Citizen Alert: Urgent Action on Bill Proposing Rural Residential Zoning Changes

House Bill 2655 has been introduced by representatives Zika, DB Smith and Owens and is scheduled for the House Committee on Housing on Thursday, February 4th at 8:00 a.m.

The summary of the bill is that it “prohibits counties from establishing minimum lot size of more than one acre for residential zoned land.” Our partners at 1000 Friends of Oregon have noted that, “At a minimum, this would undo over three decades of rural residential rules, case law, and generally accepted sensible practice relating to the infrastructure capacity of rural areas (roads, water and sewage, etc…) and the need for integrity in rural areas for farming, forestry, and wildlife. It also basically erases the lines and distinctions between UGBs and areas outside UGBs. It would certainly intensify the population level that is living outside UGBs, in rural areas.”

Information to submit testimony (by Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.) is here. Also, please contact Pam Marsh via phone or email, Rep on Housing Committee.

• Email: Rep.PamMarsh@oregonlegislature.gov
• Phone #: 503-986-1405

Important talking points: 

• This change would lead to significant increase in housing developments in rural communities.
• Counties do not have the ability to regulate this bill.
• Bill would lead to more roads and more people living in high-risk wildfire areas.
• Bill is counter to 40 years of state land use law.

For more information or assistance, contact info@rogueadvocates.org.