HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3: Coordinate Population Metropolitan Plan Amendment
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Action: An Ordinance Amending Chapter 1, Introduction and Purpose Section of the
Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan by Adding Separate Population
Forecasts for the Cities of Springfield and Eugene for the Period 2010-2030 and Including
the Years 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034 and 2035; Adopting a Severability Clause; and
Providing an Effective Date (Eugene City File MA 09-6)
Meeting Date: October 12, 2009 Agenda Item Number: 3
Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Jason Dedrick
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541/682-5451
ISSUE STATEMENT
The City Council is scheduled to take action on a proposal from the City of Springfield to amend the text
of the Metro Plan. This amendment would update population forecasts for the 2010-2035, period for the
cities of Eugene and Springfield, replacing the existing forecast that extends to the year 2015.
BACKGROUND
On September 22, 2009, the Eugene and Springfield City Councils and the Lane County Board of
Commissioners held a joint public hearing to amend the Metro Plan to update population forecasts for the
2010-2035 period, and replace the current population forecast that extends to 2015. There was no public
testimony received at the public hearing. Following closure of the public hearing, the Eugene City
Council, the Springfield City Council and the Lane County Board of Commissioners voted to leave the
record open until September 30, 2009 in order to receive additional testimony. No testimony was received
during this period.
State law gives the County (not the cities) the responsibility of determining the population forecast for all
of its cities. Once the County has adopted its countywide forecast, the cities must adopt consistent
comprehensive plan amendments for land use planning purposes, such as the city’s work under House
Bill 3337. Only when a county fails to adopt a countywide forecast can a city adopt its own (safe harbor)
forecast. Initially, it appeared that Lane County would not be adopting a countywide forecast within the
needed timeframe to be used for the purposes of the Eugene Comprehensive Lands Assessment (ECLA),
so the City began the process of adopting a safe harbor forecast. On June 17, 2009, Lane County adopted
the countywide coordinated population forecast into its Rural Comprehensive Plan. Now that the County
has adopted a countywide forecast, safe harbor is no longer an option, and we are required to proceed with
the adoption of the County forecast.
Lane County Adoption Process
Although state statutes require the cities to hold a public hearing before adopting the population forecast,
the most meaningful opportunity for community input was during the earlier County process. The County
contracted with Portland State University (PSU) to develop the population forecast. The County’s
process included a great deal of public outreach and was not appealed. The City participated in this
process by attending public hearings and meeting with representatives from PSU. Staff submitted
comments and questions during these meeting and were satisfied with the response from PSU and the
County. Exhibit A, Attachment 1 contains the findings as well as the County agenda item and ordinance
associated with adoption of the coordinated population forecast into the Rural Comprehensive Plan.
Metro Plan Amendment Process
Approval of a three- jurisdictional Metro Plan amendment requires the jurisdictions to adopt identical
decisions. City of Springfield action related to this amendment is currently scheduled for October 19,
while Lane County is scheduled to act on October 27. Approval of a plan amendment requires the City to
adopt an ordinance. To comply with the Charter requirements for ordinances, a draft ordinance approving
the requested Metro Plan amendment has been prepared and is attached for your reference (Attachment
A). The Planning Commission’s findings of approval, which provide a detailed analysis of the proposal’s
compliance with applicable approval criteria, are attached to each draft ordinance as Exhibit A. These are
identified as general findings so that the council can amend or adopt as the council determines necessary.
This ordinance, with any directed changes, will be utilized in the event that the council makes positive
findings that the proposed amendments comply with the applicable approval criteria.
A full copy of all materials in the record is available at the Permit and Information Center located at 99
th
W. 10 Avenue.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Eugene Code requires that a Metro Plan amendment be consistent with the Metro Plan, the applicable
refinement plans, as well as the Statewide Planning Goals. The Metro Plan policies and all other plans
applicable to this request are addressed in the Planning Commission’s findings and recommendation
(Exhibit A of Attachment A).
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The City Council may consider the following options:
1.Adopt the draft ordinance
2.Adopt the draft ordinance with specific modifications as determined by the City Council
3.Deny the draft ordinance
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends the City Council adopt the draft ordinance amending the text of the Metro
Plan.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to adopt the draft ordinance attached as Exhibit A, amending the text of the Metro Plan, consistent
with the applicable approval criteria at EC 9.7730(3).
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Metro Plan Amendment Ordinance with Exhibit A:
Exhibit A: Metro Plan Findings, dated September 2009
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Jason Dedrick, Associate Planner
Telephone: 541/682-5451
Staff E-Mail: jason.p.dedrick@ci.eugene.or.us