Hermiston City Council Approves 810 Acre Urban Growth Boundary Expansion

The Hermiston City Council on Monday approved expanding the city’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) by about 810 acres in the South Hermiston Industrial Park to allow for future large-scale data centers.  The Council also approved annexation of the area Monday, which expands the physical size of the city by nearly 20%.

“This is a big step for us.  It opens our area up to more growth, and it is important that we make those accommodations and circumstances for where jobs can be created,” said Doug Primmer, Mayor.

The action amends the city’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning maps to include the new industrial land and applies Heavy Industrial (M-2) zoning with a Hyperscale Data Center overlay. The ordinance now moves to the Umatilla County Planning Commission for co-adoption at it’s September meeting, and the Board of County Commissioners at their first meeting in October for co-adoption and amendment of the county’s plan and zoning maps. 

The expansion follows the city’s 2024 Economic Opportunities Analysis, which identified a shortage of large industrial parcels over 100 acres within the existing UGB. The shortage identified specifically is hyperscale data centers, which could bring significant economic investment.

“I know that many people are concerned about the influx of people to fill new jobs being created in the community, but I’m hopeful that with the job training programs through Blue Mountain Community College that our local constituents will fill those jobs in the long run,” said Roy Barron, City Councilor.

Council held a public hearing on Aug. 25 and approved the first reading of the ordinance by a 7-1 vote before adopting it 7-1 on Monday. 

The full agenda item, with exhibits, can be accessed HERE.