OAR 660-004-0000: Purpose

(1) The purpose of this division is to interpret the requirements of Goal 2 and ORS 197.732 regarding exceptions. This division explains the three types of exceptions set forth in Goal 2 “Land Use Planning, Part II, Exceptions.” Rules in other divisions of OAR 660 provide substantive standards for some specific types of goal exceptions. Where this is the case, the specific substantive standards in the other divisions control over the more general standards of this division. However, the definitions, notice, and planning and zoning requirements of this division apply to all types of exceptions. The types of exceptions that are subject to specific standards in other divisions are: (a) Standards for a demonstration of reasons for sanitary sewer service to rural lands are provided in OAR 660-011-0060(9); (b) Standards for a demonstration of reasons for urban transportation improvements on rural land are provided in OAR 660-012-0070; (c) Standards to determine irrevocably committed exceptions pertaining to urban development on rural land are provided in OAR 660-014-0030, and standards for demonstration of reasons for urban development on rural land are provided in OAR 660-014-0040. (2) An exception is a decision to exclude certain land from the requirements of one or more applicable statewide goals in accordance with the process specified in Goal 2, Part II, Exceptions. The documentation for an exception must be set forth in a local government’s comprehensive plan. Such documentation must support a conclusion that the standards for an exception have been met. The conclusion shall be based on findings of fact supported by substantial evidence in the record of the local proceeding and by a statement of reasons that explains why the proposed use not allowed by the applicable goal, or a use authorized by a statewide planning goal that cannot comply with the approval standards for that type of use, should be provided for. The exceptions process is not to be used to indicate that a jurisdiction disagrees with a goal. (3) The intent of the exceptions process is to permit necessary flexibility in the application of the Statewide Planning Goals. The procedural and substantive objectives of the exceptions process are to: (a) Assure that citizens and governmental units have an opportunity to participate in resolving plan conflicts while the exception is being developed and reviewed; and (b) Assure that findings of fact and a statement of reasons supported by substantial evidence justify an exception to a statewide goal. (4) When taking an exception, a local government may rely on information and documentation prepared by other groups or agencies for the purpose of the exception or for other purposes, as substantial evidence to support its findings of fact. Such information must be either included or properly incorporated by reference into the record of the local exceptions proceeding. Information included by reference must be made available to interested persons for their review prior to the last evidentiary hearing on the exception.