Every parcel of land has boundaries or “lot lines” defined by surveyors and recorded within the city or county records. A property owner may want to adjust lot line boundaries for many reasons. Sometimes an owner desires to combine properties … Continue reading
Thoughts
Why Subdivide a Property?
Mark Twain said, “Buy land; they’re not making it anymore.” While thankfully, there is plenty of land in Oregon for us to enjoy, Twain is absolutely right. Land is one thing there will never be more of, so owning a … Continue reading
Can I Raise Chickens in My Yard?
When you think of land-use planning, you probably don’t think of city ordinances that control issues like outside burning and backyard livestock. Yet understanding the city ordinances that apply to these situations may be important to you when choosing a … Continue reading
What is Inclusionary Zoning?
One of the many types of zoning policies is inclusionary zoning. The purpose of inclusionary zoning is to encourage real estate developers to build more units appropriately priced for low and moderate-income people and families. In most communities, this is … Continue reading
Types of Land Use Regulations in Oregon
Communities throughout Oregon develop specific land use regulations to best meet the needs of their areas. These plans and accompanying rules are created through a process that involves collecting data, community member feedback, long-range forecasting, and decision-making. By developing a … Continue reading
What Happens if You Violate Zoning Laws?
Zoning regulations outline how you can develop a property, but what happens if you violate zoning laws? On the most general level, zoning laws indicate which properties can be used for commercial, industrial, and residential purposes. Yet drill down further, … Continue reading
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, … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading