The gentle, rolling hills of Southern Oregon are a treasure trove of picturesque landscapes and tranquil settings, making it the perfect place to turn your rural property into a captivating wedding venue. As you’ll soon discover, the region’s natural beauty, combined with a touch of creativity and some practical know-how, can create unforgettable experiences for […]
Jackson County
Tips for Resolving a Boundary Dispute or Encroachment
Property boundary disputes or encroachments can be a source of stress and conflict for property owners in Southern Oregon. These disputes can arise for various reasons, such as unclear property lines, disagreements over easements, or unauthorized use of a neighbor’s property. If you are facing a property boundary dispute or encroachment, there are several steps […]
Living in an Unincorporated Community in Oregon
In Oregon, it’s common to have unincorporated areas- inside city limits or outside a city’s borders. Unincorporated communities are parcels of land that exist outside the jurisdiction of any city or town–meaning they are not regulated by the surrounding or nearby city’s governments. Unincorporated communities do not have local governments and rely on other communal […]
Understanding Floodplain Determination in Southern Oregon
Floodplain determination is a crucial aspect of land use planning and development, as it helps communities understand their flood risk and make informed decisions about reducing or managing that risk. This article provides an overview of how floodplain determination works in Jackson County, Oregon. How are Floodplains Determined? Floodplains are determined using Flood Insurance Rate […]
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 […]
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 is an “Area of Special Concern” for Southern Oregon Properties
State and municipal planning ordinances and codes regulate how a property can be used or altered. One provision that may limit the approved land uses is termed “area of special concern.” In general, an area of special concern is a section of land containing protected wildlife and vegetation or is designated as a historic resource. […]
Wondering How to Change Zoning Regulations for Your Property?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]