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 […]
Jackson County
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 Often, owners or prospective landowners find that the zoning laws may be outdated and reflect needs and values held by a local in the past.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 […]
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 […]
Setbacks and Easements and No-Build Zones…Oh My!
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 […]