Land Use in Mountain View

One of our primary goals is to monitor land use and development in our neighborhood.

Contact us if you have questions or concerns about land use in our neighborhood.

For more information about Land Use in general or how to submit an effective public comment on a land use issue or development application, please see our Frequently Asked Questions!

Helpful links:

Land Use Resources:

(from the City of Bend)

Land Use News

June 2022 Land Use Notices

June 2, 2022

 

  • Notice of updates to Bend Development Code regarding Signs, 9.50 BDC. Planning Commission Work Session July 25. Planning Commission Hearing August 8th. City Council 1st Reading August 17th. City Council 2nd Reading September

May 2022 Land Use Notices

May 23, 2022

 

  • Application for Short Term Rental, 62509 Eagle Rd.  Comment period will close June 7th, 2022.
  • Approval of Site Plan and Variances requested by Affinity Senior Housing, Mary Rose Place/NE 27th.

April 2022 Land Use Notices

April 5, 2022

 

  • Public Hearing with City Council: Code amendments needed due to SB458, subsequent to HB2001. For middle income housing, law requires cities to allow subdivision of lots. For example a quad-plex built on a

March 2022 Land Use Notices

March 21, 2022

Mixed Use Building at Connors and Tucson

Land Use FAQs and Comment Instructions

What is land use? Land Use 101

Land use involves the management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as settlements and semi-natural habitats such as arable fields, pastures, and managed woods. Land use by humans has a long history, first emerging more than 10 thousand years ago. It also has been defined as "the total of arrangements, activities, and inputs that people undertake in a certain land type." -Wikipedia

City of Bend Land Use 101 Presentation

Submitting Land Use Comments
The public may submit comments on land use applications within the stated comment period. All written comments should be directed toward the criteria that apply to the request.
 
Whenever possible, it is helpful if you reference the Code, and state why or why-not a project conforms or does not conform to the code. You must refer to the project number (PXXX000000) in your written comments.
 
Written comments should be emailed to the staff reviewer on the project, and/or mailed to the Bend Planning Division, 710 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97703.
 
You can also submit printed or handwritten comments in person at the City’s planning desk.
Sample comment letter
If you would like to submit comments on an application via email or letter, here’s a template:
 
 
To: xplanner@bendoregon.gov [planner assigned to file]
Subject: PXXX200000 [project or file number(s)]
 
Hello,
 
This comment is in reference to PXXXX20000 [project or file number]. I oppose/support/have concerns about this application for the following reasons…[your opinions, concerns, or comments.]
 
Thank you for your consideration,
 
Jan Q Citizen [your name]
[your address]
[your phone number]
 
 
Handwritten comments can follow a similar format.
 
If there is a hearing for a particular issue scheduled before either the Planning Commission or the City Council, you are similarly welcome to comment. If meetings are held in person, they are typically at City Hall; if online for COVID-19 restrictions, the announcement will include how to access the meeting, and what to do if you want to testify. Comments may also be emailed to the Planning Commission (cityplannigcommissionall@bendoregon.gov) or City Councilors (council@bendoregon.gov) prior to the hearing.
Bend Code (Municipal Code or ‘Muni’ Code)

Municipal codes cover most City Laws regarding issues such as:

  • General City Administration
  • Noise, nuisances
  • Business licensing
  • Public rights-of-way
  • Revenue and taxation
  • Public protection
  • Fire and Building (Adopts Oregon Fire and Building Codes
  • Sign Code (Chapter 9.50) Landmarks Code (Chapter 10.20)
What is Bend's Development Code (BDC)?

Development Code (Chapter 10.10 of Bend Code):

  • Anything that regulates land use
  • Implements the land use and development policies of the General Plan
  • Regulates by zoning districts, states what uses are allowed in each zoning district
  • Has standards for development and processes for obtaining land use approvals
  • Applies city-wide
  • Violations of the Code are civil infractions
    • Codes are not voluntary or advisory
  • Council traditionally encourages voluntary compliance with the Development Code, but fines could be imposed
  • Any restrictions set by HOAs (CC&Rs) are legal contracts between the homeowners and outside the City Code
    • May be more restrictive than City regulations
What are zoning districts?

General Districts:

  • Zoning Districts – different permitted uses and regulations/standards by district Special Districts
  • Overlays/Special Planned Areas – additional or different regulations than the underlying zone
  • Sign Districts – six districts with differing sign allowances
What is the Planning Commission?

Planning Commission

Final decision maker on some applications:

  • Waterway Overlay Zone
  • Mixed Riverfront master plans

Advisory recommendations to City Council on legislative land use matters (e.g. Code updates)

Citizen Involvement Committee

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