Measure No. 34-327

Expansion of North Plains Urban Growth Boundary

Question

Shall the City of North Plains expand its existing urban growth boundary in compliance with Oregon land use law?

Summary

This measure allows City voters to decide if Ordinance 490, which expands the North Plains urban growth boundary, will take effect. The current boundary was established in 2001. An October 2022 analysis identified a need for an additional 172.4 acres for commercial development and 515.4 acres for industrial development. A September 2023 analysis demonstrated a need for an additional 167.4 acres for more housing. The ordinance expands the boundary by 855.2 acres to meet these needs. Land development cannot occur immediately upon boundary expansion without future public hearings. The city first must adopt plans for providing public facilities to the area, such as transportation and water service. The land then must be annexed into the city and zoned for appropriate industrial, commercial or residential uses. Ordinance 490 was approved by the City Council in September 2023. If the ordinance is approved by the voters, the expansion will not take effect unless it is also approved by Washington County and the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission.

Explanatory Statement

The Portland State University Population Research Center projects the City of North Plains population will increase by 3,666 people, to a total of 7,076 residents, by the year 2040. State law requires the city to maintain a 20-year supply of land within its urban growth boundary (UGB). The current UGB was established in 2001. In September 2023, the North Plains City Council adopted Ordinance 490 to expand the city UGB to provide land for economic and residential development to accommodate the forecast population through 2040. If Measure 34-327 is approved, Ordinance 490 will become effective.

Based on the Portland State University population forecast, in 2022 and 2023, the city conducted an analysis of the types of economic development and housing the city will need for the population growth between 2023 and 2040. The city also analyzed the amount of available land inside the city and the current UGB to provide the employment and housing opportunities to accommodate the population. In December 2022, the North Plains City Council adopted an “Economic Opportunities Analysis,” which analyzed the city’s commercial and industrial needs. This analysis shows a need for 515 acres of additional land inside the UGB for industrial development and 172 acres of additional land for commercial development. In September 2023, the City Council adopted a “Housing Needs Analysis,” which shows the city will need 1,348 new homes by 2040, including both single-family and multi-family homes, and an additional 67.4 acres of land to build this housing. Together, the Economic Opportunities Analysis and Housing Needs Analysis show the need to expand the UGB by 854 acres to provide the necessary land inside the City UGB through 2040 and comply with state law. In September 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance 490, which expands the UGB by 854 acres. Ordinance 490 was referred to the ballot. If Measure 34-327 is approved, Ordinance 490 will take effect.

If approved by city voters, the UGB expansion still must be approved by Washington County and the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission. If the UGB is approved by voters, the county and the State of Oregon, the city then must develop plans for roads, sewer and water systems, telecommunications and other necessary public facilities to serve the expansion area. The city also must amend its comprehensive plan to designate zoning classifications for the area. Then, property in the expansion area must be annexed into the city before it can be developed under city zoning.

Submitted by:

Lori Lesmeister

City Recorder