Chapter 216 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

AN ACT

HB 2448

Relating to guest ranches; amending section 1, chapter 728, Oregon Laws 1997.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. Section 1, chapter 728, Oregon Laws 1997, is amended to read:

Sec. 1. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 215.283, a guest ranch may be established in conjunction with an existing livestock operation that qualifies as a farm use under ORS 215.203 in any area zoned for exclusive farm use in eastern Oregon.

(2) A guest ranch established under this section shall meet the following conditions:

(a) Except as provided in paragraph [(c)] (d) of this subsection, the lodge, bunkhouses or cottages cumulatively shall:

(A) Include not less than four nor more than 10 overnight guest rooms exclusive of kitchen areas, rest rooms, storage and other shared indoor facilities; and

(B) Not exceed a total of 12,000 square feet in floor area.

(b) The guest ranch shall be located on a lawfully created parcel that is:

(A) At least 160 acres;

[(B) Not within 10 air miles of an urban growth boundary containing a population greater than 5,000;]

[(C)] (B) The parcel containing the dwelling of the person conducting the livestock operation; and

[(D)] (C) Not classified as high-value farmland as defined in ORS 215.710.

(c) The guest ranch may be sited on any portion of a lot or parcel that is more than 10 air miles from an urban growth boundary containing a population greater than 5,000, regardless of whether any other portion of the lot or parcel is within 10 miles of the urban growth boundary. The guest ranch shall be deemed to comply with this paragraph if it is located within the range set by the standard margin of error on the county's map used to determine the distance from an urban growth boundary.

[(c)] (d) For each doubling of the initial 160 acres required under paragraph (b) of this subsection, up to five additional overnight guest rooms and 3,000 square feet of floor area may be added to the guest ranch for a total of not more than 25 guest rooms and 21,000 square feet of floor area.

(3) A guest ranch may provide recreational activities that can be provided in conjunction with the livestock operation's natural setting, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping or swimming. Intensively developed recreational facilities, such as golf courses as identified in ORS 215.283, shall not be allowed. A campground as described in ORS 215.283 (2)(c) shall not be allowed in conjunction with a guest ranch, and a guest ranch shall not be allowed in conjunction with an existing golf course under ORS 215.283 (2)(e) or with an existing campground under ORS 215.283 (2)(c).

(4) Food services shall be incidental to the operation of the guest ranch and shall be provided only for the guests of the guest ranch. The cost of meals provided to the guests shall be included as part of the fee to visit or stay at the guest ranch. The sale of individual meals to persons who are not guests of the guest ranch shall not be allowed.

(5) Approval of a guest ranch shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 215.296 (1) and (2) and other approval or siting standards of the county.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) "Eastern Oregon" shall have the meaning provided in ORS 321.405.

(b) "Guest ranch" means a facility for overnight lodging incidental and accessory to an existing livestock operation that qualifies as a farm use under ORS 215.203. Guest ranch facilities may include a lodge, bunkhouse or cottage accommodations as well as passive recreational activities and food services as set forth in subsections (2) to (4) of this section.

Approved by the Governor June 3, 1999

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 3, 1999

Effective date October 23, 1999

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