Informed Growth Act - Passed March 25th, 2009

Informed Growth Act
Washington County Democrats
Resolution 25 March 2009

A Resolution Regarding Informed Growth

Background: there is currently being considered before the Oregon legislature a measure based on a recently adopted Maine ordinance called the Informed Growth Act. The basic provisions of this act:

• Requires town (cities) that have received permit applications from large retail stores to make a determination whether such a development would have an “undue adverse impact” on the local economy and local community.

• Applies to all proposed developments larger than a specific retail size…in ME, this was pegged at 75,000 square feet.

• Relates the term “undue adverse impact” to specific considerations including impacts on traffic, air and water quality, and economic impact.

• Stipulates that economic impact evaluations include considerations of impacts on jobs, existing businesses, wages, municipal revenue, and the cost of municipal services.
• Requires a comprehensive economic impact study to be performed by a qualified consultant at no cost to the town. (A fee up to $40,000 covers the cost of the analysis.)

• Provides for public hearings to discuss the findings of the economic impact study and general impacts.

• Provides (in ME) for a fee to be paid to the State, most of which is transferred to the local jurisdiction to cover the economic impact study cost.

• May result in some review of local jurisdiction land use control regulations.

Purpose: The purpose of this act is not to preclude the development of large scale retail establishments, but rather to make sure that the bases for local jurisdiction approval/refusal of a permit applications is not limited to considerations of sewer, water, and traffic.

Status: A proposed bill is being drafted. It is recognized by those involved that such an act has to be consistent with Oregon Land Use Goals, and that the legal status of towns, cities, and counties vis-à-vis the state may be different in Maine.

RESOLUTION

Whereas local community control of the development of lands within its UGB is consistent with Oregon Land Use Planning Goals; and

Whereas community support for development of large scale retail developments should be based on the consideration of a wide range of factors, including impacts on the local economy, local businesses, the environment, local infrastructure, and local and regional transportation; and

Whereas Washington County has had a number of recent local controversies over the appropriate siting of large scale retail developments;

THEREFORE, Be It Resolved that Washington County Democrats support the legislative efforts to create an Oregon Informed Growth Act that accomplishes goals conducive to local control and wise long term land use planning consistent with Oregon Land Use Goals and local ordinances at costs that are reasonable and equitable to potential developers.