Guest ranch application puts focus on additional ag land uses

            An application now making its way through the Deschutes County land use process puts the spotlight on the potential for new tourism-related activity on property zoned for agriculture.

            In a session January 8 a  hearing officer took into consideration a county staff decision to approve a guest ranch on property adjacent to the Sisters city limits, and an appeal filed by Central Oregon Land Watch.

Site plan (north to right) for Pole Creek guest ranch

            County staff had earlier approved the application by Glenn and Jen Cole, principals of Pole Creek Properties LLC, to establish guest ranch lodging and other facilities on what was formerly known as the Patterson Ranch, once a breeding ranch for llamas that at one time include a small elk herd.

            Oregon law allows owners of 160 acres or more of land zoned for agricultural use to build guest facilities provided ranch and farm activities are continued on the property.

            From four to 10 cabins totaling up to 12,000 square feet and a central lodge common area for dining and other uses are allowed on a parcel of at least 160 acres. More limited lodging is allowed on another 160 acres. Any dining facilities and other activities are limited to lodging guests.

            Proponents of the guest ranch option generally point to it enabling smaller ranches without “high value” farmland to have other sources of income while also preserving agricultural activites and open space from development.

Pole Creek Ranch (north to top)

            In filing an appeal of the Pole Creek application, Land Watch cited four objections: 1) that the ranch livestock operation had not been “existing and continuing” before the application; 2) that livestock operation would be “dwarfed” by guest ranch activities; 3) that the property did not have “accepted livestock practices”; and 4) that a dwelling for the livestock manager was not on the property.

            The Cole’s purchased the 345-acre ranch in mid-2017 for a reported $6.5 million.

            In a statement to the Sisters Nugget newspaper, the Coles disputed each point made by Land Watch in its objections filed with Deschutes County.

            The newspaper also quoted the Cole’s statement,

            “We have proposed and Deschutes County ahs approved, a guest ranch that compliese with the law. Guest rnach lodging will be provided by an existing house and five small cabins. Guest events area limited so they will be less intense than those allowed on large ranch and farm properties with an agri-tourism/special event permit. The guest area is tucked in the trees where it will not interfere with farm use.”

            Agri-tourism/special event permits noted by the Coles have aroused opposition in some cases due to additional noise from crowds, music and traffic. Many of the permits are used to hold weddings on agricultural zoned land and in some cases larger concerts.