P.O. Box 230637 Tigard OR 97281 (503) 620-0258
Oregonians In Action
OIA-News
Contact Us

View From Sherwood

By Frank Nims
President
Oregonians In Action
January/February 2003

After the Oregon land use system was enacted 30 years ago, counties were required to zone every acre of rural land for the first time. Under strong pressure from LCDC, virtually all rural land was zoned EFU (for exclusive farm use) or forestry, with little or no regard for the quality of land. There was no exception for rural land which was not suitable for farming or forestry, or uneconomical to operate commercially, or for which there was a much higher and better use. 

This leaves a good portion of rural land, especially near metropolitan areas, producing little or nothing for the landowner, or to the economy of the area.  With few exceptions, the owners are denied an opportunity to divide their property for rural home sites, or for a small business that provides jobs. Their land contributes almost no taxes for schools and other government services.

Several legislative bills have been introduced to allow other uses for some rural land.   One would make other uses available to land which currently produces little or no income, one would exempt the poorer classifications of land based on soil quality, and one would delete state income standards for siting a farm dwelling.

Although the Legislature is just beginning to hold hearings on the many land use bills which have been introduced, it appears that our new governor is genuinely listening to the needs of landowners, and that is encouraging.  I am hopeful that we will be able to pass meaningful legislation to provide flexibility and fairness to the land use system.  That’s what OIA is all about.