UGB 101

In short, an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is the line that separates areas planned for urban vs. rural land use. Oregon State law requires every city to have a UGB with a 20-year land supply. Cities and counties must adopt comprehensive plans for UGBs that address a variety of issues described in state law.

Plans must address land use, transportation, public facilities and services, natural resources and open space, etc. Planning for the future means we preserve our quality of life and protect our infrastructure. Many frustrating infrastructure problems such as crowded roads or inadequate storm systems are the direct result of NOT planning for the future.

In general, certain urban services such as sewer, water, etc. are only provided to urban or urbanizable lands within UGBs. Also, in general, cities can only annex those lands within UGBs, since they are the lands planned for urban development and provision of urban services.

State law allows for local control of how UGBs are managed. Grants Pass and Josephine County have an intergovernmental agreement that details the ways in which they will cooperatively work on planning and development for the UGB.

Urban Growth Boundaries are not just about what is happening inside the boundary. They are also about protecting quality of life outside the boundary. For example, UGBs help protect valuable farmland and hillsides.

The final boundary update must be adopted by the Grants Pass City Council, Josephine County Board of County Commissioners and ultimately "acknowledged" (accepted) by the State of Oregon.