Land use laws are a critical yet often overlooked aspect of property ownership and development. Land use law misunderstandings can result in costly delays, legal battles, or even the inability to use the property as intended. Richard Stevens & Associates, serving clients across Southern Oregon and Northern California, specializes in navigating the complexities of land […]
Zoning Laws
How to Obtain a Rural Land Use Permit
A rural land use permit is key to unlocking the potential of your rural property. Whether planning to build a home, start a farm, or develop a small business, you’ll need to obtain a rural land use permit before you begin. This permit ensures your project aligns with local zoning regulations and environmental standards. While […]
Thinking About Dividing Your Property? What You Need to Know.
Dividing your property can be an effective way to maximize its potential, generate income, or prepare for family inheritances. But property division isn’t as simple as drawing a line on a map and selling off a portion. It requires several legal, financial, and logistical considerations. Here are the key factors you need to know before […]
Is Your Lot Legal? How to Prove Lot Legality
When buying, selling, or developing land, proving your lot legality is essential. Whether you’re purchasing an undeveloped lot, planning to build a new home, or subdividing property, verifying that the land is legal for use and development can save you from significant legal and financial consequences. Here, we’ll walk you through how to prove lot […]
Land Management Overlays: What Are They?
When purchasing or developing property, it’s important to consider any land management overlays. These overlays are an essential tool for urban planning and environmental conservation, determining how specific areas of land are utilized, preserved, and developed. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and why are they so important? Let’s dive in. What […]
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. […]
Understanding Oregon SB 1537 and Its Impact on Land Developers
Oregon has long been recognized for its robust land use planning policies designed to balance growth with environmental preservation. Senate Bill 1537 (SB 1537), passed in 2024, marks a significant development in the state’s ongoing efforts to address its housing crisis. This legislation, part of Governor Tina Kotek’s housing initiative, introduces substantial changes to increase […]
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 […]
Land Use Law Misunderstandings Can Be a Mess
Development plans involving land use are often complex and subject to a multitude of regulations, zoning laws, and environmental considerations. Land use law misunderstandings can significantly hinder or even derail development projects, causing delays, added costs, and legal issues. Here are some of the ways misunderstandings about these regulations can slow down or destroy development […]