The Sisters Roundup

October 2023

Say hello to your new city newsletter!

We're pleased to introduce the first edition of our newsletter to help keep our community informed about city projects, programs, and happenings at City Hall. Thanks for reading and let us know what you think via our contact us webpage.

City Adopts Environmental Sustainability Plan

On September 27, 2023, the Sisters City Council adopted the City’s first Environmental Sustainability Plan, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the community. The Council recognizes the importance of protecting the natural beauty and resources that define our community's identity and supports our economy. With a deep-rooted connection to the surrounding environment, the City is committing to take proactive steps to mitigate and adapt to the the adverse effects of climate change and enhance its citizens' overall quality of life.

Design Work to Begin on Sisters Mobility Hub

In 2023 the City developed a conceptual master plan for the East Portal Mobility Hub. The property was recently acquired by the Forest Service and is located between West Hood Ave, US 20, and OR 242.

Design work is now beginning on the first phase of the improvements which will include a transit/rideshare parking lot, transit loading island, bus lanes, multi-use paths, and EV charging parking on Cascade Avenue.

Funding for the first phase comes from a recently awarded State carbon reduction grant for the EV charging, and from a $978,750 State Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) grant.

Get Involved! Apply to Serve on a City Advisory Board or Commission

The City has a number of opportunities which allow community members to fill an integral role in City government by advising the City Council on important issues. Community participation on City of Sisters Boards and Commissions serves two important purposes:

Board members are directly involved in their local government and can positively impact the future of their community.
The City Council receives timely input and information regarding issues and potential impacts.

Applications are now being accepted for the following Boards and Committees:

Budget Committee
Planning Commission
Urban Forestry Board
City Parks Advisory Board
Public Works Advisory Board

The application deadline is November 10. Fill out an application today!

Council Considers Changes to the City's Short Term Rental Regulations

The Sisters City Council has adopted several goals for the 2023-24 fiscal year, including the evaluation of the Short-Term Rental (STR) Code language to mitigate adverse impacts on our community. This goal was set in response to concerns about STRs' effects on long-term housing availability and community nuisances.

An STR is defined as the rental of a dwelling unit for less than 30 consecutive days, including vacation home rentals approved before December 27, 2018, and owner-occupied STRs. Not included are bed and breakfast inns, hotels, and motels. STRs pay fees and taxes, including land use application fees, STR operator licenses, general business licenses, and Transient Room Tax (TRT).

Regulations for STRs have evolved since 2010 with the current program established in 2018. As of June 30, 2023, there are 111 active STRs in Sisters, which represents about 5.5% of the city's total housing stock.

The City Council and Planning Commission are reviewing the existing regulations and evaluating options such as:

Increasing the concentration setback requirement which would expand the distance between STRs and limit quantity.
Changing the concentration setback exceptions in certain areas of town.
Prohibiting STRs in specific areas such as future expansion or annexations.
Adjusting fees to influence STR operation and usage.
And other potential changes.

The City Council will be holding a future workshop and meetings on the potential changes. Stay up to date on Council meeting agendas at https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/meetings.

Code Enforcement in Sisters

Did you know that the City has a code enforcement program that promotes compliance with our local ordinances and regulations? Our Code Compliance Officer enforces compliance with the City's Municipal Code and Development Code. Code enforcement also responds to citizen complaints as quickly as possible by determining if a violation has occurred, alerting the responsible party that they are in violation, and enforcing compliance.

We investigate complaints about parking violations, abandoned vehicles, properties that are overgrown, and accumulations of debris, garbage, and junk. We always strive for voluntary compliance and appreciate the community's support in keeping our city attractive and livable.

Have a code enforcement concern? Report a violation online or call Jacob Smith at (541) 323-5214.

ODOT Announces Service Impacts

Due to declining gas tax revenues and increasing costs, the Oregon Department of Transportation has announced operations and maintenance service reductions in our region and around the State.

Anticipated impacts include reduced roadside maintenance such as vegetation trimming and litter removal, and reduced sanding and snow plowing in the winter. Learn more from ODOT's Level of Service Reduction Fact Sheet.

Did you know?

City of Sisters Facts

The City of Sisters currently has nine developed parks and over 35 acres of open space and undeveloped parkland?

The City's newly adopted Parks Master Plan identified the need for the city to acquire and develop more parkland to increase the current level of service to industry standard benchmarks. The Plan also identified a number of facilities and amenities that are of high interest to community members: playgrounds, pickleball courts, dog park, shade structures, and an open air pavilion.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Stay informed by attending or viewing public city meetings!

Joint Planning Commission and City Council Workshop, October 19, 4 p.m.
City Council Meeting, October 25, 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting, November 2, 4 p.m.
City Council Meeting, November 9, 5:30 p.m.

View the public meeting calendar, watch prior meetings, and access meeting information at https://www.ci.sisters.or.us/meetings.

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