When you’re planning new construction on a parcel of land, there are a lot of considerations. Many of those will regulate where you can place your building. It’s not surprising that commercial construction comes with a long list of requirements, but even residential homes in rural areas are subject to several rules, like setbacks, easements, […]
Can I Cut Down Trees on my Property? Maybe and Maybe Not.
Whether you own a piece of property already or you’re considering purchasing land for new development, you may be wondering if you can cut down one or more trees for a variety of reasons. Trees are essential to our natural environment: they help convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, serve as a habitat for wildlife, and […]
Did you know that local land use planning regulations are part of broader statewide planning goals?
Before the 1960s, there was little statewide coordination of land use provisions in place. The State was growing in population quickly as families continued to move west. Additionally, Oregon and Washington became homes to families beginning to move out of Southern Californian neighborhoods that were quickly becoming densely populated. As a result, during the 1960s […]
You Might Need a Water Rights Permit
In Oregon, naturally found water is owned by the public–whether in a river, lake, or flowing underground. That means there are regulatory hoops to jump through to use water flowing near your property or to dig a well for pumping underground water to the surface. Oregon’s water rights are granted and managed by the Water […]
Zoning Regulations: What Can I Do With My Property?
Congratulations! You’ve either purchased or are aspiring to buy land in Southern Oregon. With beautiful views of mountain vistas or riverfront access and recreational opportunities, the land in Southern Oregon is some of the most desired ground in all of America. Yet, buyer beware–owning property does not come with the right to do anything you […]
What Happens If My Lot is in a Flood Plain?
In Jackson County, Oregon, the Planning Department relies on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) panels to determine which properties reside within flood plains. This is a very typical process for most local planning departments. Flood plains are simply areas that are at risk for natural flooding from a nearby waterway. FEMA develops and updates […]