Chapter 17.70
PUBLIC LANDS ZONE (PL)

Sections:

17.70.010    Purpose.

17.70.020    Application.

17.70.030    Special provisions.

17.70.010 Purpose.

The purpose of the public lands zone is to identify and protect public facilities which serve a community educational, recreational, social service or governmental function including:

A. Public schools.

B. Public nonprofit social service, community or recreational facilities.

C. Governmental structures such as city offices, fire station, library, post office and public parks.

D. Public utilities including wells, water storage tanks, sanitary sewer pump stations, and power substations.

E. Other similar uses deemed appropriate by planning commission. [Ord. 1037 § 1, 1997; Ord. 950 § 6(1), 1991.]

17.70.020 Application.

Following enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and at the time any of the above facilities are proposed to be constructed, the subject property shall be placed in a public lands zone and so designated on the zoning map. In taking any subsequent action which affects a property so designated or adjacent properties, the planning commission shall consider the special community value and benefits of said facility. The use shall be subject to setback standards of the zones adjacent to the subject property and to all other city and state regulations, including standard city development and construction specifications. For example, if a lot in the public lands zone is adjacent to a lot in the R1 zone to the north, east, and south and adjacent to a lot zoned M1 to the west, the setbacks to the north, east, and south shall conform to the R1 setback requirements, while the setback to the west shall conform to the M1 setback requirements. For the purposes of this zoning district, an adjacent lot is either a lot that shares a common lot line with the subject lot or a lot that is across the street from the subject lot.

A. Exceptions. Public well sites, sewer pump stations, and storm drain pump stations shall have zero setback requirements; provided, that these structures do not intrude into the required vision clearance area at street, alley, or driveway intersections. [Ord. 1037 § 1, 1997; Ord. 950 § 6(2), 1991.]

17.70.030 Special provisions.

Special additional provisions shall apply to historic buildings as follows:

A. The city shall identify by resolution buildings as historic structures worthy of protection.

B. The city shall add to the list in subsection (A) of this section any other building or site determined to have historical, cultural or archeological value. The city shall request the assistance of the Junction City historical society and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) to identify and document said buildings or sites.

C. Prior to undertaking remodeling, rehabilitation or structural alteration which affects the external appearance of a building or site listed in subsection (A) or (B) of this section, the owner of said building or site or his authorized agent shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit, subject to provisions in Chapter 17.130 JCMC. Before approving an application for said permit, the planning commission shall determine that the proposed alterations are harmonious with the appearance of the historical building and do not otherwise adversely affect its architectural integrity or historical value. The applicant shall provide sufficient information about the proposed alterations to permit the commission to render an informed decision.

D. Upon receipt of an application for a conditional use permit as required in subsection (C) of this section, the city shall provide the Junction City historical society with a copy of the application and request the association’s recommendation on the matter.

E. Prior to granting a permit to demolish a historical structure listed in subsection (A) or (B) of this section, the planning commission shall review the request, taking into consideration the state of repair, and reasonableness of the cost of rehabilitation or repair and the historic value of the property. If the commission determines that the building cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost, constitutes an immediate danger to the public health or safety, or a delay in demolition will pose an undue economic hardship upon the owner and that these factors outweigh the value to the public of preserving the structure, the commission shall recommend the city issue the demolition permit. If preservation of the structure is feasible, the commission may delay the issuance of the permit for up to 120 days while the owner is informed of state and federal rehabilitation incentives and/or a buyer who is willing to preserve the building can be found. In rendering its decision, the commission shall seek the recommendation of the Junction City historical society on the matter. At the end of the 120-day period, the commission shall review the application for a demolition permit. If no reasonable alternative to demolition is available, the commission shall recommend that the city issue the permit without further delay. If, in the opinion of the commission, there is a reasonable alternative, the permit shall be denied.

F. All actions of the commission may be appealed to the city council subject to provisions in JCMC 17.150.120. [Ord. 950 § 6(3), 1991.]