Page 102 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 4: RURAL TOURISM REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Land Use State Type II Type III
Type II
District Regulations Type I (no impact (subject to impact test) (subject to required
test) findings)
Rural Com- Statewide N/A N/A Section 352-3.1: Section 352-4.1:
mercial Planning Goal D. Commercial recreation facili- A. Special Recreation
(R-COM) 14 ties Uses - Section 430-131–
(Section 352) F. Eating and drinking establish- includes driving ranges,
The intent and OAR 660- ments, miniature golf, pools or
purpose of the 022 G. Fabrication, processing and tennis facilities, and major
Rural Commer-
cial District is to repair facilities, park facilities.
implement the M. Certain open air businesses,
rural commercial N. Personal service establish-
policies of the ment,
Comprehensive
Plan and to meet Q. Membership organization,
convenience T. Sale of merchandise in an
goods and enclosed building (has been used
service needs of to approve a wine tasting/sales
rural residents
while protect- facility)
ing the historic Y. Winery, including a tasting
character of rural room and sales – Section 430-
centers and the
agricultural or 145.2.
forestry charac- DD. Retail marijuana dispensary
ter of the area. – Section 430-80
Rural Commer-
cial centers shall
be designed to be
compatible with
the surrounding
environment and
generally not to
exceed five (5)
acres.

Opportunities:
Consider revising intent and purpose statement for this district (see far left column) within the CDC to clarify its
interpretation and to serve limited rural tourism.

Overnight stays: Consider allowing small inns (alone or as part of a rural retail use like a restaurant or store) within
the R-COM district, subject to state requirements that uses be small in scale and rural in character. Consistent with
the intent and purpose of the R-COM district, these might be interpreted to “meet convenience goods and service
needs of rural residents” by accommodating their personal out-of-town visitors, but could also offset demand for
lodging on nearby high-value farmland where rural tourism occurs.

Farmers Markets:
Consider whether “Certain Open-Air Businesses” allowed in this district might accommodate rural farmers markets
similar to those in urban areas, and if so, clarify this in the CDC.

Culinary, Celebratory & Corporate Gatherings: Provide educational materials that encourage local restaurants to pair
with local farms to host culinary events showcasing locally grown foods, and recommend that restaurants and retail
sites host community gatherings and local farm festivals to reduce pressure on high-value farm lands for such.

98 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY