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 […]
State of Oregon
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 […]
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 […]
Can You Build a Shop in Your Backyard in Oregon?
Homeowners in Oregon have many good questions about what they can do with their property. One of the reasons people choose to buy a rural property or move to older neighborhoods with larger lots is because they want room for hobbies or work-from-home activities. Adding an external, free-standing building to your property can give you […]
What to Consider Before Renovating a Historic Home
A historic home carries its stories and illustrates design styles from generations in the past. Homeowners in designated districts or those whose homes otherwise qualify for historic preservation status enjoy being an enduring part of the heritage of their communities. However, historic designations come with many rules and regulations that impact homeowners, particularly when it comes […]
Do Zoning Laws Impact Housing Prices
For decades, zoning laws have been an essential part of community development and growth. Los Angeles was one of the first major cities to implement zoning laws in 1904 and was quickly followed by New York City in 1916. There are many purposes of zoning laws, but some of the most important include: Maintaining consistency […]
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. […]
Don’t Get Fenced in with Property Line Laws in Oregon
Just because you own a parcel of land doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want with it. Easements, setbacks, and other land use provisions regulate what you can build and where structures can be placed. New property owners may also be taken off guard by property laws in Oregon concerning property lines and fences. […]
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 […]
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 […]