Comprehensive Plans

Oregon Comprehensive Land Use Plans are developed through a highly participatory and collaborative process that reflects the state's commitment to sustainable land use and environmental stewardship. The planning process involves multiple stakeholders, including local governments, citizens, and state agencies. At its core is the acknowledgment of the state's unique land use planning system, established by Senate Bill 100 in 1973, which aims to balance urban and rural development while protecting natural resources. The process typically begins with a comprehensive analysis of the region's current land use patterns, population growth projections, and environmental considerations. Local governments then engage in extensive public outreach to gather input and ensure that community values and priorities are incorporated into the plan. The plans are required to address housing, transportation, economic development, and natural resource conservation, promoting a holistic approach to development. State agencies, such as the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, play a crucial role in guiding and overseeing the planning process to ensure alignment with statewide planning goals. This inclusive and collaborative approach underscores Oregon's commitment to fostering sustainable and resilient communities.

The County Comprehensive Plan is structured into three volumes, each serving a distinct purpose in guiding land use and resource management within the region. Volume I, titled "Balance of County Zoning (non-estuary zones)," focuses on zoning outside estuarine areas. It comprises three integral parts. Part 1, the "Plan Provisions," elucidates zoning designations and provides background information on their application. Part 2, the "Inventories and Factual Bases," is dedicated to presenting data and factual information that underpins the management decisions outlined in Part 1. This comprehensive approach ensures that decisions are well-informed and grounded in empirical evidence. Volume II, the "Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP)," and Volume III, the "Coquille River Estuary Management Plan (CREMP)," are similarly structured with their own Part 1 detailing plan provisions, Part 2 containing inventories and factual bases, and Part 3 addressing Statewide Goal Exceptions. This organized framework ensures that the County Comprehensive Plan is thorough, data-driven, and responsive to the unique considerations of both non-estuarine and estuarine zones within the region.