Clatsop County adopts comprehensive plan updates for estuaries/shorelines and several land‑use code amendments

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners adopted multiple land‑use ordinances following continuation public hearings and presentations from planning staff.

David Cook, planning manager, explained that Ordinance 25‑08 repeals and replaces Comprehensive Plan Goal 16 (estuarine resources) and Goal 17 (coastal shorelines), updates background reports and map products, and amends the county’s Land and Water Development and Use Code. County Counsel read the ordinance title aloud as required for the second reading.

Planning staff and Commissioner Thompson noted the ordinance’s length is intentional and necessary to preserve the county’s ability to coordinate with state and federal agencies on estuarine and shoreline projects. Thompson described the work as meticulous and recommended public outreach around completion; staff suggested a press release to mark the end of the periodic review process.

The Board proceeded with second readings and votes on several related ordinances, including Ordinance 25‑16 (land‑use code legislative updates intended to make some uses easier to permit) and Ordinance 26‑03 (update to the short‑term rental cap limit). Planning staff reported that short‑term rental complaints have declined from 51 in 2021 to 24 in 2025, and that over half of 2025 complaints related specifically to Arch Cape’s seven‑day restriction.

No members of the public signed up to testify for the hearings; each ordinance was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote. Commissioners and staff agreed to publicize the completed periodic review and consider additional public outreach on the updated goals.