A proposal to amend Deschutes County Code in Oregon and allow RV parks within Tumalo’s Commercial Zone drew significant community opposition during a public hearing.
The hearings officer overseeing the application left the record open for 14 days to allow more public comments.
After that period, Smith will have two additional weeks to submit any revisions or clarifications in response to community feedback.
Applicant Adam Smith is seeking to add RV parks as a conditional use on properties between two and five acres in the commercial area, arguing the sites could accommodate required amenities with an on-site septic system until a public sewer becomes available.
Currently, Tumalo has no public sewer infrastructure and no timeline for building one, making on-site septic the only option for waste management if the proposal moves forward.
Smith also requested a waiver from the county’s requirement that RV parks provide laundry facilities for guests.
“We can provide all the other amenities that are required by code with an on-site septic system and then those last two amenities are frankly easier to provide with a sewer system in the future,” Smith said, as reported by Central Oregon Daily on June 16.
Ahead of the hearing, the county received 62 written comments opposing the amendment, with additional residents voicing concerns in person about traffic, parking shortages and the small community’s capacity to handle more large vehicles.
“It’s a very small community. There is not much room. Even if you go to Pisano’s and the tavern, that parking lot is full all the time,” said Tumalo resident Sara Bolling during public comment.
One resident also questioned whether visitors to existing businesses even arrive in RVs, noting that larger rigs would create congestion distinct from typical passenger traffic at local establishments.
Residents cited Tumalo’s limited road infrastructure and noted that Tumalo State Park already offers established RV camping options less than two miles from downtown.