Chapter 215

Chapter 215 — County Land Use Planning; Resource Lands

2023 EDITION

COUNTY LAND USE PLANNING; RESOURCE LANDS

COUNTIES AND COUNTY OFFICERS

COUNTY PLANNING

215.010 Definitions

215.020 Authority to establish county planning commissions

215.030 Membership of planning commission

215.042 Planning director

215.044 Solar access ordinances; purpose; standards

215.047 Effect of comprehensive plan and land use regulations on solar access ordinances

215.050 Comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinances; copies available

215.060 Procedure for action on plan; notice; hearing

215.080 Power to enter upon land

215.090 Information made available to commission

215.100 Cooperation with other agencies

215.110 Recommendations for implementation of comprehensive plan; enactment of ordinances; referral; retroactivity

215.130 Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan; alteration of nonconforming use

(Temporary provisions relating to restoration or replacement of uses lost to 2020 wildfires are compiled as notes following ORS 215.130)

215.135 Expansion of nonconforming school in exclusive farm use zone

215.141 Energy resilience plans

(Temporary provisions relating to county grants for energy resilience plans are compiled as notes following ORS 215.141)

215.170 Authority of cities in unincorporated area

215.185 Remedies for unlawful structures or land use

215.190 Violation of ordinances or regulations

AGRICULTURAL LAND USE

(Exclusive Farm Use Zones)

215.203 Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones; definitions

215.209 Department of Land Conservation and Development database; rural land maps; contents

215.211 Agricultural land; detailed soils assessment; fee

215.212 Soils Assessment Fund; purposes

215.213 Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993; rules

215.215 Reestablishment of nonfarm use

215.218 Certain private hunting preserves not subject to land use approval; complaint procedures

215.223 Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances; notice

215.233 Validity of ordinances and development patterns adopted before September 2, 1963

215.236 Nonfarm dwelling in exclusive farm use zone; qualification for special assessment

215.237 Events or activities conducted by winery in exclusive farm use zone or mixed farm and forest zone

215.238 Attorney fees in action for nuisance or trespass relating to agri-tourism event or activity

215.239 Siting of agri-tourism event or activity

215.243 Agricultural land use policy

215.246 Approval of land application of certain substances; subsequent use of tract of land; consideration of alternatives

215.247 Transport of biosolids to tract of land for application

215.249 Division of land for application of biosolids

215.251 Relationship to other farm uses

215.253 Restrictive local ordinances affecting farm use zones prohibited; exception

215.255 Farm product processing facility; conditions

215.262 Legislative findings related to nonfarm dwellings

215.263 Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones; criteria for approval; rules

215.265 Land divisions; limiting certain causes of action

215.273 Applicability to thermal energy power plant siting determinations

215.274 Associated transmission lines necessary for public service; criteria; mitigating impact of facility

215.275 Utility facilities necessary for public service; criteria; rules; mitigating impact of facility

215.276 Required consultation for transmission lines to be located on high-value farmland

215.277 Farmworker housing; compliance with agricultural land use policy required

215.278 Accessory dwellings for farmworkers; rules

215.279 Farm income standard for dwelling in conjunction with farm use

215.281 Legislative findings related to dwellings in conjunction with commercial dairy farm

215.282 Dwellings in conjunction with commercial dairy farm; rules

215.283 Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties; rules

215.284 Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use; existing lots or parcels; new lots or parcels

215.291 Alteration, restoration or replacement of lawfully established dwelling; conditions; siting; deferral

215.293 Dwelling in exclusive farm use or forest zone; condition; declaration; recordation

215.294 Railroad facilities handling materials regulated under ORS chapter 459 or 466

215.296 Standards for approval of certain uses in exclusive farm use zones; violation of standards; complaint; penalties; exceptions to standards

215.297 Verifying continuity for approval of certain uses in exclusive farm use zones

215.298 Mining in exclusive farm use zone; land use permit

215.299 Policy on mining resource lands

215.301 Blending materials for cement prohibited near vineyards; exception

215.304 Rule adoption; limitations

215.306 Conducting filming activities in exclusive farm use zones

215.311 Log truck parking in exclusive farm use zones; dump truck parking in forest zones or mixed farm and forest zones

215.312 Public safety training facility

(Marginal Lands)

215.316 Termination of adoption of marginal lands

215.317 Permitted uses on marginal land

215.327 Divisions of marginal land

PLANNING AND ZONING HEARINGS AND REVIEW

215.401 Preapplication process for land use approval of disposal site for composting

215.402 Definitions for ORS 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780

215.406 Planning and zoning hearings officers; duties and powers; authority of governing body or planning commission to conduct hearings

215.412 Adoption of hearing procedure and rules

215.416 Permit application; fees; consolidated procedures; hearings; notice; approval criteria; decision without hearing

215.417 Time to act under certain approved permits; extension

215.418 Approval of development on wetlands; notice

(Temporary provisions relating to wetlands in Tillamook County are compiled as notes following ORS 215.418)

215.422 Review of decision of hearings officer or other authority; notice of appeal; fees; appeal of final decision

215.425 Review of decision relating to aggregate resources

215.427 Final action on permit or zone change application; refund of application fees

215.429 Mandamus proceeding when county fails to take final action on land use application within specified time; jurisdiction; notice; peremptory writ

215.431 Plan amendments; hearings by planning commission or hearings officer; exceptions

215.433 Supplemental application for remaining permitted uses following denial of initial application

215.435 Deadline for final action by county on remand of land use decision; exception

215.437 Mandamus proceeding when county fails to take final action within specified time on remand of land use decision

PERMITTED USES IN ZONES

215.438 Transmission towers; location; conditions

215.439 Solar energy systems in residential or commercial zones

215.441 Use of real property for religious activities

215.445 Use of private property for mobile medical clinic

215.446 Renewable energy facility; application; standards; notices

215.447 Photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on high-value farmland

215.448 Home occupations; parking; where allowed; conditions

215.449 Farm brewery; conditions; permissible uses; reporting

215.451 Cider business; conditions; permissible uses; reporting

215.452 Winery; conditions; permissible uses

215.453 Large winery; conditions; permissible uses

215.454 Lawful continuation of certain winery-related uses or structures

215.455 Effect of approval of winery on land use laws

215.456 Siting winery as commercial activity in exclusive farm use zone

215.457 Youth camps allowed in forest zones and mixed farm and forest zones

215.459 Private campground in forest zones and mixed farm and forest zones; yurts; rules

215.461 Guest ranch; conditions; permissible uses; reporting

215.462 Limitations on guest ranch

RURAL RESIDENTIAL USES

215.490 Recreational vehicles on occupied residential properties

215.495 Accessory dwelling units

215.501 Conversion of historic homes to accessory dwelling units

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS

215.503 Legislative act by ordinance; mailed notice to individual property owners required by county for land use actions

215.513 Forwarding of notice to property purchaser

COUNTY CONSTRUCTION CODES

215.605 Counties authorized to adopt housing codes

215.606 Standards for clustered mailboxes in county roads and rights-of-way

215.615 Application and contents of housing ordinances

FARMLAND AND FORESTLAND ZONES

(Lot or Parcel of Record Dwellings)

215.700 Resource land dwelling policy

(Temporary provisions relating to rezoning of farmlands within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region are compiled as notes following ORS 215.700)

215.705 Dwellings in farm or forest zone; criteria; transferability of application

215.710 High-value farmland description for ORS 215.705

215.720 Criteria for forestland dwelling under ORS 215.705

215.730 Additional criteria for forestland dwelling under ORS 215.705

(Other Forestland Dwellings)

215.740 Large tract forestland dwelling; criteria; rules

215.750 Alternative forestland dwelling; criteria

215.755 Other forestland dwellings; criteria

215.757 Accessory dwellings supporting family forestry; conditions

(Other Structures)

215.760 Agricultural buildings on land zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use

(Lot or Parcel Sizes)

215.780 Minimum lot or parcel sizes; land division to establish a dwelling; recordation

215.783 Land division to preserve open space or park; qualification for special assessment

215.785 Exception to minimum lot or parcel sizes

(Review of Lands Zoned for Farm and Forest Use)

215.788 Legislative review of lands zoned for farm and forest use; criteria

215.791 Review of nonresource lands for ecological significance; inventory and protection of ecologically significant nonresource lands; criteria

215.794 Review of county rezoning designations; rules

WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANNING

215.799 Location of dwellings on wildlife habitat land

COUNTY PLANNING

215.010 Definitions. As used in this chapter:

(1) The terms defined in ORS 92.010 shall have the meanings given therein, except that “parcel”:

(a) Includes a unit of land created:

(A) By partitioning land as defined in ORS 92.010;

(B) In compliance with all applicable planning, zoning and partitioning ordinances and regulations; or

(C) By deed or land sales contract, if there were no applicable planning, zoning or partitioning ordinances or regulations.

(b) Does not include a unit of land created solely to establish a separate tax account.

(2) “Tract” means one or more contiguous lots or parcels under the same ownership.

(3) The terms defined in ORS chapters 197 and 197A shall have the meanings given therein.

(4) “Farm use” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.203.

(5) “Recreational structure” means a campground structure with or without plumbing, heating or cooking facilities intended to be used by any particular occupant on a limited-time basis for recreational, seasonal, emergency or transitional housing purposes and may include yurts, cabins, fabric structures or similar structures as further defined, by rule, by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

(6) “Recreational vehicle” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.101.

(7) “The Willamette Valley” is Clackamas, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill Counties and the portion of Benton and Lane Counties lying east of the summit of the Coast Range. [Amended by 1955 c.756 §25; 1963 c.619 §1 (1); 1985 c.717 §4; 1993 c.792 §8; 1999 c.327 §1; 2019 c.585 §19a; 2022 c.54 §15]

215.020 Authority to establish county planning commissions. (1) The governing body of any county may create and provide for the organization and operations of one or more county planning commissions.

(2) This section shall be liberally construed and shall include the authority to create more than one planning commission, or subcommittee of a commission, for a county or the use of a joint planning commission or other intergovernmental agency for planning as authorized by ORS 190.003 to 190.130. [Amended by 1973 c.552 §1; 1975 c.767 §15]

215.030 Membership of planning commission. (1) The county planning commission shall consist of five, seven or nine members appointed by the governing body for four-year terms, or until their respective successors are appointed and qualified; provided that in the first instance the terms of the initial members shall be staggered for one, two, three and four years.

(2) A commission member may be removed by the governing body, after hearing, for misconduct or nonperformance of duty.

(3) Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled by the governing body for the unexpired term.

(4) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation other than reimbursement for duly authorized expenses.

(5) Members of a commission shall be residents of the various geographic areas of the county. No more than two voting members shall be engaged principally in the buying, selling or developing of real estate for profit, as individuals, or be members of any partnership or officers or employees of any corporation that is engaged principally in the buying, selling or developing of real estate for profit. No more than two voting members shall be engaged in the same kind of occupation, business, trade or profession.

(6) The governing body may designate one or more officers of the county to be nonvoting members of the commission.

(7) Except for subsection (5) of this section, the governing body may provide by ordinance for alternative rules to those specified in this section. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §2; 1973 c.552 §2; 1977 c.766 §1]

215.035 [1973 c.552 §10; renumbered 244.135 in 1993]

215.040 [Amended by 1973 c.552 §3; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.042 Planning director. (1) The governing body of each county shall designate an individual to serve as planning director for the county responsible for administration of planning. The governing body shall provide employees as necessary to assist the director in carrying out responsibilities. The director shall be the chief administrative officer in charge of the planning department of the county, if one is created.

(2) The director shall provide assistance, as requested, to the planning commission and shall coordinate the functions of the commission with other departments, agencies and officers of the county that are engaged in functions related to planning for the use of lands within the county.

(3) The director shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body of the county. [1973 c.552 §9]

215.044 Solar access ordinances; purpose; standards. (1) County governing bodies may adopt and implement solar access ordinances. The ordinances shall provide and protect to the extent feasible solar access to the south face of buildings during solar heating hours, taking into account latitude, topography, microclimate, existing development, existing vegetation and planned uses and densities. The county governing body shall consider for inclusion in any solar access ordinance, but not be limited to, standards for:

(a) The orientation of new streets, lots and parcels;

(b) The placement, height, bulk and orientation of new buildings;

(d) Planned uses and densities to conserve energy, facilitate the use of solar energy, or both.

(2) The State Department of Energy shall actively encourage and assist county governing bodies’ efforts to protect and provide for solar access.

(3) As used in this section, “solar heating hours” means those hours between three hours before and three hours after the sun is at its highest point above the horizon on December 21. [1981 c.722 §2]

215.046 [1973 c.552 §11; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.047 Effect of comprehensive plan and land use regulations on solar access ordinances. Solar access ordinances shall not be in conflict with acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations. [1981 c.722 §3]

215.050 Comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinances; copies available. (1) Except as provided in ORS 527.722, the county governing body shall adopt and may from time to time revise a comprehensive plan and zoning, subdivision and other ordinances applicable to all of the land in the county. The plan and related ordinances may be adopted and revised part by part or by geographic area.

(2) Zoning, subdivision or other ordinances or regulations and any revisions or amendments thereof shall be designed to implement the adopted county comprehensive plan.

(3) A county shall maintain copies of its comprehensive plan and land use regulations, as defined in ORS 197.015, for sale to the public at a charge not to exceed the cost of copying and assembling the material. [Amended by 1955 c.439 §2; 1963 c.619 §3; 1973 c.552 §4; 1977 c.766 §2; 1981 c.748 §41; 1987 c.919 §5; 1991 c.363 §1]

215.055 [1955 c.439 §3; 1963 c.619 §4; 1971 c.13 §2; 1971 c.739 §1; 1973 c.80 §43; 1975 c.153 §1; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.060 Procedure for action on plan; notice; hearing. Action by the governing body of a county regarding the plan shall have no legal effect unless the governing body first conducts one or more public hearings on the plan and unless 10 days’ advance public notice of each of the hearings is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, in case the plan as it is to be heard concerns only part of the county, is so published in the territory so concerned and unless a majority of the members of the governing body approves the action. The notice provisions of this section shall not restrict the giving of notice by other means, including mail, radio and television. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §5; 1967 c.589 §1; 1973 c.552 §6]

215.070 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.080 Power to enter upon land. The commission, and any of its members, officers and employees, in the performance of their functions, may enter upon any land and make examinations and surveys and place and maintain the necessary monuments and markers thereon.

215.090 Information made available to commission. Public officials, departments and agencies, having information, maps or other data deemed by the planning commission pertinent to county planning shall make such information available for the use of the commission. [Amended by 1977 c.766 §3]

215.100 Cooperation with other agencies. The county planning commission shall advise and cooperate with other planning commissions within the state, and shall upon request, or on its own initiative, furnish advice or reports to any city, county, officer or department on any problem comprehended in county planning.

215.104 [1955 c.439 §4; 1963 c.619 §6; 1967 c.589 §2; 1973 c.552 §7; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.108 [1955 c.439 §5; 1961 c.607 §1; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.110 Recommendations for implementation of comprehensive plan; enactment of ordinances; referral; retroactivity. (1) A planning commission may recommend to the governing body ordinances intended to implement part or all of the comprehensive plan. The ordinances may provide, among other things, for:

(a) Zoning;

(b) Official maps showing the location and dimensions of, and the degree of permitted access to, existing and proposed thoroughfares, easements and property needed for public purposes;

(c) Preservation of the integrity of the maps by controls over construction, by making official maps parts of county deed records, and by other action not violative of private property rights;

(d) Conservation of the natural resources of the county;

(e) Controlling subdivision and partitioning of land;

(f) Renaming public thoroughfares;

(g) Protecting and assuring access to incident solar energy;

(h) Protecting and assuring access to wind for potential electrical generation or mechanical application; and

(i) Numbering property.

(2) The governing body may enact, amend or repeal ordinances to assist in carrying out a comprehensive plan. If an ordinance is recommended by a planning commission, the governing body may make any amendments to the recommendation required in the public interest. If an ordinance is initiated by the governing body, it shall, prior to enactment, request a report and recommendation regarding the ordinance from the planning commission, if one exists, and allow a reasonable time for submission of the report and recommendation.

(3) The governing body may refer to the electors of the county for their approval or rejection an ordinance or amendments thereto for which this section provides. If only a part of the county is affected, the ordinance or amendment may be referred to that part only.

(4) An ordinance enacted by authority of this section may prescribe fees and appeal procedures necessary or convenient for carrying out the purposes of the ordinance.

(5) An ordinance enacted by authority of this section may prescribe limitations designed to encourage and protect the installation and use of solar and wind energy systems.

(6) No retroactive ordinance shall be enacted under the provisions of this section. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §7; 1973 c.696 §22; 1975 c.153 §2; 1977 c.766 §4; 1979 c.671 §2; 1981 c.590 §7]

215.120 [Amended by 1957 c.568 §2; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.124 [1955 c.683 §§2, 4; 1957 c.568 §3; repealed by 1959 c.387 §1]

215.126 [1955 c.683 §3; 1957 c.568 §1; 1959 c.387 §2; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.130 Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan; alteration of nonconforming use. (1) Any legislative ordinance relating to land use planning or zoning shall be a local law within the meaning of, and subject to, ORS 250.155 to 250.235.

(2) An ordinance designed to carry out a county comprehensive plan and a county comprehensive plan shall apply to:

(a) The area within the county also within the boundaries of a city as a result of extending the boundaries of the city or creating a new city unless, or until the city has by ordinance or other provision provided otherwise; and

(b) The area within the county also within the boundaries of a city if the governing body of such city adopts an ordinance declaring the area within its boundaries subject to the county’s land use planning and regulatory ordinances, officers and procedures and the county governing body consents to the conferral of jurisdiction.

(3) An area within the jurisdiction of city land use planning and regulatory provisions that is withdrawn from the city or an area within a city that disincorporates shall remain subject to such plans and regulations which shall be administered by the county until the county provides otherwise.

(4) County ordinances designed to implement a county comprehensive plan shall apply to publicly owned property.

(5) The lawful use of any building, structure or land at the time of the enactment or amendment of any zoning ordinance or regulation may be continued. Alteration of any such use may be permitted subject to subsection (9) of this section. Alteration of any such use shall be permitted when necessary to comply with any lawful requirement for alteration in the use. Except as provided in ORS 215.215, a county shall not place conditions upon the continuation or alteration of a use described under this subsection when necessary to comply with state or local health or safety requirements, or to maintain in good repair the existing structures associated with the use. A change of ownership or occupancy shall be permitted.

(6) Restoration or replacement of any use described in subsection (5) of this section may be permitted when the restoration or replacement is made necessary by fire, other casualty or natural disaster. Restoration or replacement must be commenced within one year from the occurrence of the fire, casualty or natural disaster. If restoration or replacement is necessary under this subsection, restoration or replacement must be done in compliance with ORS 195.260 (1)(c).

(7)(a) Any use described in subsection (5) of this section may not be resumed after a period of interruption or abandonment unless the resumed use conforms with the requirements of zoning ordinances or regulations applicable at the time of the proposed resumption.

(b) Notwithstanding any local ordinance, a surface mining use continued under subsection (5) of this section is not considered interrupted or abandoned for any period after July 1, 1972, provided:

(A) The owner or operator was issued and continuously renewed a state or local surface mining permit, or received and maintained a state or local exemption from surface mining regulation; and

(B) The surface mining use was not inactive for a period of 12 consecutive years or more.

(c) For purposes of paragraph (b) of this subsection, “inactive” means no aggregate materials were excavated, crushed, removed, stockpiled or sold by the owner or operator of the surface mine.

(d) A use continued under subsection (5) of this section is not considered interrupted or abandoned for any period while a federal, state or local emergency order temporarily limits or prohibits the use or the restoration or replacement of the use.

(8) Any proposal for the verification or alteration of a use under subsection (5) of this section, except an alteration necessary to comply with a lawful requirement, for the restoration or replacement of a use under subsection (6) of this section or for the resumption of a use under subsection (7) of this section shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 215.416. An initial decision by the county or its designate on a proposal for the alteration of a use described in subsection (5) of this section shall be made as an administrative decision without public hearing in the manner provided in ORS 215.416 (11).

(9) As used in this section, “alteration” of a nonconforming use includes:

(a) A change in the use of no greater adverse impact to the neighborhood; and

(b) A change in the structure or physical improvements of no greater adverse impact to the neighborhood.

(10) A local government may adopt standards and procedures to implement the provisions of this section. The standards and procedures may include but are not limited to the following:

(a) For purposes of verifying a use under subsection (5) of this section, a county may adopt procedures that allow an applicant for verification to prove the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use only for the 10-year period immediately preceding the date of application. Evidence proving the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use for the 10-year period preceding application creates a rebuttable presumption that the use, as proven, lawfully existed at the time the applicable zoning ordinance or regulation was adopted and has continued uninterrupted until the date of application.

(b) Establishing criteria to determine when a use has been interrupted or abandoned under subsection (7) of this section.

(c) Conditioning approval of the alteration of a use in a manner calculated to ensure mitigation of adverse impacts as described in subsection (9) of this section.

(11) For purposes of verifying a use under subsection (5) of this section, a county may not require an applicant for verification to prove the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use for a period exceeding 20 years immediately preceding the date of application. [Amended by 1961 c.607 §2; 1963 c.577 §4; 1963 c.619 §9; 1969 c.460 §1; 1973 c.503 §2; 1977 c.766 §5; 1979 c.190 §406; 1979 c.610 §1; 1993 c.792 §52; 1997 c.394 §1; 1999 c.353 §1; 1999 c.458 §1; 1999 c.1103 §10; 2021 c.25 §3]

(Temporary provisions relating to restoration or replacement of uses lost to 2020 wildfires)

Note: Sections 5 and 6, chapter 25, Oregon Laws 2021, provide:

Sec. 5. Restoration or replacement of a use under ORS 215.130 (5) or under city land use regulations that allow the restoration or reestablishment of a nonconforming use, including under section 2 of this 2021 Act [227.283], must commence no later than September 30, 2025, notwithstanding the time limitation under ORS 215.130 (6) or any other local land use regulation if the restoration is for uses that between September 1 and September 30, 2020, were damaged or destroyed by wildfires that were:

(1) The subject of a federal or state major disaster declaration; or

(2) Subject to a Governor’s executive order invocating the Emergency Conflagration Act under ORS 476.510 to 476.610. [2021 c.25 §5]

Sec. 6. Section 5 of this 2021 Act is repealed January 2, 2026. [2021 c.25 §6]

215.135 Expansion of nonconforming school in exclusive farm use zone. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 215.130, 215.213 or 215.283 or any local zoning ordinance or regulation, a public or private school, including all buildings essential to the operation of the school, formerly allowed pursuant to ORS 215.213 (1)(a) or 215.283 (1)(a), as in effect before January 1, 2010, may be expanded provided:

(a) The expansion complies with ORS 215.296;

(b) The school was established on or before January 1, 2009;

(A) On which the school was established; or

(B) Contiguous to and, on January 1, 2015, under the same ownership as the tax lot on which the school was established; and

(d) The school is a public or private school for kindergarten through grade 12.

(2) A county may not deny an expansion under this section upon any rule or condition establishing:

(a) A maximum capacity of people in the structure or group of structures;

(b) A minimum distance between structures; or

Note: 215.135 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.140 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.141 Energy resilience plans. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that each county should plan for and develop energy resilience and be prepared, in the event of major grid disruption, to maintain basic services and functions.

(2) In order to carry out the provisions set forth in subsection (1) of this section, a county may:

(a) Develop and adopt an energy resilience plan; and

(b) Incorporate the energy resilience plan into the county’s applicable natural hazard mitigation plan.

(3) An energy resilience plan developed under this section must:

(a) Be based on and plan for short-term, medium-term and long-term power outages;

(b) Identify and map:

(A) Existing energy infrastructure located within the county, including transmission lines, distribution lines, substations and energy storage systems;

(B) Natural hazard risks; and

(c) Identify potential locations for community resilience centers and communication zones that the public may use to access electricity services during a power outage;

(d) Inventory the energy consumption needs of critical public services facilities;

(e) Identify critical public services facilities where the development of alternate energy generation and storage resources will meet local energy resilience needs;

(f) Identify opportunities to coordinate and locate energy infrastructure development to align with and support critical public services facilities;

(g) Identify time schedules, priorities and potential funding sources for developing energy resilience; and

(h) Identify other actions and resources needed to implement the energy resilience plan.

(4)(a) To identify and map communities that experience social vulnerabilities under subsection (3)(b)(C) of this section, a county shall consult with representatives from local environmental justice communities.

(b) A county shall use the locations of communities that experience social vulnerabilities to prioritize the potential locations of community resilience centers under subsection (3)(c) of this section.

(5) A public utility that is operating or serving customers within the boundaries of a county that is developing an energy resilience plan shall use reasonable efforts to assist with and comply with requests from the county for information regarding energy infrastructure that is located or serving customers within the boundaries of the county, provided that the information is exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.355.

(6) As used in this section, “critical public services facility” includes a facility related to law enforcement, fire protection, health and medical services, sanitation services, fuel and fueling, public works and engineering, public information and communications and emergency response. [2023 c.562 §5]

Note: 215.141 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Note: Sections 6 and 7, chapter 562, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 6. County grants for energy resilience plans. (1) The State Department of Energy shall establish a program for awarding grants to counties to cover the costs of developing energy resilience plans that meet the requirements under section 5 (3) of this 2023 Act [215.141 (3)].

(2) Under the program:

(a) A county shall use grant moneys to cover the costs of developing an energy resilience plan that meets the requirements listed under section 5 (3) of this 2023 Act;

(b) A county may be awarded a total of no more than $50,000;

(d) A county may use grant award moneys to cover:

(A) The salaries and expenses of county employees for the time the employees work on developing an energy resilience plan;

(B) The costs to hire or contract with a technical assistance provider; and

(e) The department may issue grant award moneys to a county or directly to a technical assistance provider or providers hired or contracted by the county.

(3) The department shall establish the:

(a) Application process;

(b) Eligibility criteria for awarding grants;

(d) Requirements for reporting on the use of grant award moneys by grantees.

(4) No later than September 15, 2025, the department shall submit a report in the manner provided by ORS 192.245 to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy. The report must, at a minimum:

(a) Identify the counties that have received grants under the program and describe the status of the counties’ energy resilience plans;

(b) Identify opportunities to incorporate county energy resilience plans into a state energy resilience plan and other planning efforts; and

(c) Make recommendations for improvements to the program and investments that would improve future planning efforts. [2023 c.562 §6]

Sec. 7. Section 6 of this 2023 Act is repealed on January 2, 2026. [2023 c.562 §7]

215.150 [Amended by 1955 c.439 §8; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.160 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.170 Authority of cities in unincorporated area. The powers of an incorporated city to control subdivision and other partitioning of land and to rename thoroughfares in adjacent unincorporated areas shall continue unimpaired by ORS 215.010 to 215.190 and 215.402 to 215.438 until the county governing body that has jurisdiction over the area adopts regulations for controlling subdivision there. Any part of the area subject to the county regulations shall cease to be subject to the two powers of the city, unless otherwise provided in an urban growth area management agreement jointly adopted by a city and county to establish procedures for regulating land use outside the city limits and within an urban growth boundary acknowledged under ORS 197.251. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §10; 1983 c.570 §4]

215.180 [1955 c.439 §6; 1963 c.619 §11; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.185 Remedies for unlawful structures or land use. (1) In case a building or other structure is, or is proposed to be, located, constructed, maintained, repaired, altered, or used, or any land is, or is proposed to be, used, in violation of an ordinance or regulation designed to implement a comprehensive plan, the governing body of the county or a person whose interest in real property in the county is or may be affected by the violation, may, in addition to other remedies provided by law, institute injunction, mandamus, abatement, or other appropriate proceedings to prevent, temporarily or permanently enjoin, abate, or remove the unlawful location, construction, maintenance, repair, alteration, or use. When a temporary restraining order is granted in a suit instituted by a person who is not exempt from furnishing bonds or undertakings under ORS 22.010, the person shall furnish undertaking as provided in ORCP 82 A(1).

(2) The court may allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and expenses in a judicial proceeding authorized by this section that involves a dwelling approved to relieve a temporary hardship. However, if the court allows the plaintiff reasonable attorney fees or expenses, such fees or expenses shall not be charged to the county if the county did not actively defend itself or the landowner in the proceeding.

(3) Nothing in this section requires the governing body of a county or a person whose interest in real property in the county is or may be affected to avail itself of a remedy allowed by this section or by any other law. [1955 c.439 §7; 1963 c.619 §12; 1977 c.766 §6; 1981 c.898 §48; 1983 c.826 §5; 2001 c.225 §1]

215.190 Violation of ordinances or regulations. No person shall locate, construct, maintain, repair, alter, or use a building or other structure or use or transfer land in violation of an ordinance or regulation authorized by ORS 215.010 to 215.190 and 215.402 to 215.438. [1955 c.439 §9; 1963 c.619 §13]

215.200 [1957 s.s. c.11 §1; renumbered 215.285]

AGRICULTURAL LAND USE

(Exclusive Farm Use Zones)

215.203 Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones; definitions. (1) Zoning ordinances may be adopted to zone designated areas of land within the county as exclusive farm use zones. Land within such zones shall be used exclusively for farm use except as otherwise provided in ORS 215.213, 215.283 or 215.284. Farm use zones shall be established only when such zoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan.

(2)(a) As used in this section, “farm use” means the current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by raising, harvesting and selling crops or the feeding, breeding, management and sale of, or the produce of, livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or honeybees or for dairying and the sale of dairy products or any other agricultural or horticultural use or animal husbandry or any combination thereof. “Farm use” includes the preparation, storage and disposal by marketing or otherwise of the products or by-products raised on such land for human or animal use. “Farm use” also includes the current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by stabling or training equines including but not limited to providing riding lessons, training clinics and schooling shows. “Farm use” also includes the propagation, cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of aquatic, bird and animal species that are under the jurisdiction of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, to the extent allowed by the rules adopted by the commission. “Farm use” includes the on-site construction and maintenance of equipment and facilities used for the activities described in this subsection. “Farm use” does not include the use of land subject to the provisions of ORS chapter 321, except land used exclusively for growing cultured Christmas trees or land described in ORS 321.267 (3) or 321.824 (3).

(b) As used in this subsection, “current employment” of land for farm use includes:

(A) Farmland, the operation or use of which is subject to any farm-related government program;

(B) Land lying fallow for one year as a normal and regular requirement of good agricultural husbandry;

(C) Land planted in orchards or other perennials, other than land specified in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, prior to maturity;

(D) Land not in an exclusive farm use zone which has not been eligible for assessment at special farm use value in the year prior to planting the current crop and has been planted in orchards, cultured Christmas trees or vineyards for at least three years;

(E) Wasteland, in an exclusive farm use zone, dry or covered with water, neither economically tillable nor grazeable, lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership with a farm use land and which is not currently being used for any economic farm use;

(F) Except for land under a single family dwelling, land under buildings supporting accepted farm practices, including the processing facilities allowed by ORS 215.255 and the processing of farm crops into biofuel as commercial activities in conjunction with farm use under ORS 215.213 (2)(c) and 215.283 (2)(a);

(G) Water impoundments lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership with farm use land;

(H) Any land constituting a woodlot, not to exceed 20 acres, contiguous to and owned by the owner of land specially valued for farm use even if the land constituting the woodlot is not utilized in conjunction with farm use;

(I) Land lying idle for no more than one year where the absence of farming activity is due to the illness of the farmer or member of the farmer’s immediate family. For purposes of this paragraph, illness includes injury or infirmity whether or not such illness results in death;

(J) Any land described under ORS 321.267 (3) or 321.824 (3); and

(K) Land used for the processing of farm crops into biofuel, as defined in ORS 315.141, if:

(i) Only the crops of the landowner are being processed;

(ii) The biofuel from all of the crops purchased for processing into biofuel is used on the farm of the landowner; or

(iii) The landowner is custom processing crops into biofuel from other landowners in the area for their use or sale.

(c) As used in this subsection, “accepted farm practice” means a mode of operation that is common to farms of a similar nature, necessary for the operation of such farms to obtain a profit in money, and customarily utilized in conjunction with farm use.

(d) As used in this subsection, “cultured Christmas trees” means trees:

(A) Grown on lands used exclusively for that purpose, capable of preparation by intensive cultivation methods such as plowing or turning over the soil;

(B) Of a marketable species;

(C) Managed to meet U.S. No. 2 or better standards for Christmas trees as specified by the Agriculture Marketing Services of the United States Department of Agriculture; and

(D) Evidencing periodic maintenance practices of shearing for Douglas fir and pine species, weed and brush control and one or more of the following practices: Basal pruning, fertilizing, insect and disease control, stump culture, soil cultivation or irrigation. [1963 c.577 §2; 1963 c.619 §1(2), (3); 1967 c.386 §1; 1973 c.503 §3; 1975 c.210 §1; 1977 c.766 §7; 1977 c.893 §17a; 1979 c.480 §1; 1981 c.804 §73; 1983 c.826 §18; 1985 c.604 §2; 1987 c.305 §4; 1989 c.653 §1; 1989 c.887 §7; 1991 c.459 §344; 1991 c.714 §4; 1993 c.704 §1; 1995 c.79 §75; 1995 c.211 §1; 1997 c.862 §1; 2001 c.613 §18; 2003 c.454 §117; 2003 c.621 §67a; 2005 c.354 §1; 2007 c.739 §34; 2009 c.850 §4; 2012 c.74 §1; 2019 c.410 §3]

215.205 [1957 s.s. c.11 §2; renumbered 215.295]

215.207 [1989 c.653 §2; repealed by 1999 c.314 §94]

215.209 Department of Land Conservation and Development database; rural land maps; contents. The Department of Land Conservation and Development shall develop, in conjunction with local governments and other state agencies, a computerized database that is capable of producing county-wide maps that show the diversity of Oregon’s rural lands. The database shall include, at a minimum, information on soil classifications, forest capabilities, irrigated lands, croplands, actual farm use, and plan and zone designations. To create the database, the department shall use the most current soils information from the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service, or its successor agency, and may use any other related information that is readily available. [1999 c.1014 §3]

Note: 215.209 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.210 [Amended by 1955 c.652 §6; renumbered 215.305]

215.211 Agricultural land; detailed soils assessment; fee. (1) If a person concludes that more detailed soils information than that contained in the Web Soil Survey operated by the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service would assist a county to make a better determination of whether land qualifies as agricultural land, the person must request that the Department of Land Conservation and Development arrange for an assessment of the capability of the land by a professional soil classifier who is:

(a) Certified by and in good standing with the Soil Science Society of America; and

(b) Chosen by the person.

(2) A soils assessment produced under this section is not a public record, as defined in ORS 192.311, unless the person requesting the assessment utilizes the assessment in a land use proceeding. If the person decides to utilize a soils assessment produced under this section in a land use proceeding, the person shall inform the Department of Land Conservation and Development and consent to the release by the department of certified copies of all assessments produced under this section regarding the land to the local government conducting the land use proceeding. The department:

(a) Shall review soils assessments prepared under this section.

(b) May not disclose a soils assessment prior to its utilization in a land use proceeding as described in this subsection without written consent of the person paying the fee for the assessment.

(c) Shall release to the local government conducting a land use proceeding all soils assessments produced under this section regarding land to which the land use proceeding applies.

(3) Before arranging for a soils assessment under this section, the department shall charge and collect from the person requesting the assessment a fee in an amount intended to meet the costs of the department to assess the soils and administer this section.

(4) The department shall deposit fees collected under this section in the Soils Assessment Fund established under ORS 215.212.

(5) This section authorizes a person to obtain additional information for use in the determination of whether land qualifies as agricultural land, but this section does not otherwise affect the process by which a county determines whether land qualifies as agricultural land. [2010 c.44 §1; 2013 c.1 §22]

Note: 215.211 and 215.212 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.212 Soils Assessment Fund; purposes. The Soils Assessment Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Soils Assessment Fund shall be credited to the fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Department of Land Conservation and Development to meet the costs of the department to assess soils under and to administer ORS 215.211. [2010 c.44 §2]

Note: See note under 215.211.

215.213 Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993; rules. (1) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), the following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(a) Churches and cemeteries in conjunction with churches.

(b) The propagation or harvesting of a forest product.

(c) Utility facilities necessary for public service, including wetland waste treatment systems but not including commercial facilities for the purpose of generating electrical power for public use by sale or transmission towers over 200 feet in height. A utility facility necessary for public service may be established as provided in:

(A) ORS 215.275; or

(B) If the utility facility is an associated transmission line, as defined in ORS 215.274 and 469.300.

(d) A dwelling on real property used for farm use if the dwelling is occupied by a relative of the farm operator or the farm operator’s spouse, which means a child, parent, stepparent, grandchild, grandparent, stepgrandparent, sibling, stepsibling, niece, nephew or first cousin of either, if the farm operator does or will require the assistance of the relative in the management of the farm use and the dwelling is located on the same lot or parcel as the dwelling of the farm operator. Notwithstanding ORS 92.010 to 92.192 or the minimum lot or parcel size requirements under ORS 215.780, if the owner of a dwelling described in this paragraph obtains construction financing or other financing secured by the dwelling and the secured party forecloses on the dwelling, the secured party may also foreclose on the homesite, as defined in ORS 308A.250, and the foreclosure shall operate as a partition of the homesite to create a new parcel.

(e) Nonresidential buildings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use.

(f) Subject to ORS 215.279, primary or accessory dwellings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use. For a primary dwelling, the dwelling must be on a lot or parcel that is managed as part of a farm operation and is not smaller than the minimum lot size in a farm zone with a minimum lot size acknowledged under ORS 197.251.

(g) Operations for the exploration for and production of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005, including the placement and operation of compressors, separators and other customary production equipment for an individual well adjacent to the wellhead. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (2)(a) or (b).

(h) Operations for the exploration for minerals as defined by ORS 517.750. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (2)(a) or (b).

(i) One manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle, or the temporary residential use of an existing building, in conjunction with an existing dwelling as a temporary use for the term of a hardship suffered by the existing resident or a relative of the resident. Within three months of the end of the hardship, the manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle shall be removed or demolished or, in the case of an existing building, the building shall be removed, demolished or returned to an allowed nonresidential use. The governing body or its designee shall provide for periodic review of the hardship claimed under this paragraph. A temporary residence approved under this paragraph is not eligible for replacement under paragraph (q) of this subsection.

(j) Climbing and passing lanes within the right of way existing as of July 1, 1987.

(k) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways, including the placement of utility facilities overhead and in the subsurface of public roads and highways along the public right of way, but not including the addition of travel lanes, where no removal or displacement of buildings would occur, or no new land parcels result.

(L) Temporary public road and highway detours that will be abandoned and restored to original condition or use at such time as no longer needed.

(m) Minor betterment of existing public road and highway related facilities, such as maintenance yards, weigh stations and rest areas, within right of way existing as of July 1, 1987, and contiguous public-owned property utilized to support the operation and maintenance of public roads and highways.

(n) A replacement dwelling to be used in conjunction with farm use if the existing dwelling has been listed in a county inventory as historic property as defined in ORS 358.480.

(o) Creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands.

(p) A winery, as described in ORS 215.452 or 215.453.

(q) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a lawfully established dwelling, as described in ORS 215.291.

(r) Farm stands if:

(A) The structures are designed and used for the sale of farm crops or livestock grown on the farm operation, or grown on the farm operation and other farm operations in the local agricultural area, including the sale of retail incidental items and fee-based activity to promote the sale of farm crops or livestock sold at the farm stand if the annual sale of incidental items and fees from promotional activity do not make up more than 25 percent of the total annual sales of the farm stand; and

(B) The farm stand does not include structures designed for occupancy as a residence or for activity other than the sale of farm crops or livestock and does not include structures for banquets, public gatherings or public entertainment.

(s) An armed forces reserve center, if the center is within one-half mile of a community college. For purposes of this paragraph, “armed forces reserve center” includes an armory or National Guard support facility.

(t) A site for the takeoff and landing of model aircraft, including such buildings or facilities as may reasonably be necessary. Buildings or facilities shall not be more than 500 square feet in floor area or placed on a permanent foundation unless the building or facility preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. The site shall not include an aggregate surface or hard surface area unless the surface preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. An owner of property used for the purpose authorized in this paragraph may charge a person operating the use on the property rent for the property. An operator may charge users of the property a fee that does not exceed the operator’s cost to maintain the property, buildings and facilities. As used in this paragraph, “model aircraft” means a small-scale version of an airplane, glider, helicopter, dirigible or balloon that is used or intended to be used for flight and is controlled by radio, lines or design by a person on the ground.

(u) A facility for the processing of farm products as described in ORS 215.255.

(v) Fire service facilities providing rural fire protection services.

(w) Irrigation reservoirs, canals, delivery lines and those structures and accessory operational facilities, not including parks or other recreational structures and facilities, associated with a district as defined in ORS 540.505.

(x) Utility facility service lines. Utility facility service lines are utility lines and accessory facilities or structures that end at the point where the utility service is received by the customer and that are located on one or more of the following:

(A) A public right of way;

(B) Land immediately adjacent to a public right of way, provided the written consent of all adjacent property owners has been obtained; or

(y) Subject to the issuance of a license, permit or other approval by the Department of Environmental Quality under ORS 454.695, 459.205, 468B.050, 468B.053 or 468B.055, or in compliance with rules adopted under ORS 468B.095, and as provided in ORS 215.246 to 215.251, the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids, or the onsite treatment of septage prior to the land application of biosolids, for agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural production, or for irrigation in connection with a use allowed in an exclusive farm use zone under this chapter. For the purposes of this paragraph, onsite treatment of septage prior to the land application of biosolids is limited to treatment using treatment facilities that are portable, temporary and transportable by truck trailer, as defined in ORS 801.580, during a period of time within which land application of biosolids is authorized under the license, permit or other approval.

(z) Dog training classes or testing trials, which may be conducted outdoors or in farm buildings in existence on January 1, 2019, when:

(A) The number of dogs participating in training does not exceed 10 dogs per training class and the number of training classes to be held on-site does not exceed six per day; and

(B) The number of dogs participating in a testing trial does not exceed 60 and the number of testing trials to be conducted on-site is limited to four or fewer trials per calendar year.

(aa) A cider business, as described in ORS 215.451.

(bb) A farm brewery, as described in ORS 215.449.

(2) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), the following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use subject to ORS 215.296:

(a) A primary dwelling in conjunction with farm use or the propagation or harvesting of a forest product on a lot or parcel that is managed as part of a farm operation or woodlot if the farm operation or woodlot:

(A) Consists of 20 or more acres; and

(B) Is not smaller than the average farm or woodlot in the county producing at least $2,500 in annual gross income from the crops, livestock or forest products to be raised on the farm operation or woodlot.

(b) A primary dwelling in conjunction with farm use or the propagation or harvesting of a forest product on a lot or parcel that is managed as part of a farm operation or woodlot smaller than required under paragraph (a) of this subsection, if the lot or parcel:

(A) Has produced at least $20,000 in annual gross farm income in two consecutive calendar years out of the three calendar years before the year in which the application for the dwelling was made or is planted in perennials capable of producing upon harvest an average of at least $20,000 in annual gross farm income; or

(B) Is a woodlot capable of producing an average over the growth cycle of $20,000 in gross annual income.

(c) Commercial activities that are in conjunction with farm use, including the processing of farm crops into biofuel not permitted under ORS 215.203 (2)(b)(K) or 215.255.

(d) Operations conducted for:

(A) Mining and processing of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005, not otherwise permitted under subsection (1)(g) of this section;

(B) Mining, crushing or stockpiling of aggregate and other mineral and other subsurface resources subject to ORS 215.298;

(D) Processing of other mineral resources and other subsurface resources.

(e) Community centers owned by a governmental agency or a nonprofit community organization and operated primarily by and for residents of the local rural community, hunting and fishing preserves, public and private parks, playgrounds and campgrounds. Subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, a private campground may provide yurts for overnight camping. No more than one-third or a maximum of 10 campsites, whichever is smaller, may include a yurt. The yurt shall be located on the ground or on a wood floor with no permanent foundation. Upon request of a county governing body, the Land Conservation and Development Commission may provide by rule for an increase in the number of yurts allowed on all or a portion of the campgrounds in a county if the commission determines that the increase will comply with the standards described in ORS 215.296 (1). A public park or campground may be established as provided under ORS 195.120. As used in this paragraph, “yurt” means a round, domed shelter of cloth or canvas on a collapsible frame with no plumbing, sewage disposal hookup or internal cooking appliance.

(f) Golf courses on land determined not to be high-value farmland as defined in ORS 195.300.

(g) Commercial utility facilities for the purpose of generating power for public use by sale. If the area zoned for exclusive farm use is high-value farmland, a photovoltaic solar power generation facility may be established as a commercial utility facility as provided in ORS 215.447. A renewable energy facility as defined in ORS 215.446 may be established as a commercial utility facility.

(h) Personal-use airports for airplanes and helicopter pads, including associated hangar, maintenance and service facilities. A personal-use airport as used in this section means an airstrip restricted, except for aircraft emergencies, to use by the owner, and, on an infrequent and occasional basis, by invited guests, and by commercial aviation activities in connection with agricultural operations. No aircraft may be based on a personal-use airport other than those owned or controlled by the owner of the airstrip. Exceptions to the activities permitted under this definition may be granted through waiver action by the Oregon Department of Aviation in specific instances. A personal-use airport lawfully existing as of September 13, 1975, shall continue to be permitted subject to any applicable rules of the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(i) A facility for the primary processing of forest products, provided that such facility is found to not seriously interfere with accepted farming practices and is compatible with farm uses described in ORS 215.203 (2). Such a facility may be approved for a one-year period which is renewable. These facilities are intended to be only portable or temporary in nature. The primary processing of a forest product, as used in this section, means the use of a portable chipper or stud mill or other similar methods of initial treatment of a forest product in order to enable its shipment to market. Forest products, as used in this section, means timber grown upon a parcel of land or contiguous land where the primary processing facility is located.

(j) A site for the disposal of solid waste approved by the governing body of a city or county or both and for which a permit has been granted under ORS 459.245 by the Department of Environmental Quality together with equipment, facilities or buildings necessary for its operation.

(k)(A) Commercial dog boarding kennels; or

(B) Dog training classes or testing trials that cannot be established under subsection (1)(z) of this section.

(L) Residential homes as defined in ORS 197.660, in existing dwellings.

(m) The propagation, cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of aquatic species that are not under the jurisdiction of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission or insect species. Insect species shall not include any species under quarantine by the State Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture. The county shall provide notice of all applications under this paragraph to the State Department of Agriculture. Notice shall be provided in accordance with the county’s land use regulations but shall be mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to any administrative decision or initial public hearing on the application.

(n) Home occupations as provided in ORS 215.448.

(o) Transmission towers over 200 feet in height.

(p) Construction of additional passing and travel lanes requiring the acquisition of right of way but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(q) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways involving the removal or displacement of buildings but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(r) Improvement of public road and highway related facilities such as maintenance yards, weigh stations and rest areas, where additional property or right of way is required but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(s) A destination resort that is approved consistent with the requirements of any statewide planning goal relating to the siting of a destination resort.

(t) Room and board arrangements for a maximum of five unrelated persons in existing residences.

(u) A living history museum related to resource based activities owned and operated by a governmental agency or a local historical society, together with limited commercial activities and facilities that are directly related to the use and enjoyment of the museum and located within authentic buildings of the depicted historic period or the museum administration building, if areas other than an exclusive farm use zone cannot accommodate the museum and related activities or if the museum administration buildings and parking lot are located within one quarter mile of the metropolitan urban growth boundary. As used in this paragraph:

(A) “Living history museum” means a facility designed to depict and interpret everyday life and culture of some specific historic period using authentic buildings, tools, equipment and people to simulate past activities and events; and

(B) “Local historical society” means the local historical society, recognized as such by the county governing body and organized under ORS chapter 65.

(v) Operations for the extraction and bottling of water.

(w) An aerial fireworks display business that has been in continuous operation at its current location within an exclusive farm use zone since December 31, 1986, and possesses a wholesaler’s permit to sell or provide fireworks.

(x) A landscape contracting business, as defined in ORS 671.520, or a business providing landscape architecture services, as described in ORS 671.318, if the business is pursued in conjunction with the growing and marketing of nursery stock on the land that constitutes farm use.

(y) Public or private schools for kindergarten through grade 12, including all buildings essential to the operation of a school, primarily for residents of the rural area in which the school is located.

(z) Equine and equine-affiliated therapeutic and counseling activities, provided:

(A) The activities are conducted in existing buildings that were lawfully constructed on the property before January 1, 2019, or in new buildings that are accessory, incidental and subordinate to the farm use on the tract; and

(B) All individuals conducting therapeutic or counseling activities are acting within the proper scope of any licenses required by the state.

(aa) Child care facilities, preschool recorded programs or school-age recorded programs that are:

(A) Authorized under ORS 329A.250 to 329A.450;

(B) Primarily for the children of residents and workers of the rural area in which the facility or program is located; and

(3) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established on a lot or parcel with soils predominantly in capability classes IV through VIII as determined by the Agricultural Capability Classification System in use by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service on October 15, 1983. A proposed dwelling is subject to approval of the governing body or its designee in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon written findings showing all of the following:

(a) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming practices on nearby lands devoted to farm use.

(b) The dwelling is situated upon generally unsuitable land for the production of farm crops and livestock, considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage and flooding, location and size of the tract. A lot or parcel shall not be considered unsuitable solely because of its size or location if it can reasonably be put to farm use in conjunction with other land.

(4) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), one single-family dwelling, not provided in conjunction with farm use, may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use on a lot or parcel described in subsection (7) of this section that is not larger than three acres upon written findings showing:

(b) If the lot or parcel is located within the Willamette River Greenway, a floodplain or a geological hazard area, the dwelling complies with conditions imposed by local ordinances relating specifically to the Willamette River Greenway, floodplains or geological hazard areas, whichever is applicable; and

(5) Upon receipt of an application for a permit under subsection (4) of this section, the governing body shall notify:

(a) Owners of land that is within 250 feet of the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be established; and

(b) Persons who have requested notice of such applications and who have paid a reasonable fee imposed by the county to cover the cost of such notice.

(6) The notice required in subsection (5) of this section shall specify that persons have 15 days following the date of postmark of the notice to file a written objection on the grounds only that the dwelling or activities associated with it would force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming practices on nearby lands devoted to farm use. If no objection is received, the governing body or its designee shall approve or disapprove the application. If an objection is received, the governing body shall set the matter for hearing in the manner prescribed in ORS 215.402 to 215.438. The governing body may charge the reasonable costs of the notice required by subsection (5)(a) of this section to the applicant for the permit requested under subsection (4) of this section.

(7) Subsection (4) of this section applies to a lot or parcel lawfully created between January 1, 1948, and July 1, 1983. For the purposes of this section:

(a) Only one lot or parcel exists if:

(A) A lot or parcel described in this section is contiguous to one or more lots or parcels described in this section; and

(B) On July 1, 1983, greater than possessory interests are held in those contiguous lots, parcels or lots and parcels by the same person, spouses or a single partnership or business entity, separately or in tenancy in common.

(b) “Contiguous” means lots, parcels or lots and parcels that have a common boundary, including but not limited to, lots, parcels or lots and parcels separated only by a public road.

(8) A person who sells or otherwise transfers real property in an exclusive farm use zone may retain a life estate in a dwelling on that property and in a tract of land under and around the dwelling.

(9) No final approval of a nonfarm use under this section shall be given unless any additional taxes imposed upon the change in use have been paid.

(10) Roads, highways and other transportation facilities and improvements not allowed under subsections (1) and (2) of this section may be established, subject to the approval of the governing body or its designee, in areas zoned for exclusive farm use subject to:

(a) Adoption of an exception to the goal related to agricultural lands and to any other applicable goal with which the facility or improvement does not comply; or

(b) ORS 215.296 for those uses identified by rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission as provided in section 3, chapter 529, Oregon Laws 1993.

(11) The following agri-tourism and other commercial events or activities that are related to and supportive of agriculture may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(a) A county may authorize a single agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity on a tract in a calendar year by an authorization that is personal to the applicant and is not transferred by, or transferable with, a conveyance of the tract, if the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity meets any local standards that apply and:

(A) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity is incidental and subordinate to existing farm use on the tract;

(B) The duration of the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity does not exceed 72 consecutive hours;

(D) The maximum number of motor vehicles parked at the site of the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity does not exceed 250 vehicles;

(E) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity complies with ORS 215.296;

(F) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity occurs outdoors, in temporary structures, or in existing permitted structures, subject to health and fire and life safety requirements; and

(G) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity complies with conditions established for:

(i) Planned hours of operation;

(ii) Access, egress and parking;

(iii) A traffic management plan that identifies the projected number of vehicles and any anticipated use of public roads; and

(iv) Sanitation and solid waste.

(b) In the alternative to paragraphs (a) and (c) of this subsection, a county may authorize, through an expedited, single-event license, a single agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity on a tract in a calendar year by an expedited, single-event license that is personal to the applicant and is not transferred by, or transferable with, a conveyance of the tract. A decision concerning an expedited, single-event license is not a land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015. To approve an expedited, single-event license, the governing body of a county or its designee must determine that the proposed agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity meets any local standards that apply, and the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity:

(A) Must be incidental and subordinate to existing farm use on the tract;

(B) May not begin before 6 a.m. or end after 10 p.m.;

(D) May not include the artificial amplification of music or voices before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.;

(E) May not require or involve the construction or use of a new permanent structure in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity;

(F) Must be located on a tract of at least 10 acres unless the owners or residents of adjoining properties consent, in writing, to the location; and

(G) Must comply with applicable health and fire and life safety requirements.

(c) In the alternative to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection, a county may authorize up to six agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities on a tract in a calendar year by a limited use permit that is personal to the applicant and is not transferred by, or transferable with, a conveyance of the tract. The agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities must meet any local standards that apply, and the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities:

(A) Must be incidental and subordinate to existing farm use on the tract;

(B) May not, individually, exceed a duration of 72 consecutive hours;

(C) May not require that a new permanent structure be built, used or occupied in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities;

(D) Must comply with ORS 215.296;

(E) May not, in combination with other agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities authorized in the area, materially alter the stability of the land use pattern in the area; and

(F) Must comply with conditions established for:

(i) The types of agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities that are authorized during each calendar year, including the number and duration of the agri-tourism or other commercial events and activities, the anticipated daily attendance and the hours of operation;

(ii) The location of existing structures and the location of proposed temporary structures to be used in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities;

(iii) The location of access and egress and parking facilities to be used in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities;

(iv) Traffic management, including the projected number of vehicles and any anticipated use of public roads; and

(v) Sanitation and solid waste.

(d) In addition to paragraphs (a) to (c) of this subsection, a county may authorize agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities that occur more frequently or for a longer period or that do not otherwise comply with paragraphs (a) to (c) of this subsection if the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities comply with any local standards that apply and the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities:

(A) Are incidental and subordinate to existing commercial farm use of the tract and are necessary to support the commercial farm uses or the commercial agricultural enterprises in the area;

(B) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (c)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this subsection;

(D) Do not exceed 18 events or activities in a calendar year.

(12) A holder of a permit authorized by a county under subsection (11)(d) of this section must request review of the permit at four-year intervals. Upon receipt of a request for review, the county shall:

(a) Provide public notice and an opportunity for public comment as part of the review process; and

(b) Limit its review to events and activities authorized by the permit, conformance with conditions of approval required by the permit and the standards established by subsection (11)(d) of this section.

(13) For the purposes of subsection (11) of this section:

(a) A county may authorize the use of temporary structures established in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities authorized under subsection (11) of this section. However, the temporary structures must be removed at the end of the agri-tourism or other event or activity. The county may not approve an alteration to the land in connection with an agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity authorized under subsection (11) of this section, including, but not limited to, grading, filling or paving.

(b) The county may issue the limited use permits authorized by subsection (11)(c) of this section for two calendar years. When considering an application for renewal, the county shall ensure compliance with the provisions of subsection (11)(c) of this section, any local standards that apply and conditions that apply to the permit or to the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities authorized by the permit.

(c) The authorizations provided by subsection (11) of this section are in addition to other authorizations that may be provided by law, except that “outdoor mass gathering” and “other gathering,” as those terms are used in ORS 197.015 (10)(d), do not include agri-tourism or other commercial events and activities. [1963 c.577 §3; 1963 c.619 §1a; 1969 c.258 §1; 1973 c.503 §4; 1975 c.551 §1; 1975 c.552 §32; 1977 c.766 §8; 1977 c.788 §2; 1979 c.480 §6; 1979 c.773 §10; 1981 c.748 §44; 1983 c.743 §3; 1983 c.826 §6; 1983 c.827 §27b; 1985 c.544 §2; 1985 c.583 §1; 1985 c.604 §3; 1985 c.717 §5; 1985 c.811 §12; 1987 c.227 §1; 1987 c.729 §5; 1987 c.886 §9; 1989 c.224 §25; 1989 c.525 §1; 1989 c.564 §7; 1989 c.648 §59; 1989 c.739 §1; 1989 c.837 §26; 1989 c.861 §1; 1989 c.964 §10; 1991 c.459 §345; 1991 c.866 §1; 1991 c.950 §2; 1993 c.466 §1; 1993 c.469 §5; 1993 c.704 §2; 1993 c.792 §29a; 1995 c.435 §1; 1995 c.528 §1; 1997 c.249 §59; 1997 c.250 §1; 1997 c.276 §1; 1997 c.312 §1; 1997 c.318 §1; 1997 c.363 §1; 1997 c.862 §2; 1999 c.608 §1; 1999 c.640 §1; 1999 c.758 §1; 1999 c.816 §1; 1999 c.935 §20; 2001 c.149 §1; 2001 c.260 §§1,2; 2001 c.488 §1; 2001 c.613 §7; 2001 c.676 §1; 2001 c.757 §1; 2001 c.941 §1; 2003 c.247 §§1,2; 2005 c.22 §§161,162; 2005 c.150 §§1,2; 2005 c.354 §§2,3; 2005 c.609 §§24,25; 2005 c.693 §§1,2; 2007 c.71 §71; 2007 c.541 §1; 2007 c.739 §35; 2009 c.850 §1; 2011 c.459 §2; 2011 c.462 §1; 2011 c.567 §1; 2011 c.679 §7; 2012 c.74 §2; 2013 c.197 §1; 2013 c.242 §3; 2013 c.462 §§4,7; 2017 c.148 §§1,2; 2017 c.253 §§3,4; 2017 c.504 §§3,4; 2018 c.119 §§1,2; 2019 c.244 §§3,4; 2019 c.410 §§6,7; 2019 c.432 §§1,2; 2019 c.440 §6; 2019 c.650 §§5,6; 2021 c.369 §9]

215.214 [1979 c.773 §11; 1983 c.743 §4; 1983 c.826 §10; 1985 c.565 §29; 1987 c.729 §5c; repealed by 1993 c.792 §55]

215.215 Reestablishment of nonfarm use. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 215.130 (5) to (11), if a nonfarm use exists in an exclusive farm use zone and is unintentionally destroyed by fire, other casualty or natural disaster, the county may allow by its zoning regulations such use to be reestablished to its previous nature and extent, but the reestablishment shall meet all other building, plumbing, sanitation and other codes, ordinances and permit requirements.

(2) Consistent with ORS 215.243, the county governing body may zone for the appropriate nonfarm use one or more lots or parcels in the interior of an exclusive farm use zone if the lots or parcels were physically developed for the nonfarm use prior to the establishment of the exclusive farm use zone. [1977 c.664 §41; 1991 c.67 §49; 2021 c.25 §7]

215.218 Certain private hunting preserves not subject to land use approval; complaint procedures. (1) A person who owns a private hunting preserve that was licensed under ORS 497.248 on or before July 28, 2003, and that has not been submitted to the appropriate local governing body or its designee for land use approval may continue to operate the hunting preserve without local land use approval. The hunting preserve may include one sport clay station that existed on July 28, 2003, is used during the hunting season only for shooting practice in conjunction with hunting and is subordinate to the use of the land as a hunting preserve.

(2) A person engaged in farm or forest practices on lands devoted to farm or forest use may file a complaint with the local governing body or its designee, alleging that the operation of the hunting preserve has:

(a)(A) Forced a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; or

(B) Significantly increased the cost of accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; and

(b) Adversely affected the complainant.

(3) The local governing body or its designee shall process a complaint filed under this section in the manner described in ORS 215.296 (4) to (7). [2003 c.616 §2]

Note: 215.218 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.220 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.223 Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances; notice. (1) No zoning ordinance enacted by the county governing body may have legal effect unless prior to its enactment the governing body or the planning commission conducts one or more public hearings on the ordinance and unless 10 days’ advance public notice of each hearing is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, in case the ordinance applies to only a part of the county, is so published in that part of the county.

(2) The notice provisions of this section shall not restrict the giving of notice by other means, including mail, radio and television.

(3) In effecting a zone change the proceedings for which are commenced at the request of a property owner, the governing body shall in addition to other notice give individual notice of the request by mail to the record owners of property within 250 feet of the property for which a zone change has been requested. The failure of the property owner to receive the notice described shall not invalidate any zone change.

(4) Notice of a public hearing on a zone change pursuant to the application of a property owner shall be provided to the owner of an airport, defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation as a “public use airport” if:

(a) The name and address of the airport owner has been provided by the Oregon Department of Aviation to the county planning authority; and

(b) The property subject to the zone change application is:

(A) Within 5,000 feet of the side or end of a runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be a “visual airport”; or

(B) Within 10,000 feet of the side or end of the runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be an “instrument airport.”

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, notice of a zone change hearing need not be provided as set forth in subsection (4) of this section if the zone change would only allow a structure less than 35 feet in height and the property is located outside the runway “approach surface” as defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(6) The failure of an airport owner to receive notice that was mailed shall not invalidate any zone change.

(7) Before enacting at the request of a property owner an ordinance that would change the zone of property that includes all or part of a mobile home or manufactured dwelling park as defined in ORS 446.003, the governing body shall give written notice by first class mail to each existing mailing address for tenants of the mobile home or manufactured dwelling park at least 20 days but not more than 40 days before the date of the first hearing on the ordinance. The governing body may require an applicant for such a zone change to pay the costs of such notice. The failure of a tenant to receive a notice which was mailed shall not invalidate any zone change. [1963 c.619 §8; 1967 c.589 §3; 1985 c.473 §14; 1987 c.106 §1; 1989 c.648 §60; 1999 c.935 §21]

215.230 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.233 Validity of ordinances and development patterns adopted before September 2, 1963. Nothing in ORS 215.010, 215.030, 215.050, 215.060, 215.110, 215.130, 215.170, 215.185, 215.190, 215.203, 215.213 and 215.223 and this section shall impair the validity of ordinances enacted prior to September 2, 1963. All development patterns made and adopted prior to that time shall be deemed to meet the requirements of ORS 215.010, 215.030, 215.050, 215.060, 215.110, 215.130, 215.170, 215.185, 215.190, 215.203, 215.213 and 215.223 and this section concerning comprehensive plans. [1963 c.619 §14; 1971 c.13 §3; 1985 c.565 §30; 2001 c.672 §17]

215.236 Nonfarm dwelling in exclusive farm use zone; qualification for special assessment. (1) As used in this section, “dwelling” means a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use.

(2) The governing body or its designee may not grant final approval of an application made under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) for the establishment of a dwelling on a lot or parcel in an exclusive farm use zone that is, or has been, receiving special assessment without evidence that the lot or parcel upon which the dwelling is proposed has been disqualified for special assessment at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 or other special assessment under ORS 308A.315, 321.257 to 321.390, 321.700 to 321.754 or 321.805 to 321.855 and any additional tax imposed as the result of disqualification has been paid.

(3) The governing body or its designee may grant tentative approval of an application made under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) for the establishment of a dwelling on a lot or parcel in an exclusive farm use zone that is specially assessed at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 upon making the findings required by ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7). An application for the establishment of a dwelling that has been tentatively approved shall be given final approval by the governing body or its designee upon receipt of evidence that the lot or parcel upon which establishment of the dwelling is proposed has been disqualified for special assessment at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 or other special assessment under ORS 308A.315, 321.257 to 321.390, 321.700 to 321.754 or 321.805 to 321.855 and any additional tax imposed as the result of disqualification has been paid.

(4) The owner of a lot or parcel upon which the establishment of a dwelling has been tentatively approved as provided by subsection (3) of this section shall, before final approval, simultaneously:

(a) Notify the county assessor that the lot or parcel is no longer being used as farmland or for other specially assessed uses described in subsection (2) or (3) of this section;

(b) Request that the county assessor disqualify the lot or parcel from special assessment under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128, 308A.315, 321.257 to 321.390, 321.700 to 321.754 or 321.805 to 321.855; and

(5) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, a lot or parcel that has been disqualified pursuant to subsection (4) of this section may not requalify for special assessment unless, when combined with another contiguous lot or parcel, it constitutes a qualifying parcel.

(6)(a) A lot or parcel that has been disqualified pursuant to subsection (4) of this section may requalify for wildlife habitat special assessment under ORS 308A.403 to 308A.430 or conservation easement special assessment under ORS 308A.450 to 308A.465 without satisfying the requirements of subsection (5) of this section.

(b) Upon disqualification from wildlife habitat special assessment under ORS 308A.430 or disqualification from conservation easement special assessment under ORS 308A.465, the lot or parcel shall be subject to the requirements of subsection (5) of this section.

(7) When the owner of a lot or parcel upon which the establishment of a dwelling has been tentatively approved notifies the county assessor that the lot or parcel is no longer being used as farmland and requests disqualification of the lot or parcel for special assessment at value for farm use, the county assessor shall:

(a) Disqualify the lot or parcel for special assessment at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 or other special assessment by removing the special assessment;

(b) Provide the owner of the lot or parcel with written notice of the disqualification; and

(8) The Department of Consumer and Business Services, a building official, as defined in ORS 455.715 (1), or any other agency or official responsible for the administration and enforcement of the state building code, as defined in ORS 455.010, may not issue a building permit for the construction of a dwelling on a lot or parcel in an exclusive farm use zone without evidence that the owner of the lot or parcel upon which the dwelling is proposed to be constructed has paid the additional tax, if any, imposed by the county assessor under subsection (7)(c) of this section. [1981 c.748 §46; 1983 c.462 §14; 1983 c.570 §6; 1983 c.826 §23; 1985 c.717 §6; 1985 c.811 §6; 1987 c.305 §5; 1987 c.414 §147; 1991 c.459 §346; 1993 c.792 §27; 1993 c.801 §36a; 1999 c.314 §58; 2001 c.704 §7; 2003 c.454 §85; 2003 c.539 §19; 2003 c.621 §68; 2007 c.809 §13]

215.237 Events or activities conducted by winery in exclusive farm use zone or mixed farm and forest zone. If a winery sited on land zoned for exclusive farm use or mixed farm and forest use under ORS 215.452 conducts agri-tourism or other commercial events authorized in ORS 215.452 (5), the winery may not conduct agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities authorized by ORS 215.213 (11) or 215.283 (4). [2011 c.567 §3; 2013 c.554 §4]

Note: 215.237 to 215.239 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.238 Attorney fees in action for nuisance or trespass relating to agri-tourism event or activity. Notwithstanding ORS 30.938, in an action or claim for relief alleging nuisance or trespass and arising from a practice that is alleged by either party to be a farming or forest practice, the prevailing party is not entitled to judgment for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred at trial and on appeal if:

(1) The party owns, operates or attends an agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity authorized under ORS 215.213 (11) or 215.283 (4); and

(2) The action or claim arises from the event or activity. [2011 c.567 §4]

Note: See note under 215.237.

215.239 Siting of agri-tourism event or activity. The uses authorized by ORS 215.213 (11) or 215.283 (4) may be allowed on lands that are planned and zoned for exclusive farm use and designated as rural reserves under ORS 197A.235 or as urban reserves under ORS 197A.245. [2011 c.567 §5]

Note: See note under 215.237.

215.240 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.243 Agricultural land use policy. The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) Open land used for agricultural use is an efficient means of conserving natural resources that constitute an important physical, social, aesthetic and economic asset to all of the people of this state, whether living in rural, urban or metropolitan areas of the state.

(2) The preservation of a maximum amount of the limited supply of agricultural land is necessary to the conservation of the state’s economic resources and the preservation of such land in large blocks is necessary in maintaining the agricultural economy of the state and for the assurance of adequate, healthful and nutritious food for the people of this state and nation.

(3) Expansion of urban development into rural areas is a matter of public concern because of the unnecessary increases in costs of community services, conflicts between farm and urban activities and the loss of open space and natural beauty around urban centers occurring as the result of such expansion.

(4) Exclusive farm use zoning as provided by law, substantially limits alternatives to the use of rural land and, with the importance of rural lands to the public, justifies incentives and privileges offered to encourage owners of rural lands to hold such lands in exclusive farm use zones. [1973 c.503 §1]

215.246 Approval of land application of certain substances; subsequent use of tract of land; consideration of alternatives. (1) The uses allowed under ORS 215.213 (1)(y) and 215.283 (1)(v):

(a) Require a determination by the Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the department’s review of a license, permit or approval, that the application rates and site management practices for the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids ensure continued agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural production and do not reduce the productivity of the tract.

(b) Are not subject to other provisions of ORS 215.213 or 215.283 or to the provisions of ORS 215.274, 215.275 or 215.296.

(2) The use of a tract of land on which the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids has occurred under this section may not be changed to allow a different use unless:

(a) The tract is included within an acknowledged urban growth boundary;

(b) The tract is rezoned to a zone other than an exclusive farm use zone;

(d) The different use of the tract is a use allowed under:

(A) ORS 215.213 (1)(b), (d) to (f), (i) to (n), (p) to (r), (u), (w) or (x);

(B) ORS 215.213 (2)(a) to (c), (i), (m) or (p) to (r);

(D) ORS 215.283 (1)(b), (d), (e), (h) to (L), (n) to (p), (r), (t) or (u);

(E) ORS 215.283 (2)(a), (j), (L) or (p) to (s); or

(F) ORS 215.283 (4).

(3) When a state agency or a local government makes a land use decision relating to the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids under a license, permit or approval by the Department of Environmental Quality, the applicant shall explain in writing how alternatives identified in public comments on the land use decision were considered and, if the alternatives are not used, explain in writing the reasons for not using the alternatives. The applicant must consider only those alternatives that are identified with sufficient specificity to afford the applicant an adequate opportunity to consider the alternatives. A land use decision relating to the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids may not be reversed or remanded under this subsection unless the applicant failed to consider identified alternatives or to explain in writing the reasons for not using the alternatives.

(4) The uses allowed under this section include:

(a) The treatment of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids that occurs as a result of the land application;

(b) The establishment and use of facilities, including buildings, equipment, aerated and nonaerated water impoundments, pumps and other irrigation equipment, that are accessory to and reasonably necessary for the land application to occur on the subject tract;

(c) The establishment and use of facilities, including buildings and equipment, that are not on the tract on which the land application occurs for the transport of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids to the tract on which the land application occurs if the facilities are located within:

(A) A public right of way; or

(B) Other land if the landowner provides written consent and the owner of the facility complies with ORS 215.275 (4); and

(d) The transport by vehicle of reclaimed water or agricultural or industrial process water to a tract on which the water will be applied to land.

(5) Uses not allowed under this section include:

(a) The establishment and use of facilities, including buildings or equipment, for the treatment of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids other than those treatment facilities related to the treatment that occurs as a result of the land application; or

(b) The establishment and use of utility facility service lines allowed under ORS 215.213 (1)(x) or 215.283 (1)(u). [2001 c.488 §4; 2009 c.850 §5; 2011 c.567 §8; 2013 c.242 §6]

Note: 215.246 to 215.251 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.247 Transport of biosolids to tract of land for application. If biosolids are transported by vehicle to a tract on which the biosolids will be applied to the land under a license, permit or approval issued by the Department of Environmental Quality under ORS 454.695, 459.205, 468B.050, 468B.053 or 468B.055 or in compliance with rules adopted under ORS 468B.095, the transport and the land application are allowed outright, and a state or local government license, permit or approval in connection with the use is not a land use decision. [2001 c.488 §5]

Note: See note under 215.246.

215.249 Division of land for application of biosolids. Notwithstanding ORS 215.263, the governing body of a county or its designee may not approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone for the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids described in ORS 215.213 (1)(y) or 215.283 (1)(v). [2001 c.488 §6; 2009 c.850 §6]

Note: See note under 215.246.

215.250 [Repealed by 1973 c.619 §16]

215.251 Relationship to other farm uses. Nothing in ORS 215.213 (1)(y), 215.246 to 215.249 or 215.283 (1)(v) affects whether the land application of a substance not described in ORS 215.213 (1)(y), 215.246 to 215.249 or 215.283 (1)(v) is a farm use as defined in ORS 215.203. [2001 c.488 §7; 2003 c.14 §100; 2009 c.850 §7]

Note: See note under 215.246.

215.253 Restrictive local ordinances affecting farm use zones prohibited; exception. (1) No state agency, city, county or political subdivision of this state may exercise any of its powers to enact local laws or ordinances or impose restrictions or regulations affecting any farm use land situated within an exclusive farm use zone established under ORS 215.203 or within an area designated as marginal land under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition) in a manner that would restrict or regulate farm structures or that would restrict or regulate farming practices if conditions from such practices do not extend into an adopted urban growth boundary in such manner as to interfere with the lands within the urban growth boundary. “Farming practice” as used in this subsection shall have the meaning set out in ORS 30.930.

(2) Nothing in this section is intended to limit or restrict the lawful exercise by any state agency, city, county or political subdivision of its power to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this state. [1973 c.503 §8; 1983 c.826 §12; 1985 c.565 §31; 1995 c.703 §10]

215.255 Farm product processing facility; conditions. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Biofuel” has the meaning given that term in ORS 315.141.

(b) “Facility for the processing of farm products” means a facility for:

(A) Processing farm crops, including the production of biofuel, if at least one-quarter of the farm crops come from the farm operation containing the facility; or

(B) Slaughtering, processing or selling poultry, poultry products, rabbits or rabbit products from the farm operation containing the facility and consistent with the licensing exemption for a person under ORS 603.038 (2).

(c) “Processing area” means the floor area of a building dedicated to farm product processing. “Processing area” does not include the floor area designated for preparation, storage or other farm use.

(2) A county may allow a facility for the processing of farm products as a permitted use under ORS 215.213 (1)(u) and ORS 215.283 (1)(r) on land zoned for exclusive farm use, only if the facility:

(a) Uses less than 10,000 square feet for its processing area and complies with all applicable siting standards; or

(b) Notwithstanding any applicable siting standard, uses less than 2,500 square feet for its processing area.

(3) A county may not apply siting standards in a manner that prohibits the siting of a facility for the processing of farm products under subsection (2)(a) of this section. [2019 c.410 §2; 2023 c.81 §2]

Note: 215.255 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.260 [Amended by 1955 c.652 §3; repealed by 1957 s.s. c.11 §4 (215.261 enacted in lieu of 215.260)]

215.261 [1957 s.s. c.11 §5 (enacted in lieu of 215.260); repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.262 Legislative findings related to nonfarm dwellings. The Legislative Assembly declares that the creation of small parcels for nonfarm dwellings in exclusive farm use zones introduces potential conflicts into commercial agricultural areas and allows a limited number of nonfarm dwellings in exclusive farm use zones. To protect the state’s land base for commercial agriculture from being divided into multiple parcels for nonfarm dwellings while continuing to allow a limited number of nonfarm dwellings on less productive agricultural land not suitable for farm use, it is necessary to:

(1) Limit the incremental division of lots or parcels larger than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 into smaller lots or parcels for the purpose of creating new nonfarm dwellings; and

(2) Allow a limited number of lots or parcels equal to or less than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 to be partitioned into not more than two parcels unsuitable for farm use and eligible for siting nonfarm dwellings under ORS 215.284. [2001 c.704 §2; 2003 c.621 §69; 2019 c.262 §2]

Note: 215.262 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.263 Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones; criteria for approval; rules. (1) Any proposed division of land included within an exclusive farm use zone resulting in the creation of one or more parcels of land shall be reviewed and approved or disapproved by the governing body or its designee of the county in which the land is situated. The governing body of a county by ordinance shall require prior review and approval for divisions of land within exclusive farm use zones established within the county.

(2)(a) The governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division of land to create parcels for farm use as defined in ORS 215.203 if it finds that:

(A) The proposed division of land is appropriate for the continuation of the existing commercial agricultural enterprise within the area;

(B) The parcels created by the proposed division are not smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780; or

(C) A portion of a lot or parcel has been included within an urban growth boundary and redesignated for urban uses under the applicable acknowledged comprehensive plan and the portion of the lot or parcel that remains outside the urban growth boundary and zoned for exclusive farm use is smaller than the minimum lot or parcel size established under ORS 215.780, subject to paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(b) When a parcel for farm use is created in an exclusive farm use zone under paragraph (a) of this subsection, the partition must occur along the urban growth boundary and:

(A) If the parcel contains a dwelling, the parcel must be large enough to support continued residential use.

(B) If the parcel does not contain a dwelling, the parcel:

(i) Is not eligible for siting a dwelling, except as may be authorized under ORS 195.120;

(ii) May not be considered in approving or denying an application for siting any other dwelling; and

(iii) May not be considered in approving a redesignation or rezoning of forestlands under the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations, except for a redesignation or rezoning to allow a public park, open space or other natural resource use.

(3) The governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone for nonfarm uses, except dwellings, set out in ORS 215.213 (1)(c) or (2) or 215.283 (1)(c) or (2) if it finds that the parcel for the nonfarm use is not larger than the minimum size necessary for the use. The governing body may establish other criteria as it considers necessary. Land that is divided under this subsection pursuant to ORS 215.213 (1)(c) or 215.283 (1)(c) may not later be rezoned by the county for retail, commercial, industrial or other nonresource use, except as provided under the statewide land use planning goals or under ORS 197.732.

(4) In western Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.257, but not in the Willamette Valley, as defined in ORS 215.010, the governing body of a county or its designee:

(a) May approve a division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to create up to two new parcels smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780, each to contain a dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use if:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (2) or (3);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780;

(D) The remainder of the original lot or parcel that does not contain the nonfarm dwellings complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780; and

(E) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are generally unsuitable for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage or flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A parcel may not be considered unsuitable based solely on size or location if the parcel can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land.

(b) May approve a division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to divide a lot or parcel into two parcels, each to contain one dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use if:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.284 (2) or (3);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that is equal to or smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 but equal to or larger than 40 acres;

(D) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are:

(i) Not capable of producing more than 50 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber; and

(ii) Composed of at least 90 percent Class VI through VIII soils;

(E) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings do not have established water rights for irrigation; and

(F) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are generally unsuitable for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage or flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A parcel may not be considered unsuitable based solely on size or location if the parcel can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land.

(5) In eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.805, the governing body of a county or its designee:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.284 (7);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780;

(D) The remainder of the original lot or parcel that does not contain the nonfarm dwellings complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780; and

(b) May approve a division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to divide a lot or parcel into two parcels, each to contain one dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use if:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.284 (7);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that is equal to or smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 but equal to or larger than 40 acres;

(D) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are:

(i) Not capable of producing at least 20 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber; and

(ii) Either composed of at least 90 percent Class VII and VIII soils, or composed of at least 90 percent Class VI through VIII soils and are not capable of producing adequate herbaceous forage for grazing livestock. The Land Conservation and Development Commission, in cooperation with the State Department of Agriculture and other interested persons, may establish by rule objective criteria for identifying units of land that are not capable of producing adequate herbaceous forage for grazing livestock. In developing the criteria, the commission shall use the latest information from the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service and consider costs required to utilize grazing lands that differ in acreage and productivity level;

(E) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings do not have established water rights for irrigation; and

(6) This section does not apply to the creation or sale of cemetery lots, if a cemetery is within the boundaries designated for a farm use zone at the time the zone is established.

(7) This section does not apply to divisions of land resulting from lien foreclosures or divisions of land resulting from foreclosure of recorded contracts for the sale of real property.

(8) The governing body of a county may not approve any proposed division of a lot or parcel described in ORS 215.213 (1)(d) or (i), 215.283 (1)(d) or (2)(L) or 215.284 (1), or a proposed division that separates a facility for the processing of farm products, as defined in ORS 215.255, from the farm operation.

(9) The governing body of a county may approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to create a parcel with an existing dwelling to be used:

(a) As a residential home as described in ORS 197.660 (2) only if the dwelling has been approved under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7); and

(b) For historic property that meets the requirements of ORS 215.213 (1)(n) and 215.283 (1)(L).

(10)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 215.780, the governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division of land provided:

(A) The land division is for the purpose of allowing a provider of public parks or open space, or a not-for-profit land conservation organization, to purchase at least one of the resulting parcels; and

(B) A parcel created by the land division that contains a dwelling is large enough to support continued residential use of the parcel.

(b) A parcel created pursuant to this subsection that does not contain a dwelling:

(A) Is not eligible for siting a dwelling, except as may be authorized under ORS 195.120;

(B) May not be considered in approving or denying an application for siting any other dwelling;

(C) May not be considered in approving a redesignation or rezoning of forestlands except for a redesignation or rezoning to allow a public park, open space or other natural resource use; and

(D) May not be smaller than 25 acres unless the purpose of the land division is:

(i) To facilitate the creation of a wildlife or pedestrian corridor or the implementation of a wildlife habitat protection plan; or

(ii) To allow a transaction in which at least one party is a public park or open space provider, or a not-for-profit land conservation organization, that has cumulative ownership of at least 2,000 acres of open space or park property.

(11) The governing body of a county or its designee may approve a division of land smaller than the minimum lot or parcel size described in ORS 215.780 (1) and (2) in an exclusive farm use zone provided:

(a) The division is for the purpose of establishing a church, including cemeteries in conjunction with the church;

(b) The church has been approved under ORS 215.213 (1) or 215.283 (1);

(d) The remaining lot or parcel, not including the church, meets the minimum lot or parcel size described in ORS 215.780 (1) and (2) either by itself or after it is consolidated with another lot or parcel.

(12) Notwithstanding the minimum lot or parcel size described in ORS 215.780 (1) or (2), the governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone for the nonfarm uses set out in ORS 215.213 (1)(v) or 215.283 (1)(s) if it finds that the parcel for the nonfarm use is not larger than the minimum size necessary for the use. The governing body may establish other criteria as it considers necessary.

(13) The governing body of a county may not approve a division of land for nonfarm use under subsection (3), (4), (5), (9), (10), (11) or (12) of this section unless any additional tax imposed for the change in use has been paid.

(14) Parcels used or to be used for training or stabling facilities may not be considered appropriate to maintain the existing commercial agricultural enterprise in an area where other types of agriculture occur. [1973 c.503 §9; 1977 c.766 §9; 1979 c.46 §2; 1981 c.748 §48; 1983 c.826 §7; 1985 c.544 §4; 1987 c.729 §5b; 1989 c.224 §26; 1989 c.564 §8; 1989 c.861 §3; 1991 c.459 §347; 1993 c.704 §7; 1993 c.792 §12; 1997 c.318 §2; 1997 c.550 §2; 1997 c.862 §4; 1999 c.321 §1; 1999 c.349 §1; 2001 c.544 §4; 2001 c.613 §19; 2001 c.704 §3; 2003 c.621 §70; 2009 c.850 §8; 2011 c.135 §1; 2015 c.104 §1; 2019 c.262 §1; 2019 c.410 §4]

215.265 Land divisions; limiting certain causes of action. In approving a land division under ORS 215.263 (2)(a)(C) or (10), the governing body of a county or its designee shall require as a condition of approval that the owner of any parcel not containing a dwelling sign and record in the deed records for the county where the parcel is located an irrevocable deed restriction prohibiting the owner and the owner’s successors in interest from pursuing a cause of action or claim of relief alleging an injury from farming or forest practices for which no claim or action is allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937. [1999 c.321 §3; 2001 c.704 §10; 2015 c.104 §5]

Note: 215.265 was added to and made a part of 215.203 to 215.311 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.270 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.273 Applicability to thermal energy power plant siting determinations. Nothing in ORS 215.130, 215.203, 215.213, 215.243, 215.253, 215.263, 215.273, 215.283, 215.284, 308A.050 to 308A.128 and 316.844 is intended to affect the authority of the Energy Facility Siting Council in determining suitable sites for the issuance of site certificates for thermal power plants, as authorized under ORS 469.300 to 469.563, 469.590 to 469.619 and 469.930. [1973 c.503 §16; 1983 c.740 §56; 1983 c.826 §19; 1995 c.79 §76; 1997 c.99 §20; 1999 c.314 §56; 2001 c.672 §18]

215.274 Associated transmission lines necessary for public service; criteria; mitigating impact of facility. (1) As used in this section, “associated transmission line” has the meaning given that term in ORS 469.300.

(2) An associated transmission line is necessary for public service if an applicant for approval under ORS 215.213 (1)(c)(B) or 215.283 (1)(c)(B) demonstrates to the governing body of a county or its designee that the associated transmission line meets:

(a) At least one of the requirements listed in subsection (3) of this section; or

(b) The requirements described in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) The governing body of a county or its designee shall approve an application under this section if an applicant demonstrates that the entire route of the associated transmission line meets at least one of the following requirements:

(a) The associated transmission line is not located on high-value farmland, as defined in ORS 195.300, or on arable land;

(b) The associated transmission line is co-located with an existing transmission line;

(c) The associated transmission line parallels an existing transmission line corridor with the minimum separation necessary for safety; or

(d) The associated transmission line is located within an existing right of way for a linear facility, such as a transmission line, road or railroad, that is located above the surface of the ground.

(4)(a) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the governing body of a county or its designee shall approve an application under this section if, after an evaluation of reasonable alternatives, the applicant demonstrates that the entire route of the associated transmission line meets, subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, two or more of the following factors:

(A) Technical and engineering feasibility;

(B) The associated transmission line is locationally dependent because the associated transmission line must cross high-value farmland, as defined in ORS 195.300, or arable land to achieve a reasonably direct route or to meet unique geographical needs that cannot be satisfied on other lands;

(C) Lack of an available existing right of way for a linear facility, such as a transmission line, road or railroad, that is located above the surface of the ground;

(D) Public health and safety; or

(E) Other requirements of state or federal agencies.

(b) The applicant shall present findings to the governing body of the county or its designee on how the applicant will mitigate and minimize the impacts, if any, of the associated transmission line on surrounding lands devoted to farm use in order to prevent a significant change in accepted farm practices or a significant increase in the cost of farm practices on the surrounding farmland.

(c) The governing body of a county or its designee may consider costs associated with any of the factors listed in paragraph (a) of this subsection, but consideration of cost may not be the only consideration in determining whether the associated transmission line is necessary for public service. [2013 c.242 §2]

Note: 215.274 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.275 Utility facilities necessary for public service; criteria; rules; mitigating impact of facility. (1) A utility facility established under ORS 215.213 (1)(c)(A) or 215.283 (1)(c)(A) is necessary for public service if the facility must be sited in an exclusive farm use zone in order to provide the service.

(2) To demonstrate that a utility facility is necessary, an applicant for approval under ORS 215.213 (1)(c)(A) or 215.283 (1)(c)(A) must show that reasonable alternatives have been considered and that the facility must be sited in an exclusive farm use zone due to one or more of the following factors:

(a) Technical and engineering feasibility;

(b) The proposed facility is locationally dependent. A utility facility is locationally dependent if it must cross land in one or more areas zoned for exclusive farm use in order to achieve a reasonably direct route or to meet unique geographical needs that cannot be satisfied on other lands;

(d) Availability of existing rights of way;

(e) Public health and safety; and

(f) Other requirements of state or federal agencies.

(3) Costs associated with any of the factors listed in subsection (2) of this section may be considered, but cost alone may not be the only consideration in determining that a utility facility is necessary for public service. Land costs shall not be included when considering alternative locations for substantially similar utility facilities. The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall determine by rule how land costs may be considered when evaluating the siting of utility facilities that are not substantially similar.

(4) The owner of a utility facility approved under ORS 215.213 (1)(c)(A) or 215.283 (1)(c)(A) shall be responsible for restoring, as nearly as possible, to its former condition any agricultural land and associated improvements that are damaged or otherwise disturbed by the siting, maintenance, repair or reconstruction of the facility. Nothing in this section shall prevent the owner of the utility facility from requiring a bond or other security from a contractor or otherwise imposing on a contractor the responsibility for restoration.

(5) The governing body of the county or its designee shall impose clear and objective conditions on an application for utility facility siting under ORS 215.213 (1)(c)(A) or 215.283 (1)(c)(A) to mitigate and minimize the impacts of the proposed facility, if any, on surrounding lands devoted to farm use in order to prevent a significant change in accepted farm practices or a significant increase in the cost of farm practices on the surrounding farmlands.

(6) The provisions of subsections (2) to (5) of this section do not apply to interstate natural gas pipelines and associated facilities authorized by and subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. [1999 c.816 §3; 2009 c.850 §9; 2013 c.242 §5]

Note: 215.275 was added to and made a part of 215.203 to 215.311 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.276 Required consultation for transmission lines to be located on high-value farmland. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Consult” means to make an effort to contact for purpose of notifying the record owner of the opportunity to meet.

(b) “High-value farmland” has the meaning given that term in ORS 195.300.

(c) “Transmission line” means a linear utility facility by which a utility provider transfers the utility product in bulk from a point of origin or generation, or between transfer stations, to the point at which the utility product is transferred to distribution lines for delivery to end users.

(2) If the criteria described in ORS 215.275 for siting a utility facility on land zoned for exclusive farm use are met for a utility facility that is a transmission line, or if the criteria described in ORS 215.274 for siting an associated transmission line are met, the utility provider shall, after the route is approved by the siting authorities and before construction of the transmission line begins, consult the record owner of high-value farmland in the planned route for the purpose of locating and constructing the transmission line in a manner that minimizes the impact on farming operations on high-value farmland. If the record owner does not respond within two weeks after the first documented effort to consult the record owner, the utility provider shall notify the record owner by certified mail of the opportunity to consult. If the record owner does not respond within two weeks after the certified mail is sent, the utility provider has satisfied the provider’s obligation to consult.

(3) The requirement to consult under this section is in addition to and not in lieu of any other legally required consultation process. [2009 c.854 §1; 2013 c.242 §7]

Note: 215.276 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.277 Farmworker housing; compliance with agricultural land use policy required. It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that the provision of farmworker housing, as defined in ORS 215.278, not allow other types of dwellings not otherwise permitted in exclusive farm use zones and that farmworker housing be consistent with the intent and purposes set forth in ORS 215.243. [1989 c.964 §9; 2001 c.613 §10; 2003 c.588 §14; 2011 c.471 §5]

215.278 Accessory dwellings for farmworkers; rules. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall revise administrative rules regarding dwellings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use to allow, under ORS 215.213 and 215.283, the establishment of accessory dwellings needed to provide opportunities for farmworker housing for individuals primarily engaged in farm use whose assistance in the management of the farm is or will be required by the farm operator on the farm unit.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “Farm unit” means the contiguous and noncontiguous tracts in common ownership used by the farm operator for farm use as defined in ORS 215.203.

(b) “Farmworker” means an individual who, for an agreed remuneration or rate of pay, performs labor, temporarily or on a continuing basis, for a person in the:

(A) Production of farm products;

(B) Planting, cultivating or harvesting of seasonal agricultural crops; or

(C) Forestation or reforestation of land, including but not limited to planting, transplanting, tubing, precommercial thinning and thinning of trees or seedlings, the clearing, piling and disposal of brush and slash and other related activities.

(A) Limited to occupancy by farmworkers and their immediate families; and

(B) No dwelling unit of which is occupied by a relative of the owner or operator of the farmworker housing.

(d) “Owner” means a person that owns farmworker housing. “Owner” does not mean a person whose interest in the farmworker housing is that of a holder of a security interest in the housing.

(e) “Relative” means:

(A) A spouse of the owner or operator; and

(B) An ancestor, lineal descendant or whole or half sibling of the owner or operator or the spouse of the owner or operator. [2001 c.613 §6; 2011 c.471 §6]

Note: The amendments to 215.278 by section 3, chapter 533, Oregon Laws 2023, become operative July 1, 2025. See section 4, chapter 533, Oregon Laws 2023. The text that is operative on and after July 1, 2025, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

215.278. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall revise administrative rules regarding dwellings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use to allow, under ORS 215.213 and 215.283, the establishment of accessory dwellings needed to provide opportunities for farmworker housing for individuals primarily engaged in farm use whose assistance in the management of the farm is or will be required by the farm operator on the farm unit.

(2) County land use regulations may not establish standards for accessory farmworker housing that are in addition to those required under this chapter or commission rules unless the standards are clear and objective.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) “Farm unit” means the contiguous and noncontiguous tracts in common ownership used by the farm operator for farm use as defined in ORS 215.203.

(b) “Farmworker” means an individual who, for an agreed remuneration or rate of pay, performs labor, temporarily or on a continuing basis, for a person in the:

(A) Production of farm products;

(B) Planting, cultivating or harvesting of seasonal agricultural crops; or

(A) Limited to occupancy by farmworkers and their immediate families; and

(B) No dwelling unit of which is occupied by a relative of the owner or operator of the farmworker housing.

(d) “Owner” means a person that owns farmworker housing. “Owner” does not mean a person whose interest in the farmworker housing is that of a holder of a security interest in the housing.

(e) “Relative” means:

(A) A spouse of the owner or operator; and

(B) An ancestor, lineal descendant or whole or half sibling of the owner or operator or the spouse of the owner or operator.

Note: 215.278 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.279 Farm income standard for dwelling in conjunction with farm use. In any rule adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission that establishes a farm income standard to determine whether a dwelling is customarily provided in conjunction with farm use on a tract, the commission shall allow a farm operator to satisfy the income standard by earning the required amount or more of farm income on the tract:

(1) In at least three of the last five years;

(2) In each of the last two years; or

(3) Based on the average farm income earned on the tract in the best three of the last five years. [2011 c.459 §1]

Note: 215.279 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.280 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.281 Legislative findings related to dwellings in conjunction with commercial dairy farm. The Legislative Assembly finds that:

(1) Dairies and dairying are an important part of Oregon agriculture and make a significant contribution to the state and local economies;

(2) Dairies require continuous on-site labor to operate the dairy and to protect the significant investment in milking and waste disposal facilities, equipment and livestock necessary to operate a commercial dairy; and

(3) Dairies require more on-site housing than other types of farms because of the year-round labor-intensive nature of a dairy operation and justify different standards for the review of a primary or accessory dwelling customarily provided in conjunction with a commercial dairy farm under ORS 215.213 and 215.283. [2001 c.149 §4]

Note: 215.281 and 215.282 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.282 Dwellings in conjunction with commercial dairy farm; rules. The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall consider the findings of ORS 215.281 and adopt rules that provide standards for the review of a primary or accessory dwelling customarily provided in conjunction with a commercial dairy farm. Notwithstanding any other administrative rule establishing a gross farm income standard, the rules adopted under this section shall allow the siting of a dwelling on a commercial dairy farm prior to the dairy earning any gross farm income. [2001 c.149 §5]

Note: See note under 215.281.

215.283 Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties; rules. (1) The following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(a) Churches and cemeteries in conjunction with churches.

(b) The propagation or harvesting of a forest product.

(A) ORS 215.275; or

(B) If the utility facility is an associated transmission line, as defined in ORS 215.274 and 469.300.

(e) Subject to ORS 215.279, primary or accessory dwellings and other buildings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use.

(f) Operations for the exploration for and production of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005, including the placement and operation of compressors, separators and other customary production equipment for an individual well adjacent to the wellhead. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (2)(a) or (b).

(g) Operations for the exploration for minerals as defined by ORS 517.750. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (2)(a) or (b).

(h) Climbing and passing lanes within the right of way existing as of July 1, 1987.

(i) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways, including the placement of utility facilities overhead and in the subsurface of public roads and highways along the public right of way, but not including the addition of travel lanes, where no removal or displacement of buildings would occur, or no new land parcels result.

(j) Temporary public road and highway detours that will be abandoned and restored to original condition or use at such time as no longer needed.

(k) Minor betterment of existing public road and highway related facilities such as maintenance yards, weigh stations and rest areas, within right of way existing as of July 1, 1987, and contiguous public-owned property utilized to support the operation and maintenance of public roads and highways.

(L) A replacement dwelling to be used in conjunction with farm use if the existing dwelling has been listed in a county inventory as historic property as defined in ORS 358.480.

(m) Creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands.

(n) A winery, as described in ORS 215.452 or 215.453.

(o) Farm stands if:

(p) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a lawfully established dwelling, as described in ORS 215.291.

(q) A site for the takeoff and landing of model aircraft, including such buildings or facilities as may reasonably be necessary. Buildings or facilities shall not be more than 500 square feet in floor area or placed on a permanent foundation unless the building or facility preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. The site shall not include an aggregate surface or hard surface area unless the surface preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. An owner of property used for the purpose authorized in this paragraph may charge a person operating the use on the property rent for the property. An operator may charge users of the property a fee that does not exceed the operator’s cost to maintain the property, buildings and facilities. As used in this paragraph, “model aircraft” means a small-scale version of an airplane, glider, helicopter, dirigible or balloon that is used or intended to be used for flight and is controlled by radio, lines or design by a person on the ground.

(r) A facility for the processing of farm products as described in ORS 215.255.

(s) Fire service facilities providing rural fire protection services.

(t) Irrigation reservoirs, canals, delivery lines and those structures and accessory operational facilities, not including parks or other recreational structures and facilities, associated with a district as defined in ORS 540.505.

(u) Utility facility service lines. Utility facility service lines are utility lines and accessory facilities or structures that end at the point where the utility service is received by the customer and that are located on one or more of the following:

(A) A public right of way;

(B) Land immediately adjacent to a public right of way, provided the written consent of all adjacent property owners has been obtained; or

(v) Subject to the issuance of a license, permit or other approval by the Department of Environmental Quality under ORS 454.695, 459.205, 468B.050, 468B.053 or 468B.055, or in compliance with rules adopted under ORS 468B.095, and as provided in ORS 215.246 to 215.251, the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids, or the onsite treatment of septage prior to the land application of biosolids, for agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural production, or for irrigation in connection with a use allowed in an exclusive farm use zone under this chapter. For the purposes of this paragraph, onsite treatment of septage prior to the land application of biosolids is limited to treatment using treatment facilities that are portable, temporary and transportable by truck trailer, as defined in ORS 801.580, during a period of time within which land application of biosolids is authorized under the license, permit or other approval.

(w) A county law enforcement facility that lawfully existed on August 20, 2002, and is used to provide rural law enforcement services primarily in rural areas, including parole and post-prison supervision, but not including a correctional facility as defined under ORS 162.135.

(x) Dog training classes or testing trials, which may be conducted outdoors or in preexisting farm buildings, when:

(A) The number of dogs participating in training does not exceed 10 dogs per training class and the number of training classes to be held on-site does not exceed six per day; and

(B) The number of dogs participating in a testing trial does not exceed 60 and the number of testing trials to be conducted on-site is limited to four or fewer trials per calendar year.

(y) A cider business, as described in ORS 215.451.

(z) A farm brewery, as described in ORS 215.449.

(2) The following nonfarm uses may be established, subject to the approval of the governing body or its designee in any area zoned for exclusive farm use subject to ORS 215.296:

(a) Commercial activities that are in conjunction with farm use, including the processing of farm crops into biofuel not permitted under ORS 215.203 (2)(b)(K) or 215.255.

(b) Operations conducted for:

(A) Mining and processing of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005 not otherwise permitted under subsection (1)(f) of this section;

(B) Mining, crushing or stockpiling of aggregate and other mineral and other subsurface resources subject to ORS 215.298;

(D) Processing of other mineral resources and other subsurface resources.

(c) Private parks, playgrounds, hunting and fishing preserves and campgrounds. Subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, a private campground may provide yurts for overnight camping. No more than one-third or a maximum of 10 campsites, whichever is smaller, may include a yurt. The yurt shall be located on the ground or on a wood floor with no permanent foundation. Upon request of a county governing body, the Land Conservation and Development Commission may provide by rule for an increase in the number of yurts allowed on all or a portion of the campgrounds in a county if the commission determines that the increase will comply with the standards described in ORS 215.296 (1). As used in this paragraph, “yurt” means a round, domed shelter of cloth or canvas on a collapsible frame with no plumbing, sewage disposal hookup or internal cooking appliance.

(d) Parks and playgrounds. A public park may be established consistent with the provisions of ORS 195.120.

(e) Community centers owned by a governmental agency or a nonprofit community organization and operated primarily by and for residents of the local rural community. A community center authorized under this paragraph may provide services to veterans, including but not limited to emergency and transitional shelter, preparation and service of meals, vocational and educational counseling and referral to local, state or federal agencies providing medical, mental health, disability income replacement and substance abuse services, only in a facility that is in existence on January 1, 2006. The services may not include direct delivery of medical, mental health, disability income replacement or substance abuse services.

(f) Golf courses on land:

(A) Determined not to be high-value farmland, as defined in ORS 195.300 (10); or

(B) Determined to be high-value farmland described in ORS 195.300 (10)(c) if the land:

(i) Is not otherwise described in ORS 195.300 (10);

(ii) Is surrounded on all sides by an approved golf course; and

(iii) Is west of U.S. Highway 101.

(h) Personal-use airports for airplanes and helicopter pads, including associated hangar, maintenance and service facilities. A personal-use airport, as used in this section, means an airstrip restricted, except for aircraft emergencies, to use by the owner, and, on an infrequent and occasional basis, by invited guests, and by commercial aviation activities in connection with agricultural operations. No aircraft may be based on a personal-use airport other than those owned or controlled by the owner of the airstrip. Exceptions to the activities permitted under this definition may be granted through waiver action by the Oregon Department of Aviation in specific instances. A personal-use airport lawfully existing as of September 13, 1975, shall continue to be permitted subject to any applicable rules of the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(i) Home occupations as provided in ORS 215.448.

(j) A facility for the primary processing of forest products, provided that such facility is found to not seriously interfere with accepted farming practices and is compatible with farm uses described in ORS 215.203 (2). Such a facility may be approved for a one-year period which is renewable. These facilities are intended to be only portable or temporary in nature. The primary processing of a forest product, as used in this section, means the use of a portable chipper or stud mill or other similar methods of initial treatment of a forest product in order to enable its shipment to market. Forest products, as used in this section, means timber grown upon a parcel of land or contiguous land where the primary processing facility is located.

(k) A site for the disposal of solid waste approved by the governing body of a city or county or both and for which a permit has been granted under ORS 459.245 by the Department of Environmental Quality together with equipment, facilities or buildings necessary for its operation.

(L) One manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle, or the temporary residential use of an existing building, in conjunction with an existing dwelling as a temporary use for the term of a hardship suffered by the existing resident or a relative of the resident. Within three months of the end of the hardship, the manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle shall be removed or demolished or, in the case of an existing building, the building shall be removed, demolished or returned to an allowed nonresidential use. The governing body or its designee shall provide for periodic review of the hardship claimed under this paragraph. A temporary residence approved under this paragraph is not eligible for replacement under subsection (1)(p) of this section.

(m) Transmission towers over 200 feet in height.

(n)(A) Commercial dog boarding kennels; or

(B) Dog training classes or testing trials that cannot be established under subsection (1)(x) of this section.

(o) Residential homes as defined in ORS 197.660, in existing dwellings.

(p) The propagation, cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of aquatic species that are not under the jurisdiction of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission or insect species. Insect species shall not include any species under quarantine by the State Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture. The county shall provide notice of all applications under this paragraph to the State Department of Agriculture. Notice shall be provided in accordance with the county’s land use regulations but shall be mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to any administrative decision or initial public hearing on the application.

(q) Construction of additional passing and travel lanes requiring the acquisition of right of way but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(r) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways involving the removal or displacement of buildings but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(s) Improvement of public road and highway related facilities, such as maintenance yards, weigh stations and rest areas, where additional property or right of way is required but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(t) A destination resort that is approved consistent with the requirements of any statewide planning goal relating to the siting of a destination resort.

(u) Room and board arrangements for a maximum of five unrelated persons in existing residences.

(v) Operations for the extraction and bottling of water.

(w) Expansion of existing county fairgrounds and activities directly relating to county fairgrounds governed by county fair boards established pursuant to ORS 565.210.

(x) A living history museum related to resource based activities owned and operated by a governmental agency or a local historical society, together with limited commercial activities and facilities that are directly related to the use and enjoyment of the museum and located within authentic buildings of the depicted historic period or the museum administration building, if areas other than an exclusive farm use zone cannot accommodate the museum and related activities or if the museum administration buildings and parking lot are located within one quarter mile of an urban growth boundary. As used in this paragraph:

(B) “Local historical society” means the local historical society recognized by the county governing body and organized under ORS chapter 65.

(y) An aerial fireworks display business that has been in continuous operation at its current location within an exclusive farm use zone since December 31, 1986, and possesses a wholesaler’s permit to sell or provide fireworks.

(z) A landscape contracting business, as defined in ORS 671.520, or a business providing landscape architecture services, as described in ORS 671.318, if the business is pursued in conjunction with the growing and marketing of nursery stock on the land that constitutes farm use.

(aa) Public or private schools for kindergarten through grade 12, including all buildings essential to the operation of a school, primarily for residents of the rural area in which the school is located.

(bb) Equine and equine-affiliated therapeutic and counseling activities, provided:

(B) All individuals conducting therapeutic or counseling activities are acting within the proper scope of any licenses required by the state.

(cc) Guest ranches in eastern Oregon, as described in ORS 215.461.

(dd) Child care facilities, preschool recorded programs or school-age recorded programs that are:

(A) Authorized under ORS 329A.250 to 329A.450;

(B) Primarily for the children of residents and workers of the rural area in which the facility or program is located; and

(3) Roads, highways and other transportation facilities and improvements not allowed under subsections (1) and (2) of this section may be established, subject to the approval of the governing body or its designee, in areas zoned for exclusive farm use subject to:

(a) Adoption of an exception to the goal related to agricultural lands and to any other applicable goal with which the facility or improvement does not comply; or

(b) ORS 215.296 for those uses identified by rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission as provided in section 3, chapter 529, Oregon Laws 1993.

(4) The following agri-tourism and other commercial events or activities that are related to and supportive of agriculture may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(A) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity is incidental and subordinate to existing farm use on the tract;

(B) The duration of the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity does not exceed 72 consecutive hours;

(D) The maximum number of motor vehicles parked at the site of the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity does not exceed 250 vehicles;

(E) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity complies with ORS 215.296;

(F) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity occurs outdoors, in temporary structures, or in existing permitted structures, subject to health and fire and life safety requirements; and

(G) The agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity complies with conditions established for:

(i) Planned hours of operation;

(ii) Access, egress and parking;

(iii) A traffic management plan that identifies the projected number of vehicles and any anticipated use of public roads; and

(iv) Sanitation and solid waste.

(A) Must be incidental and subordinate to existing farm use on the tract;

(B) May not begin before 6 a.m. or end after 10 p.m.;

(D) May not include the artificial amplification of music or voices before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.;

(E) May not require or involve the construction or use of a new permanent structure in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity;

(F) Must be located on a tract of at least 10 acres unless the owners or residents of adjoining properties consent, in writing, to the location; and

(G) Must comply with applicable health and fire and life safety requirements.

(A) Must be incidental and subordinate to existing farm use on the tract;

(B) May not, individually, exceed a duration of 72 consecutive hours;

(C) May not require that a new permanent structure be built, used or occupied in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities;

(D) Must comply with ORS 215.296;

(E) May not, in combination with other agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities authorized in the area, materially alter the stability of the land use pattern in the area; and

(F) Must comply with conditions established for:

(ii) The location of existing structures and the location of proposed temporary structures to be used in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities;

(iii) The location of access and egress and parking facilities to be used in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities;

(iv) Traffic management, including the projected number of vehicles and any anticipated use of public roads; and

(v) Sanitation and solid waste.

(A) Are incidental and subordinate to existing commercial farm use of the tract and are necessary to support the commercial farm uses or the commercial agricultural enterprises in the area;

(B) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (c)(C), (D), (E) and (F) of this subsection;

(D) Do not exceed 18 events or activities in a calendar year.

(5) A holder of a permit authorized by a county under subsection (4)(d) of this section must request review of the permit at four-year intervals. Upon receipt of a request for review, the county shall:

(a) Provide public notice and an opportunity for public comment as part of the review process; and

(6) For the purposes of subsection (4) of this section:

(a) A county may authorize the use of temporary structures established in connection with the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities authorized under subsection (4) of this section. However, the temporary structures must be removed at the end of the agri-tourism or other event or activity. The county may not approve an alteration to the land in connection with an agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity authorized under subsection (4) of this section, including, but not limited to, grading, filling or paving.

(b) The county may issue the limited use permits authorized by subsection (4)(c) of this section for two calendar years. When considering an application for renewal, the county shall ensure compliance with the provisions of subsection (4)(c) of this section, any local standards that apply and conditions that apply to the permit or to the agri-tourism or other commercial events or activities authorized by the permit.

(c) The authorizations provided by subsection (4) of this section are in addition to other authorizations that may be provided by law, except that “outdoor mass gathering” and “other gathering,” as those terms are used in ORS 197.015 (10)(d), do not include agri-tourism or other commercial events and activities. [1983 c.826 §17; 1985 c.544 §3; 1985 c.583 §2; 1985 c.604 §4; 1985 c.717 §7; 1985 c.811 §7; 1987 c.227 §2; 1987 c.729 §5a; 1987 c.886 §10; 1989 c.224 §27; 1989 c.525 §2; 1989 c.564 §9; 1989 c.648 §61; 1989 c.739 §2; 1989 c.837 §27; 1989 c.861 §2; 1989 c.964 §11; 1991 c.459 §348; 1991 c.950 §1; 1993 c.466 §2; 1993 c.704 §3; 1993 c.792 §14; subsections (3) to (8) renumbered 215.284 in 1993; 1995 c.528 §2; 1997 c.250 §2; 1997 c.276 §2; 1997 c.312 §2; 1997 c.318 §3; 1997 c.363 §2; 1997 c.862 §3; 1999 c.320 §1; 1999 c.608 §2; 1999 c.640 §2; 1999 c.756 §§14a,14b; 1999 c.758 §2; 1999 c.816 §2; 1999 c.935 §22; 2001 c.149 §§2,3; 2001 c.488 §§2,3; 2001 c.544 §§1,2; 2001 c.613 §§8,9; 2001 c.676 §§2,3; 2001 c.757 §§2,3; 2001 c.941 §§2,3; 2003 c.247 §3; 2005 c.22 §163; 2005 c.354 §4; 2005 c.609 §26; 2005 c.625 §76; 2005 c.693 §3; 2005 c.737 §1; 2007 c.71 §72; 2007 c.541 §2; 2007 c.739 §36; 2009 c.850 §2; 2011 c.459 §3; 2011 c.462 §2; 2011 c.567 §2; 2011 c.679 §8; 2012 c.74 §3; 2013 c.197 §2; 2013 c.242 §4; 2013 c.462 §§5,8; 2017 c.148 §§3,4; 2017 c.253 §§5,6; 2017 c.393 §§1,2; 2017 c.504 §§5,6; 2018 c.119 §§3,4; 2019 c.244 §§5,6; 2019 c.270 §§3,4; 2019 c.410 §§8,9; 2019 c.440 §7; 2019 c.650 §§7,8; 2021 c.369 §10]

215.284 Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use; existing lots or parcels; new lots or parcels. (1) In the Willamette Valley, a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(a) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(b) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel that is predominantly composed of Class IV through Class VIII soils that would not, when irrigated, be classified as prime, unique, Class I or Class II soils;

(d) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; and

(e) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(2) In counties not described in subsection (1) of this section, a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(b) The dwelling is situated upon a lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel that is generally unsuitable land for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species, considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage and flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel may not be considered unsuitable solely because of size or location if it can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land;

(d) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; and

(e) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(3) In counties in western Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.257, not described in subsection (4) of this section, a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(d) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; and

(e) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(4)(a) In the Willamette Valley, a lot or parcel allowed under paragraph (b) of this subsection for a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that the originating lot or parcel is equal to or larger than the applicable minimum lot or parcel size and:

(A) Is not stocked to the requirements under ORS 527.610 to 527.770;

(B) Is composed of at least 95 percent Class VI through Class VIII soils; and

(b) Any parcel to be created for a dwelling from the originating lot or parcel described in paragraph (a) of this subsection will not be smaller than 20 acres.

(c) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling allowed under this subsection will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use.

(d) The dwelling allowed under this subsection will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area.

(e) The dwelling allowed under this subsection complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(5) No final approval of a nonfarm use under this section shall be given unless any additional taxes imposed upon the change in use have been paid.

(6) If a single-family dwelling is established on a lot or parcel as set forth in ORS 215.705 to 215.750, no additional dwelling may later be sited under subsection (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) of this section.

(7) In counties in eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.805, a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(b) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel created after January 1, 1993, as allowed under ORS 215.263 (5);

(d) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary. [Formerly subsections (3) to (8) of 215.283; 2001 c.704 §4; 2003 c.621 §71; 2015 c.27 §24]

215.285 [Formerly 215.200; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.288 [1983 c.826 §16; 1985 c.565 §33; 1985 c.811 §8; repealed by 1993 c.792 §55]

215.290 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.291 Alteration, restoration or replacement of lawfully established dwelling; conditions; siting; deferral. (1) A lawfully established dwelling may be altered, restored or replaced under ORS 215.213 (1)(q), 215.283 (1)(p) or 215.755 (1) if the county determines that the dwelling to be altered, restored or replaced:

(a) Has, or formerly had:

(A) Intact exterior walls and roof structure;

(B) Indoor plumbing consisting of a kitchen sink, toilet and bathing facilities connected to a sanitary waste disposal system;

(D) A heating system; and

(b)(A) Unless the value of the dwelling was eliminated as a result of destruction or demolition, was assessed as a dwelling for purposes of ad valorem taxation since the later of:

(i) Five years before the date of the application; or

(ii) The date that the dwelling was erected upon or fixed to the land and became subject to property tax assessment; or

(B) If the value of the dwelling was eliminated as a result of destruction or demolition, was assessed as a dwelling for purposes of ad valorem taxation prior to the destruction or demolition and since the later of:

(i) Five years before the date of the destruction or demolition; or

(ii) The date that the dwelling was erected upon or fixed to the land and became subject to property tax assessment.

(2) For replacement of a lawfully established dwelling under this section:

(a) The dwelling to be replaced must be removed, demolished or converted to an allowable nonresidential use within three months after the date the replacement dwelling is certified for occupancy pursuant to ORS 455.055.

(b) The replacement dwelling:

(A) May be sited on any part of the same lot or parcel.

(B) Must comply with applicable siting standards. However, the standards may not be applied in a manner that prohibits the siting of the replacement dwelling.

(i) The dwelling is in an area identified as extreme or high wildfire risk on the statewide map of wildfire risk described in ORS 477.490; or

(ii) No statewide map of wildfire risk has been adopted.

(c) As a condition of approval, if the dwelling to be replaced is located on a portion of the lot or parcel that is not zoned for exclusive farm use, the applicant shall execute and cause to be recorded in the deed records of the county in which the property is located a deed restriction prohibiting the siting of another dwelling on that portion of the lot or parcel. The restriction imposed is irrevocable unless the county planning director, or the director’s designee, places a statement of release in the deed records of the county to the effect that the provisions of this section and either ORS 215.213 or 215.283 regarding replacement dwellings have changed to allow the lawful siting of another dwelling.

(3) The county planning director, or the director’s designee, shall maintain a record of the lots and parcels that do not qualify for the siting of a new dwelling under subsection (2) of this section, including a copy of the deed restrictions filed under subsection (2)(c) of this section.

(4) If an applicant is granted a deferred replacement permit under this section:

(a) The deferred replacement permit:

(A) Does not expire but the permit becomes void unless the dwelling to be replaced is removed or demolished within three months after the deferred replacement permit is issued; and

(B) May not be transferred, by sale or otherwise, except by the applicant to the spouse or a child of the applicant.

(b) The replacement dwelling must comply with applicable building codes, plumbing codes, sanitation codes and other requirements relating to health and safety or to siting at the time of construction.

(5) An application under this section must be filed within three years following the date that the dwelling last possessed all the features listed under subsection (1)(a) of this section.

(6) Construction of a replacement dwelling approved under this section must commence no later than four years after the approval of the application under this section becomes final. [2013 c.462 §2; 2019 c.440 §§1,5; 2023 c.301 §3]

Note: 215.291 was added to and made a part of 215.203 to 215.311 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.293 Dwelling in exclusive farm use or forest zone; condition; declaration; recordation. The county governing body or its designate shall require as a condition of approval of a single-family dwelling under ORS 215.213, 215.283 or 215.284 or otherwise in a farm or forest zone, that the landowner for the dwelling sign and record in the deed records for the county a document binding the landowner, and the landowner’s successors in interest, prohibiting them from pursuing a claim for relief or cause of action alleging injury from farming or forest practices for which no action or claim is allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937. [1983 c.826 §11; 1995 c.703 §11]

215.294 Railroad facilities handling materials regulated under ORS chapter 459 or 466. (1) In addition to the nonfarm uses that may be established under ORS 215.283 (2), and subject to the approval of the governing body or its designate in any area zoned for exclusive farm use subject to ORS 215.296, the use of existing railroad loading and unloading facilities authorized to unload materials regulated under ORS chapter 459 and the expansion of such facilities by no greater than 30 percent, for the unloading of materials regulated under ORS chapter 466 for transfer to a facility permitted to dispose of materials regulated under ORS chapter 466, may be allowed.

(2) A permit for a use allowed under subsection (1) of this section must be applied for no later than December 31, 1993.

(3) A county shall allow an application for a permit authorizing the use allowed under this section prior to the adoption of amendments to the comprehensive plan or land use regulations. [1993 c.530 §1]

215.295 [Formerly 215.205; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.296 Standards for approval of certain uses in exclusive farm use zones; violation of standards; complaint; penalties; exceptions to standards. (1) A use allowed under ORS 215.213 (2) or (11) or 215.283 (2) or (4) may be approved only where the local governing body or its designee finds that the use will not:

(a) Force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; or

(b) Significantly increase the cost of accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use.

(2) An applicant for a use allowed under ORS 215.213 (2) or (11) or 215.283 (2) or (4) may demonstrate that the standards for approval set forth in subsection (1) of this section will be satisfied through the imposition of conditions. Any conditions so imposed shall be clear and objective.

(3) A person engaged in farm or forest practices on lands devoted to farm or forest use may file a complaint with the local governing body or its designee alleging:

(a) That a condition imposed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section has been violated;

(b) That the violation has:

(A) Forced a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; or

(B) Significantly increased the cost of accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; and

(4) Upon receipt of a complaint filed under this section or ORS 215.218, the local governing body or its designee shall:

(a) Forward the complaint to the operator of the use;

(b) Review the complaint in the manner set forth in ORS 215.402 to 215.438; and

(5) Upon a determination that the allegations made in a complaint are true, the local governing body or its designee at a minimum shall notify the violator that a violation has occurred, direct the violator to correct the conditions that led to the violation within a specified time period and warn the violator against the commission of further violations.

(6) If the conditions that led to a violation are not corrected within the time period specified pursuant to subsection (5) of this section, or if there is a determination pursuant to subsection (4) of this section following the receipt of a second complaint that a further violation has occurred, the local governing body or its designee at a minimum shall assess a fine against the violator.

(7) If the conditions that led to a violation are not corrected within 30 days after the imposition of a fine pursuant to subsection (6) of this section, or if there is a determination pursuant to subsection (4) of this section following the receipt of a third or subsequent complaint that a further violation has occurred, the local governing body or its designee shall at a minimum order the suspension of the use until the violator corrects the conditions that led to the violation.

(8) If a use allowed under ORS 215.213 (2) or (11) or 215.283 (2) or (4) is initiated without prior approval pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the local governing body or its designee at a minimum shall notify the user that prior approval is required, direct the user to apply for approval within 21 days and warn the user against the commission of further violations. If the user does not apply for approval within 21 days, the local governing body or its designee shall order the suspension of the use until the user applies for and receives approval. If there is a determination pursuant to subsection (4) of this section following the receipt of a complaint that a further violation occurred after approval was granted, the violation shall be deemed a second violation and the local governing body or its designee at a minimum shall assess a fine against the violator.

(9)(a) The standards set forth in subsection (1) of this section do not apply to farm or forest uses conducted within:

(A) Lots or parcels with a single-family residential dwelling approved under ORS 215.213 (3), 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) or 215.705;

(B) An exception area approved under ORS 197.732; or

(b) A person residing in a single-family residential dwelling which was approved under ORS 215.213 (3), 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) or 215.705, which is within an exception area approved under ORS 197.732 or which is within an acknowledged urban growth boundary may not file a complaint under subsection (3) of this section.

(10) This section does not prevent a local governing body approving a use allowed under ORS 215.213 (2) or (11) or 215.283 (2) or (4) from establishing standards in addition to those set forth in subsection (1) of this section or from imposing conditions to ensure conformance with the additional standards. [1989 c.861 §6; 1993 c.792 §15; 2001 c.704 §8; 2003 c.616 §3; 2011 c.567 §9]

215.297 Verifying continuity for approval of certain uses in exclusive farm use zones. (1) As part of the conditional use approval process under ORS 215.296, for the purpose of verifying the existence, continuity and nature of the business described in ORS 215.213 (2)(w) or 215.283 (2)(y), representatives of the business may apply to the county and submit evidence including, but not limited to, sworn affidavits or other documentary evidence that the business qualifies.

(2) A use authorized in ORS 215.213 (2)(w) or 215.283 (2)(y) may be altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130 (5) to (11). [2003 c.247 §4; 2021 c.25 §8]

Note: 215.297 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.298 Mining in exclusive farm use zone; land use permit. (1) As used in this section and ORS 215.213 (2) and 215.283 (2):

(a) “Impact area” means an area extending 1,500 feet in any direction from the area of a proposed mining site or the farthest point from the proposed mining site where a significant conflict exists, whichever is greater, excluding from the area of the proposed mining site any undisturbed buffer areas or areas on a parcel where mining is not authorized.

(b)(A) “Mining” includes all or any part of the process of mining by the removal of overburden and the extraction of natural mineral deposits thereby exposed by any method including open-pit mining operations, auger mining operations, processing, surface impacts of underground mining, production of surface mining refuse and the construction of adjacent or off-site borrow pits except those constructed for use as access roads.

(B) “Mining” does not include excavations of sand, gravel, clay, rock or similar materials conducted by a landowner or tenant on the landowner or tenant’s property for the primary purpose of reconstruction or maintenance of access roads and excavation or grading operations conducted in the process of farming or cemetery operations, on-site road construction or other on-site construction or nonsurface impacts of underground mines.

(c) “Significant mineral resource site” means a proposed mining site, other than a site for the mining of aggregate, that is located at least one mile outside the border of the nearest incorporated city and that either:

(A) Has an estimated quantity of gold, silver or other precious minerals proposed for mining of 500,000 ounces or more and will create 75 or more full-time mining-associated jobs, including but not limited to site construction, mining, operations management, processing, hauling and reclamation; or

(B) Will create 100 or more full-time mining-associated jobs, including but not limited to site construction, mining, operations management, processing, hauling and reclamation.

(2)(a) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.213 (2) and 215.283 (2), a land use permit is required for mining more than 1,000 cubic yards of material or excavation preparatory to mining of a surface area of more than one acre. A county may set standards for a lower volume or smaller surface area than that set forth in this subsection.

(b) A permit for mining of aggregate shall be issued only for a site included on an inventory in an acknowledged comprehensive plan.

(3) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of ORS 215.283 (2), county approval of an application for a land use permit under ORS 215.283 (2)(b) for mining or excavation preparatory to mining of a significant mineral resource site on land zoned for exclusive farm use that is located in Baker County, Grant County, Harney County, Lake County, Malheur County, Union County or Wallowa County is not subject to:

(a) The provisions of ORS 215.296; or

(b) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, any statewide land use planning goal or any administrative rule relating to land use.

(4) A county shall deny an application for a land use permit described in subsection (3) of this section if the county determines that the use will conflict with an administrative rule adopted for the purpose of implementing the Oregon Sage-Grouse Action Plan and Executive Order 15-18.

(5) A county shall deny an application for a land use permit described in subsection (3) of this section only if:

(a) The county determines, based on clear and objective standards, that the proposed use will create:

(A) A significant conflict with local road capacity, sight distances, horizontal or vertical alignment and cross section elements;

(B) A significant safety conflict with existing public airports due to bird attractants; or

(C) A significant health or safety conflict with existing residential uses within the boundaries of the impact area of the proposed use; and

(b) The county determines that the conflict identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection cannot be minimized through the imposition of reasonable and practicable mitigation measures as conditions of approval.

(6) For purposes of a county determination described in subsection (5) of this section, the county shall determine the impact area of the proposed use. [1989 c.861 §7; 2017 c.736 §1]

215.299 Policy on mining resource lands. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

(a) The extraction of aggregate, other minerals and other subsurface resources is an essential contribution to Oregon’s economic well-being.

(b) Oregon has an economic and social interest in locating and providing affordable aggregate, other minerals and other subsurface resources in close proximity to the end user of the materials.

(c) Oregon has an interest in balancing competing land use demands for lands identified as farmlands or forestlands in a manner that protects the economic viability of mining and other resource uses.

(d) To balance competing resource uses, Oregon has an interest in providing significant volumes of high-quality aggregate, other minerals and other subsurface resources that are critical to building Oregon’s communities and infrastructure while preserving farmland for agricultural production.

(2) The Legislative Assembly declares that:

(a) High-value farmland composed predominantly of Class I and Class II soils in the Willamette Valley should not be available for mining unless there is a significant volume of high-quality aggregate and other minerals and other subsurface resources available for extraction.

(b) State agencies and local governments should balance competing resource uses and not restrict the removal of the full depth of aggregate unless public health and safety concerns necessitate the restriction of mining activity. [2013 c.706 §1]

Note: 215.299 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.300 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.301 Blending materials for cement prohibited near vineyards; exception. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 215.213, 215.283 and 215.284, no application shall be approved to allow batching and blending of mineral and aggregate into asphalt cement within two miles of a planted vineyard.

(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to operations for batching and blending of mineral and aggregate under a local land use approval on October 3, 1989, or a subsequent renewal of an existing approval.

(3) Nothing in ORS 215.213, 215.263, 215.283, 215.284, 215.296 or 215.298 shall be construed to apply to a use allowed under ORS 215.213 (2) or 215.283 (2) and approved by a local governing body on October 3, 1989, or a subsequent renewal of an existing approval. [1989 c.861 §§4,5]

215.303 [1989 c.861 §8; repealed by 1993 c.792 §55]

215.304 Rule adoption; limitations. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall not adopt or implement any rule to identify or designate small-scale farmland or secondary land.

(2) Amendments required to conform rules to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section and ORS 215.700 to 215.780 shall be adopted by March 1, 1994.

(3) Any portion of a rule inconsistent with the provisions of ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), 215.213, 215.214 (1991 Edition), 215.288 (1991 Edition), 215.317, 215.327 and 215.337 (1991 Edition) or 215.700 to 215.780 on March 1, 1994:

(a) Shall not be implemented or enforced; and

(b) Has no legal effect.

(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, the uses authorized by ORS 215.283 (1)(x) or (2)(n) may be established on land in exclusive farm use zones, including high-value farmland. [1993 c.792 §28; 2001 c.672 §19; 2012 c.74 §4]

215.305 [Formerly 215.210; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.306 Conducting filming activities in exclusive farm use zones. (1) The limitations on uses made of land in exclusive farm use zones described in ORS 215.213, 215.283, 215.284 and 215.700 to 215.780 and limitations imposed by or adopted pursuant to ORS 197.040 do not apply to activities described in this section.

(2) The provisions of this section do not affect the eligibility of a zone for special assessment as provided in ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128.

(3)(a) On-site filming and activities accessory to on-site filming may be conducted in any area zoned for exclusive farm use without prior approval of local government but subject to ORS 30.930 to 30.947.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, on-site filming and activities accessory to on-site filming that exceed 45 days on any site within a one-year period or involve erection of sets that would remain in place for longer than 45 days may be conducted only upon approval of the governing body or its designee in any area zoned for exclusive farm use subject to ORS 215.296. In addition to other activities described in subsection (4) of this section, these activities may include office administrative functions such as payroll and scheduling, and the use of campers, truck trailers or similar temporary facilities. Temporary facilities may be used as temporary housing for security personnel.

(4) For purposes of this section, “on-site filming and activities accessory to on-site filming”:

(a) Includes:

(A) Filming and site preparation, construction of sets, staging, makeup and support services customarily provided for on-site filming.

(B) Production of advertisements, documentaries, feature film, television services and other film productions that rely on the rural qualities of an exclusive farm use zone in more than an incidental way.

(b) Does not include:

(A) Facilities for marketing, editing and other such activities that are allowed only as a home occupation; or

(B) Construction of new structures that requires a building permit.

(5) A decision of local government issuing any permits necessary for activities under subsection (3)(a) of this section is not a land use decision. [1995 c.722 §1; 1997 c.550 §3; 1999 c.314 §59; 2001 c.672 §20]

215.310 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.311 Log truck parking in exclusive farm use zones; dump truck parking in forest zones or mixed farm and forest zones. (1) The limitations on uses of land in exclusive farm use zones described in ORS 215.283, 215.284 and 215.700 to 215.780 and limitations imposed by or adopted pursuant to ORS 197.040 do not apply to log truck parking under this section.

(2) The provisions of this section do not affect the eligibility of a zone for special assessment as provided in ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law except for health and safety provisions, parking no more than seven log trucks shall be allowed in an exclusive farm use zone unless the local government determines that log truck parking on a lot or parcel will:

(a) Force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; or

(b) Significantly increase the cost of accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use.

(4) The limitations on uses of land zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use described in ORS 215.700 to 215.780 and limitations imposed by or adopted pursuant to ORS 197.040 do not apply to dump truck parking under this section.

(5) The provisions of this section do not affect the eligibility of land for special assessment as provided in ORS 308A.250 to 308A.259, 308A.300 to 308A.330, 308A.350 to 308A.383, 308A.403 to 308A.430 or 308A.450 to 308A.465.

(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law except for health and safety provisions, parking up to seven dump trucks and up to seven trailers is allowed on land zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use unless the local government determines that dump truck parking on a lot or parcel will:

(a) Force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use; or

(b) Significantly increase the cost of accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use. [1995 c.799 §1; 1999 c.314 §60; 2001 c.672 §21; 2011 c.629 §4]

215.312 Public safety training facility. (1) As used in this section, “public safety training facility” or “facility” means one or more improvements established by Portland Community College in support of curriculum focused on public safety training or education, including public safety response to an emergency, as defined in ORS 401.025.

(2) In addition to the nonfarm uses that may be established in an area zoned for exclusive farm use under ORS 215.283 (1), Portland Community College may establish a public safety training facility as an outright permitted use on up to 300 acres of land in an area zoned for exclusive farm use, notwithstanding:

(a) The statewide land use planning goals and administrative rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission.

(b) The minimum lot or parcel size under ORS 215.780.

(3) Portland Community College may establish the public safety training facility jointly in cooperation with one or more other public bodies, as defined in ORS 174.109.

(4) Portland Community College shall:

(a) Use the public safety training facility to support curriculum focused on public safety training and education; and

(b) Make the facility available for use by other public bodies for public safety training or education of public safety personnel, as defined in ORS 181A.355, and other providers of emergency services, as defined in ORS 401.025.

(5) A public safety training facility authorized by this section:

(a) Must be sited on land that is within a community college district in Columbia County.

(b) May not be established unless Portland Community College applies for land use approval of the facility on or before December 31, 2015.

(6) When making decisions approving the public safety training facility authorized by this section, the local government:

(a) Shall apply only those procedural provisions and objective development standards of its land use regulations that apply to uses permitted outright under ORS 215.283 (1).

(b) Is not required to amend the acknowledged comprehensive plan or land use regulations to implement this section.

(7) Before approving the public safety training facility authorized by this section, the local government shall hold at least one public hearing and allow interested persons to testify regarding the location of the facility.

(8) A decision made by the local government to approve the public safety training facility authorized by this section is not:

(a) A land use decision or a limited land use decision, as those terms are defined in ORS 197.015; and

(b) Subject to review by the Land Use Board of Appeals under ORS 197.805 to 197.855. [2013 c.725 §3]

Note: 215.312 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

(Marginal Lands)

215.316 Termination of adoption of marginal lands. (1) Unless a county applies the provisions of ORS 215.705 to 215.730 to land zoned for exclusive farm use, a county that adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), 215.213, 215.214 (1991 Edition), 215.288 (1991 Edition), 215.317, 215.327 and 215.337 (1991 Edition) may continue to apply those provisions. After January 1, 1993, no county may adopt marginal lands provisions.

(2) If a county that had adopted marginal lands provisions before January 1, 1993, subsequently sites a dwelling under ORS 215.705 to 215.750 on land zoned for exclusive farm use, the county shall not later apply marginal lands provisions, including those set forth in ORS 215.213, to lots or parcels other than those to which the county applied the marginal lands provisions before the county sited a dwelling under ORS 215.705 to 215.750. [1993 c.792 §29]

215.317 Permitted uses on marginal land. (1) A county may allow the following uses to be established on land designated as marginal land under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition):

(a) Intensive farm or forest operations, including but not limited to “farm use” as defined in ORS 215.203.

(b) Part-time farms.

(d) One single-family dwelling on a lot or parcel created under ORS 215.327 (1) or (2).

(e) One single-family dwelling on a lot or parcel of any size if the lot or parcel was created before July 1, 1983, subject to subsection (2) of this section.

(f) The nonresidential uses authorized in exclusive farm use zones under ORS 215.213 (1) and (2).

(g) One manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle in conjunction with an existing dwelling as a temporary use for the term of a hardship suffered by the existing resident or a relative of the resident.

(2) If a lot or parcel described in subsection (1)(e) of this section is located within the Willamette River Greenway, a floodplain or a geological hazard area, approval of a single-family dwelling shall be subject to local ordinances relating to the Willamette River Greenway, floodplains or geological hazard areas, whichever is applicable. [1983 c.826 §3; 1989 c.648 §62; 1993 c.792 §24; 1997 c.249 §60; 1999 c.640 §3]

215.320 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.325 [1953 c.662 §6; 1963 c.9 §4; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.327 Divisions of marginal land. A county may allow the following divisions of marginal land:

(1) Divisions of land to create a parcel or lot containing 10 or more acres if the lot or parcel is not adjacent to land zoned for exclusive farm use or forest use or, if it is adjacent to such land, the land qualifies for designation as marginal land under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition).

(2) Divisions of land to create a lot or parcel containing 20 or more acres if the lot or parcel is adjacent to land zoned for exclusive farm use and that land does not qualify for designation as marginal land under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition).

(3) Divisions of land to create a parcel or lot necessary for those uses authorized by ORS 215.317 (1)(f). [1983 c.826 §4; 1993 c.792 §25]

215.330 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.337 [1983 c.826 §4a; repealed by 1993 c.792 §55]

215.340 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.350 [Amended by 1953 c.662 §7; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.360 [Amended by 1953 c.662 §7; subsection (2) enacted as 1953 c.662 §1; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.370 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.380 [Amended by 1955 c.652 §4; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.390 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.395 [1953 c.662 §3; 1955 c.652 §5; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.398 [1955 c.652 §2; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.400 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

PLANNING AND ZONING HEARINGS AND REVIEW

215.401 Preapplication process for land use approval of disposal site for composting. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Compost” has the meaning given that term in ORS 459.005.

(b) “Disposal site” has the meaning given that term in ORS 459.005.

(2) Before an applicant may submit an application under ORS 215.402 to 215.438 for land use approval to establish or modify a disposal site for composting that requires a permit issued by the Department of Environmental Quality, as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the applicant shall:

(a) Request and attend a preapplication conference described in subsections (4) to (6) of this section; and

(b) Hold a preapplication community meeting described in subsections (7) to (9) of this section.

(3) Subsection (2) of this section applies to an application to:

(a) Establish a disposal site for composting that sells, or offers for sale, resulting product; or

(b) Allow an existing disposal site for composting that sells, or offers for sale, resulting product to:

(A) Accept as feedstock nonvegetative materials, including dead animals, meat, dairy products and mixed food waste; or

(B) Increase the permitted annual tonnage of feedstock used by the disposal site by an amount that requires a new land use approval.

(4) During the preapplication conference:

(a) The applicant shall provide information about the proposed disposal site for composting and proposed operations for composting and respond to questions about the site and operations.

(b) The county with land use jurisdiction over the proposed disposal site for composting and the other representatives described in subsection (5) of this section shall inform the applicant of permitting requirements to establish and operate the proposed disposal site for composting and provide all application materials to the applicant.

(5) The applicant shall submit a written request to the county with land use jurisdiction to request a preapplication conference. A representative of the planning department of the county and a representative of the Department of Environmental Quality shall attend the conference along with representatives, as determined necessary by the county, of the following entities:

(a) Any other state agency or local government that has authority to approve or deny a permit, license or other certification required to establish or operate the proposed disposal site for composting.

(b) A state agency, a local government or a private entity that provides or would provide to the proposed disposal site for composting one or more of the following:

(A) Water systems.

(B) Wastewater collection and treatment systems, including storm drainage systems.

(c) A city or county with territory within its boundaries that may be affected by the proposed disposal site for composting.

(d) The Department of Land Conservation and Development.

(e) The State Department of Agriculture.

(6) The county with land use jurisdiction may use preapplication procedures, if any, in the acknowledged land use regulations of the county, consistent with the requirements that the county shall:

(a) Provide notice of the preapplication conference to the entities described in subsection (5) of this section by mail and, as appropriate, in any other manner that ensures adequate notice and opportunity to participate;

(b) Hold the preapplication conference at least 20 days and not more than 40 days after receipt of the applicant’s written request; and

(c) Provide preapplication notes to each attendee of the conference and the other entities described in subsection (5) of this section for which a representative does not attend the preapplication conference.

(7) After the preapplication conference and before submitting the application for land use approval, the applicant shall:

(a) Hold a community meeting within 60 days after the preapplication conference:

(A) In a public location in the county with land use jurisdiction; and

(B) On a business day, or Saturday, that is not a holiday, with a start time between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

(b) Provide notice of the community meeting to:

(A) The owners of record, on the most recent property tax assessment roll, of real property located within one-half mile of the real property on which the proposed disposal site for composting would be located;

(B) The resident or occupant that receives mail at the mailing address of the real property described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph if the mailing address of the owner of record is not the mailing address of the real property;

(C) Neighborhood and community organizations recognized by the governing body of the county if a boundary of the organization is within one-half mile of the proposed disposal site for composting;

(D) A newspaper that meets the requirements of ORS 193.020 for publication;

(E) Local media in a press release; and

(F) The entities described in subsection (5) of this section.

(8) During the community meeting, the applicant shall provide information about the proposed disposal site for composting and proposed operations for composting and respond to questions about the site and operations.

(9) The applicant’s notice provided under subsection (7)(b) of this section must include:

(a) A brief description of the proposed disposal site for composting;

(b) The address of the location of the community meeting; and

Note: 215.401 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.402 Definitions for ORS 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780. As used in ORS 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780 unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Contested case” means a proceeding in which the legal rights, duties or privileges of specific parties under general rules or policies provided under ORS 215.010 to 215.311, 215.317, 215.327, 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780, or any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, are required to be determined only after a hearing at which specific parties are entitled to appear and be heard.

(2) “Hearing” means a quasi-judicial hearing, authorized or required by the ordinances and regulations of a county adopted pursuant to ORS 215.010 to 215.311, 215.317, 215.327, 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780:

(a) To determine in accordance with such ordinances and regulations if a permit shall be granted or denied; or

(b) To determine a contested case.

(3) “Hearings officer” means a planning and zoning hearings officer appointed or designated by the governing body of a county under ORS 215.406.

(4) “Permit” means discretionary approval of a proposed development of land under ORS 215.010 to 215.311, 215.317, 215.327 and 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780 or county legislation or regulation adopted pursuant thereto. “Permit” does not include:

(a) A limited land use decision as defined in ORS 197.015;

(b) A decision which determines the appropriate zoning classification for a particular use by applying criteria or performance standards defining the uses permitted within the zone, and the determination applies only to land within an urban growth boundary;

(c) A decision which determines final engineering design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair or preservation of a transportation facility which is otherwise authorized by and consistent with the comprehensive plan and land use regulations; or

(d) An expedited land division, as described in ORS 197.360. [1973 c.552 §12; 1977 c.654 §1; 1981 c.748 §49; 1991 c.817 §8; 1995 c.79 §77; 1995 c.595 §12; 2001 c.672 §15; 2015 c.260 §4]

215.406 Planning and zoning hearings officers; duties and powers; authority of governing body or planning commission to conduct hearings. (1) A county governing body may authorize appointment of one or more planning and zoning hearings officers, to serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The hearings officer shall conduct hearings on applications for such classes of permits and contested cases as the county governing body designates.

(2) In the absence of a hearings officer a planning commission or the governing body may serve as hearings officer with all the powers and duties of a hearings officer. [1973 c.552 §13; 1977 c.766 §10]

215.410 [Repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.412 Adoption of hearing procedure and rules. (1) The governing body of a county by ordinance or order shall adopt one or more procedures for the conduct of hearings.

(2) The governing body of a county by ordinance or order shall adopt rules stating that all decisions made by the governing body will be based on factual information, including adopted comprehensive plans and land use regulations. [1973 c.552 §14; 1977 c.766 §11; 1997 c.452 §2]

215.415 [1953 c.662 §5; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.416 Permit application; fees; consolidated procedures; hearings; notice; approval criteria; decision without hearing. (1) When required or authorized by the ordinances, rules and regulations of a county, an owner of land may apply in writing to such persons as the governing body designates, for a permit, in the manner prescribed by the governing body. The governing body shall establish fees charged for processing permits at an amount no more than the actual or average cost of providing that service.

(2) The governing body shall establish a consolidated procedure by which an applicant may apply at one time for all permits or zone changes needed for a development project. The consolidated procedure shall be subject to the time limitations set out in ORS 215.427. The consolidated procedure shall be available for use at the option of the applicant no later than the time of the first periodic review of the comprehensive plan and land use regulations.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (11) of this section, the hearings officer shall hold at least one public hearing on the application.

(4)(a) A county may not approve an application if the proposed use of land is found to be in conflict with the comprehensive plan of the county and other applicable land use regulation or ordinance provisions. The approval may include such conditions as are authorized by statute or county legislation.

(b)(A) A county may not deny an application for a housing development located within the urban growth boundary if the development complies with clear and objective standards, including but not limited to clear and objective design standards contained in the county comprehensive plan or land use regulations.

(B) This paragraph does not apply to:

(i) Applications or permits for residential development in areas described in ORS 197A.400 (2); or

(ii) Applications or permits reviewed under an alternative approval process adopted under ORS 197A.400 (3).

(A) The density applied for is at or below the authorized density level under the local land use regulations; and

(B) At least 75 percent of the floor area applied for is reserved for housing.

(d) A county may not condition an application for a housing development on a reduction in height if:

(A) The height applied for is at or below the authorized height level under the local land use regulations;

(B) At least 75 percent of the floor area applied for is reserved for housing; and

(e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (c) and (d) of this subsection, a county may condition an application for a housing development on a reduction in density or height only if the reduction is necessary to resolve a health, safety or habitability issue or to comply with a protective measure adopted pursuant to a statewide land use planning goal. Notwithstanding ORS 197.350, the county must adopt findings supported by substantial evidence demonstrating the necessity of the reduction.

(f) As used in this subsection:

(A) “Authorized density level” means the maximum number of lots or dwelling units or the maximum floor area ratio that is permitted under local land use regulations.

(B) “Authorized height level” means the maximum height of a structure that is permitted under local land use regulations.

(C) “Habitability” means being in compliance with the applicable provisions of the state building code under ORS chapter 455 and the rules adopted thereunder.

(5) Hearings under this section shall be held only after notice to the applicant and also notice to other persons as otherwise provided by law and shall otherwise be conducted in conformance with the provisions of ORS 197.797.

(6) Notice of a public hearing on an application submitted under this section shall be provided to the owner of an airport defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation as a “public use airport” if:

(a) The name and address of the airport owner has been provided by the Oregon Department of Aviation to the county planning authority; and

(b) The property subject to the land use hearing is:

(A) Within 5,000 feet of the side or end of a runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be a “visual airport”; or

(B) Within 10,000 feet of the side or end of the runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be an “instrument airport.”

(7) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (6) of this section, notice of a land use hearing need not be provided as set forth in subsection (6) of this section if the zoning permit would only allow a structure less than 35 feet in height and the property is located outside the runway “approach surface” as defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(8)(a) Approval or denial of a permit application shall be based on standards and criteria which shall be set forth in the zoning ordinance or other appropriate ordinance or regulation of the county and which shall relate approval or denial of a permit application to the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan for the area in which the proposed use of land would occur and to the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan for the county as a whole.

(b) When an ordinance establishing approval standards is required under ORS 197A.200 and 197A.400 to provide only clear and objective standards, the standards must be clear and objective on the face of the ordinance.

(9) Approval or denial of a permit or expedited land division shall be based upon and accompanied by a brief statement that explains the criteria and standards considered relevant to the decision, states the facts relied upon in rendering the decision and explains the justification for the decision based on the criteria, standards and facts set forth.

(10) Written notice of the approval or denial shall be given to all parties to the proceeding.

(11)(a)(A) The hearings officer or such other person as the governing body designates may approve or deny an application for a permit without a hearing if the hearings officer or other designated person gives notice of the decision and provides an opportunity for any person who is adversely affected or aggrieved, or who is entitled to notice under paragraph (c) of this subsection, to file an appeal.

(B) Written notice of the decision shall be mailed to those persons described in paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(C) Notice under this subsection shall comply with ORS 197.797 (3)(a), (c), (g) and (h) and shall describe the nature of the decision. In addition, the notice shall state that any person who is adversely affected or aggrieved or who is entitled to written notice under paragraph (c) of this subsection may appeal the decision by filing a written appeal in the manner and within the time period provided in the county’s land use regulations. A county may not establish an appeal period that is less than 12 days from the date the written notice of decision required by this subsection was mailed. The notice shall state that the decision will not become final until the period for filing a local appeal has expired. The notice also shall state that a person who is mailed written notice of the decision cannot appeal the decision directly to the Land Use Board of Appeals under ORS 197.830.

(D) An appeal from a hearings officer’s decision made without hearing under this subsection shall be to the planning commission or governing body of the county. An appeal from such other person as the governing body designates shall be to a hearings officer, the planning commission or the governing body. In either case, the appeal shall be to a de novo hearing.

(E) The de novo hearing required by subparagraph (D) of this paragraph shall be the initial evidentiary hearing required under ORS 197.797 as the basis for an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals. At the de novo hearing:

(i) The applicant and other parties shall have the same opportunity to present testimony, arguments and evidence as they would have had in a hearing under subsection (3) of this section before the decision;

(ii) The presentation of testimony, arguments and evidence shall not be limited to issues raised in a notice of appeal; and

(iii) The decision maker shall consider all relevant testimony, arguments and evidence that are accepted at the hearing.

(b) If a local government provides only a notice of the opportunity to request a hearing, the local government may charge a fee for the initial hearing. The maximum fee for an initial hearing shall be the cost to the local government of preparing for and conducting the appeal, or $250, whichever is less. If an appellant prevails at the hearing or upon subsequent appeal, the fee for the initial hearing shall be refunded. The fee allowed in this paragraph shall not apply to appeals made by neighborhood or community organizations recognized by the governing body and whose boundaries include the site.

(c)(A) Notice of a decision under paragraph (a) of this subsection shall be provided to the applicant and to the owners of record of property on the most recent property tax assessment roll where such property is located:

(i) Within 100 feet of the property that is the subject of the notice when the subject property is wholly or in part within an urban growth boundary;

(ii) Within 250 feet of the property that is the subject of the notice when the subject property is outside an urban growth boundary and not within a farm or forest zone; or

(iii) Within 750 feet of the property that is the subject of the notice when the subject property is within a farm or forest zone.

(B) Notice shall also be provided to any neighborhood or community organization recognized by the governing body and whose boundaries include the site.

(C) At the discretion of the applicant, the local government also shall provide notice to the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

(12) A decision described in ORS 215.402 (4)(b) shall:

(a) Be entered in a registry available to the public setting forth:

(A) The street address or other easily understood geographic reference to the subject property;

(B) The date of the decision; and

(b) Be subject to the jurisdiction of the Land Use Board of Appeals in the same manner as a limited land use decision.

(13) At the option of the applicant, the local government shall provide notice of the decision described in ORS 215.402 (4)(b) in the manner required by ORS 197.797 (2), in which case an appeal to the board shall be filed within 21 days of the decision. The notice shall include an explanation of appeal rights.

(14) Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, a limited land use decision shall be subject to the requirements set forth in ORS 197.195 and 197.828. [1973 c.552 §§15, 16; 1977 c.654 §2; 1977 c.766 §12; 1979 c.772 §10a; 1983 c.827 §20; 1987 c.106 §2; 1987 c.729 §17; 1991 c.612 §20; 1991 c.817 §5; 1995 c.595 §27; 1995 c.692 §1; 1997 c.844 §4; 1999 c.357 §2; 1999 c.621 §1; 1999 c.935 §23; 2001 c.397 §1; 2017 c.745 §2; 2019 c.640 §17]

215.417 Time to act under certain approved permits; extension. (1) If a permit is approved under ORS 215.416 for a proposed residential development on agricultural or forest land outside of an urban growth boundary under ORS 215.010 to 215.293 or 215.317 to 215.438 or under county legislation or regulation, the permit is valid for four years.

(2) An extension of a permit described in subsection (1) of this section is valid for two years. A county may approve no more than five additional one-year extensions of a permit if:

(a) The applicant makes a written request for the additional extension prior to the expiration of an extension;

(b) The applicable residential development statute has not been amended following the approval of the permit, except the amendments to ORS 215.750 by section 1, chapter 433, Oregon Laws 2019; and

(c) An applicable rule or land use regulation has not been amended following the issuance of the permit, unless allowed by the county, which may require that the applicant comply with the amended rule or land use regulation.

(3) An extension of a permit under subsection (2) of this section is not a land use decision as defined in ORS 197.015.

(4) As used in this section, “residential development” means dwellings provided for under ORS 215.213 (1)(q), (3) and (4), 215.283 (1)(p), 215.284, 215.317, 215.705 (1) to (3), 215.720, 215.740, 215.750 and 215.755 (1) and (3). [2001 c.532 §2; 2009 c.850 §10; 2013 c.462 §§6,9; 2019 c.432 §§3,3a,4,4a]

215.418 Approval of development on wetlands; notice. (1) After the Department of State Lands has provided the county with a copy of the applicable portions of the Statewide Wetlands Inventory, the county shall provide notice to the department, the applicant and the owner of record, within five working days of the acceptance of any complete application for the following that are wholly or partially within areas identified as wetlands on the Statewide Wetlands Inventory:

(a) Subdivisions;

(b) Building permits for new structures;

(c) Other development permits and approvals that allow physical alteration of the land involving excavation and grading, including permits for removal or fill, or both, or development in floodplains and floodways;

(d) Conditional use permits and variances that involve physical alterations to the land or construction of new structures; and

(e) Planned unit development approvals.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section do not apply if a permit from the department has been issued for the proposed activity.

(3) Approval of any activity described in subsection (1) of this section shall include one of the following notice statements:

(a) Issuance of a permit under ORS 196.665 and 196.800 to 196.900 by the department required for the project before any physical alteration takes place within the wetlands;

(b) Notice from the department that no permit is required; or

(c) Notice from the department that no permit is required until specific proposals to remove, fill or alter the wetlands are submitted.

(4) If the department fails to respond to any notice provided under subsection (1) of this section within 30 days of notice, the county approval may be issued with written notice to the applicant and the owner of record that the proposed action may require state or federal permits.

(5) The county may issue local approval for parcels identified as or including wetlands on the Statewide Wetlands Inventory upon providing to the applicant and the owner of record of the affected parcel a written notice of the possible presence of wetlands and the potential need for state and federal permits and providing the department with a copy of the notification of

comprehensive plan map or zoning map amendments for specific properties.

(6) Notice of activities authorized within an approved wetland conservation plan shall be provided to the department within five days following local approval.

(7) Failure by the county to provide notice as required in this section will not invalidate county approval. [1989 c.837 §29; 1991 c.763 §24]

(Temporary provisions relating to wetlands in Tillamook County)

Note: Sections 1 to 8, chapter 84, Oregon Laws 2016, provide:

Sec. 1. Sections 2 to 6 of this 2016 Act are added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215. [2016 c.84 §1]

Sec. 2. Legislative findings. The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that Tillamook County experiences unique challenges related to the creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands on lands zoned for exclusive farm use, including regularly occurring and devastating flood events and landowner conflicts. It is therefore in the public interest to establish a pilot program in Tillamook County that applies conditional use review for the creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands on lands zoned for exclusive farm use, and that incorporates a means for stakeholders to engage in a collaborative process for ensuring the protection and enhancement of agricultural land uses and wetlands. [2016 c.84 §2]

Sec. 3. Definitions. As used in sections 2 to 6 of this 2016 Act:

(1) “Mitigation bank” has the meaning given that term in ORS 196.600.

(2) “Permit” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.402.

(3) “Reclamation” has the meaning given that term in ORS 517.750.

(4) “Riparian area” means a zone of transition from an aquatic ecosystem to a terrestrial ecosystem, dependent upon surface or subsurface water, in which existing or potential elements of the soil-vegetation complex are influenced by the surface or subsurface water that the zone is dependent upon.

(5) “Surface mining” has the meaning given that term in ORS 517.750.

(6) “Wetlands” has the meaning given that term in ORS 196.800. [2016 c.84 §3]

Sec. 4. Pilot program for reviewing creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands in exclusive farm use zones. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 215.283 (1)(m), the governing body of Tillamook County may, by ordinance or regulation, adopt a pilot program for reviewing, subject to ORS 215.296, the creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands in any area zoned for exclusive farm use.

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 215.296 (10), ordinances or regulations adopted by the governing body under the pilot program may not establish standards in addition to the standards described in ORS 215.296 (1) for approving the creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands in areas zoned for exclusive farm use.

(3) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of ORS 215.416, the ordinances or regulations adopted as part of the pilot program shall provide for a mechanism by which, upon request by the applicant and prior to the approval or denial of a permit under the procedures required by ORS 215.402 to 215.438, the following parties may enter into a project-specific collaborative process for settling disputes concerning the application:

(a) The applicant;

(b) Any person whose use of the person’s property may be adversely affected by the proposed use;

(d) Representatives of any state or federal agency that is involved in the project for which the application for the use was submitted or that has expertise related to issues raised by the application or by comments received by the governing body; and

(e) For the purpose of assisting in the project-specific collaborative process, any person with technical expertise in:

(A) Creating, restoring or enhancing wetlands in Tillamook County;

(B) Creating, restoring or enhancing wetlands in areas with site characteristics similar to those identified in the application for the use; or

(4) If an applicant requests to enter into a project-specific collaborative process adopted under subsection (3) of this section, the periods set forth in ORS 215.427 (1) and (5) for the governing body of a county or its designee to take final action on the application shall be extended in the manner provided for in ORS 215.427 (10).

(5) If the parties to a project-specific collaborative process requested under subsection (3) of this section agree to conditions that, if imposed on the proposed use, would satisfy the standards for approval set forth in ORS 215.296 (1) in a manner that is acceptable to all parties, an approval of the application for the permit shall include the conditions agreed to by the parties.

(6) The governing body shall discontinue a project-specific collaborative process requested under subsection (3) of this section if, at any time during the process, the applicant requests that the governing body resume processing the permit application under the procedures required by ORS 215.402 to 215.438. [2016 c.84 §4]

Sec. 5. Planning process. (1) As part of a pilot program authorized by section 4 of this 2016 Act, the governing body of Tillamook County shall, subject to subsection (4) of this section, initiate a planning process to:

(a) Identify areas zoned for exclusive farm use that are suitable for future wetland creation, restoration or enhancement projects; and

(b) Designate areas zoned for exclusive farm use as priority areas for maintenance of agricultural use.

(2) The governing body shall engage stakeholders in the planning process, including, but not limited to, representatives of conservation interests and agricultural interests, state and federal agencies and Indian tribes.

(3) A planning process initiated under this section shall include consideration of:

(a) The historic location and quantity of wetlands within the county;

(b) The location and quantity of wetlands within the county at the time the planning process is initiated;

(c) Agricultural interests within the county, and the land use patterns necessary for the stability of agricultural and associated farming practices;

(d) The amount and location of potential wetland projects that would provide the greatest benefits to fish recovery, fish and wildlife habitat, flood mitigation and other values;

(e) Locations where future wetland projects would be most likely to provide the greatest benefits to fish recovery, fish and wildlife habitat, flood mitigation and other values while remaining compatible with the land use patterns necessary for the stability of agricultural and associated farming practices;

(f) Locations where the creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands is likely to materially alter the stability of the agricultural land use patterns or cause a significant change to farming practice, alone or in combination with other wetlands in the area; and

(g) Locations or land-use arrangements, opportunities, conditions or approaches that could best enable benefits to fish recovery, fish and wildlife habitat, flood mitigation and other values in a manner that complements the land use patterns necessary for the stability of agricultural and associated farming practices.

(4) The governing body is not required to initiate the planning process provided for in this section if the governing body determines that adequate funding, which may include funding from any combination of local, state, federal or other sources, is not reasonably available.

(5) If a plan developed under this section is acknowledged pursuant to ORS 197.625, the governing body may, by ordinance, adopt a process for denying permits or streamlining the permitting process for permit applications subject to the pilot program under section 4 of this 2016 Act. Ordinances adopted under this section must provide for a process that is consistent with the priorities identified in the plan. [2016 c.84 §5]

Sec. 6. Applicability of pilot program provisions. Sections 4 and 5 of this 2016 Act and ordinances and regulations adopted pursuant to sections 4 and 5 of this 2016 Act do not apply to the creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands:

(1) For purposes related to a mitigation bank;

(2) For reclamation of lands affected by surface mining;

(3) If the wetlands are created, restored or enhanced for the purpose of meeting conditions necessary to comply with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit or water pollution control facility permit issued by the Department of Environmental Quality pursuant to ORS 468B.050;

(4) For which construction had commenced, or required permits had been issued, prior to the adoption of ordinances or regulations by the governing body of Tillamook County under section 4 of this 2016 Act; and

(5) If the creation, restoration or enhancement of the wetlands only involves planting vegetation in a wetland or riparian area. [2016 c.84 §6]

Sec. 7. Reporting requirements. (1) The governing body of Tillamook County shall provide for the production and filing of a report on the progress of a pilot program adopted under section 4 of this 2016 Act in the manner provided in ORS 192.245, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to environment and natural resources no later than September 15 of each odd-numbered year following the effective date of this 2016 Act [January 1, 2017], until and including September 15, 2025.

(2) In developing a report required by this section, the governing body must consult with stakeholders including, but not limited to, representatives of conservation interests and agricultural interests, state and federal agencies and Indian tribes.

(3) A report required by this section must include, but need not be limited to:

(a) Information on whether and to what extent the governing body has taken action as provided for in sections 4 and 5 of this 2016 Act and the form of the action taken;

(b) The number of permit applications received under the pilot program adopted under section 4 of this 2016 Act, the number of applicants that have requested entering into a project-specific collaborative process to settle disputes concerning their applications and the disposition of applications received under the pilot program; and

(4) The report that is required to be filed under this section no later than September 15, 2025, shall include information detailing the success of the pilot program and recommendations on whether the pilot program should be made permanent. [2016 c.84 §7]

Sec. 8. Sections 2 to 7 of this 2016 Act are repealed on January 2, 2027. [2016 c.84 §8]

215.420 [Amended by 1955 c.439 §10; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.422 Review of decision of hearings officer or other authority; notice of appeal; fees; appeal of final decision. (1)(a) A party aggrieved by the action of a hearings officer or other decision-making authority may appeal the action to the planning commission or county governing body, or both, however the governing body prescribes. The appellate authority on its own motion may review the action. The procedure and type of hearing for such an appeal or review shall be prescribed by the governing body, but shall not require the notice of appeal to be filed within less than seven days after the date the governing body mails or delivers the decision to the parties.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, the governing body may provide that the decision of a hearings officer or other decision-making authority is the final determination of the county.

(c) The governing body may prescribe, by ordinance or regulation, fees to defray the costs incurred in acting upon an appeal from a hearings officer, planning commission or other designated person. The amount of the fee shall be reasonable and shall be no more than the average cost of such appeals or the actual cost of the appeal, excluding the cost of preparation of a written transcript. The governing body may establish a fee for the preparation of a written transcript. The fee shall be reasonable and shall not exceed the actual cost of preparing the transcript up to $500. In lieu of a transcript prepared by the governing body and the fee therefor, the governing body shall allow any party to an appeal proceeding held on the record to prepare a transcript of relevant portions of the proceedings conducted at a lower level at the party’s own expense. If an appellant prevails at a hearing or on appeal, the transcript fee shall be refunded.

(2) A party aggrieved by the final determination may have the determination reviewed in the manner provided in ORS 197.830 to 197.845.

(3) No decision or action of a planning commission or county governing body shall be invalid due to ex parte contact or bias resulting from ex parte contact with a member of the decision-making body, if the member of the decision-making body receiving the contact:

(a) Places on the record the substance of any written or oral ex parte communications concerning the decision or action; and

(b) Has a public announcement of the content of the communication and of the parties’ right to rebut the substance of the communication made at the first hearing following the communication where action will be considered or taken on the subject to which the communication related.

(4) A communication between county staff and the planning commission or governing body shall not be considered an ex parte contact for the purposes of subsection (3) of this section.

(5) Subsection (3) of this section does not apply to ex parte contact with a hearings officer approved under ORS 215.406 (1). [1973 c.552 §§17,18; 1977 c.766 §13; 1979 c.772 §11; 1981 c.748 §42; 1983 c.656 §1; 1983 c.827 §21; 1991 c.817 §9]

215.425 Review of decision relating to aggregate resources. (1) A decision relating to aggregate resource uses permitted in ORS 215.213 (2)(d) or 215.283 (2)(b) is subject to review solely under the provisions of ORS 197.195 and 197.828 if:

(a) The aggregate resource site is identified as a significant resource site in the acknowledged comprehensive plan;

(b) A program to achieve any statewide goal relating to open spaces, scenic and historic areas, and natural resources has been developed for the aggregate resource site and is included within applicable land use regulations; and

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section do not apply to mineral and other uses not related to aggregate resources. [1991 c.817 §11]

215.427 Final action on permit or zone change application; refund of application fees. (1) Except as provided in subsections (3), (5) and (10) of this section, for land within an urban growth boundary and applications for mineral aggregate extraction, the governing body of a county or its designee shall take final action on an application for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change, including resolution of all appeals under ORS 215.422, within 120 days after the application is deemed complete. The governing body of a county or its designee shall take final action on all other applications for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change, including resolution of all appeals under ORS 215.422, within 150 days after the application is deemed complete, except as provided in subsections (3), (5) and (10) of this section.

(2) If an application for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change is incomplete, the governing body or its designee shall notify the applicant in writing of exactly what information is missing within 30 days of receipt of the application and allow the applicant to submit the missing information. The application shall be deemed complete for the purpose of subsection (1) of this section and ORS 197A.470 upon receipt by the governing body or its designee of:

(a) All of the missing information;

(b) Some of the missing information and written notice from the applicant that no other information will be provided; or

(3)(a) If the application was complete when first submitted or the applicant submits additional information, as described in subsection (2) of this section, within 180 days of the date the application was first submitted and the county has a comprehensive plan and land use regulations acknowledged under ORS 197.251, approval or denial of the application shall be based upon the standards and criteria that were applicable at the time the application was first submitted.

(b) If the application is for industrial or traded sector development of a site identified under section 12, chapter 800, Oregon Laws 2003, and proposes an amendment to the comprehensive plan, approval or denial of the application must be based upon the standards and criteria that were applicable at the time the application was first submitted, provided the application complies with paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(4) On the 181st day after first being submitted, the application is void if the applicant has been notified of the missing information as required under subsection (2) of this section and has not submitted:

(a) All of the missing information;

(b) Some of the missing information and written notice that no other information will be provided; or

(5) The period set in subsection (1) of this section or the 100-day period set in ORS 197A.470 may be extended for a specified period of time at the written request of the applicant. The total of all extensions, except as provided in subsection (10) of this section for mediation, may not exceed 215 days.

(6) The period set in subsection (1) of this section applies:

(a) Only to decisions wholly within the authority and control of the governing body of the county; and

(b) Unless the parties have agreed to mediation as described in subsection (10) of this section or ORS 197.319 (2)(b).

(7) Notwithstanding subsection (6) of this section, the period set in subsection (1) of this section and the 100-day period set in ORS 197A.470 do not apply to:

(a) A decision of the county making a change to an acknowledged comprehensive plan or a land use regulation that is submitted to the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development under ORS 197.610; or

(b) A decision of a county involving an application for the development of residential structures within an urban growth boundary, where the county has tentatively approved the application and extends these periods by no more than seven days in order to assure the sufficiency of its final order.

(8) Except when an applicant requests an extension under subsection (5) of this section, if the governing body of the county or its designee does not take final action on an application for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change within 120 days or 150 days, as applicable, after the application is deemed complete, the county shall refund to the applicant either the unexpended portion of any application fees or deposits previously paid or 50 percent of the total amount of such fees or deposits, whichever is greater. The applicant is not liable for additional governmental fees incurred subsequent to the payment of such fees or deposits. However, the applicant is responsible for the costs of providing sufficient additional information to address relevant issues identified in the consideration of the application.

(9) A county may not compel an applicant to waive the period set in subsection (1) of this section or to waive the provisions of subsection (8) of this section or ORS 197A.470 or 215.429 as a condition for taking any action on an application for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change except when such applications are filed concurrently and considered jointly with a plan amendment.

(10) The periods set forth in subsections (1) and (5) of this section and ORS 197A.470 may be extended by up to 90 additional days, if the applicant and the county agree that a dispute concerning the application will be mediated. [1997 c.414 §2; 1999 c.393 §§3,3a; enacted in lieu of 215.428 in 1999; 2003 c.800 §30; 2007 c.232 §1; 2009 c.873 §15; 2011 c.280 §10; 2017 c.745 §10; 2023 c.223 §3]

215.428 [1983 c.827 §23; 1989 c.761 §15; 1991 c.817 §14; 1995 c.812 §2; 1997 c.844 §7; repealed by 1999 c.393 §2 (215.427 enacted in lieu of 215.428)]

215.429 Mandamus proceeding when county fails to take final action on land use application within specified time; jurisdiction; notice; peremptory writ. (1) Except when an applicant requests an extension under ORS 215.427, if the governing body of the county or its designee does not take final action on an application for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change within 120 days or 150 days, as appropriate, after the application is deemed complete, the applicant may file a petition for a writ of mandamus under ORS 34.130 in the circuit court of the county where the application was submitted to compel the governing body or its designee to issue the approval.

(2) The governing body shall retain jurisdiction to make a land use decision on the application until a petition for a writ of mandamus is filed. Upon filing a petition under ORS 34.130, jurisdiction for all decisions regarding the application, including settlement, shall be with the circuit court.

(3) A person who files a petition for a writ of mandamus under this section shall provide written notice of the filing to all persons who would be entitled to notice under ORS 197.797 and to any person who participated orally or in writing in any evidentiary hearing on the application held prior to the filing of the petition. The notice shall be mailed or hand delivered on the same day the petition is filed.

(4) If the governing body does not take final action on an application within 120 days or 150 days, as appropriate, of the date the application is deemed complete, the applicant may elect to proceed with the application according to the applicable provisions of the county comprehensive plan and land use regulations or to file a petition for a writ of mandamus under this section. If the applicant elects to proceed according to the local plan and regulations, the applicant may not file a petition for a writ of mandamus within 14 days after the governing body makes a preliminary decision, provided a final written decision is issued within 14 days of the preliminary decision.

(5) The court shall issue a peremptory writ unless the governing body or any intervenor shows that the approval would violate a substantive provision of the county comprehensive plan or land use regulations as those terms are defined in ORS 197.015. The writ may specify conditions of approval that would otherwise be allowed by the county comprehensive plan or land use regulations. [1999 c.533 §7; 1999 c.393 §5]

215.430 [1955 c.682 §2; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.431 Plan amendments; hearings by planning commission or hearings officer; exceptions. (1) A county governing body may authorize, by ordinance or order, the planning commission or hearings officer to conduct hearings on applications for plan amendments and to make decisions on such applications.

(2) A decision of the planning commission or hearings officer on a plan amendment may be appealed to the county governing body.

(3) This section shall apply notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 215.050, 215.060 and 215.110.

(4) A decision of a planning commission, hearings officer or county governing body under this section shall comply with the post-acknowledgment procedures set forth in ORS 197.610 to 197.625.

(5) This section does not apply to:

(a) Any plan amendment for which an exception is required under ORS 197.732; or

(b) Except as provided under subsection (6) of this section, any lands designated under a statewide planning goal addressing agricultural lands or forestlands.

(6)(a) If a county is acting on the remand of a decision from the Land Use Board of Appeals, the county governing body may authorize the planning commission or hearings officer to conduct hearings and make a decision under subsection (1) of this section for lands designated under a statewide planning goal addressing agricultural lands or forestlands.

(b) The county governing body shall review a planning commission or hearings officer decision made under this subsection and shall:

(A) Schedule a public hearing and issue a final decision on the application;

(B) Leave the planning commission or hearings officer decision as the final county decision; or

(C) Adopt the planning commission or hearings officer decision by consent order as the decision of the governing body. [1987 c.729 §20; 2018 c.117 §1]

215.433 Supplemental application for remaining permitted uses following denial of initial application. (1) A person whose application for a permit is denied by the governing body of a county or its designee under ORS 215.427 may submit to the county a supplemental application for any or all other uses allowed under the county’s comprehensive plan and land use regulations in the zone that was the subject of the denied application.

(2) The governing body of a county or its designee shall take final action on a supplemental application submitted under this section, including resolution of all appeals, within 240 days after the application is deemed complete. Except that 240 days shall substitute for 120 days or 150 days, as appropriate, all other applicable provisions of ORS 215.427 shall apply to a supplemental application submitted under this section.

(3) A supplemental application submitted under this section shall include a request for any rezoning or zoning variance that may be required to issue a permit under the county’s comprehensive plan and land use regulations.

(4) The governing body of the county or its designee shall adopt specific findings describing the reasons for approving or denying:

(a) A use for which approval is sought under this section; and

(b) A rezoning or variance requested in the application. [1999 c.648 §2; 1999 c.648 §2a]

215.435 Deadline for final action by county on remand of land use decision; exception. (1) Pursuant to a final order of the Land Use Board of Appeals under ORS 197.830 remanding a decision to a county, the governing body of the county or its designee shall take final action on an application for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change within 120 days of the effective date of the final order issued by the board. For purposes of this subsection, the effective date of the final order is the last day for filing a petition for judicial review of a final order of the board under ORS 197.850 (3). If judicial review of a final order of the board is sought under ORS 197.830, the 120-day period established under this subsection shall not begin until final resolution of the judicial review.

(2)(a) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the 120-day period established under subsection (1) of this section shall not begin until the applicant requests in writing that the county proceed with the application on remand, but if the county does not receive the request within 180 days of the effective date of the final order or the final resolution of the judicial review, the county shall deem the application terminated.

(b) The 120-day period established under subsection (1) of this section may be extended for up to an additional 365 days if the parties enter into mediation as provided by ORS 197.860 prior to the expiration of the initial 120-day period. The county shall deem the application terminated if the matter is not resolved through mediation prior to the expiration of the 365-day extension.

(3) The 120-day period established under subsection (1) of this section applies only to decisions wholly within the authority and control of the governing body of the county.

(4) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to a remand proceeding concerning a decision of the county making a change to an acknowledged comprehensive plan or a land use regulation that is submitted to the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development under ORS 197.610. [1999 c.545 §2; 2011 c.280 §11; 2015 c.522 §1]

215.437 Mandamus proceeding when county fails to take final action within specified time on remand of land use decision. (1) If the governing body of a county or its designee fails to take final action on an application for a permit, limited land use decision or zone change within 120 days as provided in ORS 215.435, the applicant may file a petition for a writ of mandamus as provided in ORS 34.105 to 34.240. The court shall set the matter for trial as soon as practicable but not more than 15 days from the date a responsive pleading pursuant to ORS 34.170 is filed, unless the court has been advised by the parties that the matter has been settled.

(2) A writ of mandamus issued under this section shall order the governing body of the county or its designee to make a final determination on the application. The court, in its discretion, may order such remedy as the court determines appropriate.

(3) In a mandamus proceeding under this section the court shall award court costs and attorney fees to an applicant who prevails on a petition under this section. [1999 c.545 §3; 2015 c.522 §2]

PERMITTED USES IN ZONES

215.438 Transmission towers; location; conditions. The governing body of a county or its designate may allow a transmission tower over 200 feet in height to be established in any zone subject to reasonable conditions imposed by the governing body or its designate. [1983 c.827 §23a]

215.439 Solar energy systems in residential or commercial zones. (1) The installation and use on a residential structure of a solar photovoltaic energy system or a solar thermal energy system is an outright permitted use in any zone in which residential structures are an allowed use.

(2) The installation and use on a commercial structure of a solar photovoltaic energy system or a solar thermal energy system is an outright permitted use in any zone in which commercial structures are an allowed use.

(3) Approval of a permit application under ORS 215.402 to 215.438 is, notwithstanding the definition of “permit” in ORS 215.402, a ministerial function if:

(a) The installation of a solar energy system can be accomplished without increasing the footprint of the residential or commercial structure or the peak height of the portion of the roof on which the system is installed; and

(b) The solar energy system would be mounted so that the plane of the system is parallel to the slope of the roof.

(4) As part of the permit approval process, a county:

(a) May not charge a fee pursuant to ORS 215.416 for processing a permit;

(b) May not require extensive surveys or site evaluations including, but not limited to, vegetation surveys, contour maps and elevation drawings; and

(5) Subsections (3) and (4) of this section do not apply to a permit application for a residential or commercial structure that is:

(a) A federally or locally designated historic building or landmark or that is located in a federally or locally designated historic district.

(b) A conservation landmark designated by a city or county because of the historic, cultural, archaeological, architectural or similar merit of the landmark.

(A) Designated as anti-reflective; or

(B) Eleven percent or less reflective.

(6) As used in this section, “solar photovoltaic energy system” has the meaning given that term in ORS 757.360. [2011 c.464 §1]

Note: 215.439 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.440 [1955 c.682 §3; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.441 Use of real property for religious activities. (1) If a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, chapel, meeting house or other nonresidential place of worship is allowed on real property under state law and rules and local zoning ordinances and regulations, a county shall allow the reasonable use of the real property for activities customarily associated with the practices of the religious activity, including:

(a) Worship services.

(b) Religion classes.

(d) Funerals.

(e) Meal programs.

(f) Child care, but not including private or parochial school education for prekindergarten through grade 12 or higher education.

(2) A county may:

(a) Subject real property described in subsection (1) of this section to reasonable regulations, including site review or design review, concerning the physical characteristics of the uses authorized under subsection (1) of this section; or

(b) Prohibit or restrict the use of real property by a place of worship described in subsection (1) of this section if the county finds that the level of service of public facilities, including transportation, water supply, sewer and storm drain systems is not adequate to serve the place of worship described in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a county may allow a private or parochial school for prekindergarten through grade 12 or higher education to be sited under applicable state law and rules and local zoning ordinances and regulations. [2001 c.886 §2; 2017 c.745 §7; 2019 c.640 §19; 2021 c.385 §4; 2021 c.446 §4]

215.445 Use of private property for mobile medical clinic. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Health professional” means a person licensed or certified by the:

(A) Oregon Medical Board;

(B) Oregon Board of Dentistry; or

(b) “Health services” means the services that a health professional is licensed or certified to provide.

(d) “Mobile medical clinic” means a vehicle or a transportable structure that is:

(A) Designed to serve as a facility suitable for the provision of health services; and

(B) In use by a health professional to provide health services to the public.

(e) “Nonprofit” means a corporation organized under and subject to the provisions of ORS chapter 65.

(2) A local government may not prohibit a nonprofit mobile medical clinic from:

(a) Being located on private property with the permission of the owner of the private property; and

(b) Staying in one location for 180 days or less. [2015 c.142 §1]

Note: 215.445 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.446 Renewable energy facility; application; standards; notices. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Average electric generating capacity” has the meaning given that term in ORS 469.300.

(b) “Energy generation area” has the meaning given that term in ORS 469.300.

(A) A solar photovoltaic power generation facility using:

(i) More than 100 acres but not more than 240 acres located on high-value farmland as defined in ORS 195.300;

(ii) More than 100 acres but not more than 2,560 acres located on land that is predominantly cultivated or that, if not cultivated, is predominantly composed of soils that are in capability classes I to IV, as specified by the National Cooperative Soil Survey operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture; or

(iii) More than 320 acres but not more than 3,840 acres located on any other land.

(B) An electric power generating plant with an average electric generating capacity of at least 35 megawatts but less than 50 megawatts if the power is produced from geothermal or wind energy at a single plant or within a single energy generation area.

(2) An application for a land use permit to establish a renewable energy facility must be made under ORS 215.416. An applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the county that the renewable energy facility meets the standards under subsection (3) of this section.

(3) In order to issue a permit, the county shall require that the applicant:

(a)(A) Consult with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, prior to submitting a final application to the county, regarding fish and wildlife habitat impacts and any mitigation plan that is necessary;

(B) Conduct a habitat assessment of the proposed development site;

(C) Develop a mitigation plan to address significant fish and wildlife habitat impacts consistent with the administrative rules adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission for the purposes of implementing ORS 496.012; and

(D) Follow administrative rules adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission and rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission to implement the Oregon Sage-Grouse Action Plan and Executive Order 15-18.

(b) Demonstrate that the construction and operation of the renewable energy facility, taking into account mitigation, will not result in significant adverse impacts to historic, cultural and archaeological resources that are:

(A) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the National Historic Preservation Act (P.L. 89-665, 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.);

(B) Inventoried in a local comprehensive plan; or

(C) Evaluated as a significant or important archaeological object or archaeological site, as those terms are defined in ORS 358.905.

(c) Demonstrate that the site for a renewable energy facility, taking into account mitigation, can be restored adequately to a useful, nonhazardous condition following permanent cessation of construction or operation of the facility and that the applicant has a reasonable likelihood of obtaining financial assurances in a form and amount satisfactory to the county to secure restoration of the site to a useful, nonhazardous condition.

(d) Meet the general and specific standards for a renewable energy facility adopted by the Energy Facility Siting Council under ORS 469.470 (2) and 469.501 that the county determines are applicable.

(e) Provide the financial assurances described in paragraph (c) of this subsection in the form and at the time specified by the county.

(f) For a renewable energy facility that is a solar photovoltaic power generation facility using the number of acres described in subsection (4) of this section, provide a decommissioning plan to accomplish the restoration of the site to a useful, nonhazardous condition as described in paragraph (c) of this subsection. A decommissioning plan provided under this paragraph must include bonding or other security as the financial assurances described in paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(4) The requirements in subsection (3)(f) of this section apply to a solar photovoltaic power generation facility using:

(a) More than 160 acres but not more than 240 acres located on high-value farmland as defined in ORS 195.300;

(b) More than 1,280 acres but not more than 2,560 acres located on land that is predominantly cultivated or that, if not cultivated, is predominantly composed of soils that are in capability classes I to IV, as specified by the National Cooperative Soil Survey operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture; or

(5) Upon receipt of a reasonable cost estimate from the state agency or tribe, the applicant and county may jointly enter into a cost reimbursement agreement administered by the county with:

(a) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife to receive comments under subsection (3)(a) of this section.

(b) The State Historic Preservation Officer or any affected federally recognized Indian tribe to receive comments under subsection (3)(b) of this section.

(c) The State Department of Energy to receive comments under subsection (3)(c) and (d) of this section as well as comments regarding other matters as the county may require.

(6) A county that receives an application for a permit under this section shall, upon receipt of the application, provide notice to persons listed in subsection (7) of this section. The notice must include, at a minimum:

(a) A description of the proposed renewable energy facility;

(b) A description of the lots or parcels subject to the permit application;

(c) The dates, times and locations where public comments or public testimony on the permit application can be submitted; and

(d) The contact information for the governing body of the county and the applicant.

(7) The notice required under subsection (6) of this section must be delivered to:

(a) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife;

(b) The State Department of Energy;

(d) The Oregon Department of Aviation;

(e) The United States Department of Defense; and

(f) Federally recognized Indian tribes that may be affected by the application. [2019 c.650 §4; 2021 c.60 §1; 2023 c.336 §1]

215.447 Photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on high-value farmland. (1) As used in this section, “photovoltaic solar power generation facility” means an assembly of equipment and components that has the primary purpose of converting sunlight into electricity by photovoltaic effect and has the capability of storing or transferring the electricity.

(2) A photovoltaic solar power generation facility may be established on land that is high-value farmland, as defined in ORS 195.300 (10)(f)(C), provided the land:

(a) Is not located within the boundaries of an irrigation district;

(b) Is not at the time of the facility’s establishment, and was not at any time during the 20 years immediately preceding the facility’s establishment, the place of use of a water right permit, certificate, decree, transfer order or ground water registration authorizing the use of water for the purpose of irrigation;

(d) Does not exceed the acreage the electric utility reasonably anticipates to be necessary to achieve the applicable renewable portfolio standard described in ORS 469A.052 (3); and

(e) Does not qualify as high-value farmland under any other provision of law.

(3) When evaluating an application to establish a photovoltaic solar power generation facility under this section, a county:

(a) Shall apply the criteria and standards applicable to agricultural land adopted under a statewide land use planning goal relating to agricultural lands; and

(b) May not apply the criteria and standards applicable to high-value farmland adopted under a statewide land use planning goal relating to agricultural lands.

(4) A county is not required to adopt an exception under ORS 197.732 to a statewide land use planning goal relating to agricultural land to authorize the establishment of a photovoltaic solar power generation facility under this section.

(5) A photovoltaic solar power generation facility established under this section is a commercial utility facility under ORS 215.213 (2) or 215.283 (2) if the facility generates power for public use by sale. [2017 c.504 §2]

215.448 Home occupations; parking; where allowed; conditions. (1) The governing body of a county or its designate may allow, subject to the approval of the governing body or its designate, the establishment of a home occupation and the parking of vehicles in any zone. However, in an exclusive farm use zone, forest zone or a mixed farm and forest zone that allows residential uses, the following standards apply to the home occupation:

(a) It shall be operated by a resident or employee of a resident of the property on which the business is located;

(b) It shall employ on the site no more than five full-time or part-time persons;

(A) The dwelling; or

(B) Other buildings normally associated with uses permitted in the zone in which the property is located; and

(d) It shall not unreasonably interfere with other uses permitted in the zone in which the property is located.

(2) The governing body of the county or its designate may establish additional reasonable conditions of approval for the establishment of a home occupation under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Nothing in this section authorizes the governing body or its designate to permit construction of any structure that would not otherwise be allowed in the zone in which the home occupation is to be established.

(4) The existence of home occupations shall not be used as justification for a zone change. [1983 c.743 §2; 1995 c.465 §1]

215.449 Farm brewery; conditions; permissible uses; reporting. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Agri-tourism or other commercial events” includes outdoor concerts for which admission is charged, educational, cultural, health or lifestyle events, facility rentals, celebratory gatherings and other events at which the promotion of malt beverages produced in conjunction with the farm brewery is a secondary purpose of the event.

(b) “Brewer” means a person who makes malt beverages.

(c) “Farm brewery” means a facility, located on or contiguous to a hop farm, used primarily for the commercial production, shipping and distribution, wholesale or retail sales, or tasting of malt beverages made with ingredients grown on the hop farm.

(d) “Hop farm” means a tract of land planted with hops.

(e) “Malt beverage” has the meaning given that term in ORS 471.001.

(f) “On-site retail sale” includes the retail sale of malt beverages in person at the farm brewery site, through a club or over the Internet or telephone.

(2)(a) A farm brewery may be established as a permitted use on land zoned for exclusive farm use under ORS 215.213 (1)(bb) and 215.283 (1)(z) or on land zoned for mixed farm and forest use if the farm brewery:

(A) Produces less than 150,000 barrels of malt beverages annually, inclusive of malt beverages produced by the farm brewery’s owners or operators at the farm brewery or elsewhere, through any entity owned or affiliated with the farm brewery;

(B) Produces less than 15,000 barrels of malt beverages annually on the farm brewery site; and

(C)(i) Owns an on-site hop farm of at least 15 acres;

(ii) Owns a contiguous hop farm of at least 15 acres;

(iii) Has a long-term contract for the purchase of all of the hops from at least 15 acres of a hop farm contiguous to the farm brewery; or

(iv) Obtains hops from a total of 15 acres from any combination of sources described in sub-subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph.

(b) For purposes of this subsection, land planted with other ingredients used in malt beverages produced by the farm brewery counts towards the acreage minimums.

(3) In addition to any other activities authorized for a farm brewery, a farm brewery established under this section may:

(a) Market malt beverages produced in conjunction with the farm brewery.

(b) Conduct operations that are directly related to the sale or marketing of malt beverages produced in conjunction with the farm brewery, including:

(A) Malt beverage tastings in a tasting room or other location on the premises occupied by the farm brewery;

(B) Malt beverage club activities;

(D) Farm brewery and hop farm tours;

(E) Meetings or business activities with farm brewery suppliers, distributors, wholesale customers and malt beverage industry members;

(F) Farm brewery staff activities;

(G) Open house promotions of malt beverages produced in conjunction with the farm brewery; and

(H) Similar activities conducted for the primary purpose of promoting malt beverages produced in conjunction with the farm brewery.

(c) Market and sell items directly related to the sale or promotion of malt beverages produced in conjunction with the farm brewery, the marketing and sale of which is incidental to on-site retail sale of malt beverages, including food and beverages:

(A) Required to be made available in conjunction with the consumption of malt beverages on the premises by the Liquor Control Act or rules adopted under the Liquor Control Act; or

(B) Served in conjunction with an activity authorized by paragraph (b), (d) or (e) of this subsection.

(d) Subject to subsections (6) to (9) of this section, carry out agri-tourism or other commercial events on the tract occupied by the farm brewery.

(e) Host charitable activities for which the farm brewery does not charge a facility rental fee.

(f) Site a bed and breakfast as a home occupation on the same tract as, and in association with, the farm brewery.

(4) A farm brewery may include on-site kitchen facilities licensed by the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 624.010 to 624.121 for the preparation of food and beverages described in subsection (3)(c) of this section. Food and beverage services authorized under subsection (3)(c) of this section may not utilize menu options or meal services that cause the kitchen facilities to function as a cafe or other dining establishment open to the public.

(5)(a) The gross income of the farm brewery from the sale of incidental items or services provided pursuant to subsection (3)(c) to (e) of this section may not exceed 25 percent of the gross income from the on-site retail sale of malt beverages produced in conjunction with the farm brewery. The gross income of a farm brewery does not include income received by third parties unaffiliated with the farm brewery.

(b) At the request of a local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a farm brewery, the farm brewery shall submit to the local government a written statement prepared by a certified public accountant that certifies the compliance of the farm brewery with this subsection for the previous tax year.

(6) Except as provided by subsections (7) and (8) of this section, a farm brewery may carry out agri-tourism or other commercial events described in subsection (3)(d) of this section for up to 18 days per calendar year.

(7) A farm brewery in the Willamette Valley may carry out agri-tourism or other commercial events as provided in subsection (6) of this section, provided:

(a) Events on the first six days of the 18-day limit per calendar year are authorized by the local government through the issuance of a renewable multiyear license that:

(A) Has a term of five years; and

(B) Is subject to an administrative review to determine necessary conditions pursuant to subsection (8) of this section.

(b) The local government’s decision on a license under paragraph (a) of this subsection is not:

(A) A land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015, and is not subject to review by the Land Use Board of Appeals.

(B) A permit, as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160.

(c) Events on days seven through 18 of the 18-day limit per calendar year are authorized by the local government through the issuance of a renewable multiyear permit that:

(A) Has a term of five years;

(B) Is subject to an administrative review to determine necessary conditions pursuant to subsection (8) of this section; and

(d) The local government’s decision on a permit under paragraph (c) of this subsection is:

(A) A land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015, and is subject to review by the Land Use Board of Appeals.

(B) A permit, as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160.

(8)(a) A local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a farm brewery shall ensure that agri-tourism or other commercial events occurring as described in subsection (3)(d) of this section are subordinate to the production and sale of malt beverages and do not create significant adverse impacts to uses on surrounding land.

(b) A local government may impose conditions on a license or permit issued pursuant to subsection (7) of this section as necessary to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection. The conditions must be related to:

(A) The number of event attendees;

(B) The hours of event operation;

(D) Traffic management;

(E) Noise management; and

(F) Sanitation and solid waste.

(9) A local government may charge a fee for processing a license or permit under subsections (6) and (7) of this section. The fee may not exceed the actual or average cost of providing the applicable licensing or permitting service.

(10) When a bed and breakfast facility is sited as a home occupation on the same tract as a farm brewery as described in subsection (3)(f) of this section:

(a) The bed and breakfast facility may prepare and serve two meals per day to the registered guests of the bed and breakfast facility; and

(b) The meals may be served at the bed and breakfast facility or at the farm brewery.

(11) A farm brewery operating under this section shall provide parking for all activities or uses of the tract on which the farm brewery is situated.

(12) A local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a farm brewery shall ensure that the farm brewery complies with:

(a) Local criteria regarding floodplains, geologic hazards, the Willamette River Greenway, solar access and airport safety;

(b) Regulations of general applicability for the public health and safety; and

(c) Regulations for resource protection acknowledged to comply with any statewide goal relating to open spaces, scenic and historic areas and natural resources.

(13)(a) For the purpose of limiting demonstrated conflicts with accepted farm and forest practices on adjacent lands, a local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a farm brewery shall:

(A) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, establish a setback of at least 100 feet from all property lines for the farm brewery and all public gathering places; and

(B) Require farm breweries to provide direct road access and internal circulation for the farm brewery and all public gathering places.

(b) A local government may allow a setback of less than 100 feet by granting a farm brewery an adjustment or variance to the requirement described in paragraph (a)(A) of this subsection. [2019 c.244 §2]

215.450 [1955 c.682 §4; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.451 Cider business; conditions; permissible uses; reporting. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Agri-tourism or other commercial events” includes outdoor concerts for which admission is charged, educational, cultural, health or lifestyle events, facility rentals, celebratory gatherings and other events at which the promotion of cider produced in conjunction with the cider business is a secondary purpose of the event.

(b)(A) “Cider” means an alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of the juice of apples or pears.

(B) “Cider” includes but is not limited to flavored cider, sparkling cider and carbonated cider.

(c) “Cider business” means a facility used primarily for the commercial production, shipping and distribution, wholesale or retail sales, tasting, crushing, making, blending, storage, bottling, administrative functions or warehousing of cider.

(d) “Cidermaker” means a person who makes cider.

(e) “On-site retail sale” includes the retail sale of cider in person at the cider business site, through a cider club or over the Internet or telephone.

(f) “Orchard” means a piece of land planted with apple or pear trees.

(2) A cider business may be established as a permitted use on land zoned for exclusive farm use under ORS 215.213 (1)(aa) and 215.283 (1)(y) or on land zoned for mixed farm and forest use if the cider business produces:

(a) Less than 100,000 gallons of cider annually and the cider business:

(A) Owns an on-site orchard of at least 15 acres;

(B) Owns a contiguous orchard of at least 15 acres;

(C) Has a long-term contract for the purchase of all of the apples or pears from at least 15 acres of an orchard contiguous to the cider business; or

(D) Obtains apples or pears from any combination of subparagraph (A), (B) or (C) of this paragraph; or

(b) At least 100,000 gallons of cider annually and the cider business:

(A) Owns an on-site orchard of at least 40 acres;

(B) Owns a contiguous orchard of at least 40 acres;

(C) Has a long-term contract for the purchase of all of the apples or pears from at least 40 acres of an orchard contiguous to the cider business;

(D) Owns an on-site orchard of at least 15 acres on a tract of at least 40 acres and owns at least 40 additional acres of orchards in Oregon that are located within 15 miles of the cider business site; or

(E) Obtains apples or pears from any combination of subparagraph (A), (B), (C) or (D) of this paragraph.

(3) In addition to any other activities authorized for a cider business, a cider business established under this section may:

(a) Market cider produced in conjunction with the cider business.

(b) Conduct operations that are directly related to the sale or marketing of cider produced in conjunction with the cider business, including:

(A) Cider tastings in a tasting room or other location on the premises occupied by the cider business;

(B) Cider club activities;

(D) Cider business and orchard tours;

(E) Meetings or business activities with cider business suppliers, distributors, wholesale customers and cider industry members;

(F) Cider business staff activities;

(G) Open house promotions of cider produced in conjunction with the cider business; and

(H) Similar activities conducted for the primary purpose of promoting cider produced in conjunction with the cider business.

(c) Market and sell items directly related to the sale or promotion of cider produced in conjunction with the cider business, the marketing and sale of which is incidental to on-site retail sale of cider, including food and beverages:

(A) Required to be made available in conjunction with the consumption of cider on the premises by the Liquor Control Act or rules adopted under the Liquor Control Act; or

(B) Served in conjunction with an activity authorized by paragraph (b), (d) or (e) of this subsection.

(d) Subject to subsections (6) to (9) of this section, carry out agri-tourism or other commercial events on the tract occupied by the cider business.

(e) Host charitable activities for which the cider business does not charge a facility rental fee.

(f) Site a bed and breakfast as a home occupation on the same tract, and in association with, the cider business.

(4) A cider business may include on-site kitchen facilities licensed by the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 624.010 to 624.121 for the preparation of food and beverages described in subsection (3)(c) of this section. Food and beverage services authorized under subsection (3)(c) of this section may not utilize menu options or meal services that cause the kitchen facilities to function as a cafe or other dining establishment open to the public.

(5)(a) The gross income of the cider business from the sale of incidental items or services provided pursuant to subsection (3)(c) to (e) of this section may not exceed 25 percent of the gross income from the on-site retail sale of cider produced in conjunction with the cider business. The gross income of a cider business does not include income received by third parties unaffiliated with the cider business.

(b) At the request of a local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a cider business, the cider business shall submit to the local government a written statement prepared by a certified public accountant that certifies the compliance of the cider business with this subsection for the previous tax year.

(6) Except as provided by subsections (7) and (8) of this section, a cider business may carry out agri-tourism or other commercial events described in subsection (3)(d) of this section for up to 18 days per calendar year.

(7) A cider business in the Willamette Valley may carry out agri-tourism or other commercial events as provided in subsection (6) of this section, provided:

(a) Events on the first six days of the 18-day limit per calendar year are authorized by the local government through the issuance of a renewable multi-year license that:

(A) Has a term of five years; and

(B) Is subject to an administrative review to determine necessary conditions pursuant to subsection (8) of this section.

(b) The local government’s decision on a license under paragraph (a) of this subsection is not:

(A) A land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015, and is not subject to review by the Land Use Board of Appeals.

(B) A permit, as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160.

(c) Events on days seven through 18 of the 18-day limit per calendar year are authorized by the local government through the issuance of a renewable multi-year permit that:

(A) Has a term of five years;

(B) Is subject to an administrative review to determine necessary conditions pursuant to subsection (8) of this section; and

(d) The local government’s decision on a permit under paragraph (c) of this subsection is:

(A) A land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015, and is subject to review by the Land Use Board of Appeals.

(B) A permit, as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160.

(8)(a) A local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a cider business shall ensure that agri-tourism or other commercial events occurring as described in subsection (3)(d) of this section are subordinate to the production and sale of cider and do not create significant adverse impacts to uses on surrounding land.

(A) The number of event attendees;

(B) The hours of event operation;

(D) Traffic management;

(E) Noise management; and

(F) Sanitation and solid waste.

(10) When a bed and breakfast facility is sited as a home occupation on the same tract as a cider business as described in subsection (3)(f) of this section:

(a) The bed and breakfast facility may prepare and serve two meals per day to the registered guests of the bed and breakfast facility; and

(b) The meals may be served at the bed and breakfast facility or at the cider business.

(11) A cider business operating under this section shall provide parking for all activities or uses of the lot, parcel or tract on which the cider business is situated.

(12) A local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a cider business shall ensure that the cider business complies with:

(a) Local criteria regarding floodplains, geologic hazards, the Willamette River Greenway, solar access and airport safety;

(b) Regulations of general applicability for the public health and safety; and

(c) Regulations for resource protection acknowledged to comply with any statewide goal respecting open spaces, scenic and historic areas and natural resources.

(A) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, establish a setback of at least 100 feet from all property lines for the cider business and all public gathering places; and

(B) Require cider businesses to provide direct road access and internal circulation for the cider business and all public gathering places.

(b) A local government may allow a setback of less than 100 feet by granting a cider business an adjustment or variance to the requirement described in paragraph (a)(A) of this subsection. [2017 c.253 §2]

215.452 Winery; conditions; permissible uses. (1) 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 if the winery produces wine with a maximum annual production of:

(a) Less than 50,000 gallons and:

(A) Owns an on-site vineyard of at least 15 acres;

(B) Owns a contiguous vineyard of at least 15 acres;

(C) Has a long-term contract for the purchase of all of the grapes from at least 15 acres of a vineyard contiguous to the winery; or

(D) Obtains grapes from any combination of subparagraph (A), (B) or (C) of this paragraph; or

(b) At least 50,000 gallons and the winery:

(A) Owns an on-site vineyard of at least 40 acres;

(B) Owns a contiguous vineyard of at least 40 acres;

(C) Has a long-term contract for the purchase of all of the grapes from at least 40 acres of a vineyard contiguous to the winery;

(D) Owns an on-site vineyard of at least 15 acres on a tract of at least 40 acres and owns at least 40 additional acres of vineyards in Oregon that are located within 15 miles of the winery site; or

(E) Obtains grapes from any combination of subparagraph (A), (B), (C) or (D) of this paragraph.

(2) In addition to producing and distributing wine, a winery established under this section may:

(a) Market and sell wine produced in conjunction with the winery.

(b) Conduct operations that are directly related to the sale or marketing of wine produced in conjunction with the winery, including:

(A) Wine tastings in a tasting room or other location on the premises occupied by the winery;

(B) Wine club activities;

(D) Winery and vineyard tours;

(E) Meetings or business activities with winery suppliers, distributors, wholesale customers and wine-industry members;

(F) Winery staff activities;

(G) Open house promotions of wine produced in conjunction with the winery; and

(H) Similar activities conducted for the primary purpose of promoting wine produced in conjunction with the winery.

(c) Market and sell items directly related to the sale or promotion of wine produced in conjunction with the winery, the marketing and sale of which is incidental to on-site retail sale of wine, including food and beverages:

(A) Required to be made available in conjunction with the consumption of wine on the premises by the Liquor Control Act or rules adopted under the Liquor Control Act; or

(B) Served in conjunction with an activity authorized by paragraph (b), (d) or (e) of this subsection.

(d) Carry out agri-tourism or other commercial events on the tract occupied by the winery subject to subsections (5), (6), (7) and (8) of this section.

(e) Host charitable activities for which the winery does not charge a facility rental fee.

(3) A winery may include on-site kitchen facilities licensed by the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 624.010 to 624.121 for the preparation of food and beverages described in subsection (2)(c) of this section. Food and beverage services authorized under subsection (2)(c) of this section may not utilize menu options or meal services that cause the kitchen facilities to function as a cafe or other dining establishment open to the public.

(4) The gross income of the winery from the sale of incidental items or services provided pursuant to subsection (2)(c) to (e) of this section may not exceed 25 percent of the gross income from the on-site retail sale of wine produced in conjunction with the winery. The gross income of a winery does not include income received by third parties unaffiliated with the winery. At the request of a local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a winery, the winery shall submit to the local government a written statement that is prepared by a certified public accountant and certifies the compliance of the winery with this subsection for the previous tax year.

(5) A winery may carry out up to 18 days of agri-tourism or other commercial events annually on the tract occupied by the winery.

(6) For events described in subsection (5) of this section for a winery in the Willamette Valley:

(a) Events on the first six days of the 18-day limit per calendar year must be authorized by the local government through the issuance of a renewable multi-year license that:

(A) Has a term of five years; and

(B) Is subject to an administrative review to determine necessary conditions pursuant to subsection (7) of this section.

(b) The local government’s decision on a license under paragraph (a) of this subsection is not:

(A) A land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015, and is not subject to review by the Land Use Board of Appeals.

(B) A permit, as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160.

(c) Events on days seven through 18 of the 18-day limit per calendar year must be authorized by the local government through the issuance of a renewable multi-year permit that:

(A) Has a term of five years;

(B) Is subject to an administrative review to determine necessary conditions pursuant to subsection (7) of this section; and

(d) The local government’s decision on a permit under paragraph (c) of this subsection is:

(A) A land use decision, as defined in ORS 197.015, and is subject to review by the Land Use Board of Appeals.

(B) A permit, as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160.

(7) As necessary to ensure that agri-tourism or other commercial events on a tract occupied by a winery are subordinate to the production and sale of wine and do not create significant adverse impacts to uses on surrounding land, the local government may impose conditions on a license or permit issued pursuant to subsection (6) of this section related to:

(a) The number of event attendees;

(b) The hours of event operation;

(d) Traffic management;

(e) Noise management; and

(f) Sanitation and solid waste.

(8) A local government may charge a fee for processing a license or permit under subsections (6) and (7) of this section. A fee may not exceed the actual or average cost of providing the applicable licensing or permitting service.

(9) A winery operating under this section shall provide parking for all activities or uses of the lot, parcel or tract on which the winery is established.

(10) Prior to the issuance of a permit to establish a winery under this section, the applicant shall show that vineyards described in subsection (1) of this section have been planted or that the contract has been executed, as applicable.

(11) A local government shall apply the standards described in this subsection. Standards imposed on the siting of a winery shall be limited solely to each of the following for the sole purpose of limiting demonstrated conflicts with accepted farming or forest practices on adjacent lands:

(a) Establishment of a setback of at least 100 feet from all property lines for the winery and all public gathering places unless the local government grants an adjustment or variance allowing a setback of less than 100 feet; and

(b) Provision of direct road access and internal circulation.

(12) A local government shall apply:

(a) Local criteria regarding floodplains, geologic hazards, the Willamette River Greenway, solar access and airport safety;

(b) Regulations of general applicability for the public health and safety; and

(c) Regulations for resource protection acknowledged to comply with any statewide goal respecting open spaces, scenic and historic areas and natural resources.

(13) When a bed and breakfast facility is sited as a home occupation on the same tract as a winery established under this section and in association with the winery:

(a) The bed and breakfast facility may prepare and serve two meals per day to the registered guests of the bed and breakfast facility; and

(b) The meals may be served at the bed and breakfast facility or at the winery.

(14) As used in this section:

(a) “Agri-tourism or other commercial events” includes outdoor concerts for which admission is charged, educational, cultural, health or lifestyle events, facility rentals, celebratory gatherings and other events at which the promotion of wine produced in conjunction with the winery is a secondary purpose of the event.

(b) “On-site retail sale” includes the retail sale of wine in person at the winery site, through a wine club or over the Internet or telephone. [1989 c.525 §4; 1993 c.704 §6; 1997 c.249 §61; 2001 c.613 §20; 2009 c.850 §11; 2010 c.97 §§1,2; 2011 c.679 §§2,3,3a; 2013 c.554 §2]

215.453 Large winery; conditions; permissible uses. (1) A winery may be established as a permitted use on land zoned for exclusive farm use under ORS 215.213 (1)(p) or 215.283 (1)(n) or on land zoned for mixed farm and forest use if:

(a) The winery owns and is sited on a tract of 80 acres or more, at least 50 acres of which is a vineyard;

(b) The winery owns at least 80 additional acres of planted vineyards in Oregon that need not be contiguous to the acreage described in paragraph (a) of this subsection; and

(c) The winery has produced annually, at the same or a different location, at least 150,000 gallons of wine in at least three of the five calendar years before the winery is established under this section.

(2) In addition to producing and distributing wine, a winery described in subsection (1) of this section may:

(a) Market and sell wine produced in conjunction with the winery;

(b) Conduct operations that are directly related to the sale or marketing of wine produced in conjunction with the winery, including:

(A) Wine tastings in a tasting room or other location on the premises occupied by the winery;

(B) Wine club activities;

(D) Winery and vineyard tours;

(E) Meetings or business activities with winery suppliers, distributors, wholesale customers and wine-industry members;

(F) Winery staff activities;

(G) Open house promotions of wine produced in conjunction with the winery; and

(H) Similar activities conducted for the primary purpose of promoting wine produced in conjunction with the winery;

(c) Market and sell items directly related to the sale or promotion of wine produced in conjunction with the winery, the marketing and sale of which is incidental to retail sale of wine on-site, including food and beverages:

(A) Required to be made available in conjunction with the consumption of wine on the premises by the Liquor Control Act or rules adopted under the Liquor Control Act; or

(B) Served in conjunction with an activity authorized by paragraph (b), (d) or (e) of this subsection;

(d) Provide services, including agri-tourism or other commercial events, hosted by the winery or patrons of the winery, at which wine produced in conjunction with the winery is featured, that:

(A) Are directly related to the sale or promotion of wine produced in conjunction with the winery;

(B) Are incidental to the retail sale of wine on-site; and

(e) Host charitable activities for which the winery does not charge a facility rental fee.

(3)(a) The gross income of the winery from the sale of incidental items pursuant to subsection (2)(c) of this section and services provided pursuant to subsection (2)(d) of this section may not exceed 25 percent of the gross income from the on-site retail sale of wine produced in conjunction with the winery.

(b) At the request of a local government with land use jurisdiction over the site of a winery, the winery shall submit to the local government a written statement, prepared by a certified public accountant, that certifies compliance with paragraph (a) of this subsection for the previous tax year.

(4) A winery operating under this section:

(a) Shall provide parking for all activities or uses of the lot, parcel or tract on which the winery is established.

(b) May operate a restaurant, as defined in ORS 624.010, in which food is prepared for consumption on the premises of the winery.

(5)(a) A winery shall obtain a permit from the local government if the winery operates a restaurant that is open to the public for more than 25 days in a calendar year or provides for agri-tourism or other commercial events authorized under subsection (2)(d) of this section occurring on more than 25 days in a calendar year.

(b) In addition to any other requirements, a local government may approve a permit application under this subsection if the local government finds that the authorized activity:

(A) Complies with the standards described in ORS 215.296;

(B) Is incidental and subordinate to the retail sale of wine produced in conjunction with the winery; and

(c) If the local government issues a permit under this subsection for agri-tourism or other commercial events, the local government shall review the permit at least once every five years and, if appropriate, may renew the permit.

(6) A person may not have a substantial ownership interest in more than one winery operating a restaurant under this section.

(7) Prior to the issuance of a permit to establish a winery under this section, the applicant shall show that vineyards described in subsection (1) of this section have been planted.

(8) A local government shall require a winery operating under this section to provide for:

(a) Establishment of a setback of at least 100 feet from all property lines for the winery and all public gathering places; and

(b) Direct road access and internal circulation.

(9) A local government shall apply:

(a) Local criteria regarding floodplains, geologic hazards, the Willamette River Greenway, solar access and airport safety;

(b) Regulations for the public health and safety; and

(c) Regulations for resource protection acknowledged to comply with any statewide goal respecting open spaces, scenic and historic areas and natural resources.

(10) The local government may authorize a winery described in subsection (1) of this section to sell or deliver items or provide services not described in subsection (2)(c) or (d) or (3) of this section under the criteria for a commercial activity in conjunction with farm use under ORS 215.213 (2)(c) or 215.283 (2)(a) or under other provisions of law.

(11)(a) A local government may issue a permit for a winery operating under this section to host outdoor concerts for which admission is charged, facility rentals or celebratory events if the local government issued permits to wineries operating under this section in similar circumstances before August 2, 2011.

(b) A local government may not issue a permit for a winery operating under this section to host outdoor concerts for which admission is charged, facility rentals or celebratory events if the local government did not issue permits to wineries operating under this section in similar circumstances before August 2, 2011.

(12) When a bed and breakfast facility is sited as a home occupation on the same tract as a winery established under this section and in association with the winery:

(a) The bed and breakfast facility may prepare and serve two meals per day to the registered guests of the bed and breakfast facility; and

(b) The meals may be served at the bed and breakfast facility or at the winery.

(13) As used in this section:

(a) “Agri-tourism or other commercial events” includes outdoor concerts for which admission is charged, educational, cultural, health or lifestyle events, facility rentals, celebratory gatherings and other events at which the promotion of wine produced in conjunction with the winery is a secondary purpose of the event.

(b) “On-site retail sale” includes the retail sale of wine in person at the winery site, through a wine club or over the Internet or telephone. [2011 c.679 §5; 2011 c.679 §5a; 2013 c.554 §6]

215.454 Lawful continuation of certain winery-related uses or structures. (1)(a) A use or structure in an area zoned for exclusive farm use that exists on June 28, 2011, may be lawfully continued, altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130 if the use or structure is located on the same tract, as defined in ORS 215.010, as a winery established under ORS 215.213 (1)(p) or 215.283 (1)(n) that produced more than 250,000 gallons of wine in calendar year 2010.

(b) This subsection does not affect the lawful continuation, alteration, restoration or expansion of the winery sited on the same tract.

(2) A winery established under ORS 215.213 (1)(p) or 215.283 (1)(n) that produced more than 150,000 gallons and not more than 250,000 gallons of wine in calendar year 2010 does not require a permit under ORS 215.213 (2)(c) or 215.283 (2)(a). However, the winery must comply with all provisions of ORS 215.452 except the annual production requirements.

(3) A use or structure that is lawfully established at a winery located in an exclusive farm use zone and that exists on August 2, 2011, including events and activities that exceed the income limit imposed by ORS 215.452, may be continued, altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130.

(4) Subsection (3) of this section does not affect the lawful continuation, alteration, restoration or replacement of the winery sited on the same tract.

(5) A use or structure that is lawfully established at a winery located in an exclusive farm use zone and that exists on June 28, 2013, including events and activities that exceed the income limit imposed by ORS 215.452, may be continued, altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130.

(6) Subsection (5) of this section does not affect the lawful continuation, alteration, restoration or replacement of the winery sited on the same tract. [2011 c.567 §6; subsections (3) and (4) of 2013 Edition enacted as 2011 c.679 §6; subsections (5) and (6) of 2013 Edition enacted as 2013 c.554 §5]

Note: 215.454 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.455 Effect of approval of winery on land use laws. Any winery approved under ORS 215.213, 215.283, 215.284, 215.452 and 215.453 is not a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (2)(a) or (b). [1989 c.525 §5; 2007 c.71 §73; 2011 c.679 §9]

215.456 Siting winery as commercial activity in exclusive farm use zone. (1) A local government may authorize the siting of a winery, on land zoned for exclusive farm use, pursuant to the standards that apply to a commercial activity in conjunction with farm use under ORS 215.213 (2)(c) or 215.283 (2)(a) or other law if the winery:

(a) Does not qualify for siting under ORS 215.452 or 215.453; or

(b) Seeks to carry out uses or activities that are not authorized by ORS 215.452 or 215.453.

(2) If a county authorizes the establishment of a winery on land zoned for exclusive farm use or mixed farm and forest use under provisions of law other than ORS 215.452 or 215.453 after June 28, 2013, the gross income of the winery from any activity other than the production or sale of wine may not exceed 25 percent of the gross income from the on-site retail sale of wine produced in conjunction with the winery. The gross income of a winery does not include income received by third parties unaffiliated with the winery. [2013 c.554 §3]

Note: 215.456 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.457 Youth camps allowed in forest zones and mixed farm and forest zones. A person may establish a youth camp:

(1) On land zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use, consistent with rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission.

(2) On land in eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.805, that is zoned for exclusive farm use and is composed predominantly of class VI, VII or VIII soils, consistent with rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. However, a person may not establish a youth camp authorized under this subsection within an irrigation district or within three miles of an urban growth boundary as defined in ORS 197.015. A youth camp may be authorized under this subsection only on a lawfully established unit of land as defined in ORS 92.010 of at least 1,000 acres. [1999 c.586 §2; 2013 c.711 §1; 2023 c.13 §98]

215.459 Private campground in forest zones and mixed farm and forest zones; yurts; rules. (1)(a) Subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, a private campground may be established in an area zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use. Subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, the campground may provide yurts for overnight camping. No more than one-third or a maximum of 10 campsites, whichever is smaller, may include a yurt. The yurt shall be located on the ground or on a wood floor with no permanent foundation.

(b) A public park or campground may be established as provided in ORS 195.120 in an area zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use.

(2) Upon request of a county governing body, the Land Conservation and Development Commission may provide by rule for an increase in the number of yurts allowed on all or a portion of the campgrounds in a county if the commission determines that the increase will comply with the standards described in ORS 215.296 (1).

(3) As used in this section, “yurt” means a round, domed shelter of cloth or canvas on a collapsible frame with no plumbing, sewage disposal hookup or internal cooking appliance. [1999 c.758 §4]

215.460 [1963 c.619 §15; repealed by 1971 c.13 §1]

215.461 Guest ranch; conditions; permissible uses; reporting. (1) As used in this section and ORS 215.462:

(a) “Guest lodging unit” means a guest room in a lodge, bunkhouse, cottage or cabin used only for transient overnight lodging and not for a permanent residence.

(b) “Guest ranch” means a facility for guest lodging units, passive recreational activities described in subsection (6) of this section and food services described in subsection (7) of this section that are incidental and accessory to an existing and continuing livestock operation that qualifies as a farm use.

(2) Subject to the provisions of ORS 215.296 (1) and (2) and other approval or siting standards of a county, a guest ranch under ORS 215.283 (2)(cc) may be established in an area of eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.805, that is zoned for exclusive farm use unless the proposed site of the guest ranch is within the boundaries of or surrounded by:

(a) A federally designated wilderness area or a wilderness study area;

(b) A federally designated wildlife refuge;

(d) An area established by an Act of Congress for the protection of scenic or ecological resources.

(3) The guest ranch must be located on a lawfully established unit of land that:

(a) Is at least 160 acres;

(b) Contains the dwelling of the individual conducting the livestock operation; and

(4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, the guest lodging units of the guest ranch cumulatively must:

(a) Include not fewer than four nor more than 10 overnight guest lodging units; and

(b) Not exceed a total of 12,000 square feet in floor area, not counting the floor area of a lodge that is dedicated to kitchen area, rest rooms, storage or other shared or common indoor space.

(5) For every increment of 160 acres that the lawfully established unit of land on which the guest ranch is located exceeds the minimum 160-acre requirement described in subsection (3) of this section, up to five additional overnight guest lodging units not exceeding a total of 6,000 square feet of floor area may be included in the guest ranch for a total of not more than 25 guest lodging units and 30,000 square feet of floor area.

(6) A guest ranch may provide passive recreational activities that can be provided in conjunction with the livestock operation’s natural setting including, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping and swimming. A guest ranch may not provide intensively developed recreational facilities, including golf courses as identified in ORS 215.283.

(7) A guest ranch may provide food services only for guests of the guest ranch, individuals accompanying the guests and individuals attending a special event at the guest ranch. The cost of meals, if any, may be included in the fee to visit or stay at the guest ranch. A guest ranch may not sell individual meals to an individual who is not a guest of the guest ranch, an individual accompanying a guest or an individual attending a special event at the guest ranch.

(8) A guest ranch that is authorized by a county under this section on or after January 1, 2020, shall annually report to the county. Counties shall make available to the public, upon request, reports collected from guest ranches under this subsection. The report must contain:

(a) The size of the guest ranch’s livestock operation;

(b) The income that the guest ranch obtained from:

(A) Livestock operations; and

(B) Guest ranch activities; and

(c) Other information the county may require to ensure ongoing compliance with this section or any condition of approval required by the county. [2018 c.15 §2; 2019 c.270 §2]

215.462 Limitations on guest ranch. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 215.283, the governing body of a county or its designee may not allow a guest ranch in conjunction with:

(a) A campground as described in ORS 215.283 (2).

(b) A golf course as described in ORS 215.283 (2).

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 215.263, the governing body of a county or its designee may not approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone for a guest ranch.

(3) The governing body of a county or its designee may not approve a proposed division of land that separates the guest ranch from the dwelling of the individual conducting the livestock operation. [2018 c.15 §3]

RURAL RESIDENTIAL USES

215.490 Recreational vehicles on occupied residential properties. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Recreational vehicle” means a recreational vehicle that has not been rendered structurally immobile and is titled with the Department of Transportation.

(b) “Rural area” means an area zoned for rural residential use as defined in ORS 215.501 or land that is within the urban growth boundary of a metropolitan service district, but not within the jurisdiction of any city, and zoned for residential use.

(2) A county may allow an owner of a lot or parcel in a rural area to site on the property one recreational vehicle that is used for residential purposes and is subject to a residential rental agreement, provided:

(a) The property is not within an area designated as an urban reserve as defined in ORS 197A.230;

(b) A single-family dwelling that is occupied as the primary residence of the property owner is sited on the property;

(c) There are no other dwelling units on the property and no portion of the single-family dwelling is rented as a residential tenancy;

(d) The property owner will not allow the use of the recreational vehicle space or recreational vehicle for vacation occupancy, as defined in ORS 90.100, or other short-term uses;

(e) The recreational vehicle is owned or leased by the tenant; and

(f) The property owner will provide essential services to the recreational vehicle space, as described in ORS 90.100 (15)(b).

(3) A county may require that an owner of a lot or parcel who sites a recreational vehicle under this section:

(a) Register the use with the county.

(b) Enter into a written residential rental agreement with the tenant of the recreational vehicle.

(c) Limit the amount of payments that the property owner may accept from the tenant under ORS 90.140 to those reasonably necessary to cover the owner’s costs or losses.

(d) Require that the recreational vehicle comply with any reasonable appearance, repair, inspection or siting standards adopted by the county.

(4) Notwithstanding ORS 455.405, a recreational vehicle sited under this section is not subject to the state building code. [2023 c.295 §2]

215.495 Accessory dwelling units. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Accessory dwelling unit” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.501.

(b) “Area zoned for rural residential use” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.501.

(2) Consistent with a county’s comprehensive plan, a county may allow an owner of a lot or parcel within an area zoned for rural residential use to construct one accessory dwelling unit on the lot or parcel, provided:

(a) The lot or parcel is not located within an area designated as an urban reserve as defined in ORS 197A.230;

(b) The lot or parcel is at least two acres in size;

(d) The existing single-family dwelling property on the lot or parcel is not subject to an order declaring it a nuisance or subject to any pending action under ORS 105.550 to 105.600;

(e) The accessory dwelling unit will comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to sanitation and wastewater disposal and treatment;

(f) The accessory dwelling unit will not include more than 900 square feet of usable floor area;

(g) The accessory dwelling unit will be located no farther than 100 feet from the existing single-family dwelling;

(h) If the water supply source for the accessory dwelling unit or associated lands or gardens will be a well using water under ORS 537.545 (1)(b) or (d), no portion of the lot or parcel is within an area in which new or existing ground water uses under ORS 537.545 (1)(b) or (d) have been restricted by the Water Resources Commission;

(i) No portion of the lot or parcel is within a designated area of critical state concern;

(j) The lot or parcel is served by a fire protection service provider with professionals who have received training or certification described in ORS 181A.410;

(k) If the lot or parcel is in an area identified on the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490 as within the wildland-urban interface, the lot or parcel and accessory dwelling unit comply with any applicable minimum defensible space requirements for wildfire risk reduction established by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 476.392 and any applicable local requirements for defensible space established by a local government pursuant to ORS 476.392;

(L) The accessory dwelling unit complies with the construction provisions of section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, if:

(A) The lot or parcel is in an area identified as a high wildfire hazard zone on the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490; or

(B) No statewide wildfire hazard map has been adopted; and

(m) The county has adopted land use regulations that ensure that:

(A) The accessory dwelling unit has adequate setbacks from adjacent lands zoned for resource use;

(B) The accessory dwelling unit has adequate access for firefighting equipment, safe evacuation and staged evacuation areas; and

(C) If the accessory dwelling unit is not in an area identified on the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490 as within the wildland-urban interface, the accessory dwelling unit complies with the provisions of this section and any applicable local requirements for defensible space established by a local government pursuant to ORS 476.392.

(3) A county may not allow an accessory dwelling unit allowed under this section to be used for vacation occupancy, as defined in ORS 90.100.

(4) A county that allows construction of an accessory dwelling unit under this section may not approve:

(a) A subdivision, partition or other division of the lot or parcel so that the existing single-family dwelling is situated on a different lot or parcel than the accessory dwelling unit.

(b) Construction of an additional accessory dwelling unit on the same lot or parcel.

(5) A county may require that an accessory dwelling unit constructed under this section be served by the same water supply source or water supply system as the existing single-family dwelling, provided such use is allowed for the accessory dwelling unit by an existing water right or a use under ORS 537.545. If the accessory dwelling unit is served by a well, the construction of the accessory dwelling unit shall maintain all setbacks from the well required by the Water Resources Commission or Water Resources Department.

(6) An existing single-family dwelling and an accessory dwelling unit allowed under this section are considered a single unit for the purposes of calculating exemptions under ORS 537.545 (1).

(7) Nothing in this section requires a county to allow any accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for rural residential use or prohibits a county from imposing any additional restrictions on accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for rural residential use, including restrictions on the construction of garages and outbuildings that support an accessory dwelling unit. [2021 c.396 §2; 2022 c.85 §5; 2023 c.76 §1; 2023 c.611 §9]

215.501 Conversion of historic homes to accessory dwelling units. (1) As used in this section:

(a) “Accessory dwelling unit” means a residential structure that is used in connection with or that is auxiliary to a single-family dwelling.

(b) “Area zoned for rural residential use” means land that is not located inside an urban growth boundary as defined in ORS 197.015 and that is subject to an acknowledged exception to a statewide land use planning goal relating to farmland or forestland and planned and zoned by the county to allow residential use as a primary use.

(d) “New” means that the dwelling being constructed did not previously exist in residential or nonresidential form. “New” does not include the acquisition, alteration, renovation or remodeling of an existing structure.

(e) “Single-family dwelling” means a residential structure designed as a residence for one family and sharing no common wall with another residence of any type.

(2) Notwithstanding any local zoning or local regulation or ordinance pertaining to the siting of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for rural residential use, a county may allow an owner of a lot or parcel within an area zoned for rural residential use to construct a new single-family dwelling on the lot or parcel, provided:

(a) The lot or parcel is not located in an area designated as an urban reserve as defined in ORS 197A.230;

(b) The lot or parcel is at least two acres in size;

(d) The owner converts the historic home to an accessory dwelling unit upon completion of the new single-family dwelling; and

(e) The accessory dwelling unit complies with all applicable laws and regulations relating to sanitation and wastewater disposal and treatment.

(3) An owner that constructs a new single-family dwelling under subsection (2) of this section may not:

(a) Subdivide, partition or otherwise divide the lot or parcel so that the new single-family dwelling is situated on a different lot or parcel from the accessory dwelling unit.

(b) Alter, renovate or remodel the accessory dwelling unit so that the square footage of the accessory dwelling unit is more than 120 percent of the historic home’s square footage at the time construction of the new single-family dwelling commenced.

(d) Construct an additional accessory dwelling unit on the same lot or parcel.

(4) A county may require that a new single-family dwelling constructed under this section be served by the same water supply source as the accessory dwelling unit.

(5) A county may impose additional conditions of approval for construction of a new single-family dwelling or conversion of a historic home to an accessory dwelling unit under this section. [2017 c.400 §2; 2023 c.13 §99]

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS

215.503 Legislative act by ordinance; mailed notice to individual property owners required by county for land use actions. (1) As used in this section, “owner” means the owner of the title to real property or the contract purchaser of real property, of record as shown on the last available complete tax assessment roll.

(2) All legislative acts relating to comprehensive plans, land use planning or zoning adopted by the governing body of a county shall be by ordinance.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section and in addition to the notice required by ORS 215.060, at least 20 days but not more than 40 days before the date of the first hearing on an ordinance that proposes to amend an existing comprehensive plan or any element thereof or to adopt a new comprehensive plan, the governing body of a county shall cause a written individual notice of land use change to be mailed to each owner whose property would have to be rezoned in order to comply with the amended or new comprehensive plan if the ordinance becomes effective.

(4) In addition to the notice required by ORS 215.223 (1), at least 20 days but not more than 40 days before the date of the first hearing on an ordinance that proposes to rezone property, the governing body of a county shall cause a written individual notice of land use change to be mailed to the owner of each lot or parcel of property that the ordinance proposes to rezone.

(5) An additional individual notice of land use change required by subsection (3) or (4) of this section shall be approved by the governing body of the county and shall describe in detail how the proposed ordinance would affect the use of the property. The notice shall:

(a) Contain substantially the following language in boldfaced type across the top of the face page extending from the left margin to the right margin:

______________________________________________________________________________

This is to notify you that (governing body of the county) has proposed a land use regulation that may affect the permissible uses of your property and other properties.

______________________________________________________________________________

(b) Contain substantially the following language in the body of the notice:

______________________________________________________________________________

On (date of public hearing), (governing body) will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of Ordinance Number_____. The (governing body) has determined that adoption of this ordinance may affect the permissible uses of your property, and other properties in the affected zone, and may change the value of your property.

Ordinance Number _____ is available for inspection at the ______ County Courthouse located at________. A copy of Ordinance Number _____ also is available for purchase at a cost of_____.

For additional information concerning Ordinance Number_____, you may call the (governing body) Planning Department at _________.

______________________________________________________________________________

(6) At least 30 days prior to the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation by the governing body of a county pursuant to a requirement of periodic review of the comprehensive plan under ORS 197.628, 197.633 and 197.636, the governing body of the county shall cause a written individual notice of the land use change to be mailed to the owner of each lot or parcel that will be rezoned as a result of the adoption or enactment. The notice shall describe in detail how the ordinance or plan amendment may affect the use of the property. The notice also shall:

(a) Contain substantially the following language in boldfaced type across the top of the face page extending from the left margin to the right margin:

______________________________________________________________________________

This is to notify you that (governing body of the county) has proposed a land use that may affect the permissible uses of your property and other properties.

______________________________________________________________________________

(b) Contain substantially the following language in the body of the notice:

______________________________________________________________________________

As a result of an order of the Land Conservation and Development Commission, (governing body) has proposed Ordinance Number_____. (Governing Body) has determined that the adoption of this ordinance may affect the permissible uses of your property, and other properties in the affected zone, and may change the value of your property.

Ordinance Number _____ will become effective on (date).

Ordinance Number _____ is available for inspection at the _____ County Courthouse located at_____. A copy of Ordinance Number _____ also is available for purchase at a cost of_____.

For additional information concerning Ordinance Number_____, you may call the (governing body) Planning Department at _________.

______________________________________________________________________________

(7) Notice provided under this section may be included with the tax statement required under ORS 311.250.

(8) Notwithstanding subsection (7) of this section, the governing body of a county may provide notice of a hearing at any time provided notice is mailed by first class mail or bulk mail to all persons for whom notice is required under subsections (3) and (4) of this section.

(9) For purposes of this section, property is rezoned when the governing body of the county:

(a) Changes the base zoning classification of the property; or

(b) Adopts or amends an ordinance in a manner that limits or prohibits land uses previously allowed in the affected zone.

(10) The provisions of this section do not apply to legislative acts of the governing body of the county resulting from action of the Legislative Assembly or the Land Conservation and Development Commission for which notice is provided under ORS 197.047, or resulting from an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(11) The governing body of the county is not required to provide more than one notice under this section to a person who owns more than one lot or parcel affected by a change to the local comprehensive plan or land use regulation.

(12) The Department of Land Conservation and Development shall reimburse the governing body of a county for all usual and reasonable costs incurred to provide notice required under subsection (6) of this section. [1977 c.664 §37; 1999 c.1 §1; 1999 c.348 §10; 2003 c.668 §2]

215.505 [1969 c.324 §1; repealed by 1977 c.664 §42]

215.508 [1977 c.664 §38; repealed by 1999 c.1 §8]

215.510 [1969 c.324 §2; 1973 c.80 §47; repealed by 1977 c.664 §42]

215.513 Forwarding of notice to property purchaser. (1) A mortgagee, lienholder, vendor or seller of real property who receives a mailed notice required by this chapter shall promptly forward the notice to the purchaser of the property. Each mailed notice required by this chapter shall contain the following statement: “NOTICE TO MORTGAGEE, LIENHOLDER, VENDOR OR SELLER: ORS CHAPTER 215 REQUIRES THAT IF YOU RECEIVE THIS NOTICE, IT MUST PROMPTLY BE FORWARDED TO THE PURCHASER.”

(2) Mailed notices to owners of real property required by this chapter shall be deemed given to those owners named in an affidavit of mailing executed by the person designated by the governing body of a county to mail the notices. The failure of a person named in the affidavit to receive the notice shall not invalidate an ordinance. The failure of the governing body of a county to cause a notice to be mailed to an owner of a lot or parcel of property created or that has changed ownership since the last complete tax assessment roll was prepared shall not invalidate an ordinance. [1977 c.664 §39]

215.515 [1969 c.324 §3; 1973 c.80 §48; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.520 [1969 c.324 §4; repealed by 1977 c.664 §42]

215.525 [1969 c.324 §6; repealed by 1977 c.664 §42]

215.530 [1969 c.324 §7; repealed by 1977 c.664 §42]

215.535 [1969 c.324 §5; 1973 c.80 §49; repealed by 1977 c.664 §42]

COUNTY CONSTRUCTION CODES

215.605 Counties authorized to adopt housing codes. For the protection of the public health, welfare and safety, the governing body of a county may adopt ordinances establishing housing codes for the county, or any portion thereof, except where housing code ordinances are in effect on August 22, 1969, or where such ordinances are enacted by an incorporated city subsequent to August 22, 1969. Such housing code ordinances may adopt by reference published codes, or any portion thereof, and a certified copy of such code or codes shall be filed with the county clerk of said county. [1969 c.418 §1]

215.606 Standards for clustered mailboxes in county roads and rights-of-way. Each county in this state shall adopt standards and specifications for clustered mailboxes within the boundaries of county roads and rights-of-way that conform to the standards and specifications for such mailboxes contained in the State of Oregon Structural Specialty Code. [2011 c.488 §3]

Note: 215.606 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.610 [1969 c.418 §2; 1979 c.190 §407; repealed by 1983 c.327 §16]

215.615 Application and contents of housing ordinances. The provisions of housing code ordinances authorized by ORS 215.605 and this section shall apply to all buildings or portions thereof used, or designed or intended to be used for human habitation, and shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Standards for space, occupancy, light, ventilation, sanitation, heating, exits and fire protection.

(2) Inspection of such buildings.

(3) Procedures whereby buildings or portions thereof which are determined to be substandard are declared to be public nuisances and are required to be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal.

(4) An advisory and appeals board. [1969 c.418 §3]

215.620 [1997 c.552 §30; renumbered 455.422 in 1999]

FARMLAND AND FORESTLAND ZONES

(Lot or Parcel of Record Dwellings)

215.700 Resource land dwelling policy. The Legislative Assembly declares that land use regulations limit residential development on some less productive resource land acquired before the owners could reasonably be expected to know of the regulations. In order to assist these owners while protecting the state’s more productive resource land from the detrimental effects of uses not related to agriculture and forestry, it is necessary to:

(1) Provide certain owners of less productive land an opportunity to build a dwelling on their land; and

(2) Limit the future division of and the siting of dwellings upon the state’s more productive resource land. [1993 c.792 §10]

(Temporary provisions relating to rezoning of farmlands within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region)

Note: Sections 1 to 4, chapter 671, Oregon Laws 2021, provide:

Sec. 1. Sections 2 and 3 of this 2021 Act are added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215. [2021 c.671 §1]

Sec. 2. (1) Notwithstanding any land use planning goal related to urbanization or agricultural lands, a county that has established a review board described in section 3, chapter 671, Oregon Laws 2021, may rezone, and if necessary divide, lands that are zoned for exclusive farm use and within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region, as defined in ORS 284.771, for the development of one residential unit per lot or parcel of two acres or more, provided that:

(a) The rezoned lands have not been employed for farm use in the prior three years;

(b) The rezoned lands are not:

(A) High-value farmland, as described in ORS 195.300 (10), excluding lands described in ORS 195.300 (10)(c)(B) and (10)(f)(E);

(B) Predominantly composed of Class I, II or III soils; or

(c) Rezoning will not force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(d) If the water source for the rezoned lands is a well, the lands are not within a critical ground water area as designated under ORS 537.730 to 537.740 or within an area where ground water withdrawals have been restricted by the Water Resources Commission;

(e) The property owner agrees as a condition of approval of the rezoning to sign and record in the county deed records an irrevocable deed restriction in the form prescribed by the county acknowledging the protected rights of farm, forest and rangeland practices in the area and prohibiting the owner and the owner’s successors in interest from pursuing a cause of action or claim of relief alleging an injury from any farming, forest or rangeland practices if no claim or action is allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937 or otherwise protected by law as a farming, forest or rangeland practice;

(f) The rezoning and division, if necessary, comply with all substantive rezoning and land division criteria and standards adopted by the county;

(g) The approval would not result in a cumulative total of more than 200 acres rezoned by the county under this section;

(h) The rezoning has received a public hearing and a written opinion from a review board established under section 3, chapter 671, Oregon Laws 2021;

(i) In the prior 10 years, the rezoned lands have not been assessed for property tax purposes as:

(A) Open space land under ORS 308A.300 to 308A.330;

(B) Riparian habitat under ORS 308A.350 to 308A.383;

(D) A conservation easement under ORS 308A.450 to 308A.465;

(j) The rezoned lands are within a rural fire protection district established under ORS 478.010 to 478.100 and subject to ORS 478.115, 478.120, 478.130, 478.140, 478.150, 478.155 and 478.160 and comply with all applicable fire prevention code requirements under ORS 478.910 to 478.940; and

(k) The rezoned lands are not within an area designated as a 100-year floodplain on a current map of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(2) Upon rezoning lands under this section, the county shall file with the county assessor a statement listing the tax lots to which the change in zoning applies and the applicable date of the change. [2021 c.671 §2; 2023 c.566 §1]

Sec. 3. (1) A county with lands within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region, as defined in ORS 284.771, may establish a review board that consists of four members appointed by the governing body of the county.

(2) The members of the review board shall serve terms of no more than four years and may be reappointed by the governing body.

(3) The review board must include:

(a) One member who represents the interests of the farming community of the county;

(b) One member who represents the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board;

(d) One member who is a member of the planning body for the county.

(4) The review board shall review, and conduct at least one public hearing for, each petition filed under section 2 of this 2021 Act to rezone, and if necessary partition, land and shall provide a written opinion to the county.

(5) The opinion developed by the review board is not a land use decision and is not subject to appeal. [2021 c.671 §3]

Sec. 4. Sections 2 and 3 of this 2021 Act are repealed on January 2, 2030. [2021 c.671 §4]

215.705 Dwellings in farm or forest zone; criteria; transferability of application. (1) A governing body of a county or its designate may allow the establishment of a single-family dwelling on a lot or parcel located within a farm or forest zone as set forth in this section and ORS 215.710, 215.720, 215.740 and 215.750 after notifying the county assessor that the governing body intends to allow the dwelling. A dwelling under this section may be allowed if:

(a) The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited was lawfully created and was acquired by the present owner:

(A) Prior to January 1, 1985; or

(B) By devise or by intestate succession from a person who acquired the lot or parcel prior to January 1, 1985.

(b) The tract on which the dwelling will be sited does not include a dwelling.

(c) The proposed dwelling is not prohibited by, and will comply with, the requirements of the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations and other provisions of law.

(d) The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited, if zoned for farm use, is not on that high-value farmland described in ORS 215.710 except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.

(e) The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited, if zoned for forest use, is described in ORS 215.720, 215.740 or 215.750.

(f) When the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited lies within an area designated in an acknowledged comprehensive plan as habitat of big game, the siting of the dwelling is consistent with the limitations on density upon which the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations intended to protect the habitat are based.

(g) When the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited is part of a tract, the remaining portions of the tract are consolidated into a single lot or parcel when the dwelling is allowed.

(2)(a) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (1)(d) of this section, a single-family dwelling not in conjunction with farm use may be sited on high-value farmland if:

(A) It meets the other requirements of ORS 215.705 to 215.750;

(B) The lot or parcel is protected as high-value farmland as described under ORS 215.710 (1); and

(i) The lot or parcel cannot practicably be managed for farm use, by itself or in conjunction with other land, due to extraordinary circumstances inherent in the land or its physical setting that do not apply generally to other land in the vicinity.

(ii) The dwelling will comply with the provisions of ORS 215.296 (1).

(iii) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern in the area.

(b) A local government shall provide notice of all applications for dwellings allowed under this subsection to the State Department of Agriculture. Notice shall be provided in accordance with the governing body’s land use regulations but shall be mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to the public hearing before the hearings officer under paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(3) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (1)(d) of this section, a single-family dwelling not in conjunction with farm use may be sited on high-value farmland if:

(a) It meets the other requirements of ORS 215.705 to 215.750.

(b) The tract on which the dwelling will be sited is:

(A) Identified in ORS 215.710 (3) or (4);

(B) Not protected under ORS 215.710 (1); and

(c)(A) The tract is bordered on at least 67 percent of its perimeter by tracts that are smaller than 21 acres, and at least two such tracts had dwellings on them on January 1, 1993;

(B) The tract is not a flaglot and is bordered on at least 25 percent of its perimeter by tracts that are smaller than 21 acres, and at least four dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, within one-quarter mile of the center of the subject tract. Up to two of the four dwellings may lie within the urban growth boundary, but only if the subject tract abuts an urban growth boundary; or

(C) The tract is a flaglot and is bordered on at least 25 percent of its perimeter by tracts that are smaller than 21 acres, and at least four dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, within one-quarter mile of the center of the subject tract and on the same side of the public road that provides access to the subject tract. The governing body of a county must interpret the center of the subject tract as the geographic center of the flaglot if the applicant makes a written request for that interpretation and that interpretation does not cause the center to be located outside the flaglot. Up to two of the four dwellings may lie within the urban growth boundary, but only if the subject tract abuts an urban growth boundary. As used in this subparagraph:

(i) “Flaglot” means a tract containing a narrow strip or panhandle of land providing access from the public road to the rest of the tract.

(ii) “Geographic center of the flaglot” means the point of intersection of two perpendicular lines of which the first line crosses the midpoint of the longest side of a flaglot, at a 90-degree angle to that side, and the second line crosses the midpoint of the longest adjacent side of the flaglot.

(4) If land is in a zone that allows both farm and forest uses, is acknowledged to be in compliance with goals relating to both agriculture and forestry and may qualify as an exclusive farm use zone under this chapter, the county may apply the standards for siting a dwelling under either subsection (1)(d) of this section or ORS 215.720, 215.740 and 215.750 as appropriate for the predominant use of the tract on January 1, 1993.

(5) A county may, by application of criteria adopted by ordinance, deny approval of a dwelling allowed under this section in any area where the county determines that approval of the dwelling would:

(a) Exceed the facilities and service capabilities of the area;

(b) Materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern in the area; or

(c) Create conditions or circumstances that the county determines would be contrary to the purposes or intent of its acknowledged comprehensive plan or land use regulations.

(6) For purposes of subsection (1)(a) of this section, “owner” includes the spouses in a marriage, son, daughter, parent, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parent-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent or grandchild of the owner or a business entity owned by any one or combination of these family members.

(7) When a local government approves an application for a single-family dwelling under the provisions of this section, the application may be transferred by a person who has qualified under this section to any other person after the effective date of the land use decision. [1993 c.792 §2; 1995 c.812 §7; 2001 c.358 §1; 2015 c.629 §34]

215.710 High-value farmland description for ORS 215.705. (1) For purposes of ORS 215.705, high-value farmland is land in a tract composed predominantly of soils that, at the time the siting of a dwelling is approved for the tract, are:

(a) Irrigated and classified prime, unique, Class I or Class II; or

(b) Not irrigated and classified prime, unique, Class I or Class II.

(2) In addition to that land described in subsection (1) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.705, high-value farmland, if outside the Willamette Valley, includes tracts growing specified perennials as demonstrated by the most recent aerial photography of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture taken prior to November 4, 1993. For purposes of this subsection, “specified perennials” means perennials grown for market or research purposes including, but not limited to, nursery stock, berries, fruits, nuts, Christmas trees or vineyards but not including seed crops, hay, pasture or alfalfa.

(3) In addition to that land described in subsection (1) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.705, high-value farmland, if in the Willamette Valley, includes tracts composed predominantly of the following soils in Class III or IV or composed predominantly of a combination of soils described in subsection (1) of this section and the following soils:

(a) Subclassification IIIe, specifically, Bellpine, Bornstedt, Burlington, Briedwell, Carlton, Cascade, Chehalem, Cornelius, Cornelius Variant, Cornelius and Kinton, Helvetia, Hillsboro, Hullt, Jory, Kinton, Latourell, Laurelwood, Melbourne, Multnomah, Nekia, Powell, Price, Quatama, Salkum, Santiam, Saum, Sawtell, Silverton, Veneta, Willakenzie, Woodburn and Yamhill;

(b) Subclassification IIIw, specifically, Concord, Conser, Cornelius Variant, Dayton (thick surface) and Sifton (occasionally flooded);

(c) Subclassification IVe, specifically, Bellpine Silty Clay Loam, Carlton, Cornelius, Jory, Kinton, Latourell, Laurelwood, Powell, Quatama, Springwater, Willakenzie and Yamhill; and

(d) Subclassification IVw, specifically, Awbrig, Bashaw, Courtney, Dayton, Natroy, Noti and Whiteson.

(4) In addition to that land described in subsection (1) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.705, high-value farmland, if west of the summit of the Coast Range and used in conjunction with a dairy operation on January 1, 1993, includes tracts composed predominantly of the following soils in Class III or IV or composed predominantly of a combination of soils described in subsection (1) of this section and the following soils:

(a) Subclassification IIIe, specifically, Astoria, Hembre, Knappa, Meda, Quillayutte and Winema;

(b) Subclassification IIIw, specifically, Brenner and Chitwood;

(d) Subclassification IVw, specifically, Coquille.

(5) For purposes of approving a land use application under ORS 215.705, the soil class, soil rating or other soil designation of a specific lot or parcel may be changed if the property owner:

(a) Submits a statement of agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture that the soil class, soil rating or other soil designation should be adjusted based on new information; or

(b)(A) Submits a report from a soils scientist whose credentials are acceptable to the State Department of Agriculture that the soil class, soil rating or other soil designation should be changed; and

(B) Submits a statement from the State Department of Agriculture that the Director of Agriculture or the director’s designee has reviewed the report described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and finds the analysis in the report to be soundly and scientifically based.

(6) Soil classes, soil ratings or other soil designations used in or made pursuant to this section are those of the Soil Conservation Service in its most recent publication for that class, rating or designation before November 4, 1993. [1993 c.792 §3; 1995 c.79 §78; 1995 c.812 §8]

215.720 Criteria for forestland dwelling under ORS 215.705. (1) A dwelling authorized under ORS 215.705 may be allowed on land zoned for forest use under a goal protecting forestland only if:

(a) The tract on which the dwelling will be sited is in western Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.257, and is composed of soils not capable of producing 5,000 cubic feet per year of commercial tree species and is located within 1,500 feet of a public road as defined under ORS 368.001. The road shall be maintained and either paved or surfaced with rock and shall not be:

(A) A United States Bureau of Land Management road; or

(B) A United States Forest Service road unless the road is paved to a minimum width of 18 feet, there is at least one defined lane in each direction and a maintenance agreement exists between the United States Forest Service and landowners adjacent to the road, a local government or a state agency.

(b) The tract on which the dwelling will be sited is in eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.805, and is composed of soils not capable of producing 4,000 cubic feet per year of commercial tree species and is located within 1,500 feet of a public road as defined under ORS 368.001. The road shall be maintained and either paved or surfaced with rock and shall not be:

(A) A United States Bureau of Land Management road; or

(2) For purposes of this section, “commercial tree species” means trees recognized under rules adopted under ORS 527.715 for commercial production.

(3) No dwelling other than those described in this section and ORS 215.740, 215.750 and 215.755 may be sited on land zoned for forest use under a land use planning goal protecting forestland. [1993 c.792 §4 (1),(4),(9); 1997 c.318 §4; 1997 c.732 §1; 2003 c.621 §102]

215.730 Additional criteria for forestland dwelling under ORS 215.705. (1) A local government shall require as a condition of approval of a single-family dwelling allowed under ORS 215.705 on lands zoned forestland that:

(a)(A) If the lot or parcel is more than 30 acres in eastern Oregon as defined in ORS 321.805, the property owner submits a stocking survey report to the assessor and the assessor verifies that the minimum stocking requirements adopted under ORS 527.610 to 527.770 have been met; or

(B) If the lot or parcel is more than 10 acres in western Oregon as defined in ORS 321.257, the property owner submits a stocking survey report to the assessor and the assessor verifies that the minimum stocking requirements adopted under ORS 527.610 to 527.770 have been met.

(b) The dwelling meets the following requirements:

(A) The dwelling has a fire retardant roof.

(B) The dwelling will not be sited on a slope of greater than 40 percent.

(C) Evidence is provided that the domestic water supply is from a source authorized by the Water Resources Department and not from a Class II stream as designated by the State Board of Forestry.

(D) The dwelling is located upon a parcel within a fire protection district or is provided with residential fire protection by contract.

(E) If the dwelling is not within a fire protection district, the applicant provides evidence that the applicant has asked to be included in the nearest such district.

(F) If the dwelling has a chimney or chimneys, each chimney has a spark arrester.

(G) The owner provides and maintains primary fuel-free break and secondary break areas on land surrounding the dwelling that is owned or controlled by the owner.

(2)(a) If a governing body determines that meeting the requirement of subsection (1)(b)(D) of this section would be impracticable, the governing body may provide an alternative means for protecting the dwelling from fire hazards. The means selected may include a fire sprinkling system, on-site equipment and water storage or other methods that are reasonable, given the site conditions.

(b) If a water supply is required under this subsection, it shall be a swimming pool, pond, lake or similar body of water that at all times contains at least 4,000 gallons or a stream that has a minimum flow of at least one cubic foot per second. Road access shall be provided to within 15 feet of the water’s edge for fire-fighting pumping units, and the road access shall accommodate a turnaround for fire-fighting equipment. [1993 c.792 §5; 1995 c.812 §6; 1997 c.293 §1; 2003 c.621 §103]

(Other Forestland Dwellings)

215.740 Large tract forestland dwelling; criteria; rules. (1) If a dwelling is not allowed under ORS 215.720 (1), a dwelling may be allowed on land zoned for forest use under a goal protecting forestland if it complies with other provisions of law and is sited on a tract:

(a) In eastern Oregon of at least 240 contiguous acres except as provided in subsection (3) of this section; or

(b) In western Oregon of at least 160 contiguous acres except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(2) For purposes of subsection (1) of this section, a tract shall not be considered to consist of less than 240 acres or 160 acres because it is crossed by a public road or a waterway.

(3)(a) An owner of tracts that are not contiguous but are in the same county or adjacent counties and zoned for forest use may add together the acreage of two or more tracts to total 320 acres or more in eastern Oregon or 200 acres or more in western Oregon to qualify for a dwelling under subsection (1) of this section.

(b) If an owner totals 320 or 200 acres, as appropriate, under paragraph (a) of this subsection, the owner shall submit proof of nonrevocable deed restrictions recorded in the deed records for the tracts in the 320 or 200 acres, as appropriate. The deed restrictions shall preclude all future rights to construct a dwelling on the tracts or to use the tracts to total acreage for future siting of dwellings for present and any future owners unless the tract is no longer subject to protection under goals for agricultural lands or forestlands.

(c) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall adopt rules that prescribe the language of the deed restriction, the procedures for recording, the procedures under which counties shall keep records of lots or parcels used to create the total, the mechanisms for providing notice to subsequent purchasers of the limitations under paragraph (b) of this subsection and other rules to implement this section. [1993 c.792 §4(2),(3),(5)]

215.750 Alternative forestland dwelling; criteria. (1) As used in this section, “center of the subject tract” means the mathematical centroid of the tract.

(2) In western Oregon, a governing body of a county or its designate may allow the establishment of a single-family dwelling on a lot or parcel located within a forest zone if the lot or parcel is predominantly composed of soils that are:

(a) Capable of producing 0 to 49 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber if:

(A) All or part of at least three other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160-acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and

(B) At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, on the other lots or parcels;

(b) Capable of producing 50 to 85 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber if:

(A) All or part of at least seven other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160-acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and

(B) At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, on the other lots or parcels; or

(A) All or part of at least 11 other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160-acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and

(B) At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, on the other lots or parcels.

(3) In eastern Oregon, a governing body of a county or its designate may allow the establishment of a single-family dwelling on a lot or parcel located within a forest zone if the lot or parcel is predominantly composed of soils that are:

(a) Capable of producing 0 to 20 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber if:

(A) All or part of at least three other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160-acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and

(B) At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, on the other lots or parcels;

(b) Capable of producing 21 to 50 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber if:

(A) All or part of at least seven other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160-acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and

(B) At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, on the other lots or parcels; or

(A) All or part of at least 11 other lots or parcels that existed on January 1, 1993, are within a 160-acre square centered on the center of the subject tract; and

(B) At least three dwellings existed on January 1, 1993, on the other lots or parcels.

(4) Lots or parcels within urban growth boundaries may not be used to satisfy the eligibility requirements under subsection (2) or (3) of this section.

(5) A proposed dwelling under this section is allowed only if:

(a) It will comply with the requirements of an acknowledged comprehensive plan, acknowledged land use regulations and other provisions of law;

(b) It complies with the requirements of ORS 215.730;

(c) No dwellings are allowed on other lots or parcels that make up the tract and deed restrictions established under ORS 215.740 (3) for the other lots or parcels that make up the tract are met;

(d) The tract on which the dwelling will be sited does not include a dwelling;

(e) The lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited was lawfully established;

(f) Any property line adjustment to the lot or parcel complied with the applicable property line adjustment provisions in ORS 92.192;

(g) Any property line adjustment to the lot or parcel after January 1, 2019, did not have the effect of qualifying the lot or parcel for a dwelling under this section; and

(h) If the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be sited was part of a tract on January 1, 2019, no dwelling existed on the tract on that date, and no dwelling exists or has been approved on another lot or parcel that was part of the tract.

(6) Except as described in subsection (7) of this section, if the tract under subsection (2) or (3) of this section abuts a road that existed on January 1, 1993, the measurement may be made by creating a 160-acre rectangle that is one mile long and one-fourth mile wide centered on the center of the subject tract and that is to the maximum extent possible, aligned with the road.

(7)(a) If a tract 60 acres or larger described under subsection (2) or (3) of this section abuts a road or perennial stream, the measurement shall be made in accordance with subsection (6) of this section. However, one of the three required dwellings must be on the same side of the road or stream as the tract and:

(A) Be located within a 160-acre rectangle that is one mile long and one-fourth mile wide centered on the center of the subject tract and that is, to the maximum extent possible, aligned with the road or stream; or

(B) Be within one-quarter mile from the edge of the subject tract but not outside the length of the 160-acre rectangle, and on the same side of the road or stream as the tract.

(b) If a road crosses the tract on which the dwelling will be located, at least one of the three required dwellings must be on the same side of the road as the proposed dwelling.

(8) Notwithstanding subsection (5)(a) of this section, if the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations of a county require that a dwelling be located in a 160-acre square or rectangle described in subsection (2), (3), (6) or (7) of this section, a dwelling is in the 160-acre square or rectangle if any part of the dwelling is in the 160-acre square or rectangle. [1993 c.792 §4(6),(7),(8); 1999 c.59 §58; 2005 c.289 §1; 2019 c.433 §1]

215.755 Other forestland dwellings; criteria. Subject to the approval of the governing body or its designee, the following dwellings may be established in any area zoned for forest use under a land use planning goal protecting forestland, provided that the requirements of the acknowledged comprehensive plan, land use regulations and other applicable provisions of law are met:

(1) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a lawfully established dwelling, as described in ORS 215.291.

(2) One manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle, or the temporary use of an existing building, in conjunction with an existing dwelling as a temporary use for the term of a hardship suffered by the existing resident or a relative of the resident. Within three months of the end of the hardship, the manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle shall be removed or demolished or, in the case of an existing building, the building shall be removed, demolished or returned to an allowed nonresidential use. The governing body or its designee shall provide for periodic review of the hardship claimed under this subsection. A temporary dwelling established under this section shall not qualify for replacement under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Caretaker residences for public parks and public fish hatcheries. [1997 c.318 §6; 1999 c.640 §4; 2023 c.301 §1]

Note: 215.755 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.757 Accessory dwellings supporting family forestry; conditions. (1) As used in this section, “owner or a relative” means the owner of the lot or parcel, or a relative of the owner or the owner’s spouse, including a child, parent, stepparent, grandchild, grandparent, stepgrandparent, sibling, stepsibling, niece, nephew or first cousin of either.

(2) A county may approve a new single-family dwelling unit on a lot or parcel zoned for forest use provided:

(a) The new single-family dwelling unit will be on a lot or parcel no smaller than the minimum size allowed under ORS 215.780;

(b) The new single-family dwelling unit will be on a lot or parcel that contains exactly one existing single-family dwelling unit that was lawfully:

(A) In existence before November 4, 1993; or

(B) Approved under ORS 215.130 (6), 215.705, 215.720, 215.740, 215.750 or 215.755;

(c) The shortest distance between the new single-family dwelling unit and the existing single-family dwelling unit is no greater than 200 feet;

(d) The lot or parcel is within a rural fire protection district organized under ORS chapter 478;

(e) The new single-family dwelling unit complies with the Oregon residential specialty code relating to wildfire hazard mitigation;

(f) As a condition of approval of the new single-family dwelling unit, in addition to the requirements of ORS 215.293, the property owner agrees to acknowledge and record in the deed records for the county in which the lot or parcel is located, one or more instruments containing irrevocable deed restrictions that:

(A) Prohibit the owner and the owner’s successors from partitioning the property to separate the new single-family dwelling unit from the lot or parcel containing the existing single-family dwelling unit; and

(B) Require that the owner and the owner’s successors manage the lot or parcel as a working forest under a written forest management plan, as defined in ORS 526.455, that is attached to the instrument;

(g) The existing single-family dwelling unit is occupied by the owner or a relative;

(h) The new single-family dwelling unit will be occupied by the owner or a relative; and

(i) The owner or a relative occupies the new single-family dwelling unit to allow the relative to assist in the harvesting, processing or replanting of forest products or in the management, operation, planning, acquisition or supervision of forest lots or parcels of the owner.

(3) If a new single-family dwelling unit is constructed under this section, a county may not allow the new or existing dwelling unit to be used for vacation occupancy as defined in ORS 90.100. [2019 c.271 §2]

Note: 215.757 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

(Other Structures)

215.760 Agricultural buildings on land zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use. (1) An agricultural building, as defined in ORS 455.315, customarily provided in conjunction with farm use or forest use is an authorized use on land zoned for forest use or for mixed farm and forest use.

(2) A person may not convert an agricultural building authorized by this section to another use. [2013 c.73 §2]

(Lot or Parcel Sizes)

215.780 Minimum lot or parcel sizes; land division to establish a dwelling; recordation. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the following minimum lot or parcel sizes apply to all counties:

(a) For land zoned for exclusive farm use and not designated rangeland, at least 80 acres;

(b) For land zoned for exclusive farm use and designated rangeland, at least 160 acres; and

(2) A county may adopt a lower minimum lot or parcel size than that described in subsection (1) of this section in any of the following circumstances:

(a) When the county can demonstrate to the Land Conservation and Development Commission that the county can adopt a lower minimum lot or parcel size while continuing to meet the requirements of ORS 215.243 and 527.630 and the land use planning goals adopted under ORS 197.230.

(b) To divide by partition an area of land zoned for forest use to create a parcel for a dwelling that has existed since before June 1, 1995, subject to the following requirements:

(A) The parcel created may not be larger than five acres, except as necessary to recognize physical factors such as roads or streams, in which case the parcel may not be larger than 10 acres; and

(B) The parcel that does not contain the dwelling is not entitled to a dwelling unless subsequently authorized by law or goal and the parcel either:

(i) Meets the minimum lot or parcel size of the zone; or

(ii) Is consolidated with another parcel, and together the parcels meet the minimum lot or parcel size of the zone.

(c) To divide by partition an area of land zoned for mixed farm and forest use to create a parcel for a dwelling that has existed since before June 1, 1995, subject to the following requirements:

(A) The parcel created may not be larger than five acres, except as necessary to recognize physical factors such as roads or streams, in which case the parcel may not be larger than 10 acres;

(B) The parcel that does not contain the dwelling is not entitled to a dwelling unless subsequently authorized by law or goal and the parcel either:

(i) Meets the minimum lot or parcel size of the zone; or

(ii) Is consolidated with another parcel, and together the parcels meet the minimum lot or parcel size of the zone;

(D) The tract must be predominantly in forest use and that portion in forest use qualified for special assessment under a program under ORS chapter 321; and

(E) The remainder of the tract does not qualify for any uses allowed under ORS 215.213 and 215.283 that are not allowed on forestland.

(d) To allow a division by partition of forestland to facilitate a forest practice as defined in ORS 527.620 that results in a parcel that does not meet the minimum area requirements of subsection (1)(c) of this section or paragraph (a) of this subsection. Parcels created pursuant to this subsection:

(A) Are not eligible for siting of a new dwelling;

(B) May not serve as the justification for the siting of a future dwelling on other lots or parcels;

(D) May not result in a parcel of less than 35 acres, unless the purpose of the land division is to:

(i) Facilitate an exchange of lands involving a governmental agency; or

(ii) Allow transactions in which at least one participant is a person with a cumulative ownership of at least 2,000 acres of forestland.

(e) To allow a division by partition of a lot or parcel zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use under a statewide planning goal protecting forestland if:

(A) At least two dwellings lawfully existed on the lot or parcel prior to November 4, 1993;

(B) Each dwelling complies with the criteria for a replacement dwelling under ORS 215.291;

(D) At least one dwelling is located on each parcel created under this paragraph; and

(E) The landowner of a parcel created under this paragraph provides evidence that a restriction prohibiting the landowner and the landowner’s successors in interest from further dividing the parcel has been recorded with the county clerk of the county in which the parcel is located. A restriction imposed under this paragraph is irrevocable unless a statement of release is signed by the county planning director of the county in which the parcel is located indicating that the comprehensive plan or land use regulations applicable to the parcel have been changed so that the parcel is no longer subject to statewide planning goals protecting forestland or unless the land division is subsequently authorized by law or by a change in a statewide planning goal for land zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use.

(f) To allow a proposed division of land in a forest zone or a mixed farm and forest zone as provided in ORS 215.783.

(3) A county planning director shall maintain a record of lots and parcels that do not qualify for division under the restrictions imposed under subsections (2)(e) and (4) of this section. The record must be readily available to the public.

(4) A lot or parcel may not be divided under subsection (2)(e) of this section if an existing dwelling on the lot or parcel was approved under:

(a) A statute, an administrative rule or a land use regulation as defined in ORS 197.015 that required removal of the dwelling or that prohibited subsequent division of the lot or parcel; or

(b) A farm use zone provision that allowed both farm and forest uses in a mixed farm and forest use zone under a statewide planning goal protecting forestland.

(5) A county with a minimum lot or parcel size acknowledged by the commission pursuant to ORS 197.251 after January 1, 1987, or acknowledged pursuant to periodic review requirements under ORS 197.628 to 197.651 that is smaller than those prescribed in subsection (1) of this section need not comply with subsection (2) of this section.

(6)(a) An applicant for the creation of a parcel pursuant to subsection (2)(b) and (c) of this section shall provide evidence that a restriction on the remaining parcel, not containing the dwelling, has been recorded with the county clerk of the county where the property is located. An applicant for the creation of a parcel pursuant to subsection (2)(d) of this section shall provide evidence that a restriction on the newly created parcel has been recorded with the county clerk of the county where the property is located. The restriction may not allow a dwelling unless authorized by law or goal on land zoned for forest use except as permitted under subsection (2) of this section.

(b) A restriction imposed under this subsection is irrevocable unless a statement of release is signed by the county planning director of the county where the property is located indicating that the comprehensive plan or land use regulations applicable to the property have been changed in such a manner that the parcel is no longer subject to statewide planning goals pertaining to agricultural land or forestland.

(c) The county planning director shall maintain a record of parcels that do not qualify for the siting of a new dwelling under restrictions imposed by this subsection. The record must be readily available to the public.

(7) A landowner allowed a land division under subsection (2) of this section shall sign a statement that must be recorded with the county clerk of the county in which the property is located, declaring that the landowner and the landowner’s successors in interest will not in the future complain about accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use. [1993 c.792 §7; 1995 c.700 §1; 1999 c.348 §14; 2001 c.531 §1; 2007 c.143 §3; 2009 c.850 §12; 2013 c.88 §1; 2015 c.104 §6; 2019 c.440 §8]

215.783 Land division to preserve open space or park; qualification for special assessment. (1) The governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division by partition of land in a forest zone or a mixed farm and forest zone to create one new parcel if the proposed division of land is for the purpose of allowing a provider of public parks or open space, or a not-for-profit land conservation organization, to purchase one of the resulting parcels as provided in this section.

(2) A parcel created by the land division that is not sold to a provider of public parks or open space or to a not-for-profit land conservation organization must comply with the following:

(a) If the parcel contains a dwelling or another use allowed under ORS chapter 215, the parcel must be large enough to support continued residential use or other allowed use of the parcel; or

(b) If the parcel does not contain a dwelling, the parcel is eligible for siting a dwelling as may be authorized under ORS 195.120 or as may be authorized under ORS 215.705 to 215.750, based on the size and configuration of the parcel.

(3) Before approving a proposed division of land under this section, the governing body of a county or its designee shall require as a condition of approval that the provider of public parks or open space, or the not-for-profit land conservation organization, present for recording in the deed records for the county in which the parcel retained by the provider or organization is located an irrevocable deed restriction prohibiting the provider or organization and their successors in interest from:

(a) Establishing a dwelling on the parcel or developing the parcel for any use not authorized in a forest zone or mixed farm and forest zone except park or conservation uses; and

(b) Pursuing a cause of action or claim of relief alleging an injury from farming or forest practices for which a claim or action is not allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937.

(4) If a proposed division of land under this section results in the disqualification of a parcel for a special assessment described in ORS 308A.718 or the withdrawal of a parcel from designation as riparian habitat under ORS 308A.365, the owner must pay additional taxes as provided under ORS 308A.371 or 308A.700 to 308A.733 before the county may approve the division. [2007 c.143 §2; 2015 c.104 §7]

215.785 Exception to minimum lot or parcel sizes. (1) As used in this section, notwithstanding ORS 215.010, “parcel” has the meaning given that term in ORS 92.010.

(2) Notwithstanding the minimum lot or parcel size established under ORS 215.780 (1), when a portion of a lawfully established unit of land has been included within an urban growth boundary and redesignated for urban uses under the applicable acknowledged comprehensive plan and the portion of the lawfully established unit of land that remains outside the urban growth boundary and zoned for forest uses or mixed farm and forest uses is smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 (1), the governing body of a county, or its designee, may approve a proposed division by partition of the land, including the land that remains in a forest zone or a mixed farm and forest zone.

(3) The parcel created in the forest zone or mixed farm and forest zone must be partitioned along the urban growth boundary and:

(a) If the parcel contains a dwelling, the parcel must be large enough to support continued residential use.

(b) If the parcel does not contain a dwelling, the parcel:

(A) Is not eligible for siting a dwelling, except as may be authorized under ORS 195.120;

(B) May not be considered in approving or denying an application for siting any other dwelling; and

(C) May not be considered in approving a redesignation or rezoning of forestlands under the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations, except for a redesignation or rezoning to allow a public park, open space or other natural resource use.

(4) In approving a land division under this section, the governing body of the county or its designee shall require as a condition of approval that the owner of a parcel not containing a dwelling sign and record in the deed records for the county in which the parcel is located an irrevocable deed restriction prohibiting the owner and the owner’s successors in interest from pursuing a cause of action or claim of relief alleging an injury from farming or forest practices for which a claim or action is not allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937. [2015 c.104 §3]

(Review of Lands Zoned for Farm and Forest Use)

215.788 Legislative review of lands zoned for farm and forest use; criteria. (1) For the purposes of correcting mapping errors made in the acknowledgment process and updating the designation of farmlands and forestlands for land use planning, a county may conduct a legislative review of lands in the county to determine whether the lands planned and zoned for farm use, forest use or mixed farm and forest use are consistent with the definitions of “agricultural lands” or “forest lands” in goals relating to agricultural lands or forestlands.

(2) A county may undertake the reacknowledgment process authorized by this section only if the Department of Land Conservation and Development approves a work plan, from the county, describing the expected scope of reacknowledgment. The department may condition approval of a work plan for reacknowledgment under this section to reflect the resources needed to complete the review required by ORS 197.659 and 215.794. The work plan of the county and the approval of the department are not final orders for purposes of review.

(3) A county that undertakes the reacknowledgment process authorized by this section shall provide an opportunity for all lands planned for farm use, forest use or mixed farm and forest use and all lands subject to an exception under ORS 197.732 to a goal relating to agricultural lands or forestlands to be included in the review.

(4) A county must plan and zone land reviewed under this section:

(a) For farm use if the land meets the definition of “agricultural land” in a goal relating to agricultural lands;

(b) For forest use if the land meets the definition of “forest land” used for comprehensive plan amendments in the goal relating to forestlands;

(d) For nonresource use, consistent with ORS 215.794, if the land does not meet either definition; or

(e) For a use other than farm use or forest use as provided in a goal relating to land use planning process and policy framework and subject to an exception to the appropriate goals under ORS 197.732 (2).

(5) A county may consider the current land use pattern on adjacent and nearby lands in determining whether land meets the appropriate definition. [2009 c.873 §5]

Note: 215.788 to 215.794 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.791 Review of nonresource lands for ecological significance; inventory and protection of ecologically significant nonresource lands; criteria. (1) If a county amends its comprehensive plan or a land use regulation mapping zoning designations under ORS 215.788 to 215.794, the county shall review lands that are planned or rezoned as nonresource lands to determine whether the lands contain ecologically significant natural areas or resources. The county shall consider appropriate goals and the “Oregon Conservation Strategy” prepared in September of 2006 by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(2) The county shall maintain an inventory in the comprehensive plan of nonresource lands that contain ecologically significant natural areas or resources and establish a program to protect the areas or resources from the adverse effects of new uses allowed by the planning or zoning changes. The county may use nonregulatory programs to protect the resources including, but not limited to, programs for the transfer of severable development interests to other lands that do not contain ecologically significant resources.

(3) If a county amends its comprehensive plan or a land use regulation mapping zoning designations under ORS 215.788 to 215.794, the county shall review lands that are planned or rezoned as nonresource lands to determine that the uses allowed by the planning or zoning changes are consistent with the carrying capacity of the lands. The county shall ensure that:

(a) The amount, type, location and pattern of development on lands redesignated as nonresource lands:

(A) Will be rural in character and will not significantly interfere with orderly and efficient development of urban areas in the vicinity;

(B) Will not significantly conflict with existing or reasonably foreseeable farm or forest uses or with accepted farm or forest practices; and

(i) Water quality or the availability or cost of water supply;

(ii) Energy use;

(iii) State or local transportation facilities;

(iv) Fish or wildlife habitat or other ecologically significant lands;

(v) The risk of wildland fire or the cost of fire suppression;

(vi) The cost of public facilities or services; or

(vii) The fiscal health of a local government.

(b) Additional residential development on nonresource lands is, to the extent practicable, located and clustered to:

(A) Minimize the effects on farm and forest uses;

(B) Avoid lands subject to natural hazards; and

Note: See note under 215.788.

215.794 Review of county rezoning designations; rules. (1) A county shall submit decisions on planning and rezoning designations under ORS 215.788 to 215.794 to the Department of Land Conservation and Development for review pursuant to the procedures set forth in this section and ORS 197.659.

(2) The department shall coordinate with:

(a) The State Department of Agriculture in reviewing decisions on planning and rezoning designations for lands planned for farm use or mixed farm and forest use.

(b) The State Forestry Department in reviewing decisions on planning and rezoning designations for lands planned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use.

(3) The Land Conservation and Development Commission has exclusive jurisdiction for review of a county’s decision made under ORS 215.788 to 215.794.

(4) A person who participated in the proceedings leading to the county’s decisions under ORS 215.788 to 215.794 may not raise an issue on review before the commission that was not raised in the local proceedings.

(5) The commission may adopt rules implementing ORS 215.788 to 215.794. [2009 c.873 §7]

Note: See note under 215.788.

WILDLIFE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANNING

215.799 Location of dwellings on wildlife habitat land. (1) New and existing dwellings may be allowed on a lot or parcel subject to wildlife habitat special assessment under ORS 308A.403 to 308A.430 as follows:

(a) Lawfully existing dwellings, pursuant to ORS 215.130 (5) to (11), may remain.

(b) For a lot or parcel without an existing dwelling, dwellings may be allowed if each dwelling for which the landowner seeks approval complies with all applicable requirements under the county’s acknowledged zoning ordinance.

(2) The fact that a lot or parcel is subject to wildlife habitat special assessment may not make it easier or more difficult for a landowner to obtain approval for a dwelling on the lot or parcel. [2003 c.539 §14; 2005 c.94 §1]

Note: 215.799 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.800 [1993 c.764 §1; 1997 c.504 §1; 2001 c.708 §8; 2003 c.454 §§86,88; 2003 c.621 §72; repealed by 2003 c.539 §33]

215.801 [2001 c.708 §7; 2003 c.454 §90; 2003 c.621 §73; repealed by 2003 c.539 §33]

215.802 [1993 c.764 §2; 1997 c.504 §2; 2001 c.708 §9; repealed by 2003 c.539 §33]

215.804 [1993 c.764 §3; 1997 c.504 §3; repealed by 2003 c.539 §33]

215.806 [1993 c.764 §4; 1999 c.59 §59; 2001 c.708 §10; repealed by 2003 c.539 §33]

215.808 [1993 c.764 §5; 1997 c.504 §4; 1999 c.314 §61; 1999 c.503 §8; 1999 c.842 §2; 2001 c.708 §11; 2003 c.454 §§92,94; 2003 c.621 §74; repealed by 2003 c.539 §33]

215.990 [Subsections (1) and (2) enacted as 1955 c.439 §11; subsection (5) enacted as 1969 c.324 §8; 1971 c.13 §4; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

CHAPTERS 216 TO 220 [Reserved for expansion]

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