Zoning laws in your area will dictate many aspects of your property–from the minimum lot size to how the land and structures can be used. Often, owners or prospective landowners find that the zoning laws may be outdated and reflect needs and values held by a local in the past. It is possible to change […]
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What You Need to Know about Permits and HOAs Before You Plan Your Custom Built Home
Building a custom home within an already defined development takes much of the guesswork out of planning. Yet, there are still many hurdles and challenges to overcome. While you will have less to worry about in terms of access to utilities, there are many items for you to consider before you go too far down […]
Is Upzoning Good for Oregonians?
Throughout the United States, concerns about the availability and pricing of homes have moved to the forefront of city planners and legislators–particularly in urban areas. From 1986 to 2017, the median price of a single-family detached home increased from 370% of the median annual income to 410%. In short, that means housing prices have grown […]
Are You Considering Purchasing Your First Rural Property?
Owning acres of rural property with complete privacy from your neighbors is alluring to many Southern Oregon residents. Whether you’re searching for a rolling countryside or evergreen tree-filled forest, there’s abundant rural property available for everyone. Yet, owning rural property for the first time can be an eye-opening experience. Urban dwellers may not anticipate some […]
Can I Build a Detached Home Office in my Backyard?
The popularity of adding living space by building sheds and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on one’s property has grown tremendously over the past decade. While some homeowners enjoy having a space for solitude to enjoy yoga, painting, or woodworking, others use the additional living space to house elderly family members or as a source of […]
What Does It Mean if an Oregon Property For Sale Has a Measure 49 Approval on it?
Since its earliest days, Oregon’s city, county, and state governments have strictly regulated land use throughout the state. Land use regulations serve several purposes, from preserving the natural environment to ensuring the most efficient use of space. Unfortunately for many property owners, land-use provisions can change–impacting future development plans and property values. Voters passed Measure […]
What Does it Take to Live Off the Grid in Oregon?
Adventurous homeowners are exploring options to escape being tied down by monthly utility bills and live off the grid. Those with enough land for farming may find they can live reasonably cheaply and leave their traditional 8 to 5 jobs behind. While television shows can make off-the-grid living seem accessible to anyone with enough guts […]
What are the Differences Between Zoning Laws and Building Codes?
In many instances, navigating the complex regulatory environment surrounding land use planning is the most complicated portion of a new build. It seems that a property owner should have nearly complete autonomy to determine how their land is used. In reality, owners are often constrained by many rules that limit all facets of a new […]
What Do You Get From a Land Use Feasibility Analysis?
Building a new property is exciting, but property owners can not use all land for any purpose. Navigating city and county zoning provisions and other restrictions are challenging and confusing. There’s nothing worse than getting part of the way into a project and finding out that there’s a limitation you weren’t aware of to derail […]
Considering the Pros and Cons of Building in a Subdivision versus Undeveloped Land
Building a new home is exciting. For many families, it represents the project of a lifetime. Some homeowners find designing a home within a developed suburban neighborhood an ideal solution, while others yearn to tame a rugged landscape and construct a house without limitations. If you’re beginning the journey and are considering where to build […]