Landslide hazards in Oregon are a severe threat to property and human life. Landslides are any mass of soil, rock, or debris that moves down a slope or stream channel. They can occur when driving forces exceed resisting forces, causing earth materials to fall, slide, or flow down a slope. Two types of forces are […]
Urban and Rural Zone Districts
Navigating Land Use Regulations for Commercial Business
Richard Stevens & Associates works with many commercial business owners who have encountered unexpected challenges related to land use regulations after purchasing or leasing property. These challenges can significantly impact a business’s ability to operate and thrive, so it’s essential to research and understand the applicable regulations before signing any contracts or agreements. In this […]
What to Know About Remodeling an Attic into Living Space
As families grow and needs evolve, many people look for creative ways to increase the usable living space of their existing homes. One solution is to convert an attic into a bedroom, game room, movie room, or other living space. When considering remodeling an attic into living space, it’s essential to understand the specific building […]
Can I Camp on my Rural Property in Oregon?
Southern Oregon is abundant with rural properties: some wooded, some flat and open, and some with natural or man-made ponds. Oregonians enjoy many freedoms that come with owning acres of rural property with nary a neighbor in sight. With so many beautiful properties in the state, a popular question many landowners ask us is, “Can […]
Fuelbreak Laws in Oregon
Are you planning to build a home on rural property? Depending on the setting, local zoning laws and regulations could impact where you can place structures on the land. Fuelbreak laws in Oregon impact rural property owners and are designed to protect property against the dangers of wildfires. If you’re planning to build on land […]
Riparian Areas and Land Use Planning
Statewide land use planning goals and regulations are intended to help protect our natural resources and allocate sufficient room for population growth and community development. These laws strive to create a balance between conservation and expansion. In Oregon, our residents enjoy beautiful and diverse environments, from majestic mountainscapes to coastal beaches and desert plains. Regardless […]
Urban Growth Boundary Information for Oregon Development
The ability to build a structure or develop a parcel of property is constrained by zoning laws, but it is also limited by a city’s urban growth boundary. In recent years, urban growth boundaries have become scrutinized as more regions suffer housing shortages (and consequently higher home and rent costs). What is the urban growth […]
Considering Opening an Air B&B in Southern Oregon?
Many tourists flock to Southern Oregon every year. Our region is filled with outdoor activities to fulfill many interests, from hiking to skiing and whitewater rafting. With nearly 200 days of sunshine each year, there’s plenty of time for visitors to spend their days enjoying nature. For those preferring something a bit more relaxed, our […]
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Driveway?
It’s commonly known that building a home requires a bevy of permits and approvals, starting with the initial blueprints and down to the last electrical work. However, many new property owners might not be aware that building a driveway also often requires a permit. If you’re purchasing an undeveloped parcel of land, it’s a good […]
Oregon’s Forestland Program
Forestry remains one of the largest industries in Oregon. Our state is the largest softwood lumber producer in the United States. Forests cover nearly 50% of Oregon’s land, and about half of that is managed as national forest zones. Forestland in Oregon is defined by statute and includes 19 western counties: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, […]