Bend council authorizes sequential UGB review with Deschutes County

The Bend City Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing staff to pursue a sequential review of certain urban growth boundary (UGB) amendment components in coordination with Deschutes County and to submit a proposed work plan to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).

Damian Srinick, senior planner in the Growth Management Division, told council the sequential review process allows the city and county to submit discrete packages of materials (for example, buildable land inventory and housing capacity analysis) for department review and approval in stages rather than as a single combined update. Srinick said the approach seeks to provide greater legal certainty and more efficient approvals for parts of a comprehensive UGB update planned to cover 2029–2049.

The city’s recommended work plan identifies an initial package including buildable land inventory, housing capacity and an economic opportunities analysis; later packages would address efficiency measures, housing capacity refinements and a formal UGB amendment if needed. Staff said the DLCD has up to 120 days for review under the rules, though earlier communications suggested DLCD could respond in about 30 days once a complete package is submitted.

Councilor Perkins moved adoption of the resolution and Councilor Mendez seconded; the council voted unanimously to approve the motion. Staff will coordinate with county staff and return to the council as the work plan advances.