Laserfiche WebLink
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Findings and conclusions on which the decision was based are noted below. <br /> <br />1. The subject property is designated Forest in the Marion County Comprehensive Plan and correspondingly zoned <br />TC (Timber Conservation). The TC zone is applied in areas where the soils are predominantly forest Class I through <br />VI and where the existing land use pattern is predominantly large commercial forest ownerships managed as <br />commercial Timber. <br /> <br />2. The subject parcel is located on the west side of North Fork Ln SE, which is a private road off of North Fork Rd <br />SE. The subject parcel is just over an acre in size, and is located within an acute corner of the north fork of the north <br />Santiam river. The parcel has existed in its current configuration since at least December 1st, 1976 when it was <br />described in a deed recorded on Reel: 641, Page 488 in the Book of Land Records for Marion County Oregon. The <br />subject parcel is therefore legal for land use purposes. <br /> <br />3. The entire area around the subject parcel was affected by the Beachie Creek fire of 2020. Surrounding uses in the <br />immediate area adjacent to the river are small parcels, some in residential use. These smaller parcels are nestled <br />between the private road (North Fork Ln SE) and the river. South and east of the private road are large tract <br />commercial timberlands. The subject parcel is near the northern edge of an area of mixed rural residential use near <br />the river, this neighborhood is itself just north of the Elkhorn Golf Course. <br /> <br />4. The Soil Survey of Marion County Oregon tool incorrectly indicates that approximately 50% of the soils on the <br />property are water. The other 50% indicated (which constitutes 100%) is entirely Camas Gravelly Sandy Loam, a <br />class 4 high value soil. There is no annual board feet estimate for this soil type. <br /> <br />5. The applicant is proposing to replace the dwelling that destroyed by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire on this property. <br /> <br />6. Various agencies were contacted about the proposal and given an opportunity to comment. <br /> <br />Marion County Building Inspection commented: “Permit(s) are required to be obtained prior to development of <br />structures and/or utilities installation on private property. Depending on the proposed location of a dwelling or <br />other structure(s), and the supporting soils, a geotechnical investigation of these soils may be necessary to determine <br />the feasibility of the soils to adequately support replacement structure(s), as addressed in ORSC R401.4 .” <br /> <br />Marion County Septic commented: “We have reviewed the proposal for AR 25-045 and our comments are as <br />follows: <br /> <br /> Conditions of approval: An authorization is required to connect any replacement structures to the existing <br /> septic system.” <br /> <br />All other commenting agencies either stated no objection to the proposal or did not comment. <br /> <br />7. The replacement dwelling criteria are being applied directly from state law, ORS 215.291, it reads as follows: <br /> <br />1. The dwelling to be altered, restored or replaced has, or formerly had: <br /> <br /> a. Intact exterior walls and roof structure; <br /> b. Indoor plumbing consisting of a kitchen sink, toilet and bathing facilities connected to a sanitary waste <br />disposal system; <br /> c. Interior wiring for interior lights; and <br /> d. A heating system; <br /> <br /> The applicant submitted evidence in the form of pictures of the home before and after the wildfire destroyed it, a <br />septic site plan and bids for clean up after the wildfire that show the dwelling that used to be on the property formerly <br />had intact walls and roof structures, plumping connected to a well and septic system, and heating system consisting <br />of at the very least a fireplace. Lights on the external walls of the home indicate that the previous dwelling had <br />electricity. The dwelling was built in 1963 and in good condition up until the time it was destroyed by wildfire. <br />While no pictures or evidence of a kitchen were submitted, it is unreasonable to assume that habitation of this <br />structure for at least 70-years occurred without a kitchen. The former dwelling meets the criteria of a dwelling as <br />required by this criterion. <br /> <br />2. An application under this section must be filed within three years following the date that the dwelling last <br />possessed all the features listed above.