Metro and Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties have been 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. After more than two years, final decisions are close to being made to designate a 50 year supply of urban reserve land and protect rural land for 50 years through rural reserves designations. To see the urban and rural reserves likely to be designated click here 
Background

 The longstanding system for managing the metro region's urban growth boundary is highly contentious, produces results that satisfy almost no one, and does not consider a variety of factors that contribute to the creation and enhancement of great communities. This system has also failed to provide long-term protection for important natural landscape features and for the region's most productive agricultural lands – which, in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, produced nearly $715 million for the state's economy in 2005, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. As a result, many recent urban growth boundary expansions have occurred where they are not wanted rather than where they might be appropriate and desirable. This approach, which requires Metro to start from scratch every five years, has led to conflict, uncertainty, and frustration for local governments, farmers, businesses and landowners.

 As a result, in 2007, the Oregon Legislature approved Senate Bill 1011. This bill enables Metro and the counties of the region to establish urban reserves (areas outside the urban growth boundary that, based on a number of factors, may be better suited to accommodate population and job growth over 40 to 50 years ) as well as rural reserves, which are areas outside the urban growth boundary needed to protect valuable farm and forestland for a similar period.

 Senate Bill 1011 requires that, in order for Metro to establish Urban Reserves, the Counties must also establish rural reserves at the same time. Over the next 18 months, the region, including the City of Sherwood, will be evaluating the land needs for the next 40-50 years and the location of potential lands for inclusion in the urban reserves and rural reserves.

 Urban and rural reserves will provide greater predictability for landowners, farmers, and communities as to where future growth may take place outside the current urban growth boundary over the next 40 to 50 years, while protecting important farmland and natural areas from urbanization for that same period of time. The process for designating these reserves offers the region greater flexibility in determining which areas are more suitable for accommodating growth than others.

 What are urban and rural reserves?

 Urban reserve means lands outside an urban growth boundary that will provide for: (a) future expansion over a long-term period; and (b) the cost-effective provision of public facilities and services within the area when the lands are included within the urban growth boundary.

 Rural reserve means land reserved to provide long-term protection for agriculture, forestry or important natural landscape features that limit urban development or help define appropriate natural boundaries of urbanization, including plant, fish and wildlife habitat, steep slopes and floodplains.

 Where can you go for more information on the timeline and process?

 The Washington County and Metro websites have first hand information on the committee meetings, agendas, summaries, etc and additional links to many valuable resources:

 Washington County website 

 Metro Website

 Contact City Planning staff with questions or comments by e-mailing planning@ci.sherwood.or.us or calling 503-625-4202