A farmland victory five years in the making
A wheat harvest in Jefferson County: Tari Donohue
After nearly five years of ongoing appeals, we are happy to announce a victory for farmland in Jefferson County!
Last month, the Jefferson County Planning Commission denied an application for development on agricultural land just south of Madras.
LandWatch opposed an application for an additional dwelling on Exclusive Farm Use-zoned land on the grounds that the property is not a commercial farm operation and does not need a second dwelling to support its limited agricultural activity. These types of applications threaten existing agricultural land when land is converted away from farm use to allow for incompatible development.
A farmer near Madras, OR located in Jefferson County: Charles Leutwiler
Standing with the farmers of Jefferson County
LandWatch’s opposition began in 2017 when Paul Dewey, LandWatch’s former Executive Director, represented neighboring farmers who were concerned that the applicant was simply trying to develop land with additional housing, and not to support a commercial farm operation. Paul and the neighboring farmers won at the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
But, the role of the watchdog is constant. A “win” is often only temporary and requires ongoing oversight. The applicant tried again in 2019, filing an application for development. LandWatch teamed up with the neighboring farmers and won for a second time at LUBA.
This year, the same applicant tried for a third time to develop the property. Again, LandWatch and neighboring farmers stepped in to oppose the proposal. On June 23rd, the Jefferson County Planning Commission agreed with us and all voting commissioners unanimously denied the application.
This development application would have established a negative precedent for farming across the county and across the state, making it easier to develop high-quality farmland. Oregon’s statewide land use law protects farmland for farm use, but it takes watchdogs like LandWatch and concerned neighbors to ensure that our land use system is upheld. Often, and as in this case, that work can span years.
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