The Deschutes County Planning Commission has set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 to consider a draft ordinance that would implement Oregon’s new farm‑store law at the county level. The meeting will be held in the Barnes Sawyer Conference Room at the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend.
What the state law allows
House Bill 4153, slated to take effect in January 2027, permits active farm operators on qualifying Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) parcels to run a farm store in a permanent, enclosed building of up to 10,000 square feet. Under the law, farm stores may sell fresh produce, processed farm products, related retail items, and prepared food and drinks. The statute also authorizes agritourism activities such as guided tours, corn mazes and tractor rides.
County‑level details under review
Deschutes County’s proposed regulations aim to support this new income‑generating option while protecting neighboring properties and rural roadways. Key provisions include:
- Site access and egress: Requirements for safe driveway design and clear exit routes to minimize traffic conflicts.
- Parking and traffic management: Limits on the number of parking spaces and guidelines for vehicle flow to reduce congestion on rural streets.
- Noise standards: Maximum decibel levels for equipment and events, with specific quiet‑hour periods to respect nearby residents.
- Hours of operation: Defined opening and closing times to balance farm‑store commerce with community quality of life.
- Sanitation and solid‑waste management: Standards for waste disposal, restroom facilities and spill prevention to protect the environment.
How to participate
Members of the public may attend in person or join online. The meeting agenda and login information are posted on the county’s website at deschutescounty.gov/meetings. Residents who wish to speak must submit their name, address and a brief comment description to Nicole Mardell ([email protected]) by 4 p.m. on Oct. 20.
Why the hearing matters
Farm stores represent a growing trend in rural Oregon, offering farmers a direct sales channel and an additional revenue stream. By establishing clear local standards, the county hopes to encourage agricultural entrepreneurship while safeguarding the character of rural neighborhoods and the safety of local road networks.
County officials note that the proposed rules are flexible enough to accommodate a range of farm‑store concepts—from modest roadside stands to larger agritourism destinations—while ensuring that any increase in traffic or noise is managed responsibly.
Looking ahead
If the Planning Commission adopts the ordinance, the county will move the regulations forward to the Board of Commissioners for final approval. Once enacted, qualifying farms could begin applying for farm‑store permits in early 2027, aligning with the state law’s effective date.
Stakeholders, including farm owners, local businesses and nearby residents, are encouraged to review the draft code and share their perspectives at the hearing. The outcome will shape how Deschutes County balances agricultural innovation with community well‑being for years to come.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
