Draft EUG Master Plan Update, February 2010

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BACKGROUND AND INVENTORY CHAPTER 1 The City of Eugene regulates the zoning within its UGB, while Lane County regulates the area outside the UGB. The statute is being further examined in the state court system, in regard to legality and implementation. The regulations for this combining zone are contained in Lane Code Chapter 16. The purpose of the /CAS Combining Zone is to prevent the creation or establishment of obstructions or other hazards to air navigation and flight such as distracting light and glare producing surfaces, radio interference, smoke, steam, dust, and areas which attract birds and hazards of a similar nature. A portion of the imaginary surfaces are within the UGB of Eugene and another portion is within the city limits of Junction City. Land uses inside those areas are regulated by Eugene and Junction City, respectively. 4.5 Urban Growth Lane County is experiencing growth in new residential units, although growth between 2000 and 2005 has been lower than between 1994 and 1999. Between 1994 and 1999, 11,306 new residential permits were issued. Between 2000 and 2005, 6,607permits were issued. However, in 2005, the number of permits issued reached a level commensurate with the late 1990s. Between 1990 and 2005, the percentage of new multi-family housing units as a percentage of all residential units was at its highest in the late 1990s, and its lowest in years 2000, 2002, and 2003. However, there has been an increase in 2004 and 2005. Cities in Lane County annexed 2,143 acres from unincorporated areas with the most areas going to Springfield. Between 2000 and 2005, the City of Eugene annexed 397.45 acres. Annexations in the last 20 years have occurred in the northwest metro area along River Road, Prairie Road, Highway 99, and in far west Eugene. Annexations are connected to municipal sewer and water services, allowing for high density development. Growth is expected to continue as developments take advantage of available infrastructure extensions. The UGB helps prevent encroachment of the Airport by incompatible land uses as the Airport is outside the UGB, but within the Metro Plan boundary. In addition to Commercial Airport Safety Combining Zone and 2004 Metro Plan policies, Eugene has created an urban growth boundary, to encourage greater utilization of land in urban areas, to prevent unorganized, sprawling development, and to conserve open space. The urban growth boundary helps prevent encroachment of the Airport by incompatible land uses, even though the Airport is outside the urban growth boundary. Subsequent elements of this Master Plan Update will consider issues related to the future compatibility of land use with respect to aircraft operations. In addition to local and state land use regulations, federal laws also influence where development at the Airport, and around the Airport, can take place. 1-26 Eugene Airport Master Plan Update (February 2010)