1)(q) or 215.283(1)(p). Department of Environmental Quality review and removal requirements also apply. As used in this section “hardship” means a medical hardship or hardship for the care of an aged or infirm person or persons.

(11) Subject to the issuance of a license, permit or other approval by the Department of Environmental Quality under ORS 454.695, 459.205, 468B.050, 468B.053 or 468B.055, or in compliance with rules adopted under ORS 468B.095, and with the requirements of ORS 215.246, 215.247, 215.249 and 215.251, the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural process or industrial process water or biosolids for agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural production, or for irrigation in connection with a use allowed in an exclusive farm use zones under this division is allowed.

(12) In order to meet the requirements specified in the statute, a historic dwelling shall be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

(13) Roads, highways and other transportation facilities, and improvements not otherwise allowed under this rule may be established, subject to the adoption of the governing body or its designate of an exception to Goal 3, Agricultural Lands, and to any other applicable goal with which the facility or improvement does not comply. In addition, transportation uses and improvements may be authorized under conditions and standards as set forth in OAR 660-012-0035 and 660-012-0065.

(14) Home occupations and the parking of vehicles may be authorized. Home occupations shall be operated substantially in the dwelling or other buildings normally associated with uses permitted in the zone in which the property is located. A home occupation shall be operated by a resident or employee of a resident of the property on which the business is located, and shall employ on the site no more than five full-time or part-time persons.

(15) New uses that batch and blend mineral and aggregate into asphalt cement may not be authorized within two miles of a planted vineyard. Planted vineyard means one or more vineyards totaling 40 acres or more that are planted as of the date the application for batching and blending is filed.

(16)(a) A utility facility is necessary for public service if the facility must be sited in an exclusive farm use zone in order to provide the service. To demonstrate that a utility facility is necessary, an applicant must show that reasonable alternatives have been considered and that the facility must be sited in an exclusive farm use zone due to one or more of the following factors:

(A) Technical and engineering feasibility;

(B) The proposed facility is locationally dependent. A utility facility is locationally dependent if it must cross land in one or more areas zoned for exclusive farm use in order to achieve a reasonably direct route or to meet unique geographical needs that cannot be satisfied on other lands;

(D) Availability of existing rights of way;

(E) Public health and safety; and

(F) Other requirements of state and federal agencies.

(b) Costs associated with any of the factors listed in subsection (16)(a) of this rule may be considered, but cost alone may not be the only consideration in determining that a utility facility is necessary for public service. Land costs shall not be included when considering alternative locations for substantially similar utility facilities and the siting of utility facilities that are not substantially similar.

(c) The owner of a utility facility approved under this section shall be responsible for restoring, as nearly as possible, to its former condition any agricultural land and associated improvements that are damaged or otherwise disturbed by the siting, maintenance, repair or reconstruction of the facility. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the owner of the utility facility from requiring a bond or other security from a contractor or otherwise imposing on a contractor the responsibility for restoration.

(d) The governing body of the county or its designee shall impose clear and objective conditions on an application for utility facility siting to mitigate and minimize the impacts of the proposed facility, if any, on surrounding lands devoted to farm use in order to prevent a significant change in accepted farm practices or a significant increase in the cost of farm practices on surrounding farmlands.

(e) Utility facilities necessary for public service may include on-site and off-site facilities for temporary workforce housing for workers constructing a utility facility. Such facilities must be removed or converted to an allowed use under OAR 660-033-0130(19) or other statute or rule when project construction is complete. Off-site facilities allowed under this paragraph are subject to OAR 660-033-0130(5). Temporary workforce housing facilities not included in the initial approval may be considered through a minor amendment request. A minor amendment request shall have no effect on the original approval.

(f) In addition to the provisions of subsections (16)(a) to (d) of this rule, the establishment or extension of a sewer system as defined by OAR 660-011-0060(1)(f) in an exclusive farm use zone shall be subject to the provisions of OAR 660-011-0060.

(g) The provisions of subsections (16)(a) to (d) of this rule do not apply to interstate natural gas pipelines and associated facilities authorized by and subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

(17) A power generation facility may include on-site and off-site facilities for temporary workforce housing for workers constructing a power generation facility. Such facilities must be removed or converted to an allowed use under OAR 660-033-0130(19) or other statute or rule when project construction is complete. Temporary workforce housing facilities not included in the initial approval may be considered through a minor amendment request. A minor amendment request shall be subject to OAR 660-033-0130(5) and shall have no effect on the original approval. Permanent features of a power generation facility shall not preclude more than 12 acres from use as a commercial agricultural enterprise unless an exception is taken pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4.

(18)(a) Existing facilities wholly within a farm use zone may be maintained, enhanced or expanded on the same tract, subject to other requirements of law. An existing golf course may be expanded consistent with the requirements of sections (5) and (20) of this rule, but shall not be expanded to contain more than 36 total holes.

(b) In addition to and not in lieu of the authority in ORS 215.130 to continue, alter, restore or replace a use that has been disallowed by the enactment or amendment of a zoning ordinance or regulation, a use formerly allowed pursuant to ORS 215.213(1)(a) or 215.283(1)(a), as in effect before January 1, 2010, the effective date of 2009 Oregon Laws, chapter 850, section 14, may be expanded subject to:

(A) The requirements of subsection (c) of this section; and

(B) Conditional approval of the county in the manner provided in ORS 215.296.

(A) The use was established on or before January 1, 2009; and

(B) The expansion occurs on:

(i) The tax lot on which the use was established on or before January 1, 2009; or

(ii) A tax lot that is contiguous to the tax lot described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph and that was owned by the applicant on January 1, 2009.

(19)(a) Except on a lot or parcel contiguous to a lake or reservoir, private campgrounds shall not be allowed within three miles of an urban growth boundary unless an exception is approved pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4. A campground is an area devoted to overnight temporary use for vacation, recreational or emergency purposes, but not for residential purposes and is established on a site or is contiguous to lands with a park or other outdoor natural amenity that is accessible for recreational use by the occupants of the campground. A campground shall be designed and integrated into the rural agricultural and forest environment in a manner that protects the natural amenities of the site and provides buffers of existing native trees and vegetation or other natural features between campsites. Campgrounds authorized by this rule shall not include intensively developed recreational uses such as swimming pools, tennis courts, retail stores or gas stations. Overnight temporary use in the same campground by a camper or camper’s vehicle shall not exceed a total of 30 days during any consecutive six-month period.

(b) Campsites may be occupied by a tent, travel trailer, yurt or recreational vehicle. Separate sewer, water or electric service hook-ups shall not be provided to individual camp sites except that electrical service may be provided to yurts allowed for by subsection (19)(c) of this rule.

(c) Subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, a private campground may provide yurts for overnight camping. No more than one-third or a maximum of 10 campsites, whichever is smaller, may include a yurt. The yurt shall be located on the ground or on a wood floor with no permanent foundation. Upon request of a county governing body, the commission may provide by rule for an increase in the number of yurts allowed on all or a portion of the campgrounds in a county if the commission determines that the increase will comply with the standards described in ORS 215.296(1). As used in this section, “yurt” means a round, domed shelter of cloth or canvas on a collapsible frame with no plumbing, sewage disposal hook-up or internal cooking appliance.

(20) “Golf Course” means an area of land with highly maintained natural turf laid out for the game of golf with a series of nine or more holes, each including a tee, a fairway, a putting green, and often one or more natural or artificial hazards. A “golf course” for purposes of ORS 215.213(2)(f), 215.283(2)(f), and this division means a nine or 18 hole regulation golf course or a combination nine and 18 hole regulation golf course consistent with the following:

(a) A regulation 18 hole golf course is generally characterized by a site of about 120 to 150 acres of land, has a playable distance of 5,000 to 7,200 yards, and a par of 64 to 73 strokes;

(b) A regulation nine hole golf course is generally characterized by a site of about 65 to 90 acres of land, has a playable distance of 2,500 to 3,600 yards, and a par of 32 to 36 strokes;

(c) Non-regulation golf courses are not allowed uses within these areas. “Non-regulation golf course” means a golf course or golf course-like development that does not meet the definition of golf course in this rule, including but not limited to executive golf courses, Par three golf courses, pitch and putt golf courses, miniature golf courses and driving ranges;

(d) Counties shall limit accessory uses provided as part of a golf course consistent with the following standards:

(A) An accessory use to a golf course is a facility or improvement that is incidental to the operation of the golf course and is either necessary for the operation and maintenance of the golf course or that provides goods or services customarily provided to golfers at a golf course. An accessory use or activity does not serve the needs of the non-golfing public. Accessory uses to a golf course may include: Parking; maintenance buildings; cart storage and repair; practice range or driving range; clubhouse; restrooms; lockers and showers; food and beverage service; pro shop; a practice or beginners course as part of an 18 hole or larger golf course; or golf tournament. Accessory uses to a golf course do not include: Sporting facilities unrelated to golfing such as tennis courts, swimming pools, and weight rooms; wholesale or retail operations oriented to the non-golfing public; or housing;

(B) Accessory uses shall be limited in size and orientation on the site to serve the needs of persons and their guests who patronize the golf course to golf. An accessory use that provides commercial services (e.g., pro shop, etc.) shall be located in the clubhouse rather than in separate buildings; and

(C) Accessory uses may include one or more food and beverage service facilities in addition to food and beverage service facilities located in a clubhouse. Food and beverage service facilities must be part of and incidental to the operation of the golf course and must be limited in size and orientation on the site to serve only the needs of persons who patronize the golf course and their guests. Accessory food and beverage service facilities shall not be designed for or include structures for banquets, public gatherings or public entertainment.

(21) “Living History Museum” means a facility designed to depict and interpret everyday life and culture of some specific historic period using authentic buildings, tools, equipment and people to simulate past activities and events. As used in this rule, a living history museum shall be related to resource based activities and shall be owned and operated by a governmental agency or a local historical society. A living history museum may include limited commercial activities and facilities that are directly related to the use and enjoyment of the museum and located within authentic buildings of the depicted historic period or the museum administration building, if areas other than an exclusive farm use zone cannot accommodate the museum and related activities or if the museum administration buildings and parking lot are located within one quarter mile of an urban growth boundary. “Local historical society” means the local historical society, recognized as such by the county governing body and organized under ORS chapter 65.

(22) A power generation facility may include on-site and off-site facilities for temporary workforce housing for workers constructing a power generation facility. Such facilities must be removed or converted to an allowed use under OAR 660-033-0130(19) or other statute or rule when project construction is complete. Temporary workforce housing facilities not included in the initial approval may be considered through a minor amendment request. A minor amendment request shall be subject to OAR 660-033-0130(5) and shall have no effect on the original approval. Permanent features of a power generation facility shall not preclude more than 20 acres from use as a commercial agricultural enterprise unless an exception is taken pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4.

(23) A farm stand may be approved if:

(a) The structures are designed and used for sale of farm crops and livestock grown on the farm operation, or grown on the farm operation and other farm operations in the local agricultural area, including the sale of retail incidental items and fee-based activity to promote the sale of farm crops or livestock sold at the farm stand if the annual sales of the incidental items and fees from promotional activity do not make up more than 25 percent of the total annual sales of the farm stand; and

(b) The farm stand does not include structures designed for occupancy as a residence or for activities other than the sale of farm crops and livestock and does not include structures for banquets, public gatherings or public entertainment.

(c) As used in this section, “farm crops or livestock” includes both fresh and processed farm crops and livestock grown on the farm operation, or grown on the farm operation and other farm operations in the local agricultural area. As used in this subsection, “processed crops and livestock” includes jams, syrups, apple cider, animal products and other similar farm crops and livestock that have been processed and converted into another product but not prepared food items.

(d) As used in this section, “local agricultural area” includes Oregon or an adjacent county in Washington, Idaho, Nevada or California that borders the Oregon county in which the farm stand is located.

(24) Accessory farm dwellings as defined by subsection (24)(e) of this section may be considered customarily provided in conjunction with farm use if:

(a) Each accessory farm dwelling meets all the following requirements:

(A) The accessory farm dwelling will be occupied by a person or persons who will be principally engaged in the farm use of the land and whose seasonal or year-round assistance in the management of the farm use, such as planting, harvesting, marketing or caring for livestock, is or will be required by the farm operator;

(B) The accessory farm dwelling will be located:

(i) On the same lot or parcel as the primary farm dwelling; or

(ii) On the same tract as the primary farm dwelling when the lot or parcel on which the accessory farm dwelling will be sited is consolidated into a single parcel with all other contiguous lots and parcels in the tract; or

(iii) On a lot or parcel on which the primary farm dwelling is not located, when the accessory farm dwelling is limited to only a manufactured dwelling with a deed restriction. The deed restriction shall be filed with the county clerk and require the manufactured dwelling to be removed when the lot or parcel is conveyed to another party. The manufactured dwelling may remain if it is reapproved under these rules; or

(iv) On a lot or parcel on which the primary farm dwelling is not located, when the accessory farm dwelling is limited to only attached multi- unit residential structures allowed by the applicable state building code or similar types of farm labor housing as existing farm labor housing on the farm or ranch operation registered with the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division under ORS 658.750. A county shall require all accessory farm dwellings approved under this subparagraph to be removed, demolished or converted to a nonresidential use when farm worker housing is no longer required; or

(v) On a lot or parcel on which the primary farm dwelling is not located, when the accessory farm dwelling is located on a lot or parcel at least the size of the applicable minimum lot size under ORS 215.780 and the lot or parcel complies with the gross farm income requirements in OAR 660-033-0135(3) or (4), whichever is applicable; and

(C) There is no other dwelling on the lands designated for exclusive farm use owned by the farm operator that is vacant or currently occupied by persons not working on the subject farm or ranch and that could reasonably be used as an accessory farm dwelling.

(b) In addition to the requirements in subsection (a) of this section, the primary farm dwelling to which the proposed dwelling would be accessory, meets one of the following:

(A) On land not identified as high-value farmland, the primary farm dwelling is located on a farm or ranch operation that is currently employed for farm use, as defined in ORS 215.203, and produced in the last two years or three of the last five years the lower of the following:

(i) At least $40,000 in gross annual income from the sale of farm products. In determining the gross income, the cost of purchased livestock shall be deducted from the total gross income attributed to the tract; or

(ii) Gross annual income of at least the midpoint of the median income range of gross annual sales for farms in the county with the gross annual sales of $10,000 or more according to the 1992 Census of Agriculture, Oregon. In determining the gross income, the cost of purchased livestock shall be deducted from the total gross income attributed to the tract; or

(B) On land identified as high-value farmland, the primary farm dwelling is located on a farm or ranch operation that is currently employed for farm use, as defined in ORS 215.203, and produced at least $80,000 in gross annual income from the sale of farm products in the last two years or three of the last five years. In determining the gross income, the cost of purchased livestock shall be deducted from the total gross income attributed to the tract; or

(C) On land not identified as high-value farmland in counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under former ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition) before January 1, 1993, the primary farm dwelling is located on a farm or ranch operation that meets the standards and requirements of ORS 215.213(2)(a) or (b) or OAR 660-033-0130(24)(b)(A); or

(D) It is located on a commercial dairy farm as defined by OAR 660-033-0135(8); and

(i) The building permits, if required, have been issued and construction has begun or been completed for the buildings and animal waste facilities required for a commercial dairy farm;

(ii) The Oregon Department of Agriculture has approved a permit for a “confined animal feeding operation” under ORS 468B.050 and 468B.200 to 468B.230; and

(iii) A Producer License for the sale of dairy products under ORS 621.072.

(c) The governing body of a county shall not approve any proposed division of a lot or parcel for an accessory farm dwelling approved pursuant to this section. If it is determined that an accessory farm dwelling satisfies the requirements of OAR 660-033-0135, a parcel may be created consistent with the minimum parcel size requirements in OAR 660-033-0100.

(d) An accessory farm dwelling approved pursuant to this section cannot later be used to satisfy the requirements for a dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use pursuant to section (4) of this rule.

(e) For the purposes of OAR 660-033-0130(24), “accessory farm dwelling” includes all types of residential structures allowed by the applicable state building code.

(25) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under former ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition) before January 1, 1993, an armed forces reserve center is allowed, if the center is within one-half mile of a community college. An “armed forces reserve center” includes an armory or National Guard support facility.

(26) Buildings and facilities shall not be more than 500 square feet in floor area or placed on a permanent foundation unless the building or facility preexisted the use approved under this section. The site shall not include an aggregate surface or hard surface area unless the surface preexisted the use approved under this section. An owner of property used for the purpose authorized in this section may charge a person operating the use on the property rent for the property. An operator may charge users of the property a fee that does not exceed the operator’s cost to maintain the property, buildings and facilities. As used in this section, “model aircraft” means a small-scale version of an airplane, glider, helicopter, dirigible or balloon that is used or intended to be used for flight and is controlled by radio, lines or design by a person on the ground.

(27) Insect species shall not include any species under quarantine by the Oregon Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture. The county shall provide notice of all applications under this section to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Notice shall be provided in accordance with the county’s land use regulations but shall be mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to any administrative decision or initial public hearing on the application.

(28) The farm on which the processing facility is located must provide at least one-quarter of the farm crops processed at the facility. The building established for the processing facility shall not exceed 10,000 square feet of floor area exclusive of the floor area designated for preparation, storage or other farm use or devote more than 10,000 square feet to the processing activities within another building supporting farm use. A processing facility shall comply with all applicable siting standards but the standards shall not be applied in a manner that prohibits the siting of the processing facility. A county shall not approve any division of a lot or parcel that separates a processing facility from the farm operation on which it is located.

(29)(a) Composting operations and facilities allowed on high-value farmland are limited to those that are accepted farming practices in conjunction with and auxiliary to farm use on the subject tract, and that meet the performance and permitting requirements of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under OAR 340-093-0050 and 340-096-0060. Excess compost may be sold to neighboring farm operations in the local area and shall be limited to bulk loads of at least one unit (7.5 cubic yards) in size. Buildings and facilities used in conjunction with the composting operation shall only be those required for the operation of the subject facility.

(b) Composting operations and facilities allowed on land not defined as high-value farmland shall meet the performance and permitting requirements of the Department of Environmental Quality under OAR 340-093-0050 and 340-096-0060. Buildings and facilities used in conjunction with the composting operation shall only be those required for the operation of the subject facility. Onsite sales shall be limited to bulk loads of at least one unit (7.5 cubic yards) in size that are transported in one vehicle.

(30) The County governing body or its designate shall require as a condition of approval of a single-family dwelling under ORS 215.213, 215.283 or 215.284 or otherwise in a farm or forest zone, that the landowner for the dwelling 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 forest practices for which no action or claim is allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937.

(31) Public parks including only the uses specified under OAR 660-034-0035 or 660-034-0040, whichever is applicable.

(32) Utility facility service lines are utility lines and accessory facilities or structures that end at the point where the utility service is received by the customer and that are located on one or more of the following:

(a) A public right of way;

(b) Land immediately adjacent to a public right of way, provided the written consent of all adjacent property owners has been obtained; or

(33) An outdoor mass gathering as defined in ORS 433.735 or other gathering of 3,000 or fewer 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 this division.

(34) An outdoor mass gathering of more than 3,000 persons that is anticipated to continue for more than 120 hours in any three-month planning period is subject to review by a county planning commission under the provisions of ORS 433.763.

(35)(a) As part of the conditional use approval process under ORS 215.296 and OAR 660-033-0130(5), for the purpose of verifying the existence, continuity and nature of the business described in ORS 215.213(2)(w) or 215.283(2)(y), representatives of the business may apply to the county and submit evidence including, but not limited to, sworn affidavits or other documentary evidence that the business qualifies; and

(b) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a use authorized in ORS 215.213(2)(w) or 215.283(2)(y) may be altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130(5), (6) and (9).

(36) For counties subject to ORS 215.283 and not 215.213, a community center authorized under this section may provide services to veterans, including but not limited to emergency and transitional shelter, preparation and service of meals, vocational and educational counseling and referral to local, state or federal agencies providing medical, mental health, disability income replacement and substance abuse services, only in a facility that is in existence on January 1, 2006. The services may not include direct delivery of medical, mental health, disability income replacement or substance abuse services.

(37) For purposes of this rule a wind power generation facility includes, but is not limited to, the following system components: all wind turbine towers and concrete pads, permanent meteorological towers and wind measurement devices, electrical cable collection systems connecting wind turbine towers with the relevant power substation, new or expanded private roads (whether temporary or permanent) constructed to serve the wind power generation facility, office and operation and maintenance buildings, temporary lay-down areas and all other necessary appurtenances, including but not limited to on-site and off-site facilities for temporary workforce housing for workers constructing a wind power generation facility. Such facilities must be removed or converted to an allowed use under OAR 660-033-0130(19) or other statute or rule when project construction is complete. Temporary workforce housing facilities not included in the initial approval may be considered through a minor amendment request filed after a decision to approve a power generation facility. A minor amendment request shall be subject to OAR 660-033-0130(5) and shall have no effect on the original approval. A proposal for a wind power generation facility shall be subject to the following provisions:

(a) For high-value farmland soils described at ORS 195.300(10), the governing body or its designate must find that all of the following are satisfied:

(A) Reasonable alternatives have been considered to show that siting the wind power generation facility or component thereof on high-value farmland soils is necessary for the facility or component to function properly or if a road system or turbine string must be placed on such soils to achieve a reasonably direct route considering the following factors:

(i) Technical and engineering feasibility;

(ii) Availability of existing rights of way; and

(iii) The long term environmental, economic, social and energy consequences of siting the facility or component on alternative sites, as determined under OAR 660-033-0130(37)(a)(B);

(B) The long-term environmental, economic, social and energy consequences resulting from the wind power generation facility or any components thereof at the proposed site with measures designed to reduce adverse impacts are not significantly more adverse than would typically result from the same proposal being located on other agricultural lands that do not include high-value farmland soils;

(C) Costs associated with any of the factors listed in OAR 660-033-0130(37)(a)(A) may be considered, but costs alone may not be the only consideration in determining that siting any component of a wind power generation facility on high-value farmland soils is necessary;

(D) The owner of a wind power generation facility approved under OAR 660-033-0130(37)(a) shall be responsible for restoring, as nearly as possible, to its former condition any agricultural land and associated improvements that are damaged or otherwise disturbed by the siting, maintenance, repair or reconstruction of the facility. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the owner of the facility from requiring a bond or other security from a contractor or otherwise imposing on a contractor the responsibility for restoration; and

(E) The criteria of OAR 660-033-0130(37)(b) are satisfied.

(b) For arable lands, meaning lands that are cultivated or suitable for cultivation, including high-value farmland soils described at ORS 195.300(10), the governing body or its designate must find that:

(A) The proposed wind power facility will not create unnecessary negative impacts on agricultural operations conducted on the subject property. Negative impacts could include, but are not limited to, the unnecessary construction of roads, dividing a field or multiple fields in such a way that creates small or isolated pieces of property that are more difficult to farm, and placing wind farm components such as meteorological towers on lands in a manner that could disrupt common and accepted farming practices;

(B) The presence of a proposed wind power facility will not result in unnecessary soil erosion or loss that could limit agricultural productivity on the subject property. This provision may be satisfied by the submittal and county approval of a soil and erosion control plan prepared by an adequately qualified individual, showing how unnecessary soil erosion will be avoided or remedied and how topsoil will be stripped, stockpiled and clearly marked. The approved plan shall be attached to the decision as a condition of approval;

(C) Construction or maintenance activities will not result in unnecessary soil compaction that reduces the productivity of soil for crop production. This provision may be satisfied by the submittal and county approval of a plan prepared by an adequately qualified individual, showing how unnecessary soil compaction will be avoided or remedied in a timely manner through deep soil decompaction or other appropriate practices. The approved plan shall be attached to the decision as a condition of approval; and

(D) Construction or maintenance activities will not result in the unabated introduction or spread of noxious weeds and other undesirable weeds species. This provision may be satisfied by the submittal and county approval of a weed control plan prepared by an adequately qualified individual that includes a long-term maintenance agreement. The approved plan shall be attached to the decision as a condition of approval.

(c) For nonarable lands, meaning lands that are not suitable for cultivation, the governing body or its designate must find that the requirements of OAR 660-033-0130(37)(b)(D) are satisfied.

(d) In the event that a wind power generation facility is proposed on a combination of arable and nonarable lands as described in OAR 660-033-0130(37)(b) and (c) the approval criteria of OAR 660-033-0130(37)(b) shall apply to the entire project.

(38) A proposal to site a photovoltaic solar power generation facility shall be subject to the following definitions and provisions:

(a) “Arable land” means land in a tract that is predominantly cultivated or, if not currently cultivated, predominantly comprised of arable soils.

(b) “Arable soils” means soils that are suitable for cultivation as determined by the governing body or its designate based on substantial evidence in the record of a local land use application but do not include high-value farmland soils described at ORS 195.300(10) unless otherwise stated.

(c) “Nonarable land” means land in a tract that is predominantly not cultivated and predominantly comprised of nonarable soils.

(d) “Nonarable soils” means soils that are not suitable for cultivation. Soils with an NRCS agricultural capability class V-VIII and no history of irrigation shall be considered nonarable in all cases. The governing body or its designate may determine other soils, including soils with a past history of irrigation, to be nonarable based on substantial evidence in the record of a local land use application.

(e) “Photovoltaic solar power generation facility” includes, but is not limited to, an assembly of equipment that converts sunlight into electricity and then stores, transfers, or both, that electricity. This includes photovoltaic modules, mounting and solar tracking equipment, foundations, inverters, wiring, and storage devices and other components. Photovoltaic solar power generation facilities also include electrical cable collection systems connecting the photovoltaic solar generation facility to a transmission line, all necessary grid integration equipment, new or expanded private roads constructed to serve the photovoltaic solar power generation facility, office, operation and maintenance buildings, staging areas and all other necessary appurtenances. For purposes of applying the acreage standards of this section, a photovoltaic solar power generation facility includes all existing and proposed facilities on a single tract, as well as any existing and proposed facilities determined to be under common ownership, on lands with less than 1320-feet of separation from the tract on which the new facility is proposed to be sited. Projects connected to the same parent company or individuals shall be considered to be in common ownership regardless of the operating business structure. A photovoltaic solar power generation facility does not include a net metering project established consistent with ORS 757.300 and OAR chapter 860, division 39 or a Feed-in-Tariff project established consistent with ORS 757.365 and OAR chapter 860, division 84.

(f) For high-value farmland described at ORS 195.300(10), a photovoltaic solar power generation facility shall not preclude more than 12 acres from use as a commercial agricultural enterprise unless an exception is taken pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4. The governing body or its designate must find that:

(A) The proposed photovoltaic solar power generation facility will not create unnecessary negative impacts on agricultural operations conducted on any portion of the subject property not occupied by project components. Negative impacts could include, but are not limited to, the unnecessary construction of roads, dividing a field or multiple fields in such a way that creates small or isolated pieces of property that are more difficult to farm, and placing photovoltaic solar power generation facility project components on lands in a manner that could disrupt common and accepted farming practices;

(B) The presence of a photovoltaic solar power generation facility will not result in unnecessary soil erosion or loss that could limit agricultural productivity on the subject property. This provision may be satisfied by the submittal and county approval of a soil and erosion control plan prepared by an adequately qualified individual, showing how unnecessary soil erosion will be avoided or remedied and how topsoil will be stripped, stockpiled and clearly marked. The approved plan shall be attached to the decision as a condition of approval;

(E) The project is not located on high-value farmland soils unless it can be demonstrated that:

(i) Non high-value farmland soils are not available on the subject tract;

(ii) Siting the project on non high-value farmland soils present on the subject tract would significantly reduce the project’s ability to operate successfully; or

(iii) The proposed site is better suited to allow continuation of an existing commercial farm or ranching operation on the subject tract than other possible sites also located on the subject tract, including those comprised of non high-value farmland soils; and

(F) A study area consisting of lands zoned for exclusive farm use located within one mile measured from the center of the proposed project shall be established and:

(i) If fewer than 48-acres of photovoltaic solar power generation facilities have been constructed or received land use approvals and obtained building permits within the study area no further action is necessary.

(ii) When at least 48-acres of photovoltaic solar power generation have been constructed or received land use approvals and obtained building permits, either as a single project or as multiple facilities, within the study area the local government or its designate must find that the photovoltaic solar energy generation facility will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area. The stability of the land use pattern will be materially altered if the overall effect of existing and potential photovoltaic solar energy generation facilities will make it more difficult for the existing farms and ranches in the area to continue operation due to diminished opportunities to expand, purchase or lease farmland, acquire water rights or diminish the number of tracts or acreage in farm use in a manner that will destabilize the overall character of the study area.

(g) For arable lands a photovoltaic solar power generation facility shall not preclude more than 20 acres from use as a commercial agricultural enterprise unless an exception is taken pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4. The governing body or its designate must find that:

(A) The project is not located on high-value farmland soils or arable soils unless it can be demonstrated that:

(i) Nonarable soils are not available on the subject tract;

(ii) Siting the project on nonarable soils present on the subject tract would significantly reduce the project’s ability to operate successfully; or

(B) No more than 12-acres of the project will be sited on high-value farmland soils described at ORS 195.300(10) unless an exception is taken pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4;

(C) A study area consisting of lands zoned for exclusive farm use located within one mile measured from the center of the proposed project shall be established and:

(i) If fewer than 80-acres of photovoltaic solar power generation facilities have been constructed or received land use approvals and obtained building permits within the study area no further action is necessary.

(ii) When at least 80-acres of photovoltaic solar power generation have been constructed or received land use approvals and obtained building permits, either as a single project or as multiple facilities, within the study area the local government or its designate must find that the photovoltaic solar energy generation facility will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area. The stability of the land use pattern will be materially altered if the overall effect of existing and potential photovoltaic solar energy generation facilities will make it more difficult for the existing farms and ranches in the area to continue operation due to diminished opportunities to expand, purchase or lease farmland, acquire water rights or diminish the number of tracts or acreage in farm use in a manner that will destabilize the overall character of the study area; and

(D) The requirements of OAR 660-033-0130(38)(f)(A), (B), (C) and (D) are satisfied.

(h) For nonarable lands, a photovoltaic solar power generation facility shall not preclude more than 100-acres from use as a commercial agricultural enterprise unless an exception is taken pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4. The governing body or its designate must find that:

(A) The project is not located on high-value farmland soils or arable soils unless it can be demonstrated that:

(i) Siting the project on nonarable soils present on the subject tract would significantly reduce the project’s ability to operate successfully; or

(ii) The proposed site is better suited to allow continuation of an existing commercial farm or ranching operation on the subject tract as compared to other possible sites also located on the subject tract, including sites that are comprised of nonarable soils;

(B) No more than 12-acres of the project will be sited on high-value farmland soils described at ORS 195.300(10);

(C) No more than 20-acres of the project will be sited on arable soils unless an exception is taken pursuant to ORS 197.732 and OAR chapter 660, division 4;

(D) The requirements of OAR 660-033-0130(38)(f)(D) are satisfied;

(E) If a photovoltaic solar power generation facility is proposed to be developed on lands that contain a Goal 5 resource protected under the county’s comprehensive plan, and the plan does not address conflicts between energy facility development and the resource, the applicant and the county, together with any state or federal agency responsible for protecting the resource or habitat supporting the resource, will cooperatively develop a specific resource management plan to mitigate potential development conflicts. If there is no program present to protect the listed Goal 5 resource(s) present in the local comprehensive plan or implementing ordinances and the applicant and the appropriate resource management agency(ies) cannot successfully agree on a cooperative resource management plan, the county is responsible for determining appropriate mitigation measures; and

(F) If a proposed photovoltaic solar power generation facility is located on lands where the potential exists for adverse effects to state or federal special status species (threatened, endangered, candidate, or sensitive), or to wildlife species of concern identified and mapped by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (including big game winter range and migration corridors, golden eagle and prairie falcon nest sites, and pigeon springs), the applicant shall conduct a site specific assessment of the subject property in consultation with all appropriate state, federal, and tribal wildlife management agencies. A professional biologist shall conduct the site specific assessment by using methodologies accepted by the appropriate wildlife management agency and shall determine whether adverse effects to special status species or wildlife species of concern are anticipated. Based on the results of the biologist’s report, the site shall be designed to avoid adverse affects to state or federal special status species or to wildlife species of concern as described above. If the applicant’s site specific assessment shows that adverse effects cannot be avoided, the applicant and the appropriate wildlife management agency will cooperatively develop an agreement for project-specific mitigation to offset the potential adverse effects of the facility. Where the applicant and the resource management agency cannot agree on what mitigation will be carried out, the county is responsible for determining appropriate mitigation, if any, required for the facility.

(G) The provisions of paragraph (F) are repealed on January 1, 2022.

(i) The county governing body or its designate shall require as a condition of approval for a photovoltaic solar power generation facility, that the project owner sign and record in the deed records for the county a document binding the project owner, and the project owner’s successors in interest, prohibiting them from pursuing a claim for relief or cause of action alleging injury from farming or forest practices as defined in ORS 30.930(2) and (4).

(j) Nothing in this section shall prevent a county from requiring a bond or other security from a developer or otherwise imposing on a developer the responsibility for retiring the photovoltaic solar power generation facility.

(k) The commission may re-evaluate the acreage thresholds identified in subsections (f), (g) and (h) should ORS 469.300(11)(a)(D) be amended.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 197.040

Stats. Implemented: ORS 197.040 & 215.213

Hist.: LCDC 6-1992, f. 12-10-92, cert. ef. 8-7-93; LCDC 3-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-1-94; LCDC 6-1994 , f. & cert. ef. 6-3-94; LCDC 8-1995, f. & cert. ef. 6-29-95; LDCD 5-1996, f. & cert. ef. 12-23-96; LCDD 5-1997, f. & cert. ef. 12-23-97; LCDD 2-1998, f. & cert. ef. 6-1-98; LCDD 5-2000, f. & cert. ef. 4-24-00; LCDD 9-2000, f. & cert. ef. 11-3-00; LCDD 1-2002, f. & cert. ef. 5-22-02; LCDD 1-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-30-04; LCDD 2-2006, f. & cert. ef. 2-15-06; LCDD 3-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-18-08; LCDD 5-2008, f. 12-31-08, cert. ef. 1-2-09; LCDD 5-2009, f. & cert. ef. 12-7-09; LCDD 6-2010, f. & cert. ef. 6-17-10; LCDD 7-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-17-10 thru 11-30-10; LCDD 9-2010, f. & cert. ef. 9-24-10; LCDD 11-2010, f. & cert. ef. 11-23-10; LCDD 4-2011, f. & cert. ef. 3-16-11; LCDD 9-2011, f. & cert. ef. 11-23-11

Notes
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