Since 1973, Oregon has maintained a strong statewide program for land use planning. The foundation of that program is a set of 19 Oregon Statewide Planning Goals. The goals express the state’s policies on land use and on related topics, such as citizen involvement, housing, and natural resources. Most of the goals are accompanied by “guidelines,” which are suggestions about how a goal may be applied. As noted in Goal 2, guidelines are not mandatory.
The local comprehensive plans must be consistent with the Statewide Planning Goals. The state’s Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) reviews local comprehensive plans for consistency with the Statewide Planning Goals. When LCDC officially approves a local government’s plan, the plan is said to be “acknowledged.” It then becomes the controlling document for land use in the area covered by the plan. Oregon’s planning laws apply not only to local governments but also to special districts and state agencies. The laws strongly emphasize coordination-keeping plans and programs consistent with each other, with the goals, and with acknowledged local plans.
In 2019, the County began a complete review and update of the Comprehensive Plan and six community plans. As of October 2025, the six community plans and Goals 1-14 and Goals 18-19 have been updated. Adoption of updates to Goals 16 and 17 are tentatively schedule for Planning Commission review in December 2025 and Board review in January 2026. Once adopted this project will be complete.
Introduction to Community Plans
- Clatsop Plains Community Plan
- Elsie-Jewell Community Plan
- Lewis & Clark Olney-Wallooskee Plan
- Northeast Community Plan
- Seaside Rural Community Plan
- Southwest Coastal Community Plan