Key Takeaways
- Oregon has one of the most comprehensive land use planning systems in the United States
- The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) oversees statewide planning goals
- Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) separate urban and rural land uses
- All Oregon cities and counties must have comprehensive plans consistent with state goals
- The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) administers the land use program
Last updated: January 2026
Oregon Land Use Planning
Oregon has one of the most comprehensive land use planning systems in the United States, established in 1973.
Overview of Oregon's System
Key Agencies
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) | Adopts statewide planning goals and rules |
| Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) | Administers the land use program |
| Local governments | Create comprehensive plans and zoning |
Statewide Planning Goals
Oregon has 19 Statewide Planning Goals that local governments must follow:
| Goal | Topic |
|---|---|
| Goal 1 | Citizen Involvement |
| Goal 2 | Land Use Planning |
| Goal 3 | Agricultural Lands |
| Goal 4 | Forest Lands |
| Goal 5 | Natural Resources |
| Goal 6 | Air, Water and Land Quality |
| Goal 7 | Natural Hazards |
| Goal 8 | Recreational Needs |
| Goal 9 | Economic Development |
| Goal 10 | Housing |
| Goal 11 | Public Facilities |
| Goal 12 | Transportation |
| Goal 13 | Energy Conservation |
| Goal 14 | Urbanization |
| Goal 15 | Willamette River Greenway |
| Goal 16 | Estuarine Resources |
| Goal 17 | Coastal Shorelands |
| Goal 18 | Beaches and Dunes |
| Goal 19 | Ocean Resources |
Key Point: Local comprehensive plans must be consistent with these statewide goals.
Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs)
One of Oregon's most distinctive land use tools is the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB):
What is a UGB?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Separate urban land from rural/farm/forest land |
| Location | Surrounds each Oregon city |
| Inside UGB | Urban development allowed |
| Outside UGB | Limited to rural uses |
UGB Implications for Real Estate
| Inside UGB | Outside UGB |
|---|---|
| Urban services available | Limited services |
| Higher density allowed | Rural density only |
| Commercial/industrial OK | Agricultural/forest uses |
| Shorter commutes typical | More land, less development |
Exam Tip: Understanding UGBs is essential because they significantly impact property values and development potential.
Local Land Use Controls
Comprehensive Plans
Each city and county must have a comprehensive plan that:
- Is consistent with statewide planning goals
- Addresses all 19 goals applicable to the jurisdiction
- Guides local land use decisions
- Is periodically updated
Zoning
| Zone Type | Uses |
|---|---|
| Residential | Housing (various densities) |
| Commercial | Retail, office, services |
| Industrial | Manufacturing, warehousing |
| Agricultural | Farming, limited rural uses |
| Forest | Timber production, limited development |
Land Use Permits
| Permit Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Building permit | Construction approval |
| Conditional use permit | Uses allowed with conditions |
| Variance | Deviation from zoning standards |
| Zone change | Change property's zoning |
| Partition/Subdivision | Divide land into lots |
Measure 49 and Property Rights
Measure 49 (2007) modified earlier property rights laws:
- Limits compensation claims for land use regulations
- Allows some "homesites" claims
- Replaced more expansive Measure 37
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the purpose of Oregon's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)?
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Test Your Knowledge
How many statewide planning goals does Oregon have?
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