Owning property in Southern Oregon comes with breathtaking scenery, natural resources, and development opportunities. Yet, it also means navigating land use laws to protect the area’s rich wildlife. In particular, Chapter 7 of the Jackson County Land Development Ordinance outlines special rules for deer and elk habitats. These rules can significantly affect how property owners […]
Jackson County
Understanding Land Development Ordinances: Types of Applications
When you own land or are considering building a home in Jackson County, Oregon, you may run into the term “Types of Applications” in the county ordinances. At first glance, the rules about land use applications can feel overwhelming—full of legal references and technical terms. But at Richard Stevens & Associates, our goal is to […]
Can I Build a Home on EFU-Zoned Farm Property?
Are you considering building a home on EFU-zoned farm property in Jackson County, Oregon? If so, it’s essential to understand the specific land use laws and zoning restrictions that may apply. While the idea of living on your farmland may sound simple, Oregon has some of the nation’s most rigorous land use protections—especially when it […]
Uncovering the Hidden Costs with a Land Use Feasibility Study
One of the most crucial steps in embarking on a new development project is conducting a land use feasibility study. This comprehensive analysis assesses factors like zoning regulations, environmental impact, and market demand, helping to determine whether the project is viable. However, as developers and investors dig deeper into these studies, they often uncover hidden […]
How Oregon’s Land Use Provisions Protect Farming Operations
For more than four decades, Oregon has been at the forefront of farmland protection in the United States, thanks to its robust land use planning system. These provisions, enshrined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 215.243), are designed to safeguard agricultural lands from urban sprawl, ensuring that farming operations can thrive for generations to come. […]
Neighborhood Associations’ Role in Land Use Planning
Neighborhood associations play a significant and multifaceted role in land use planning, serving as vital conduits between residents and local government. Their influence spans from providing local insight and feedback on development projects to actively participating in shaping community policies and ensuring that the neighborhood’s voices are heard in planning processes. Understanding the extent of […]
What Landowners Wish They Knew about Zoning Regulations
Purchasing land can be an exciting and lucrative venture, but it comes with its share of complexities, especially when it comes to understanding zoning regulations. Zoning regulations dictate how land can be used, which can significantly impact a property’s value and potential uses. Many landowners often realize too late that they were unaware of crucial […]
Property in a Floodplain? What You Need to Know.
Southern Oregon’s scenic landscapes, with its lush forests, winding rivers, and breathtaking valleys, often draw prospective homeowners seeking serenity and natural beauty. However, nestled within this picturesque region are designated floodplains, areas prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. For those considering purchasing property in a floodplain, it’s essential to be well-informed […]
What is the Minimum Lot Size in Oregon?
As our communities grow and evolve, current and prospective landowners often have questions about zoning regulations, including details about lot sizes. Rules about lot sizes impact opportunities, such as whether they can be subdivided or multiple homes can be built on a parcel of land. At Richard Stevens & Associates, we help our clients understand […]
Zoning Determinations in Southern Oregon and Their Impact
Zoning determinations play a crucial role in shaping land use and development in Southern Oregon, as they do in many other regions. These determinations, made by local government bodies, establish the permitted uses, building requirements, and development regulations for specific areas within a municipality. Understanding zoning determinations is vital for property owners in Southern Oregon, […]