Urban and Rural Reserves

Multnomah Countyled a regional effort to designate urban and rural reserves to accommodate future growth and protect valuable farmland, forest land and natural areas.

Urban Rural Reserves Logo

Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Metro and Washington County are leading a regional effort to designate urban and rural reserves to accommodate future growth and protect valuable farmland, forest land and natural areas that define the character of this region.

Urban and rural reserves will provide greater predictability for landowners, farmers and communities about where the urban growth boundary may expand over the next 40 to 50 years, while protecting important farmland and natural areas from urbanization for that same period of time.

This process for designating reserves offers the region greater flexibility in determining which areas are more suitable for accommodating growth, and which areas are needed to maintain the viability of the agriculture and forest industries in the region or protect natural landscape features that help define the region for its residents.

Ordinance Amending Urban and Rural Reserves Exhibit 2 Findings Adopted 4/28/11

May 6, 2010 Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing

April 5, 2010 Planning Commission Public Hearing

February 25, 2010 Board of County Commissioners Hearing to Adopt Urban & Rural Reserves IGA

Factors Analysis and Area Maps: Recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Committee and County Staff

Public Comments & Testimony:

Last reviewed December 3, 2024