Chapter 197 — Comprehensive Land Use Planning Coordination

 

2011 EDITION

 

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANNIN G COORDINATION

 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

197.005     Legislative findings

 

197.010     Policy

 

197.012     Compact urban development

 

197.013     Implementation and enforcement are of statewide concern

 

197.015     Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197

 

197.020     Land use decision considerations

 

197.022     Policy regarding ORS 215.433 and 227.184

 

LAND CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

 

197.030     Land Conservation and Development Commission; members; appointment; confirmation; term; vacancies

 

197.035     Officers; quorum; compensation and expenses

 

197.040     Duties of commission; rules

 

197.045     Powers of commission

 

197.047     Notice to local governments and property owners of changes to commission rules or certain statutes; form; distribution of notice; costs

 

197.050     Interstate agreements and compacts; commission powers

 

197.060     Biennial report; draft submission to legislative committee; contents

 

197.065     Biennial report analyzing uses of certain land; annual local government reports

 

197.070     Public inspection of assessments prepared by commission

 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

 

197.075     Department of Land Conservation and Development

 

197.085     Director; appointment; compensation and expenses

 

197.090     Duties and authority of director; appealing local land use decision; rules

 

197.095     Land Conservation and Development Account

 

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

 

197.158     Policy-neutral review and audit of statewide land use program

 

197.160     State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee; city and county citizen advisory committees

 

197.165     Local Officials Advisory Committee

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING RESPONSIBILITIES

 

197.173     Findings regarding coordination between state agencies and local governments

 

197.175     Cities’ and counties’ planning responsibilities; rules on incorporations; compliance with goals

 

197.178     Development applications; urban residential density; reporting to Department of Land Conservation and Development

 

197.180     State agency planning responsibilities; determination of compliance with goals and compatibility with plans; coordination between agencies and local governments; rules; exceptions

 

197.183     Local government to notify Department of Aviation of applications received for certain water impoundments

 

197.186     Removal from buildable lands inventory of land subject to open space tax assessment; reapplication for assessment

 

197.195     Limited land use decision; procedures

 

197.200     Refinement plan; procedures for land division, site or design review within area subject to plan

 

GOALS COMPLIANCE

 

197.225     Preparation; adoption

 

197.230     Considerations; finding of need required for adoption or amendment of goal

 

197.235     Public hearings; notice; citizen involvement implementation; submission of proposals

 

197.240     Commission action; public hearing; notice; amendment; adoption

 

197.245     Commission amendment of initial goals; adoption of new goals

 

197.250     Compliance with goals required

 

197.251     Compliance acknowledgment; commission review; rules; limited acknowledgment; compliance schedule

 

197.253     Participation in local proceedings required for submitting comments and objections

 

197.254     Bar to contesting acknowledgment, appealing or seeking amendment

 

197.265     State compensation for costs of defending compliance actions

 

197.270     Copies of comprehensive plan and land use regulations; post review

 

197.274     Review of Metro regional framework plan

 

197.277     Oregon Forest Practices Act; exclusion

197.279     Approved wetland conservation plans comply with goals; exception; rules

 

197.283     Commission to assure protection of ground water resources

 

URBAN GROWTH BOUNDARIES AND NEEDED HOUSING WITHIN BOUNDARIES

 

197.295     Definitions for ORS 197.295 to 197.314 and 197.475 to 197.490

 

197.296     Factors to establish sufficiency of buildable lands within urban growth boundary; analysis and determination of residential housing patterns

 

197.298     Priority of land to be included within urban growth boundary

 

197.299     Metropolitan service district analysis of buildable land supply; schedule for accommodating needed housing; need for land for school; extension of schedule

 

197.301     Metropolitan service district report of performance measures

 

197.302     Metropolitan service district determination of buildable land supply; corrective action; enforcement

 

197.303     “Needed housing” defined

 

197.304     Lane County accommodation of needed housing

 

197.307     Effect of need for certain housing in urban growth areas; approval standards for certain residential development; placement standards for approval of manufactured dwellings

 

197.309     Local ordinances or approval conditions may not effectively establish housing sale price or designate class of purchasers; exception

 

197.312     Limitation on city and county authority to prohibit certain kinds of housing; zoning requirements for farmworker housing; real estate sales office

 

197.313     Interpretation of ORS 197.312

 

197.314     Required siting of manufactured homes; minimum lot size; approval standards

 

ENFORCEMENT OF PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

 

197.319     Procedures prior to request of an enforcement order

 

197.320     Power of commission to order compliance with goals and plans

 

197.324     Proceedings prior to order of compliance with goals; disclosure notice

 

197.328     Procedures to consider order to comply with goals

 

197.335     Order for compliance with goals; review of order; withholding grant funds; injunctions

 

197.340     Weight given to goals in planning practice; regional diversity and needs

 

197.350     Burden of persuasion or proof in appeal to board or commission

 

197.353     Measure 37 timelines; death of claimant

 

EXPEDITED LAND DIVISIONS

 

197.360     “Expedited land division” defined; applicability

 

197.365     Application for expedited land division; notice requirements; procedure

 

197.370     Failure of local government to approve or deny application within specified time

 

197.375     Appeal of decision on application for expedited land division; notice requirements; standards for review; procedure; costs

 

197.380     Application fees for expedited land division

 

ACTIVITIES ON FEDERAL LAND

 

197.390     Activities on federal land; list; permit required; enjoining violations

 

197.395     Application for permit; review and issuance; conditions; restrictions; review

 

AREAS OF CRITICAL CONCERN

 

197.405     Designation of areas of critical state concern; commission recommendation; committee review; approval by Legislative Assembly

 

197.410     Use and activities regulated; enjoining violations

 

197.416     Metolius Area of Critical State Concern

 

197.430     Enforcement powers

 

RESIDENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

(Temporary provisions relating to transferable development opportunities are compiled as notes following ORS 197.430)

 

(Temporary provisions relating to residential and recreational development are compiled as notes following ORS 197.430)

 

SITING SPEEDWAY DESTINATION

 

197.431     Expansion of speedway destination site

 

197.432     Definitions for ORS 197.431 to 197.434

 

197.433     Development of major motor speedway

 

197.434     Traffic impacts of speedway destination

 

SITING OF DESTINATION RESORTS

 

197.435     Definitions for ORS 197.435 to 197.467

 

197.440     Legislative findings

 

197.445     Destination resort criteria; phase-in requirements; annual accounting

 

197.450     Siting without taking goal exception

 

197.455     Siting of destination resorts; sites from which destination resort excluded

 

197.460     Compatibility with adjacent land uses; county measures; economic impact analysis; traffic impact analysis

 

197.462     Use of land excluded from destination resort

 

197.465     Comprehensive plan implementing measures

 

197.467     Conservation easement to protect resource site

 

MOBILE HOME, MANUFACTURED DWELLING AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS

 

197.475     Policy

 

197.480     Planning for parks; procedures; inventory

 

197.485     Prohibition on restrictions of manufactured dwelling

 

197.490     Restriction on establishment of park

 

197.492     Definitions for ORS 197.492 and 197.493

 

197.493     Placement and occupancy of recreational vehicle

 

MORATORIUM ON CONSTRUCTION OR LAND DEVELOPMENT

 

197.505     Definitions for ORS 197.505 to 197.540

 

197.510     Legislative findings

 

197.520     Manner of declaring moratorium

 

197.522     Local government to approve subdivision, partition or construction; conditions

 

197.524     Local government to adopt moratorium or public facilities strategy following pattern or practice of delaying or stopping issuance of permits

 

197.530     Correction program; procedures

 

197.540     Review by Land Use Board of Appeals

 

POST-ACKNOWLEDGMENT PROCEDURES

 

197.610     Submission of proposed comprehensive plan or land use regulation changes to Department of Land Conservation and Development; rules

 

197.612     Comprehensive plan or land use regulation changes to conform plan or regulations to new requirement in statute, goal or rule

 

197.615     Submission of adopted comprehensive plan or land use regulation changes to Department of Land Conservation and Development

 

197.620     Appeal of certain comprehensive plan or land use regulation decision-making

 

197.625     Acknowledgment of comprehensive plan or land use regulation changes; application prior to acknowledgment

 

197.626     Submission of land use decisions that expand urban growth boundary or designate urban or rural reserves

 

197.628     Periodic review; policy; conditions that indicate need for periodic review

 

197.629     Schedule for periodic review; coordination

 

197.631     Commission to amend regulations to facilitate periodic review

 

197.633     Two phases of periodic review; rules; appeal of decision on work program; schedule for completion; extension of time on appeal

 

197.636     Procedures and actions for failure to meet periodic review deadlines

 

197.637     Department of Land Conservation and Development may request review by Housing and Community Services Department of certain local housing measures

 

197.638     Department of Land Conservation and Development may request review by Oregon Business Development Department of local inventory and analysis of industrial and commercial land

 

197.639     State assistance teams; alternative coordination process; grant and technical assistance funding; advisory committee

 

197.644     Modification of work program; exclusive jurisdiction of Land Conservation and Development Commission

 

197.646     Implementation of new requirement in goal, rule or statute; rules

 

197.649     Fees for notice; rules

 

197.650     Appeal to Court of Appeals; standing

 

197.651     Appeal to Court of Appeals for judicial review of final order of Land Conservation and Development Commission

 

COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING

 

197.652     Regional problem-solving process

 

197.654     Regional problem-solving goals, actions and agreements; implementation

 

197.656     Commission approval of comprehensive plans not in compliance with goals; written statement of disapproval; participation by state agencies; use of resource lands; rules

 

197.658     Modifying local work plan

 

197.659     Commission approval of certain changes in comprehensive plans or land use regulations

 

SPECIAL RESIDENCES

 

197.660     Definitions

 

197.663     Legislative findings

 

197.665     Locations of residential homes

 

197.667     Location of residential facility; application and supporting documentation

 

197.670     Zoning requirements and prohibitions for residential homes and residential facilities

 

FARMWORKER HOUSING

 

197.677     Policy

 

197.680     Legislative findings

 

197.685     Location of farmworker housing; approval standards

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

(Temporary provisions relating to transportation planning rule are compiled as notes preceding ORS 197.707)

 

197.707     Legislative intent

 

197.712     Commission duties; comprehensive plan provisions; public facility plans; state agency coordination plans; compliance deadline; rules

 

197.713     Industrial development on industrial lands outside urban growth boundaries; exceptions

 

197.714     Cooperation of county and city concerning industrial development

 

197.717     Technical assistance by state agencies; information from Oregon Business Development Department; model ordinances; rural economic development

 

197.719     Industrial use of abandoned or diminished mill sites; amendment of comprehensive plans and land use regulations; sewer facilities

 

197.722     Definitions for ORS 197.722 to 197.728

 

197.723     Designation of regionally significant industrial areas; rules

 

197.724     Review of application for land use permit within regionally significant industrial area

 

197.726     Jurisdiction on appeal; standing

 

197.727     Fee for review

 

197.728     Rules

 

(Temporary provisions relating to industrial development projects of state significance are compiled as notes following ORS 197.728)

 

GOAL EXCEPTIONS

 

197.732     Goal exceptions; criteria; rules; review

 

197.736     Commission implementation of ORS 197.340 and 197.732; rules

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

197.747     Meaning of “compliance with the goals” for certain purposes

 

197.752     Lands available for urban development

 

197.754     Land identified for urban services; capital improvement plan; tax assessment

 

197.756     Farm use assessment in area identified for urban services

 

197.757     Acknowledgment deadline for newly incorporated cities

 

197.763     Conduct of local quasi-judicial land use hearings; notice requirements; hearing procedures

 

197.764     Application to remove property from within urban growth boundary; conditions

 

197.766     Laws applicable to certain local decisions regarding urban growth boundary

 

197.768     Local government or special district adoption of public facilities strategy; public hearing; written findings

 

197.770     Firearms training facilities

 

197.772     Consent for designation as historic property

 

197.794     Notice to railroad company upon certain applications for land use decision, limited land use decision or expedited land use decision

 

197.796     Applicant for certain land use decisions may accept and appeal condition imposed on application; procedure; attorney fees

 

LAND USE BOARD OF APPEALS

 

197.805     Policy on review of land use decisions

 

197.810     Land Use Board of Appeals; appointment and removal of members; qualifications

 

197.815     Office location; proceedings may be conducted by telephone

 

197.820     Duty to conduct review proceedings; authority to issue orders; rules

 

197.825     Jurisdiction of board; limitations; effect on circuit court jurisdiction

 

197.828     Board review of limited land use decision

 

197.829     Board to affirm certain local government interpretations

 

197.830     Review procedures; standing; fees; deadlines; rules; issues subject to review; attorney fees and costs; publication of orders; mediation

 

197.831     Appellate review of clear and objective approval standards, conditions and procedures for needed housing

 

197.832     Board Publications Account

 

197.835     Scope of review; rules

 

197.840     Exceptions to deadline for final decision

 

197.845     Stay of decision being reviewed; criteria; undertaking; conditions; limitations

 

197.850     Judicial review of board order; procedures; scope of review; attorney fees; undertaking

 

197.855     Deadline for final court order; exceptions

 

197.860     Stay of proceedings to allow mediation

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

      197.005 Legislative findings. The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (1) Uncoordinated use of lands within this state threatens the orderly development, the environment of this state and the health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity and welfare of the people of this state.

      (2) To promote coordinated administration of land uses consistent with comprehensive plans adopted throughout the state, it is necessary to establish a process for the review of state agency, city, county and special district land conservation and development plans for compliance with goals.

      (3) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, cities and counties should remain as the agencies to consider, promote and manage the local aspects of land conservation and development for the best interests of the people within their jurisdictions.

      (4) The promotion of coordinated statewide land conservation and development requires the creation of a statewide planning agency to prescribe planning goals and objectives to be applied by state agencies, cities, counties and special districts throughout the state.

      (5) City and county governments are responsible for the development of local comprehensive plans. The purpose of ORS 195.065, 195.070 and 195.075 is to enhance coordination among cities, counties and special districts to assure effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of urban services required under those local comprehensive plans. [1973 c.80 §1; 1977 c.664 §1; 1981 c.748 §21; 1993 c.804 §2a; 1999 c.348 §1]

 

      197.010 Policy. The Legislative Assembly declares that:

      (1) In order to ensure the highest possible level of livability in Oregon, it is necessary to provide for properly prepared and coordinated comprehensive plans for cities and counties, regional areas and the state as a whole. These comprehensive plans:

      (a) Must be adopted by the appropriate governing body at the local and state levels;

      (b) Are expressions of public policy in the form of policy statements, generalized maps and standards and guidelines;

      (c) Shall be the basis for more specific rules and land use regulations which implement the policies expressed through the comprehensive plans;

      (d) Shall be prepared to assure that all public actions are consistent and coordinated with the policies expressed through the comprehensive plans; and

      (e) Shall be regularly reviewed and, if necessary, amended to keep them consistent with the changing needs and desires of the public they are designed to serve.

      (2)(a) The overarching principles guiding the land use program in the State of Oregon are to:

      (A) Provide a healthy environment;

      (B) Sustain a prosperous economy;

      (C) Ensure a desirable quality of life; and

      (D) Equitably allocate the benefits and burdens of land use planning.

      (b) Additionally, the land use program should, but is not required to, help communities achieve sustainable development patterns and manage the effects of climate change.

      (c) The overarching principles in paragraph (a) of this subsection and the purposes in paragraph (b) of this subsection provide guidance to:

      (A) The Legislative Assembly when enacting a law regulating land use.

      (B) A public body, as defined in ORS 174.109, when the public body:

      (i) Adopts or interprets goals, comprehensive plans and land use regulations implementing the plans, or administrative rules implementing a provision of ORS chapter 195, 196, 197, 215 or 227; or

      (ii) Interprets a law governing land use.

      (d) Use of the overarching principles in paragraph (a) of this subsection and the purposes in paragraph (b) of this subsection is not a legal requirement for the Legislative Assembly or other public body and is not judicially enforceable.

      (3) The equitable balance between state and local government interests can best be achieved by resolution of conflicts using alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation, collaborative planning and arbitration. Such dispute resolution techniques are particularly suitable for conflicts arising over periodic review, comprehensive plan and land use regulations, amendments, enforcement issues and local interpretation of state land use policy. [1973 c.80 §2; 1981 c.748 §21a; 1993 c.792 §48; 2009 c.873 §1]

 

      197.012 Compact urban development. In areas of the state that are growing rapidly, state agencies, as defined in ORS 171.133, cities and counties should, within constraints of applicable federal law and regulations, state law and rules and local ordinances:

      (1) Consider directing major public infrastructure investments, including major transportation investments, to reinforce compact urban development; and

      (2) Consider giving priority to investments that promote infill or redevelopment of existing urban areas to encourage the density necessary to support alternative modes of transportation. [2009 c.873 §14]

 

      Note: 197.012 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 197 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      197.013 Implementation and enforcement are of statewide concern. Implementation and enforcement of acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations are matters of statewide concern. [1981 c.884 §7]

 

      197.015 Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197. As used in ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Acknowledgment” means a commission order that certifies that a comprehensive plan and land use regulations, land use regulation or plan or regulation amendment complies with the goals or certifies that Metro land use planning goals and objectives, Metro regional framework plan, amendments to Metro planning goals and objectives or amendments to the Metro regional framework plan comply with the goals.

      (2) “Board” means the Land Use Board of Appeals.

      (3) “Carport” means a stationary structure consisting of a roof with its supports and not more than one wall, or storage cabinet substituting for a wall, and used for sheltering a motor vehicle.

      (4) “Commission” means the Land Conservation and Development Commission.

      (5) “Comprehensive plan” means a generalized, coordinated land use map and policy statement of the governing body of a local government that interrelates all functional and natural systems and activities relating to the use of lands, including but not limited to sewer and water systems, transportation systems, educational facilities, recreational facilities, and natural resources and air and water quality management programs. “Comprehensive” means all-inclusive, both in terms of the geographic area covered and functional and natural activities and systems occurring in the area covered by the plan. “General nature” means a summary of policies and proposals in broad categories and does not necessarily indicate specific locations of any area, activity or use. A plan is “coordinated” when the needs of all levels of governments, semipublic and private agencies and the citizens of Oregon have been considered and accommodated as much as possible. “Land” includes water, both surface and subsurface, and the air.

      (6) “Department” means the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

      (7) “Director” means the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

      (8) “Goals” means the mandatory statewide land use planning standards adopted by the commission pursuant to ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (9) “Guidelines” means suggested approaches designed to aid cities and counties in preparation, adoption and implementation of comprehensive plans in compliance with goals and to aid state agencies and special districts in the preparation, adoption and implementation of plans, programs and regulations in compliance with goals. Guidelines shall be advisory and shall not limit state agencies, cities, counties and special districts to a single approach.

      (10) “Land use decision”:

      (a) Includes:

      (A) A final decision or determination made by a local government or special district that concerns the adoption, amendment or application of:

      (i) The goals;

      (ii) A comprehensive plan provision;

      (iii) A land use regulation; or

      (iv) A new land use regulation;

      (B) A final decision or determination of a state agency other than the commission with respect to which the agency is required to apply the goals; or

      (C) A decision of a county planning commission made under ORS 433.763;

      (b) Does not include a decision of a local government:

      (A) That is made under land use standards that do not require interpretation or the exercise of policy or legal judgment;

      (B) That approves or denies a building permit issued under clear and objective land use standards;

      (C) That is a limited land use decision;

      (D) That determines final engineering design, construction, operation, maintenance, repair or preservation of a transportation facility that is otherwise authorized by and consistent with the comprehensive plan and land use regulations;

      (E) That is an expedited land division as described in ORS 197.360;

      (F) That approves, pursuant to ORS 480.450 (7), the siting, installation, maintenance or removal of a liquefied petroleum gas container or receptacle regulated exclusively by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 480.410 to 480.460;

      (G) That approves or denies approval of a final subdivision or partition plat or that determines whether a final subdivision or partition plat substantially conforms to the tentative subdivision or partition plan; or

      (H) That a proposed state agency action subject to ORS 197.180 (1) is compatible with the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations implementing the plan, if:

      (i) The local government has already made a land use decision authorizing a use or activity that encompasses the proposed state agency action;

      (ii) The use or activity that would be authorized, funded or undertaken by the proposed state agency action is allowed without review under the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations implementing the plan; or

      (iii) The use or activity that would be authorized, funded or undertaken by the proposed state agency action requires a future land use review under the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations implementing the plan;

      (c) Does not include a decision by a school district to close a school;

      (d) Does not include, except as provided in ORS 215.213 (13)(c) or 215.283 (6)(c), authorization of an outdoor mass gathering as defined in ORS 433.735, or other gathering of fewer than 3,000 persons that is not anticipated to continue for more than 120 hours in any three-month period; and

      (e) Does not include:

      (A) A writ of mandamus issued by a circuit court in accordance with ORS 215.429 or 227.179;

      (B) Any local decision or action taken on an application subject to ORS 215.427 or 227.178 after a petition for a writ of mandamus has been filed under ORS 215.429 or 227.179; or

      (C) A state agency action subject to ORS 197.180 (1), if:

      (i) The local government with land use jurisdiction over a use or activity that would be authorized, funded or undertaken by the state agency as a result of the state agency action has already made a land use decision approving the use or activity; or

      (ii) A use or activity that would be authorized, funded or undertaken by the state agency as a result of the state agency action is allowed without review under the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations implementing the plan.

      (11) “Land use regulation” means any local government zoning ordinance, land division ordinance adopted under ORS 92.044 or 92.046 or similar general ordinance establishing standards for implementing a comprehensive plan.

      (12) “Limited land use decision”:

      (a) Means a final decision or determination made by a local government pertaining to a site within an urban growth boundary that concerns:

      (A) The approval or denial of a tentative subdivision or partition plan, as described in ORS 92.040 (1).

      (B) The approval or denial of an application based on discretionary standards designed to regulate the physical characteristics of a use permitted outright, including but not limited to site review and design review.

      (b) Does not mean a final decision made by a local government pertaining to a site within an urban growth boundary that concerns approval or denial of a final subdivision or partition plat or that determines whether a final subdivision or partition plat substantially conforms to the tentative subdivision or partition plan.

      (13) “Local government” means any city, county or metropolitan service district formed under ORS chapter 268 or an association of local governments performing land use planning functions under ORS 195.025.

      (14) “Metro” means a metropolitan service district organized under ORS chapter 268.

      (15) “Metro planning goals and objectives” means the land use goals and objectives that a metropolitan service district may adopt under ORS 268.380 (1)(a). The goals and objectives do not constitute a comprehensive plan.

      (16) “Metro regional framework plan” means the regional framework plan required by the 1992 Metro Charter or its separate components. Neither the regional framework plan nor its individual components constitute a comprehensive plan.

      (17) “New land use regulation” means a land use regulation other than an amendment to an acknowledged land use regulation adopted by a local government that already has a comprehensive plan and land regulations acknowledged under ORS 197.251.

      (18) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision or agency or public or private organization of any kind. The Land Conservation and Development Commission or its designee is considered a person for purposes of appeal under ORS chapters 195 and 197.

      (19) “Special district” means any unit of local government, other than a city, county, metropolitan service district formed under ORS chapter 268 or an association of local governments performing land use planning functions under ORS 195.025, authorized and regulated by statute and includes but is not limited to water control districts, domestic water associations and water cooperatives, irrigation districts, port districts, regional air quality control authorities, fire districts, school districts, hospital districts, mass transit districts and sanitary districts.

      (20) “Urban unincorporated community” means an area designated in a county’s acknowledged comprehensive plan as an urban unincorporated community after December 5, 1994.

      (21) “Voluntary association of local governments” means a regional planning agency in this state officially designated by the Governor pursuant to the federal Office of Management and Budget Circular A-95 as a regional clearinghouse.

      (22) “Wetlands” means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration that are sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. [1973 c.80 §3; 1977 c.664 §2; 1979 c.772 §7; 1981 c.748 §1; 1983 c.827 §1; 1989 c.761 §1; 1989 c.837 §23; 1991 c.817 §1; 1993 c.438 §1; 1993 c.550 §4; 1995 c.595 §22; 1995 c.812 §1; 1997 c.833 §20; 1999 c.533 §11; 1999 c.866 §1; 2001 c.955 §§2,3; 2005 c.22 §137; 2005 c.88 §3; 2005 c.239 §2; 2005 c.829 §8; 2007 c.354 §§4,5; 2007 c.459 §§1,2; 2009 c.606 §2; 2009 c.790 §1; 2011 c.567 §7]

 

      197.020 Land use decision considerations. Age, gender or physical disability shall not be an adverse consideration in making a land use decision as defined in ORS 197.015. [1987 c.555 §5; 2005 c.22 §138]

 

      197.022 Policy regarding ORS 215.433 and 227.184. The Legislative Assembly declares that it is in the interest of the citizens of this state that a process be established to allow the efficient resolution of all legal issues surrounding the permissible use of private land, including questions regarding the dismissal of appeals under the legal doctrine known as ripeness. It is in this interest that the Legislative Assembly enacts ORS 215.433 and 227.184. [1999 c.648 §5]

 

      Note: 197.022 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 197 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

LAND CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

 

      197.030 Land Conservation and Development Commission; members; appointment; confirmation; term; vacancies. (1) There is established a Land Conservation and Development Commission consisting of seven members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate pursuant to section 4, Article III, Oregon Constitution.

      (2) The Governor shall appoint to the commission:

      (a) One member representing Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Lincoln and Tillamook Counties and those portions of Douglas and Lane Counties lying west of the summit of the Coast Range;

      (b) Two members representing Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties;

      (c) One member representing Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties and that portion of Lane County lying east of the summit of the Coast Range;

      (d) One member representing Jackson and Josephine Counties and that portion of Douglas County lying east of the summit of the Coast Range;

      (e) One member representing Baker, Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler Counties; and

      (f) One member representing Benton, Clackamas, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill Counties and that portion of Lane County lying east of the summit of the Coast Range.

      (3) At least one member shall be or have been an elected city official in Oregon and at least one member shall be an elected county official at the time of appointment.

      (4) The term of office of each member of the commission is four years, but a member may be removed by the Governor for cause. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor. No person shall serve more than two full terms as a member of the commission.

      (5) If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term. [1973 c.80 §5; 1977 c.664 §3; 1981 c.545 §4; 1993 c.792 §49; 1999 c.833 §1]

 

      197.035 Officers; quorum; compensation and expenses. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall select one of its members as chairperson and another member as vice chairperson, for such terms and with duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions of such offices as the commission determines. The vice chairperson of the commission shall act as the chairperson of the commission in the absence of the chairperson.

      (2) A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

      (3) Members of the commission are entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495. [1973 c.80 §§7,8]

 

      197.040 Duties of commission; rules. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall:

      (a) Direct the performance by the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the director’s staff of their functions under ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (b) In accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183, adopt rules that it considers necessary to carry out ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197. Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, in designing its administrative requirements, the commission shall:

      (A) Allow for the diverse administrative and planning capabilities of local governments;

      (B) Consider the variation in conditions and needs in different regions of the state and encourage regional approaches to resolving land use problems;

      (C) Assess what economic and property interests will be, or are likely to be, affected by the proposed rule;

      (D) Assess the likely degree of economic impact on identified property and economic interests; and

      (E) Assess whether alternative actions are available that would achieve the underlying lawful governmental objective and would have a lesser economic impact.

      (c)(A) Adopt by rule in accordance with ORS chapter 183 or by goal under ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197 any statewide land use policies that it considers necessary to carry out ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (B) Adopt by rule in accordance with ORS chapter 183 any procedures necessary to carry out ORS 215.402 (4)(b) and 227.160 (2)(b).

      (C) Review decisions of the Land Use Board of Appeals and land use decisions of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court within 120 days of the date the decisions are issued to determine if goal or rule amendments are necessary.

      (d) Cooperate with the appropriate agencies of the United States, this state and its political subdivisions, any other state, any interstate agency, any person or groups of persons with respect to land conservation and development.

      (e) Appoint advisory committees to aid it in carrying out ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197 and provide technical and other assistance, as it considers necessary, to each such committee.

      (2) Pursuant to ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197, the commission shall:

      (a) Adopt, amend and revise goals consistent with regional, county and city concerns;

      (b) Prepare, collect, provide or cause to be prepared, collected or provided land use inventories;

      (c) Prepare statewide planning guidelines;

      (d) Review comprehensive plans for compliance with goals;

      (e) Coordinate planning efforts of state agencies to assure compliance with goals and compatibility with city and county comprehensive plans;

      (f) Insure widespread citizen involvement and input in all phases of the process;

      (g) Review and recommend to the Legislative Assembly the designation of areas of critical state concern;

      (h) Report periodically to the Legislative Assembly and to the committee;

      (i) Review the land use planning responsibilities and authorities given to the state, regions, counties and cities, review the resources available to each level of government and make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly to improve the administration of the statewide land use program; and

      (j) Perform other duties required by law.

      (3) The requirements of subsection (1)(b) of this section shall not be interpreted as requiring an assessment for each lot or parcel that could be affected by the proposed rule. [1973 c.80 §§9,11; 1977 c.664 §5; 1981 c.748 §22; 1991 c.817 §19; 1993 c.792 §51; 1995 c.299 §1; 2009 c.873 §2]

 

      197.045 Powers of commission. The Land Conservation and Development Commission may:

      (1) Apply for and receive moneys from the federal government and from this state or any of its agencies or departments.

      (2) Contract with any public agency for the performance of services or the exchange of employees or services by one to the other necessary in carrying out ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (3) Contract for the services of and consultation with professional persons or organizations, not otherwise available through federal, state and local governmental agencies, in carrying out its duties under ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (4) Perform other functions required to carry out ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (5) Assist in development and preparation of model land use regulations to guide state agencies, cities, counties and special districts in implementing goals.

      (6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, review comprehensive plan and land use regulations related to the identification and designation of high-value farmland pursuant to chapter 792, Oregon Laws 1993, under procedures set forth in ORS 197.251. [1973 c.80 §10; 1977 c.664 §6; 1981 c.748 §22a; 1993 c.792 §11]

 

      Note: Legislative Counsel has substituted “chapter 792, Oregon Laws 1993,” for the words “this 1993 Act” in section 11, chapter 792, Oregon Laws 1993, which amended 197.045. Specific ORS references have not been substituted, pursuant to 173.160. These sections may be determined by referring to the 1993 Comparative Section Table located in Volume 20 of ORS.

 

      197.047 Notice to local governments and property owners of changes to commission rules or certain statutes; form; distribution of notice; costs. (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) At least 90 days prior to the final public hearing on a proposed new or amended administrative rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission described in subsection (10) of this section, the Department of Land Conservation and Development shall cause the notice set forth in subsection (3) of this section to be mailed to every affected local government that exercises land use planning authority under ORS 197.175.

      (3) The notice required in subsection (2) of this section must:

      (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 the Land Conservation and Development Commission has proposed a new or amended administrative rule that, if adopted, may affect the permissible uses of properties in your jurisdiction.

______________________________________________________________________________

     

      (b) Contain substantially the following language in the body of the notice:

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      On (date of public hearing), the Land Conservation and Development Commission will hold a public hearing regarding adoption of proposed (new or amended) rule (number). Adoption of the rule may change the zoning classification of properties in your jurisdiction or may limit or prohibit land uses previously allowed on properties in your jurisdiction.

      Rule (number) is available for inspection at the Department of Land Conservation and Development located at (address). A copy of the proposed rule (number) also is available for purchase at a cost of $_____.

      For additional information, contact the Department of Land Conservation and Development at (telephone number).

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (4) A local government that receives notice under subsection (2) of this section shall cause the notice set forth in subsection (5) of this section to be mailed to every owner of real property that will be rezoned as a result of the proposed rule. Notice to an owner under this subsection must be mailed at least 45 days prior to the final public hearing on the proposed rule.

      (5) The notice required in subsection (4) of this section must:

      (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 the Land Conservation and Development Commission has proposed a new or amended administrative rule that, if adopted, 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), the Land Conservation and Development Commission will hold a public hearing regarding adoption of proposed (new or amended) rule (number). Adoption of the rule may affect the permissible uses of your property, and other properties in the affected zone, and may change the value of your property.

      Rule (number) is available for inspection at the Department of Land Conservation and Development located at (address). A copy of the proposed rule (number) also is available for purchase at a cost of $_____.

      For additional information, contact the Department of Land Conservation and Development at (telephone number).

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (6) At least 90 days prior to the effective date of a new or amended statute or administrative rule described in subsection (10) of this section, the department shall cause the notice set forth in subsection (7) of this section to be mailed to every affected local government that exercises land use planning authority under ORS 197.175 unless the statute or rule is effective within 90 days of enactment or adoption, in which case the department shall cause the notice to be mailed not later than 30 days after the statute or rule is effective.

      (7) The notice required in subsection (6) of this section must:

      (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:

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (Check on the appropriate line:)

      _____This is to notify you that the Land Conservation and Development Commission has adopted an administrative rule that may affect the permissible uses of properties in your jurisdiction; or

      _____This is to notify you that the Legislative Assembly has enacted a land use planning statute that may affect the permissible uses of properties in your jurisdiction.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (b) Contain substantially the following language in the body of the notice:

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (Check on the appropriate line:)

      _____On (date of rule adoption), the Land Conservation and Development Commission adopted administrative rule (number). The commission has determined that this rule may change the zoning classification of properties in your jurisdiction or may limit or prohibit land uses previously allowed on properties in your jurisdiction.

      Rule (number) is available for inspection at the Department of Land Conservation and Development located at (address). A copy of the rule (number) also is available for purchase at a cost of $_____.

      For additional information, contact the Department of Land Conservation and Development at (telephone number); or

      _____On (date of enactment) the Legislative Assembly enacted (House/Senate bill number). The Department of Land Conservation and Development has determined that enactment of (House/Senate bill number) may change the zoning classification of properties in your jurisdiction or may limit or prohibit land uses previously allowed on properties in your jurisdiction.

      A copy of (House/Senate bill number) is available for inspection at the Department of Land Conservation and Development located at (address). A copy of (House/Senate bill number) also is available for purchase at a cost of $_____.

      For additional information, contact the Department of Land Conservation and Development at (telephone number).

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (8) A local government that receives notice under subsection (6) of this section shall cause a copy of the notice set forth in subsection (9) of this section to be mailed to every owner of real property that will be rezoned as a result of adoption of the rule or enactment of the statute, unless notification was provided pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. The local government shall mail the notice to an owner under this subsection at least 45 days prior to the effective date of the rule or statute unless the statute or rule is effective within 90 days of enactment or adoption, in which case the local government shall mail the notice to an owner under this subsection not later than 30 days after the local government receives notice under subsection (6) of this section.

      (9) The notice required in subsection (8) of this section must:

      (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:

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (Check on the appropriate line:)

      _____This is to notify you that the Land Conservation and Development Commission has adopted an administrative rule that may affect the permissible uses of your property and other properties; or

      _____This is to notify you that the Legislative Assembly has enacted a land use planning statute that may affect the permissible uses of your property and other properties.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (b) Contain substantially the following language in the body of the notice:

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (Check on the appropriate line:)

      _____On (date of rule adoption), the Land Conservation and Development Commission adopted administrative rule (number). The rule may affect the permissible uses of your property, and other properties in the affected zone, and may change the value of your property.

      Rule (number) is available for inspection at the Department of Land Conservation and Development located at (address). A copy of the rule (number) also is available for purchase at a cost of $_____.

      For additional information, contact the Department of Land Conservation and Development at (telephone number); or

      _____On (date of enactment) the Legislative Assembly enacted (House/Senate bill number). The Department of Land Conservation and Development has determined that enactment of (House/Senate bill number) may affect the permissible uses of your property, and other properties in the affected zone, and may change the value of your property.

      A copy of (House/Senate bill number) is available for inspection at the Department of Land Conservation and Development located at (address). A copy of (House/Senate bill number) also is available for purchase at a cost of $_____.

      For additional information, contact the Department of Land Conservation and Development at (telephone number).

______________________________________________________________________________

 

      (10) The provisions of this section apply to all statutes and administrative rules of the Land Conservation and Development Commission that limit or prohibit otherwise permissible land uses or cause a local government to rezone property. For purposes of this section, property is rezoned when the statute or administrative rule causes a local government to:

      (a) Change the base zoning classification of the property; or

      (b) Adopt or amend an ordinance in a manner that limits or prohibits land uses previously allowed in the affected zone.

      (11) The Department of Land Conservation and Development shall reimburse the local government for:

      (a) The actual costs incurred responding to questions from the public related to a proposed new or amended administrative rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission and to notice of the proposed rule; and

      (b) All usual and reasonable costs of providing the notices required under subsection (4) or (8) of this section. [1999 c.1 §5; 2003 c.668 §1]

 

      197.050 Interstate agreements and compacts; commission powers. Except as provided in ORS 196.150 and 196.155, if an interstate land conservation and development planning agency is created by an interstate agreement or compact entered into by this state, the Land Conservation and Development Commission shall perform the functions of this state with respect to the agreement or compact. If the functions of the interstate planning agency duplicate any of the functions of the commission under ORS 195.020 to 195.040, ORS chapter 197 and ORS 469.350, the commission may:

      (1) Negotiate with the interstate agency in defining the areas of responsibility of the commission and the interstate planning agency; and

      (2) Cooperate with the interstate planning agency in the performance of its functions. [1973 c.80 §12; 1977 c.664 §8; 1987 c.14 §6; 2001 c.672 §5]

 

      197.055 [1973 c.80 §16; repealed by 1977 c.664 §42]

 

      197.060 Biennial report; draft submission to legislative committee; contents. (1) Prior to the end of each even-numbered year, the Department of Land Conservation and Development shall prepare a written report for submission to the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon describing activities and accomplishments of the department, Land Conservation and Development Commission, state agencies, local governments and special districts in carrying out ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (2) A draft of the report required by subsection (1) of this section shall be submitted to the appropriate legislative committee at least 60 days prior to submission of the report to the Legislative Assembly. Comments of the committee shall be incorporated into the final report.

      (3) Goals and guidelines adopted by the commission shall be included in the report to the Legislative Assembly submitted under subsection (1) of this section.

      (4) The department shall include in its biennial report:

      (a) A description of its activities implementing ORS 197.631; and

      (b) An accounting of new statutory, land use planning goal and rule requirements and local government compliance with the new requirements pursuant to ORS 197.646. [1973 c.80 §56; 1977 c.664 §9; 1981 c.748 §21b; 2005 c.829 §9; 2007 c.354 §6]

 

      197.065 Biennial report analyzing uses of certain land; annual local government reports. (1) Prior to each odd-numbered year regular legislative session, the Land Conservation and Development Commission shall submit to the appropriate legislative committee a written report analyzing applications approved and denied for:

      (a) New and replacement dwellings under:

      (A) ORS 215.213 (1)(d) and (f), (2)(a) and (b), (3) and (4), 215.283 (1)(d) and (e), 215.284 and 215.705; and

      (B) Any land zoned for forest use under any statewide planning goal that relates to forestland;

      (b) Divisions of land under:

      (A) ORS 215.263 (2), (4) and (5); and

      (B) Any land zoned for forest use under any statewide planning goal that relates to forestland;

      (c) Dwellings and land divisions approved for marginal lands under:

      (A) ORS 215.317 or 215.327; and

      (B) Any land zoned for forest use under any statewide planning goal that relates to forestland; and

      (d) Such other matters pertaining to protection of agricultural or forest land as the commission deems appropriate.

      (2) The governing body of each county shall provide the Department of Land Conservation and Development with a report of its actions involving those dwellings, land divisions and land designations upon which the commission must report to the appropriate legislative committee under subsection (1) of this section. The department shall establish, after consultation with county governing bodies, an annual reporting period and may establish a schedule for receiving county reports at intervals within the reporting period. The report shall be on a standard form with a standardized explanation adopted by the commission and shall be eligible for grants by the commission. The report shall include the findings for each action except actions involving:

      (a) Dwellings authorized by ORS 215.213 (1)(d) or 215.283 (1)(d); or

      (b) Land divisions authorized by ORS 215.263 (2) creating parcels as large as or larger than a minimum size established by the commission under ORS 215.780.

      (3) The governing body of each county shall, upon request by the department, provide the department with other information necessary to carry out subsection (1) of this section. [1983 c.826 §13; 1985 c.811 §9; 1987 c.555 §4; 1989 c.107 §1; 1993 c.792 §9; 2001 c.704 §9; 2007 c.354 §7; 2009 c.850 §3; 2011 c.545 §34]

 

      197.070 Public inspection of assessments prepared by commission. The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall keep on file and available for public inspection the assessments prepared pursuant to ORS 197.040 and 197.230. [1995 c.299 §3]

 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

 

      197.075 Department of Land Conservation and Development. The Department of Land Conservation and Development is established. The department shall consist of the Land Conservation and Development Commission, the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development and their subordinate officers and employees. [1973 c.80 §4]

 

      197.080 [1973 c.80 §55; 1977 c.664 §10; 1981 c.748 §21c; repealed by 2007 c.354 §1]

 

      197.085 Director; appointment; compensation and expenses. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall appoint a person to serve as the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development. The director shall hold the office of the director at the pleasure of the commission and the salary of the director shall be fixed by the commission unless otherwise provided by law.

      (2) In addition to salary, the director shall be reimbursed, subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, for actual and necessary expenses incurred by the director in the performance of official duties. [1973 c.80 §13]

 

      197.090 Duties and authority of director; appealing local land use decision; rules. (1) Subject to policies adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission, the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development shall:

      (a) Be the administrative head of the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

      (b) Coordinate the activities of the department in its land conservation and development functions with such functions of federal agencies, other state agencies, local governments and special districts.

      (c) Appoint, reappoint, assign and reassign all subordinate officers and employees of the department, prescribe their duties and fix their compensation, subject to the State Personnel Relations Law.

      (d) Represent this state before any agency of this state, any other state or the United States with respect to land conservation and development within this state.

      (2)(a) Subject to local government requirements and the provisions of ORS 197.830 to 197.845, the director may participate in and seek review of:

      (A) A land use decision, expedited land division or limited land use decision involving the goals or involving an acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations implementing the plan; or

      (B) Any other matter within the statutory authority of the department or commission under ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (b) The director shall report to the commission on each case in which the department participates and on the positions taken by the director in each case.

      (c) If a meeting of the commission is scheduled prior to the close of the period for seeking review of a land use decision, expedited land division or limited land use decision, the director shall obtain formal approval from the commission prior to seeking review of the decision. However, if the land use decision, expedited land division or limited land use decision becomes final less than 15 days before a meeting of the commission, the director shall proceed as provided in paragraph (d) of this subsection. If the director requests approval from the commission, the applicant and the affected local government shall be notified in writing that the director is seeking commission approval. The director, the applicant and the affected local government shall be given reasonable time to address the commission regarding the director’s request for approval to seek review. The parties shall limit their testimony to the factors established under subsection (3) of this section. No other testimony shall be taken by the commission.

      (d) If a meeting of the commission is not scheduled prior to the close of the period for seeking review of a land use decision, expedited land division or limited land use decision, at the next commission meeting the director shall report to the commission on each case for which the department has sought review. The director shall request formal approval to proceed with each appeal. The applicant and the affected local government shall be notified of the commission meeting in writing by the director. The director, the applicant and the affected local government shall be given reasonable time to address the commission regarding the director’s request for approval to proceed with the appeal. The parties shall limit their testimony to the factors established under subsection (3) of this section. No other testimony shall be taken by the commission. If the commission does not formally approve an appeal, the director shall file a motion with the appropriate tribunal to dismiss the appeal.

      (e) A decision by the commission under this subsection is not subject to appeal.

      (f) For purposes of this subsection, “applicant” means a person seeking approval of a permit, as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160, expedited land division or limited land use decision.

      (3) The commission by rule shall adopt a set of factors for the commission to consider when determining whether to appeal or intervene in the appeal of a land use decision, expedited land division or limited land use decision that involves the application of the goals, acknowledged comprehensive plan, land use regulation or other matter within the authority of the department or commission under ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (4) The director may intervene in an appeal of a land use decision, expedited land division or limited land use decision brought by another person in the manner provided for an appeal by the director under subsection (2)(c) and (d) of this section. [1973 c.80 §14; 1979 c.772 §7d; 1981 c.748 §21d; 1983 c.827 §2; 1991 c.817 §20; 1995 c.595 §23; 1999 c.292 §1; 2010 c.8 §8; 2010 c.107 §10]

 

      197.095 Land Conservation and Development Account. (1) There is established in the General Fund in the State Treasury the Land Conservation and Development Account. Moneys in the account are continuously appropriated for the purpose of carrying out ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197.

      (2) All fees, moneys and other revenue received by the Department of Land Conservation and Development shall be deposited in the Land Conservation and Development Account. [1973 c.80 §15; 1977 c.664 §11; 1981 c.748 §21e; 2007 c.354 §8]

 

      197.125 [1973 c.80 §22; repealed by 2007 c.354 §1]

 

      197.130 [1973 c.80 §23; 1975 c.530 §6; 1977 c.891 §8; 1981 c.748 §23; 1987 c.158 §33; repealed by 2007 c.354 §1]

 

      197.135 [1973 c.80 §24; 1981 c.748 §24; repealed by 2007 c.354 §1]

 

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

 

      197.158 Policy-neutral review and audit of statewide land use program. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission, in cooperation with the Oregon Law Commission and other public or private entities, may, as resources are available, appoint a work group to conduct a policy-neutral review and audit of ORS chapters 195, 196, 197, 215 and 227, the statewide land use planning goals and the rules of the commission implementing the goals.

      (2) The commission shall sequence any review based on its judgment as to which aspects of the statewide land use program are most in need of updating.

      (3) A review undertaken under this section should, but does not have to, include appropriate involvement of local government, professional land use planning, private legal and other representatives.

      (4) Recommendations should, but do not have to, address major policies and key procedures that are most appropriate for enactment by law and what policies and procedures are most appropriate for adoption by statewide land use planning goals or rules to allow for greater variation between regions of the state over time and to reduce complexity. [2009 c.873 §17]

 

      Note: 197.158 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 197 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      197.160 State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee; city and county citizen advisory committees. (1) To assure widespread citizen involvement in all phases of the planning process:

      (a) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall appoint a State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee, broadly representative of geographic areas of the state and of interests relating to land uses and land use decisions, to develop a program for the commission that promotes and enhances public participation in the adoption and amendment of the goals and guidelines.

      (b) Each city and county governing body shall submit to the commission, on a periodic basis established by commission rule, a program for citizen involvement in preparing, adopting and amending comprehensive plans and land use regulations within the respective city and county. Such program shall at least contain provision for a citizen advisory committee or committees broadly representative of geographic areas and of interests relating to land uses and land use decisions.

      (c) The State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee appointed under paragraph (a) of this subsection shall review the proposed programs submitted by each city and county and report to the commission whether or not the proposed program adequately provides for public involvement in the planning process, and, if it does not so provide, in what respects it is inadequate.

      (2) The State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee is limited to an advisory role to the commission. It has no express or implied authority over any local government or state agency. [1973 c.80 §35; 1981 c.748 §25; 1983 c.740 §49]

 

      197.165 Local Officials Advisory Committee. For the purpose of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the Land Conservation and Development Commission and local government in the implementation of ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197 and the goals, the commission shall appoint a Local Officials Advisory Committee. The committee shall be comprised of persons serving as city or county elected officials and its membership shall reflect the city, county and geographic diversity of the state. The committee shall advise and assist the commission on its policies and programs affecting local governments. [1977 c.664 §7; 1981 c.748 §25a]

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING RESPONSIBILITIES

 

      197.173 Findings regarding coordination between state agencies and local governments. The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

      (1) Improving coordination and consistency between the duties and actions of state agencies that affect land use and the duties and actions of local governments under comprehensive plans and land use regulations is required to ensure that the actions of state agencies complement both state and local land use planning objectives.

      (2) Improved coordination is necessary to streamline state and local permitting procedures.

      (3) The Department of Land Conservation and Development has not engaged in a formal and concerted effort to update state agency land use coordination programs since 1989, and that state agency rules, plans and programs affecting land use and local government comprehensive plans and land use regulations have changed substantially since that time.

      (4) Rules of the Land Conservation and Development Commission regarding state agency land use coordination and state permit compliance and compatibility should be:

      (a) Reviewed to eliminate unclear or conflicting provisions and to ensure that local land use decisions authorizing a use generally precede state agency decisions on permits for the use or for aspects of the use; and

      (b) Updated regularly to maintain a high level of coordination between state agencies and local governments in reviewing authorizations for a use of property. [2009 c.606 §1]

 

      Note: 197.173 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 197 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      197.175 Cities’ and counties’ planning responsibilities; rules on incorporations; compliance with goals. (1) Cities and counties shall exercise their planning and zoning responsibilities, including, but not limited to, a city or special district boundary change which shall mean the annexation of unincorporated territory by a city, the incorporation of a new city and the formation or change of organization of or annexation to any special district authorized by ORS 198.705 to 198.955, 199.410 to 199.534 or 451.010 to 451.620, in accordance with ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197 and the goals approved under ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197. The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall adopt rules clarifying how the goals apply to the incorporation of a new city. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15, chapter 827, Oregon Laws 1983, the rules shall take effect upon adoption by the commission. The applicability of rules promulgated under this section to the incorporation of cities prior to August 9, 1983, shall be determined under the laws of this state.

      (2) Pursuant to ORS chapters 195, 196 and 197, each city and county in this state shall:

      (a) Prepare, adopt, amend and revise comprehensive plans in compliance with goals approved by the commission;

      (b) Enact land use regulations to implement their comprehensive plans;

      (c) If its comprehensive plan and land use regulations have not been acknowledged by the commission, make land use decisions and limited land use decisions in compliance with the goals;

      (d) If its comprehensive plan and land use regulations have been acknowledged by the commission, make land use decisions and limited land use decisions in compliance with the acknowledged plan and land use regulations; and

      (e) Make land use decisions and limited land use decisions subject to an unacknowledged amendment to a comprehensive plan or land use regulation in compliance with those land use goals applicable to the amendment.

      (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the commission shall not initiate by its own action any annexation of unincorporated territory pursuant to ORS 222.111 to 222.750 or formation of and annexation of territory to any district authorized by ORS 198.510 to 198.915 or 451.010 to 451.620. [1973 c.80 §§17,18; 1977 c.664 §12; 1981 c.748 §15; 1983 c.827 §3; 1989 c.761 §18; 1991 c.817 §21; 1993 c.792 §45; 1999 c.348 §4]

 

      197.178 Development applications; urban residential density; reporting to Department of Land Conservation and Development. (1) Local governments with comprehensive plans or functional plans that are identified in ORS 197.296 (1) shall compile and report annually to the Department of Land Conservation and Development the following information for all applications received under ORS 227.175 for residential permits and residential zone changes:

      (a) The number of applications received for residential development, including the net residential density proposed in the application and the maximum allowed net residential density for the subject zone;

      (b) The number of applications approved, including the approved net density; and

      (c) The date each application was received and the date it was approved or denied.

      (2) The report required by this section may be submitted electronically. [1997 c.763 §5; 2011 c.354 §1]

 

      197.180 State agency planning responsibilities; determination of compliance with goals and compatibility with plans; coordination between agencies and local governments; rules; exceptions. (1) Except as provided in ORS 197.277 or subsection (2) of this section or unless expressly exempted by another statute from any of the requirements of this section, state agencies shall carry out their planning duties, powers and responsibilities and take actions that are authorized by law with respect to programs affecting land use:

      (a) In compliance with the goals, rules implementing the goals and rules implementing this section; and

      (b) In a manner compatible with acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations.

      (2) State agencies need not comply with subsection (1)(b) of this section if a state agency rule, plan or program relating to land use was not in effect when the comprehensive plan provision or land use regulation with which the action would be incompatible was acknowledged and the agency has demonstrated that:

      (a) The state agency rule, plan or program is mandated by state statute or federal law;

      (b) The state agency rule, plan or program is consistent with the goals;

      (c) The state agency rule, plan or program has objectives that cannot be achieved in a manner compatible with the acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations; and

      (d) The agency has complied with its certified state agency coordination program.

      (3) Unless federal or state law requires otherwise, the commission, by rule, may specify the sequence of a local government land use decision and a state agency action concerning the same, similar or related uses or activities.

      (4) Upon request by the Land Conservation and Development Commission, each state agency shall submit to the Department of Land Conservation and Development the following information:

      (a) Agency rules and summaries of state agency plans and programs affecting land use;

      (b) A program for coordination pursuant to ORS 197.040 (2)(e);

      (c) A program for coordination pursuant to ORS 197.090 (1)(b); and

      (d) A program for cooperation with and technical assistance to local governments.

      (5) Within 90 days of receipt, the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development shall review the information submitted pursuant to subsection (4) of this section and shall notify each state agency if the director believes the state agency rules, plans or programs submitted are insufficient to ensure compliance with goals and compatibility with acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations.

      (6) Within 90 days of receipt of notification specified in subsection (5) of this section, the state agency may revise the state agency rules, plans or programs and resubmit them to the director.

      (7) The director shall make findings under subsections (5) and (6) of this section as to whether the state agency rules, plans or programs are sufficient to ensure compliance with the goals and compatibility with acknowledged city and county comprehensive plans and land use regulations and shall forward the rules and summaries of state agency plans or programs to the commission for its action. The commission shall either certify the state agency rules, plans or programs as compliant with the goals and compatible with the acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations of affected local governments or shall determine the same to be insufficient.

      (8) The department shall report, to the appropriate committee of the House and the Senate and to the subcommittee of the Joint Ways and Means Committee that considers the state agency budget, any agency that has failed to meet the requirements of subsection (7) of this section.

      (9) Any state agency that has failed to meet the requirements of subsection (7) of this section shall report the reasons therefor to the appropriate committee of the House and the Senate and to the subcommittee of the Joint Ways and Means Committee that considers the agency budget.

      (10) Until rules and state agency plans and programs are certified as compliant with the goals and compatible with the acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations of affected local governments, the state agency shall make findings when adopting or amending its rules and state agency plans and programs as to the applicability and application of the goals or acknowledged comprehensive plans, as appropriate.

      (11) The commission shall adopt rules establishing procedures to ensure that state agency permits affecting land use are issued in compliance with the goals and compatible with acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations, as required by subsection (1) of this section. The rules must prescribe the circumstances in which state agencies may rely upon a determination of compliance with the goals or compatibility with the acknowledged comprehensive plan.

      (12) A state agency required to have a land use coordination program shall participate in a local government land use hearing, except a hearing under ORS 197.610 to 197.625, only in a manner that is consistent with the coordination program, unless the agency participated in the local government’s periodic review pursuant to ORS 197.633 and raised the issue that is the basis for participation in the land use hearing.

      (13) State agency rules, plans or programs affecting land use are not compatible with an acknowledged comprehensive plan if the state agency takes or approves an action that is not allowed under the acknowledged comprehensive plan. However, a state agency may apply statutes and rules to deny, condition or further restrict an action of the state agency or of any applicant before the state agency if the state agency applies those statutes and rules to the uses planned for in the acknowledged comprehensive plan.

      (14) In cooperation with local governments and state agencies whose rules, plans or programs affect land use, the department periodically shall:

      (a) Identify aspects of coordination related to uses that require the issuance of multiple permits from state agencies and local governments.

      (b) Update and improve rules regulating the effectiveness and efficiency of state agency coordination programs.

      (15) This section does not apply to rules, plans, programs, decisions, determinations or activities carried out under ORS 527.610 to 527.770, 527.990 (1) and 527.992. [1973 c.80 §21; 1977 c.664 §13; 1981 c.748 §16; 1983 c.827 §4; 1987 c.555 §1; 1987 c.919 §3; 1989 c.761 §19; 1991 c.612 §9; 1995 c.595 §30; 1999 c.622 §8; 2009 c.606 §3]

 

      197.183 Local government to notify Department of Aviation of applications received for certain water impoundments. (1) A local government shall provide notice to the Oregon Department of Aviation when the local government or its designee receives an application for a comprehensive plan amendment, zone change or permit as defined in ORS 215.402 or 227.160 that, if approved, would result in a water impoundment larger than one-quarter acre within 10,000 feet of an airport identified in ORS 836.610 (1).

      (2) The department has no authority to make final a determination regarding a new water impoundment described in ORS 836.623. Determinations regarding such impoundments shall be made by local governments as provided in ORS 836.623. [1997 c.859 §10; 1999 c.935 §19]

 

      197.185 [1973 c.80 §20; 1977 c.664 §14; 1981 c.748 §26; 1993 c.804 §1; renumbered 195.020 in 1993]

 

      197.186 Removal from buildable lands inventory of land subject to open space tax assessment; reapplication for assessment. (1) At periodic review under ORS 197.633 next following approval of an application under ORS 308A.309, the local government shall remove any lot or parcel subject to the application from any inventory of buildable lands maintained by the local government. The local government shall compensate for the resulting reduction in available buildable lands either by increasing the development capacity of the remaining supply of buildable lands or by expanding the urban growth boundary.

      (2) A landowner who wishes to reapply for current open space use assessment under ORS 308A.306 following the end of the assessment period shall reapply with the local government as provided in ORS 308A.309. [1999 c.503 §5]

 

      197.190 [1973 c.80 §19; 1977 c.664 §15; 1981 c.748 §27; 1983 c.350 §1; renumbered 195.025 in 1993]

 

      197.195 Limited land use decision; procedures. (1) A limited land use decision shall be consistent with applicable provisions of city or county comprehensive plans and land use regulations. Such a decision may include conditions authorized by law. Within two years of September 29, 1991, cities and counties shall incorporate all comprehensive plan standards applicable to limited land use decisions into their land use regulations. A decision to incorporate all, some, or none of the applicable comprehensive plan standards into land use regulations shall be undertaken as a post-acknowledgment amendment under ORS 197.610 to 197.625. If a city or county does not incorporate its comprehensive plan provisions into its land use regulations, the comprehensive plan provisions may not be used as a basis for a decision by the city or county or on appeal from that decision.

      (2) A limited land use decision is not subject to the requirements of ORS 197.763.

      (3) A limited land use decision is subject to the requirements of paragraphs (a) to (c) of this subsection.

      (a) In making a limited land use decision, the local government shall follow the applicable procedures contained within its acknowledged comprehensive plan and land use regulations and other applicable legal requirements.

      (b) For limited land use decisions, the local government shall provide written notice to owners of property within 100 feet of the entire contiguous site for which the application is made. The list shall be compiled from the most recent property tax assessment roll. For purposes of review, this requirement shall be deemed met when the local government can provide an affidavit or other certification that such notice was given. Notice shall also be provided to any neighborhood or community organization recognized by the governing body and whose boundaries include the site.

      (c) The notice and procedures used by local government shall:

      (A) Provide a 14-day period for submission of written comments prior to the decision;

      (B) State that issues which may provide the basis for an appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals shall be raised in writing prior to the expiration of the comment period. Issues shall be raised with sufficient specificity to enable the decision maker to respond to the issue;

      (C) List, by commonly used citation, the applicable criteria for the decision;

      (D) Set forth the street address or other easily understood geographical reference to the subject property;

      (E) State the place, date and time that comments are due;

      (F) State that copies of all evidence relied upon by the applicant are available for review, and that copies can be obtained at cost;

      (G) Include the name and phone number of a local government contact person;

      (H) Provide notice of the decision to the applicant and any person who submits comments under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. The notice of decision must include an explanation of appeal rights; and

      (I) Briefly summarize the local decision making process for the limited land use decision being made.

      (4) Approval or denial of a limited land use decision 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.

      (5) A local government may provide for a hearing before the local government on appeal of a limited land use decision under this section. The hearing may be limited to the record developed pursuant to the initial hearing under subsection (3) of this section or may allow for the introduction of additional testimony or evidence. A hearing on appeal that allows the introduction of additional testimony or evidence shall comply with the requirements of ORS 197.763. Written notice of the decision rendered on appeal shall be given to all parties who appeared, either orally or in writing, before the hearing. The notice of decision shall include an explanation of the rights of each party to appeal the decision. [1991 c.817 §3; 1995 c.595 §1; 1997 c.844 §1]

 

      197.200 Refinement plan; procedures for land division, site or design review within area subject to plan. (1) A local government may convene a land use proceeding to adopt a refinement plan for a neighborhood or community within its jurisdiction and inside the urban growth boundary as provided in this section.

      (2) A refinement plan is more detailed than a comprehensive plan and applies to a specific geographic area. A refinement plan shall:

      (a) Establish efficient density ranges, including a minimum and a maximum density for residential land uses;

      (b) Establish minimum and maximum floor area ratios or site coverage requirements for nonresidential uses;

      (c) Be based on a planning process meeting statewide planning goals; and

      (d) Include land use regulations to implement the plan.

      (3) A refinement plan and associated land use regulations adopted prior to September 9, 1995, may qualify as a refinement plan if the local government holds a public hearing to gather public comment and decides to adopt the plan as a refinement plan under this section.

      (4) A local government shall apply the procedures for expedited land divisions described in ORS 197.360 to 197.380 to all applications for land division and site or design review located in any area subject to an acknowledged refinement plan. The review shall include:

      (a) All elements of a local government comprehensive plan and land use regulations that must be applied in order to approve or deny any such application; and

      (b) Any planned unit development standards and any procedures designed to regulate:

      (A) The physical characteristics of permitted uses;

      (B) The dimensions of the lots to be created; or

      (C) Transportation, sewer, water, drainage and other facilities or services necessary for the proposed development.

      (5) Any decision made on a refinement plan described in subsection (3) of this section shall be appealed only as provided for appeals of expedited land division decisions in ORS 197.375.

      (6) Refinement plans and implementing ordinances may be adopted through the post-acknowledgment or periodic review process. [1995 c.595 §15]

 

GOALS COMPLIANCE

 

      197.225 Preparation; adoption. The Department of Land Conservation and Development shall prepare and the Land Conservation and Development Commission shall adopt goals and guidelines for use by state agencies, local governments and special districts in preparing, adopting, amending and implementing existing and future comprehensive plans. [1973 c.80 §33; 1981 c.748 §27a]

 

      197.230 Considerations; finding of need required for adoption or amendment of goal. (1) In preparing, adopting and amending goals and guidelines, the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the Land Conservation and Development Commission shall:

      (a) Assess:

      (A) What economic and property interests will be, or are likely to be, affected by the proposed goal or guideline;

      (B) The likely degree of economic impact on identified property and economic interests; and

      (C) Whether alternative actions are available that would achieve the underlying lawful governmental objective and would have a lesser economic impact.

      (b) Consider the existing comprehensive plans of local governments and the plans and programs affecting land use of state agencies and special districts in order to preserve functional and local aspects of land conservation and development.

      (c) Give consideration to the following areas and activities:

      (A) Lands adjacent to freeway interchanges;

      (B) Estuarine areas;

      (C) Tide, marsh and wetland areas;

      (D) Lakes and lakeshore areas;

      (E) Wilderness, recreational and outstanding scenic areas;

      (F) Beaches, dunes, coastal headlands and related areas;

      (G) Wild and scenic rivers and related lands;

      (H) Floodplains and areas of geologic hazard;

      (I) Unique wildlife habitats; and

      (J) Agricultural land.

      (d) Make a finding of statewide need for the adoption of any new goal or the amendment of any existing goal.

      (e) Design goals to allow a reasonable degree of flexibility in the application of goals by state agencies, cities, counties and special districts.

      (2) Goals shall not be land management regulations for specified geographic areas established through designation of an area of critical state concern under ORS 197.405.

      (3) The requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section shall not be interpreted as requiring an assessment for each lot or parcel that could be affected by the proposed rule.

      (4) The commission may exempt cities with a population less than 10,000, or those areas of a county inside an urban growth boundary that contain a population less than 10,000, from all or any part of land use planning goals, guidelines and administrative rules that relate to transportation planning. [1973 c.80 §34; 1977 c.664 §17; 1981 c.748 §17; 1983 c.740 §50; 1995 c.299 §2; 1999 c.784 §1]

 

      197.235 Public hearings; notice; citizen involvement implementation; submission of proposals. (1) In preparing the goals and guidelines, the Department of Land Conservation and Development shall:

      (a) Hold at least 10 public hearings throughout the state, causing notice of the time, place and purpose of each hearing to be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the area where the hearing is to be conducted not later than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing. At least two public hearings must be held in each congressional district.

      (b) Implement any other provision for public involvement developed by the State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee under ORS 197.160 (1) and approved by the Land Conservation and Development Commission.

      (2) Upon completion of the preparation of the proposed goals and guidelines, or amendments to those goals and guidelines, the department shall submit them to the commission, the Local Officials Advisory Committee, the State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee and the appropriate legislative committee for review.

      (3) The commission shall consider the comments of the Local Officials Advisory Committee, the State Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee and the legislative committee before the adoption and amendment of the goals and guidelines.

      (4) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(a) of this section, when a legislative enactment or an initiative measure is inconsistent with the adopted goals and guidelines or directs the commission to make a specific change to the adopted goals and guidelines, the commission may amend the goals and guidelines after only one public hearing, at a location determined by the commission, if the proposed amendment:

      (a) Is necessary to conform the goals and guidelines to the legislative enactment or the initiative measure; and

      (b) Makes no change other than the conforming changes unless the change corrects an obvious scrivener’s error. [1973 c.80 §36; 1981 c.748 §28; 2005 c.147 §1; 2007 c.354 §9]

 

      197.240 Commission action; public hearing; notice; amendment; adoption. Upon receipt of the proposed goals and guidelines prepared and submitted to it by the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the Land Conservation and Development Commission shall:

      (1) Hold at least one public hearing on the proposed goals and guidelines. The commission shall cause notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearings and the place where copies of the proposed goals and guidelines are available before the hearings with the cost thereof to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the state not later than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing. The department shall supply a copy of its proposed goals and guidelines to the Governor, the appropriate legislative committee, affected state agencies and special districts and to each local government without charge. The department shall provide copies of such proposed goals and guidelines to other public agencies or persons upon request and payment of the cost of preparing the copies of the materials requested.

      (2) Consider the recommendations and comments received from the public hearings conducted under subsection (1) of this section, make any amendments to the proposed goals and guidelines that it considers necessary and approve the proposed goals and guidelines as they may be amended by the commission. [1973 c.80 §37; 1981 c.748 §28a; 2007 c.354 §10]

 

      197.245 Commission amendment of initial goals; adoption of new goals. The Land Conservation and Development Commission may periodically amend the initial goals and guidelines adopted under ORS 197.240 and adopt new goals and guidelines. The adoption of amendments to or of new goals shall be done in the manner provided in ORS 197.235 and 197.240 and shall specify with particularity those goal provisions that are applicable to land use decisions, expedited land divisions and limited land use decisions before plan revision. The commission shall establish the effective date for application of a new or amended goal. Absent a compelling reason, the commission shall not require a comprehensive plan, new or amended land use regulation, land use decision, expedited land division or limited land use decision to be consistent with a new or amended goal until one year after the date of adoption. [1973 c.80 §38; 1981 c.748 §29; 1991 c.612 §10; 1991 c.817 §22a; 1995 c.595 §24]

 

      197.247 [1983 c.826 §2; repealed by 1993 c.792 §55]