Public Health Standards

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Refining Eugene’s land use code for industrial development

The City of Eugene is committed to supporting a healthy built environment for all community members, as well as an economic climate where businesses can grow and thrive. Land use planning is one way the City can encourage development where residents have access to clean air and water and opportunity for economic prosperity.


UPDATE: City Council Direction & Public Hearing

The Eugene City Council discussed the proposed land use code amendments on March 9, 2026. At the meeting, the Council directed staff to draft an ordinance and schedule a public hearing on Version 3 of the code amendments. The public hearing on the updated ordinance is tentatively scheduled for April 20, 2026.


Find more information on how to participate in a City Council public hearing. Detail on how to submit testimony is available below.


Proposed Land Use Code Amendments

In response to feedback from the community, public health regulatory agencies, and the Planning Commission, staff proposed several versions of draft land use code amendments. The two most recent versions - Version 3 and Version 4 - are described in more detail below.


The proposed changes improve coordination between the City of Eugene's building permit process for new development and permitting done by public health regulatory agencies relating to air, land, and water quality in industrial areas in Eugene. Specifically in the following land use zones (PDF):

  • E-2 Mixed-Use Employment
  • I-2 Light-Medium Industrial
  • I-3 Heavy Industrial


Both Versions 3 and 4 include the requirement that the City notify regulatory agencies (i.e., Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Environmental Protection Agency) that a development permit has been submitted in the E-2, I-2, or I-3 zones.

  • Version 3 includes a requirement for applicants to document and attest to the air, land, and water quality permits they need.
    • The documentation requirement can be met by completing a form that will be provided by the City or by providing a list of the required permits.
    • To aid in the documentation process, the City will provide contact information for the three regulatory agencies' permitting offices.
  • Version 4 does not require applicants to submit this documentation. This version was recommended by the Planning Commission.


How to Submit Testimony

  • Written Testimony: Submit a written statement to the City Council, c/o CA 25-3 Planning Division, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401 or by e-mail to RVerner@Eugene-or.gov. Written testimony will be provided to the City Council in batches as it is received.
  • Spoken Testimony: Attend the public hearing, tentatively scheduled for April 20, 2026, and provide spoken testimony, which will be recorded. Instructions for providing spoken testimony will be provided during the hearing. The City Council may limit the time for each speaker to a few minutes.


Issues which may provide the basis for an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals must be raised in writing with sufficient specificity to enable the decision maker to respond to the issue prior to the expiration of the comment period.


More information for options to watch the City Council meeting will be available on the Public Meetings page.



Project Background

This project will identify possible changes to Eugene’s land use regulations to address the concerns of residents living near industrial areas within the City of Eugene. Through this project, the City will:

  • Engage residents, businesses, and community organizations on possible changes.
  • Identify gaps in local, state, and federal regulation of industrial development.
  • Consider enhanced land use regulations for new or expanded industrial developments located near residential zones, parks, schools, and other sensitive areas in order to mitigate community health risks.
  • Gather additional recommendations for future changes to City policy, zoning of properties, programs and investments, or other ways to make changes through land use planning.


The City’s land use code already regulates industrial development in many ways, and under some circumstances, land use regulations can fill gaps and/or prevent future impacts on people living nearby. However, Eugene’s land use code is not always the most appropriate and effective tool for regulating pollution, noise, odors, light, or other environmental impacts. This project will consider enhancements to industrial development standards citywide, including, but not limited to:

  • Requiring more distance between new industrial developments and residential or other sensitive areas, through tools such as setbacks, buffer areas, and landscaping.
  • Increasing coordination between land use application processes and other approvals (such as traffic impact studies, clean air permitting, or other requirements)
  • Other tools identified through research and community engagement


Initial Actions

On June 18, 2025, Eugene City Council directed staff to take the following next steps on the Public Health Standards project:


Land Use Code Amendments: Draft land use code amendments to require that an applicant demonstrate, prior to the issuance of City Development permits, that either:

  • the applicant has been issued all necessary licenses and permits from pollution control agencies like the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), or
  • the applicant has applied for the necessary licenses and permits, and the licenses and permits are likely to be issued.


Risk Analysis: Upon completion of a Hazard and Risk Analysis Study, led by the City's Sustainability Program, draft potential land use code amendments informed by the results of the study.


Staff will begin drafting land use code amendments to advance the first action in summer 2025. More information on the Hazard and Risk Analysis Study, noted in the second action, will be available soon.


Project Timeline

Staff anticipate the following milestones for this project:

  • Winter – Spring 2025: Community Engagement, Research on Best Practices, Identify Possible Paths Forward
  • Summer 2025: City Council direction on next steps; draft initial changes to the Land Use Code
  • Fall 2025 - Winter 2026: Land use code amendments and adoption process for Action 1, including Planning Commission and City Council work sessions, public hearings, and deliberations
  • TBD: Anticipated completion of Hazard and Risk Analysis Study, informing additional changes to the Land Use Code


Community Engagement

Between January and May 2025, the project team organized both small- and large-group conversations to provide the opportunity to connect with specific communities. Over this time, the team connected with 250+ individuals across 19 meetings and events, analyzed 209 survey responses, and reached out to 18,500+ individuals through online information sharing platforms.


Community engagement efforts focused on better understanding community views and perceptions of the issue and whether the land use code is the right tool to help address those concerns. Staff reached out to a broad spectrum of community members, including affected neighborhood groups, businesses, and environmental and community groups.


Read the Community Engagement Summary here.


Use the Q&A function below to ask questions for staff.

Refining Eugene’s land use code for industrial development

The City of Eugene is committed to supporting a healthy built environment for all community members, as well as an economic climate where businesses can grow and thrive. Land use planning is one way the City can encourage development where residents have access to clean air and water and opportunity for economic prosperity.


UPDATE: City Council Direction & Public Hearing

The Eugene City Council discussed the proposed land use code amendments on March 9, 2026. At the meeting, the Council directed staff to draft an ordinance and schedule a public hearing on Version 3 of the code amendments. The public hearing on the updated ordinance is tentatively scheduled for April 20, 2026.


Find more information on how to participate in a City Council public hearing. Detail on how to submit testimony is available below.


Proposed Land Use Code Amendments

In response to feedback from the community, public health regulatory agencies, and the Planning Commission, staff proposed several versions of draft land use code amendments. The two most recent versions - Version 3 and Version 4 - are described in more detail below.


The proposed changes improve coordination between the City of Eugene's building permit process for new development and permitting done by public health regulatory agencies relating to air, land, and water quality in industrial areas in Eugene. Specifically in the following land use zones (PDF):

  • E-2 Mixed-Use Employment
  • I-2 Light-Medium Industrial
  • I-3 Heavy Industrial


Both Versions 3 and 4 include the requirement that the City notify regulatory agencies (i.e., Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Environmental Protection Agency) that a development permit has been submitted in the E-2, I-2, or I-3 zones.

  • Version 3 includes a requirement for applicants to document and attest to the air, land, and water quality permits they need.
    • The documentation requirement can be met by completing a form that will be provided by the City or by providing a list of the required permits.
    • To aid in the documentation process, the City will provide contact information for the three regulatory agencies' permitting offices.
  • Version 4 does not require applicants to submit this documentation. This version was recommended by the Planning Commission.


How to Submit Testimony

  • Written Testimony: Submit a written statement to the City Council, c/o CA 25-3 Planning Division, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401 or by e-mail to RVerner@Eugene-or.gov. Written testimony will be provided to the City Council in batches as it is received.
  • Spoken Testimony: Attend the public hearing, tentatively scheduled for April 20, 2026, and provide spoken testimony, which will be recorded. Instructions for providing spoken testimony will be provided during the hearing. The City Council may limit the time for each speaker to a few minutes.


Issues which may provide the basis for an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals must be raised in writing with sufficient specificity to enable the decision maker to respond to the issue prior to the expiration of the comment period.


More information for options to watch the City Council meeting will be available on the Public Meetings page.



Project Background

This project will identify possible changes to Eugene’s land use regulations to address the concerns of residents living near industrial areas within the City of Eugene. Through this project, the City will:

  • Engage residents, businesses, and community organizations on possible changes.
  • Identify gaps in local, state, and federal regulation of industrial development.
  • Consider enhanced land use regulations for new or expanded industrial developments located near residential zones, parks, schools, and other sensitive areas in order to mitigate community health risks.
  • Gather additional recommendations for future changes to City policy, zoning of properties, programs and investments, or other ways to make changes through land use planning.


The City’s land use code already regulates industrial development in many ways, and under some circumstances, land use regulations can fill gaps and/or prevent future impacts on people living nearby. However, Eugene’s land use code is not always the most appropriate and effective tool for regulating pollution, noise, odors, light, or other environmental impacts. This project will consider enhancements to industrial development standards citywide, including, but not limited to:

  • Requiring more distance between new industrial developments and residential or other sensitive areas, through tools such as setbacks, buffer areas, and landscaping.
  • Increasing coordination between land use application processes and other approvals (such as traffic impact studies, clean air permitting, or other requirements)
  • Other tools identified through research and community engagement


Initial Actions

On June 18, 2025, Eugene City Council directed staff to take the following next steps on the Public Health Standards project:


Land Use Code Amendments: Draft land use code amendments to require that an applicant demonstrate, prior to the issuance of City Development permits, that either:

  • the applicant has been issued all necessary licenses and permits from pollution control agencies like the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), or
  • the applicant has applied for the necessary licenses and permits, and the licenses and permits are likely to be issued.


Risk Analysis: Upon completion of a Hazard and Risk Analysis Study, led by the City's Sustainability Program, draft potential land use code amendments informed by the results of the study.


Staff will begin drafting land use code amendments to advance the first action in summer 2025. More information on the Hazard and Risk Analysis Study, noted in the second action, will be available soon.


Project Timeline

Staff anticipate the following milestones for this project:

  • Winter – Spring 2025: Community Engagement, Research on Best Practices, Identify Possible Paths Forward
  • Summer 2025: City Council direction on next steps; draft initial changes to the Land Use Code
  • Fall 2025 - Winter 2026: Land use code amendments and adoption process for Action 1, including Planning Commission and City Council work sessions, public hearings, and deliberations
  • TBD: Anticipated completion of Hazard and Risk Analysis Study, informing additional changes to the Land Use Code


Community Engagement

Between January and May 2025, the project team organized both small- and large-group conversations to provide the opportunity to connect with specific communities. Over this time, the team connected with 250+ individuals across 19 meetings and events, analyzed 209 survey responses, and reached out to 18,500+ individuals through online information sharing platforms.


Community engagement efforts focused on better understanding community views and perceptions of the issue and whether the land use code is the right tool to help address those concerns. Staff reached out to a broad spectrum of community members, including affected neighborhood groups, businesses, and environmental and community groups.


Read the Community Engagement Summary here.


Use the Q&A function below to ask questions for staff.

  • Planning Commission Recommendation & Upcoming City Council Public Hearing

    Share Planning Commission Recommendation & Upcoming City Council Public Hearing on Facebook Share Planning Commission Recommendation & Upcoming City Council Public Hearing on Twitter Share Planning Commission Recommendation & Upcoming City Council Public Hearing on Linkedin Email Planning Commission Recommendation & Upcoming City Council Public Hearing link

    On January 13, 2026, the Eugene Planning Commission voted 4-3 to recommend Version 4 of the proposed land use code amendments that would require the City to provide notice of building permit applications to public health agencies. The proposed amendments do not require applicants to identify and attest to the air, land, and water permits required for their proposed uses, as was included in previous versions of the code amendments.


    City Council Public Hearing

    On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Eugene City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed land use code amendment to improve coordination between the issuance of building permits by the City of Eugene for new development in the E-2 Mixed-Use Employment, I-2 Light-Medium Industrial, and I-3 Heavy Industrial zones and permitting done by public health regulatory entities. Find more information on how to participate in City Council public hearings.


    How to Submit Testimony

    • Written Testimony: Submit a written statement to the City Council, c/o CA 25-3 Planning Division, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401 or by e-mail to RVerner@Eugene-or.gov. Written testimony will be provided to the City Council in batches as it is received.

    • Spoken Testimony: Attend the public hearing on February 17, 2026, and provide spoken testimony, which will be recorded. Instructions for providing spoken testimony will be provided during the hearing. The City Council may limit the time for each speaker to a few minutes.


    Issues which may provide the basis for an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals must be raised in writing with sufficient specificity to enable the decision maker to respond to the issue prior to the expiration of the comment period.


    More information for options to attend, watch, and participate in the public hearing will be available on the Public Meetings webpage.

  • Planning Commission Continues Deliberations and Re-Opens Public Testimony

    Share Planning Commission Continues Deliberations and Re-Opens Public Testimony on Facebook Share Planning Commission Continues Deliberations and Re-Opens Public Testimony on Twitter Share Planning Commission Continues Deliberations and Re-Opens Public Testimony on Linkedin Email Planning Commission Continues Deliberations and Re-Opens Public Testimony link

    The Eugene Planning Commission held a virtual public hearing held a public hearing on October 14, 2025 on a proposed land use code amendment to improve the coordination with public health regulatory partners.


    The Planning Commission met on November 18, 2025, and voted to reopen the record for written testimony for an additional two weeks. This provides the public an opportunity to comment on the latest version of the proposed code amendments. The Planning Commission will meet again on December 16, 2025, to deliberate and potentially make a recommendation to City Council on proposed land use code changes.


    The deadline to submit written testimony to the Planning Commission is December 2, 2025 at 5pm.


    How to Submit Testimony

    Send a written statement to c/o Reid Verner, Planning & Development Department, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401 or by e-mail to Reid Verner. The deadline to submit testimony to the Planning Commission is December 2, 2025 at 5pm. All additional public testimony will be shared with City Council.


    More About the Adoption Process

    Public Health Standards began the formal adoption process in October 2025 for land use code amendments as directed by City Council. The proposed land use code amendment aims to improve coordination between the issuance of building permits by the City of Eugene for new development in the E-2 Mixed-Use Employment, I-2 Light-Medium Industrial, and I-3 Heavy Industrial zones, and permitting done by public health regulatory entities like the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).


    As a part of the adoption process, both the Planning Commission and the City Council will hold work sessions, public hearings, and deliberations. Information on public meetings and opportunities to provide public testimony will be provided below. These proposed land use code amendments will be processed using the Type V land use application (legislative) procedures in Eugene Code (EC) 9.7500-9.7560.

  • Planning Commission Deliberations

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    The Public Health Standards project is an effort to identify possible changes to Eugene’s land use regulations to address the concerns of residents living near industrial areas within City limits.


    On November 18, 2025, the Eugene Planning Commission is scheduled to deliberate, and may make a recommendation to the City Council, on a proposed land use code change to improve the coordination with public health regulatory partners. This meeting is a follow-up from an October 14, 2025 public hearing.


    The proposed land use code change would require developers of property zoned E-2 Mixed-Use Employment, I-2 Light-Medium Industrial, and I-3 Heavy Industrial to provide documentation that they are working to obtain all required water, land, and air permits prior to the issuance of a building permit. This proposed code change is in response to Eugene City Council direction during their June 18, 2025 meeting.


    Following a recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council will hold their own public hearing, then deliberate and make the final local decision on the proposed land use code amendment.

  • Planning Commission Public Hearing

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    On October 14, 2025 at 5:30pm, the Eugene Planning Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on a proposed land use code amendment to improve the coordination with public health regulatory partners. Review the meeting agenda and materials.


    The proposed land use code amendment would require developers of property zoned E-2 Mixed-Use Employment, I-2 Light-Medium Industrial, and I-3 Heavy Industrial to provide documentation that they have obtained or are on the path to obtain all required water, land, and air permits prior to the issuance of a building permit.


    How to Submit Testimony to the Planning Commission

    • Send a written statement to the Planning Commission, c/o Reid Verner, Planning & Development Department, 99 W. 10th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401 or by e-mail to RVerner@eugene-or.gov. To be included in the Planning Commission’s packet for the October 14 public hearing, your statement must be received by staff no later than 5pm on October 6, 2025.
    • Submit a written statement to the mailing address or email address above after 5pm on October 6, 2025, but before the Planning Commission closes the public hearing. The Planning Commission will have less time to review written material submitted after this date prior to taking action on the application and forwarding their recommendation to the City Council.
    • Attend the virtual public hearing on October 14, 2025, and provide spoken testimony to the Planning Commission. Your spoken testimony will be recorded. Instructions for providing testimony will be provided during the hearing. The Planning Commission may limit the time for each speaker to a few minutes. You are encouraged to submit written testimony prior to the close of the public hearing if you have detailed comments you wish to make.


    All public testimony received by the Planning Commission will be forwarded to the City Council.


    These proposed land use code amendments will be processed using the Type V land use application (legislative) procedures in Eugene Code (EC) 9.7500-9.7560. Following this initial public hearing, the Planning Commission will deliberate and make a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will hold a separate public hearing, then deliberate and make the final local decision on the proposed land use code amendment.

  • City Council Work Session on June 18, 2025

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    supporting image

    In January 2024, Planning and Development staff launched the Public Health Standards project to identify possible changes to Eugene’s land use regulations to address the concerns of residents living near industrial areas within the City of Eugene.

    Between January and May 2025, the project team organized both small- and large-group conversations to provide the opportunity to connect with specific communities. Over this time, the team connected with 250+ individuals across 19 meetings and events, analyzed 209 survey responses, and reached out to 18,500+ individuals through online information sharing platforms.

    Community engagement efforts focused on better understanding community views and perceptions of the issue and whether the land use code is the right tool to help address those concerns. Staff reached out to a broad spectrum of community members, including affected neighborhood groups, businesses, and environmental and community groups.

    Read the Community Engagement Summary here.

    During the City Council work session on June 18, 2025, staff will share a summary of this initial community engagement and present a list of options for next steps, and seek City Council direction. Meeting materials will be available one week prior to the meeting.

    Learn more about the Public Health Standards project, including Frequently Asked Questions, on the project webpage.

  • Survey Now Available!

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    The City of Eugene is seeking to understand community perspectives and gather input on possible changes to Eugene’s land use regulations to address concerns from residents living near industrial areas within the City of Eugene. View a map of Eugene industrial areas here.



    Where people live and work can significantly impact their quality of life and access to opportunity. Two pillars of Eugene’s Community Vision include to protect, repair, and enhance neighborhood livability, and to provide ample economic opportunities for all community members.

    Eugene’s historic development patterns, including trade and transportation using the railroad and highway network, resulted in some residential areas that are adjacent to uses that may impact nearby residents, including natural hazards, industrial areas, and highways. The land use code is one tool to mitigate potential conflict between different uses. The Eugene City Council directed staff to consider how the land use code can help to reduce potential conflict in areas where residences are located near industrial development.

    This survey is designed to collect community feedback to inform the Public Health Standards project. This survey considers ideas for:
    • Coordination between Eugene’s land use regulations and other existing regulatory agencies.
    • Development Standards for industrial development, especially when near residential or sensitive uses.


    The survey will be open through Sunday, May 18. Staff will share the results with the Eugene City Council on Wednesday, June 18.



  • Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

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    The City of Eugene is committed to supporting a healthy built environment for all community members, as well as an economic climate where businesses can grow and thrive. Land use planning is one way the City can encourage development where residents have access to clean air and water and opportunity for economic prosperity.

    The Public Health Standards project will identify possible changes to Eugene’s land use regulations to address concerns of residents living near industrial areas within the City of Eugene.

    There are several upcoming ways to engage on this project, including:

    Online Info Session – Sign Up Here
    Tuesday, April 1 from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    Live Zoom Webinar with Q&A

    Public Workshop (Option #1) – RSVP Here
    Thursday, April 17 from 11:00am – 1:00pm
    Downtown Eugene Library

    Public Workshop (Option #2) – RSVP Here
    Thursday, April 24 from 11:00am – 1:00pm
    Downtown Eugene Library

    An online survey will be available in April, and staff will present potential code concepts at upcoming neighborhood events, public meetings, and more. Learn more about the Public Health Standards project, including Frequently Asked Questions, on the project webpage.

Page last updated: 11 Mar 2026, 03:12 PM