Pipeline Approval Appealed in North Bend, June 7

An organization calling itself “Citizens for Renewables, and Jody McCaffree” have appealed the City of North Bend Planning Commission’s approval of the Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline.  According to the City’s Appeal Application, “The Appeal is based on the belief that certain policies and/or procedures of the Comprehensive Plan and/or provisions of the North Bend City Code were not properly administered or followed.”  The appeal, authored by Counsel Tonia L. Moro, of Medford, alleges eight errors by the Planning Commission in reaching their earlier approval, “Misconstrued and otherwise failed to made adequate and substantiated findings regarding the criterion applicable to the city’s decision that the proposed use is a ‘utility operation and facility,’ or ‘Similar public service structure.’”  The appeal also involved “criterion related to limitations of uses;” “relevant management units do not allow fill or dredge removal;” “related to the limitations on uses and development in the floodplain zone;” “the character, use and impacts of the HDD development activity.” “requiring, explicitly or implicitly, that there are no feasible alternative sites available;” “ related to the allowed uses and impacts to historical sites and cultural resources;” “that are applicable because the uses are not currently identified in the code or they are otherwise applicable.”    “Pursuant to NBCC 18.92.020, the City Council may designate a Hearings Officer to conduct the public hearing on appeal; in that case, City Council shall review the record and the Hearings Officer’s recommendation to make their decision.”