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Hearing scheduled on wetlands rules Medford defers vote, but will take testimony Meets tonight WHO : Medford City Council WHAT : Public hearing on ordinances that would restrict development along stream banks and in wetlands WHEN : 7 tonight WHERE : Medford City Hall council chambers By CHRIS BRISTOL The Medford City Council will take more testimony tonight on a controversial set of ordinances designed to protect wetlands and three city streams. Even so, a final vote on the matter has been postponed for the second time in two months. The proposed ordinances, which would restrict development and new construction, made headlines starting in August when residents who live along Larson Creek complained about their rights and the effect such regulations could have on property values. The rules create a 50-foot setback along Bear, Larson and Lone Pine creeks, which have been designated "fish-bearing streams" by state biologists. Similar protection has been proposed for 20 or so "locally significant" wetlands scattered throughout the city. Following two public hearings and several study sessions, the Planning Commission grandfathered in uses such as fence-building and lawn fertilizing that were originally prohibited. New construction, such as pools, is still prohibited within the setbacks. City planners believed the revisions would satisfy most homeowners, but the council put off a vote last month when lawyers representing businesses such as Rogue Valley Manor and Sterling Business Forms complained. The City Council is expected to postpone a vote again tonight while planners review the ordinance, particularly the wetlands rules, with developers and a representative of the state Land Conservation and Development Commission. The ordinances are part of the city's effort to update its comprehensive plan. Since the last update 12 years ago, state and federal environmental rules have become more restrictive. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA