The Umatilla County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on a proposal to change the number of animals residents can have in numerous zones April 25, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Room of the Umatilla County Justice Center, 4700 NW Pioneer Place, Pendleton.

UMATILLA COUNTY — Umatilla County residents can weigh in at public hearings on a proposal to change the number of animals residents can have in numerous zones.

The Umatilla County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on the development code amendment Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Room of the Umatilla County Justice Center, 4700 NW Pioneer Place, Pendleton. The county board of commissioners will hold a subsequent public hearing on the matter June 5 at 10 a.m.

The county’s development code since 1972 has allowed no more than two animals (goats, sheep, cows, horses, etc.) per acre in rural residential zones 2, 4 and 10. The proposal would change animal density standards in the following zones: Multiple Use Forest, Forest Residential, Mountain Residential, Unincorporated Community, Rural Residential 2, 4 and 10, Commercial Rural Center and Future Urban 10.

The amendment would do the following:

• Restrict the number of roosters and other fowl with loud calls in nonresource zones, such as rural residential.

• Increase the number of small livestock animals (goats, sheep, etc.) from two animals per acre to four per acre.

• Add the same animal density standards to other nonresource zones, such as forest and mountain residential.

The amendment would not change the number of cows and horses allowed in nonresource zones, such as rural residential, nor does it affect resource zoned land such as Exclusive Farm Use. The amendment also would not affect the property line setback standard for barns nor change a property’s zoning.

Umatilla County has determined adoption of this amendment may affect the uses of property and other properties in affected zones, and may change the value of property.

You can view the summary of the amendment and find the full text at shorturl.at/PT279. The amendment also is available for inspection at the Umatilla County Courthouse, 216 SE Fourth St., Pendleton.

For more information concerning the amendment, call the Umatilla County Planning Department at 541-278-6252.