Page 77 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County
P. 77
CHAPTER 4: RURAL TOURISM REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
State and Regional Regulatory Context -
A Broad Overview
Statewide Planning Goals 3 (Agricultural
Lands) and 4 (Forest Lands)
• The statewide planning program, established Photo courtesy of Washington County Visitors Association
in 1973 through the passage of Senate Bill
100, includes 19 land use goals that function Outdoor Mass Gatherings
as the foundation of land use planning in the The state describes an “Outdoor Mass Gathering”
state. Goals 3 and 4 inform the regulation of as one assembly of more than 3,000 persons,
farmland and forestland, respectively. The continuing (or reasonably expected to) for more
intent and policy of these state goals are as than 120 hours in any three month period, held
follows:
in open space, not in a permanent structure
Goal 3: Agricultural Lands (ORS 433.735). Washington County Code (Sec.
To preserve and maintain agricultural lands. Agri- 8.52.010) modifies this definition, as allowed
cultural lands shall be preserved and maintained for by the state, to specify gatherings of 24 to 120
farm use, consistent with existing and future needs hours. Outdoor Mass Gathering examples might
for agricultural products, forest and open space include concerts, festivals, off-road auto rallies
and with the state’s agricultural land use policy or athletic events meeting the above criteria.
expressed in ORS 215.243 and 215.700, agricultural
land use policy and resource land dwelling policy Outdoor Mass Gatherings are not land use deci-
respectfully. sions (ORS 197.015(10)(d)). Permit requirements
are therefore not a function of the County Com-
Goal 4: Forest Lands munity Development Code, and Outdoor Mass
To conserve forest lands by maintaining the forest Gatherings don’t count against event number
land base and to protect the state’s forest econo- caps applied to some other types of gather-
my by making possible economically efficient for- ings. Permitting, via the County Department of
est practices that assure the continuous growing Health and Human Services, requires applicants
and harvesting of forest tree species as the leading to describe site location and size, event activi-
use on forest land consistent with sound man- ties, how they’ll comply with state law, and the
agement of soil, air, water, and fish and wildlife provider’s relevant experience. Evidence of
resources and to provide for recreational opportu- insurance, security and traffic plans approved by
nities and agriculture. the Sheriff, access permits, land use permits (or
proof of exemption), a road maintenance/ repair
agreement, and plans for water, sewage/waste,
drainage, food safety, emergency medical and
fire services are also required.
WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY 73
