For anyone owning or considering purchasing land in Southern Oregon, understanding how boundaries are managed isn’t just academic — it can make or break a development, sale, or use of your property. Property lines in Southern Oregon are governed in unincorporated Jackson County by the Land Development Ordinance (LDO), a local rulebook that ensures land changes are orderly, lawful, and consistent with county goals.
One critical portion of this ordinance appears in Chapter 3, under the section dealing with property line adjustments and encroachments. While the ordinance covers many topics related to land use review and approvals, this section specifically clarifies when and how property boundaries can be moved or modified without creating new lots — and what criteria must be met to do so.
What Is a Property Line Adjustment?
What Is a Property Line Adjustment?A property line adjustment (PLA) allows landowners to relocate the common boundary line between adjacent parcels without creating additional lots or parcels. In practical terms, this means two neighbors might agree to move a shared line so that a building, driveway, or other improvement sits wholly on one parcel instead of straddling both — or to even up acreage between them — without going through the more intense process required for a subdivision.
This flexibility can be crucial in rural Southern Oregon, where older parcels may have irregular lines, legacy survey errors, or improvements close to boundary lines. Rather than forcing landowners into costly, time-consuming subdivision procedures, PLAs provide a targeted tool for boundary refinement while still complying with county standards.
How the Process Works
Who Reviews It
The procedure for a PLA under the LDO depends on the land involved:
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Non-resource lands (land not zoned for significant natural resource uses) typically go through a streamlined, ministerial process (Type 1 review).
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Resource lands — such as farm or forest zones where protections are stricter — require a more involved Type 2 review with more criteria and oversight.
Application Requirements
To apply for a property line adjustment, the applicant must submit a scaled plot plan showing:
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All existing and proposed property lines,
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The location of structures (homes, garages, barns), wells, septic systems, and easements,
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Distances to existing and new boundary lines,
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Approximate location of watercourses and any areas subject to inundation or overflow.
Both property owners (if ownership differs) must sign the application, and if the adjustment moves critical improvements like septic systems or driveways onto a different parcel, the county will require appropriate easements to ensure ongoing access and legal use.
If approved, the adjusted property line must generally be surveyed and monumented (marked in the field by a licensed surveyor) in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes before the new boundaries can be recorded — unless both parcels are larger than 10 acres, which may waive that requirement.
Approval Criteria — What Jackson County Looks For
Jackson County won’t approve a property line adjustment that undermines land-use standards or creates legal problems. Approval criteria for PLAs typically include:
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Legal Creation of Parcels: Each parcel involved must have been lawfully created in accordance with county standards.
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No New Parcels: The adjustment must not result in the creation of new lots — the total number of parcels remains the same.
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Compliance with Zoning Standards: After the adjustment, each parcel must meet minimum parcel size and zoning requirements — or, if non-conforming before adjustment, not become more non-conforming.
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Setbacks and Improvements: Septic systems, wells, and structures must meet applicable setbacks; if not, adjustments shouldn’t exacerbate these conditions.
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Restrictions on “Making Buildable” Parcels: In many cases, the county cannot allow a boundary shift if it takes a parcel that wasn’t buildable under setback and size standards and makes it buildable simply through the adjustment.
These criteria serve both legal and planning purposes — protecting public health, managing resources responsibly, and avoiding land use disputes in the future.
Why This Matters for Landowners in Southern Oregon
If you own or plan to buy property, property lines in Southern Oregon aren’t just lines on a map — they influence what you can build, how you access infrastructure, and how your land interacts with neighboring properties. A property line adjustment can:
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Correct inaccuracies from historic surveys,
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Solve encroachment issues without expensive subdivision,
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Help align improvements with parcel ownership,
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Enable small modifications to the property shape while staying compliant.
Without following the county’s rules for adjustments, property owners risk legal challenges, denied permits, or complications when selling or financing their land. Working with experienced planners and surveyors familiar with Jackson County’s LDO — like the team at Richard Stevens & Associates — can help ensure that boundary modifications are executed properly and efficiently.
Before You Invest, Get Professional Advice
Before purchasing property or investing in developing land you already own, it’s critical to understand property lines in Southern Oregon and the specific standards for adjustments in Jackson County. These rules directly impact what you can build, how land can be used, and whether future improvements or sales move forward smoothly. Misunderstanding property line regulations can lead to costly delays, legal disputes, or development limitations that could have been avoided with early professional guidance.
Whether you’re considering a land purchase, correcting an existing boundary issue, or planning future development, consulting with Richard Stevens & Associates early can protect your investment, enhance land usability, and keep your project on track. Reach out today to gain clarity, avoid surprises, and make informed decisions about your property in Southern Oregon.