Public comment sought on Rural Tourism Study report

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 22, 2016

The Rural Tourism Study report, compiled by independent consultants and Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation (LUT), is available for public comment through Sept. 30.

Community members are asked to review and share the report, and to submit suggestions and comments. All perspectives are welcome. Staff will report on comments received and seek direction from the Board of Commissioners in the fall. Currently there is no land use ordinance tied to the findings of this report. Public comment on the report will help to inform development of any future potential land use ordinance development related to rural tourism.

The Board authorized the study, funded in part by the Washington County Visitors Association, to better understand existing, trending and desired conditions for agriculture and tourism throughout rural Washington County, the regulatory framework that rural tourism operates within and practices to minimize potential impacts of tourism on rural lands.

Printed copies of the study are available at Washington County libraries and through each Citizen Participation Organization (CPO). A limited number of copies are available for a fee at LUT in the Washington County Public Services Building. In addition to the website, comments can be submitted via email or mailed to: Anne Kelly, associate planner, Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation, 155 N. 1st Ave., Suite 350, MS 14, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

Washington County is committed to planning and protecting the uses of the land and to building and maintaining a great transportation system, balancing care for the natural environment, economic development, safety and community livability.

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