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 […]
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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 […]
What is GIS and Why Does It Matter?
When it comes to land use planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play an increasingly important role. Urban expansion, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development all require meticulous planning, and GIS is a powerful tool that has transformed how planners go about this land use planning. But what exactly is GIS, and why is it such a […]
The Role of a Land Use Consultant in Sustainable Development
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a critical part of responsible development. Whether planning to build residential communities, commercial spaces, or industrial complexes, sustainability is central to both environmental responsibility and long-term financial viability. To ensure that your project adheres to best practices, engages with local communities, and complies with evolving regulations, […]
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 […]
Uncovering the Hidden Costs with a Land Use Feasibility Study
One of the most crucial steps in embarking on a new development project is conducting a land use feasibility study. This comprehensive analysis assesses factors like zoning regulations, environmental impact, and market demand, helping to determine whether the project is viable. However, as developers and investors dig deeper into these studies, they often uncover hidden […]
Thinking of Annexing Your Property? What You Need to Know
Annexing your property into city limits can bring significant benefits, but it’s not a decision to be made lightly. Your lifestyle, finances, and property value will all be affected by this decision. It is important for a homeowner, business owner, or developer to weigh the pros and cons of annexing your property before making this […]
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. […]