In June 2021, the State of Oregon Employment Department published a report illustrating the growth of the state’s legal marijuana industry. In April 2021, recreational marijuana sales hit a record high (at that time) of $110.5 million–a 23.5% increase as compared to the same month a year earlier. Not surprisingly, harvest productions are also on […]
Basics of Zoning Laws for Small Businesses
Owning a small business is hard work. Not only do you have to manage the day-to-day operation, but you must also be proficient in everything from employment laws to community networking. One area that many business people struggle with is navigating zoning laws. Zoning laws or ordinances are rules within your city or county that […]
Preparing to Testify at a Land Use Hearing
When a significant land use change is requested, the municipal code often requires a hearing where all parties have the opportunity to express their views. For example, one of the goals of Oregon’s statewide land use planning strategy recognizes the importance of citizen involvement “in all phases of the planning process.” Providing testimony at local […]
Lot Line Adjustments in Oregon
Every parcel of land has boundaries or “lot lines” defined by surveyors and recorded within the city or county records. A property owner may want to adjust lot line boundaries for many reasons. Sometimes an owner desires to combine properties into a single parcel or sell a portion of his land to a neighbor. Lot […]
Why Subdivide a Property?
Mark Twain said, “Buy land; they’re not making it anymore.” While thankfully, there is plenty of land in Oregon for us to enjoy, Twain is absolutely right. Land is one thing there will never be more of, so owning a substantial parcel of property is valuable. Yet, if you’re not planning to use the land […]
Can I Raise Chickens in My Yard?
When you think of land-use planning, you probably don’t think of city ordinances that control issues like outside burning and backyard livestock. Yet understanding the city ordinances that apply to these situations may be important to you when choosing a place to live. They regulate what you can do with your property and, likewise, what […]
What is Inclusionary Zoning?
One of the many types of zoning policies is inclusionary zoning. The purpose of inclusionary zoning is to encourage real estate developers to build more units appropriately priced for low and moderate-income people and families. In most communities, this is known as “affordable housing.” Throughout the United States, providing more affordable housing has become a […]
Types of Land Use Regulations in Oregon
Communities throughout Oregon develop specific land use regulations to best meet the needs of their areas. These plans and accompanying rules are created through a process that involves collecting data, community member feedback, long-range forecasting, and decision-making. By developing a strategic vision for a community, planning commission members can set goals that inform proper rules […]
What Happens if You Violate Zoning Laws?
Zoning regulations outline how you can develop a property, but what happens if you violate zoning laws? On the most general level, zoning laws indicate which properties can be used for commercial, industrial, and residential purposes. Yet drill down further, and you’ll find they restrict finer details such as how many homes can be built, […]
What to Consider Before Renovating a Historic Home
A historic home carries its stories and illustrates design styles from generations in the past. Homeowners in designated districts or those whose homes otherwise qualify for historic preservation status enjoy being an enduring part of the heritage of their communities. However, historic designations come with many rules and regulations that impact homeowners, particularly when it comes […]