The purpose of this proposed rule change is very specific – to provide a clear option for public roads and highways (such as Highway 101) along the oceanfront to mitigate damage from coastal erosion through the use of shoreline armoring. The rule would allow for a local government goal exception process to accomplish this through a “reasons exception”. As proposed, a specific “reason” will be added to
OAR 660-004-0022 (in
Goal 2: Land Use Planning) for
Statewide Planning Goal 18 (Beaches and Dunes) to include public highways and roads developed prior to January 1, 1977, as eligible for shoreline armoring.
Shoreline armoring is the placement of structural material on the oceanfront with the intention of minimizing the risk of coastal erosion to development (e.g., riprap, seawalls).
Currently, under Goal 18, only certain types of development that existed as of January 1, 1977, are eligible to apply for shoreline armoring permits. 'Development' is defined as houses, commercial and industrial buildings, and vacant but improved subdivision lots. Under the current language, roads (such as Highway 101) are not eligible for shoreline armoring. Some sections of state Highway 101 and other city and county roads are oceanfront and vulnerable to the hazard of coastal erosion. In some cases, use of shoreline armoring for road protection may be warranted.
Staff held 3 meetings with a Rulemaking Advisory Committee members, focused on adding new language to the land use goal exception process for these public roadways, creating the option to protect them through shoreline armoring. See table below for meetings summaries and recordings for this rulemaking.
Click to subscribe to email updates about this rulemaking effort.
Rule Draft