City of Bend decides no land use appeal

The City of Bend will not appeal a recent decision by Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). In early December, LUBA determined Bend’s Water Public Facility Plan did not adequately cover the Bridge Creek water project and improperly includes facilities that provide service outside Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary. Thursday was the final day the City could appeal LUBA’s findings.

LUBA agreed with the City on six other issues raised in the land use challenge, including whether the plan used good information in determining future water demand. LUBA concluded the water plan was accurate and complies with land use requirements. The City will work to remedy the issues raised by LUBA over the coming months.

Bridge Creek is Bend’s main source of drinking water, supplemented by groundwater wells. Bend is undertaking a project to update and improve the aging Bridge Creek drinking water supply system.