Oregon Land Use Regulations for Wineries

Southern Oregon is home to many wonderful industries, but some of the characteristics that make the land so unique are the climate and fertile soil.  Because of those aspects, our lands are full of potential for farming, and one of the fastest growing industries in our area is producing wine.  Best of all, land in this part of the state is still relatively affordable, allowing many individuals to enter this industry who wouldn’t have the financial resources to our north or in grape-growing regions of California.  Before entering this booming industry, it’s essential to understand Oregon land use regulations for wineries.

Up north, the Willamette Valley is well known for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but our Southern Oregon region has expanded into over 70 varieties of wines because of the perfect condition for growing grapes.  Over the past decade, wine grape production in our region has increased by 313%–a clear indication that wine production will continue to be a successful venture for many local grape farmers and winemakers.  

What are some restrictions for grape farming and winemaking in Oregon?

ORS 215.452 contains the regulations for wineries in our state.  According to the provisions, a winery may be established as a permitted use on land zoned for exclusive farm use under ORS 215.213 (1)(p) and 215.283 (1)(n) or on land zoned for mixed farm and forest use (with additional stipulations based on winery production and plot size.)

This code also allows a winery to conduct other business within limitations such as:

• Marketing and selling wine produced in conjunction with the winery,
• Wine tastings, vineyard tours, and hosted events,
• Selling other foods to be paired with wine consumption,
• Hosting events for charities in which the winery doesn’t charge a rental fee for the venue,
• And other similar activities.

This regulation limits “agri-tourism and other commercial events” hosted at the winery to prevent disruption to uses on neighboring lands.  Outdoor concerts, events focusing on education, culture, health or lifestyles, facility rentals, and celebratory gatherings are all included as agri-tourism and other commercial events. For example, there are a limited amount of days a winery can carry out these activities, and the local government has the right to set limits for the number of attendees, hours of operation, access and parking, traffic management, noise management, and sanitation and solid waste.

As is popular for many wineries, the regulation allows a bed and breakfast facility, defined as a home occupation, to be on the same tract of land as a winery that meets the requirements of ORS 215.452.  Yet, there are some rules many new business people may be unaware of, such as the limitation that only two meals per day be served to registered guests–although they can be served at the B&B or the winery facilities.  

Learn more about Oregon land use regulations for wineries from Richard Stevens & Associates.

If you’re interested in using a parcel of land for a new purpose, contact the professionals at Richard Stevens & Associates.  We assist our clients with all work related to rural and urban land use planning permits and zoning laws. Our team will work to understand your needs and help you understand the legal processes involved to help you achieve your goals.