Protect Iconic Farmland Outside Sisters

Rural Lands
Written By CO LandWatch

Two property owners apply to convert historic Lazy Z Ranch lands for development outside the UGB

Deschutes County is considering rezoning two beloved farm properties off Highway 20, between the sculpture of galloping horses and the city of Sisters. 

The properties in question are between the Running Horses sculpture and the city of Sisters, Oregon.

These two adjacent properties are part of a century-old farm, the historic Lazy Z Ranch, and are the foreground of stunning Three Sisters views. The two applications would rezone these properties to allow the division of large parcels of farmland for development, benefiting private interests at the expense of our region’s goals to protect farmland, scenic views, and to set clear boundaries around our cities and towns. 

Here’s why LandWatch opposes rezoning these two properties:

  • Both properties are agricultural land protected by Goal 3 (Agricultural Lands) for exclusive farm use. They are suitable for a wide range of crops and livestock. Maintaining EFU zoning of these properties is necessary for the current and future farm use of nearby farm properties. The properties were integral to the historic 1,400-acre Lazy Z Ranch that produced pasture, crops, horses, cattle, and other livestock beginning at the turn of the last century.

  • The properties are essential to the scenic view from Highway 20 of the Cascades and the Three Sisters, which give the city of Sisters its name. The scenic view is protected by law under Deschutes County’s program to achieve Goal 5 (Natural Resources, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Open Spaces). The County should not mar these beloved, expansive views with new development.

  • The applications would urbanize rural land in violation of Goal 14 (Urbanization). The properties are adjacent to an existing UGB and would frustrate the purpose of the UGB by allowing unnecessary development on rural farmland and stretching public services and infrastructure beyond the UGB.

  • The proposed zone would conflict with the Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan at Policy 3.3.1 and with state law at OAR 660-004-0040, which protect the resource values of rural lands by restricting residential development outside a UGB.

How to submit comments

Tell the County what these views and farmlands mean to you and your family. Use the form below, or send comments by email to Carolyn House, Senior Planner, Caroline.House@deschutes.org.

Submit Comments By: May 20, 2026

Note: all comments are viewable as part of the public record.

Additional Background

CO LandWatch
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