ORS § 197.186 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 197 / Section 197.186
197.186 Removal from buildable lands inventory of land subject to open space tax assessment
Status: in_force

(1) At periodic review under ORS 197.633 (Two phases of periodic review) next following approval of an application under ORS 308A.309 (Submission of application for approval of local granting authority) , 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 (Application for open space use assessment) following the end of the assessment period shall reapply with the local government as provided in ORS 308A.309 (Submission of application for approval of local granting authority) . [1999 c.503 §5]

Source: Section 197.186 — Removal from buildable lands inventory of land subject to open space tax assessment; reapplication for assessment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors197.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 197.225 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 197 / Section 197.225
197.225 Preparation
Status: in_force

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]

Source: Section 197.225 — Preparation; adoption , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors197.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 192.243 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 192 / Section 192.243
192.243 Availability of report on Internet
Status: in_force

(1) In accordance with rules adopted by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and to reduce the amount of paper used by state agencies, by June 30, 2005, each state agency shall make available on the Internet any report that the state agency is required by law to publish. If a statute or rule requires a state agency to issue a printed report, that requirement is satisfied if the state agency makes the report available on the Internet. A state agency may issue printed copies of a report upon request.

(2) The Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall adopt rules in accordance with subsection (1) of this section requiring each state agency to make available on the Internet any report that the state agency is required by law to publish.

(3) This section may not be construed to require the disclosure of a public record that is exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 (Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478) to 192.478 (Exemption for Judicial Department) or other law. [2001 c.153 §3]

Note: See note under 192.230 (Definitions for ORS 192.235 to 192.245) .

Source: Section 192.243 — Availability of report on Internet; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors192.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 196.570 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 196 / Section 196.570
196.570 Agreements between Oregon Ocean Science Trust and private organizations
Status: in_force

(1) In order to further the strategic priorities of the Oregon Ocean Science Trust, the executive director of the Oregon Ocean Science Trust may enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit organization under which the organization shall solicit gifts, grants and donations in support of the work of the trust.

(2) At least 30 days before the executive director may enter into an agreement under subsection (1) of this section, the trust shall:

(a) Submit a copy of the proposed agreement to the Legislative Assembly in the manner provided by ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) ; and

(b) Provide public notice of the proposed agreement on the trust’s website.

(3) The executive director may advise, and receive advice from, the organization described in subsection (1) of this section. If allowed by the charter and bylaws of the organization, the executive director may serve as a voting or nonvoting member of the board of directors of the organization, except that the executive director may not:

(a) Serve as chairperson of the board of directors of the organization.

(b) Vote for, or appoint, other members of the board of directors of the organization.

(c) Exercise any control of the financial affairs of the organization.

(d) Oversee the daily operations of the organization.

(4) Each organization described in subsection (1) of this section shall maintain records regarding the gifts, grants and donations solicited in support of the work of the trust and, at the request of the trust, shall provide the trust with the information contained in the records.

(5) Funds received by an organization under this section that are transferred to the trust shall be deposited in the Oregon Ocean Science Fund to be used as provided for in ORS 196.567 (Oregon Ocean Science Fund) .

(6) The provisions of this section do not affect the authority of any state agency other than the trust to enter into agreements with private organizations under which the organization shall solicit gifts, grants and donations for the benefit of the state agency. [2019 c.94 §1]

Note: 196.570 (Agreements between Oregon Ocean Science Trust and private organizations) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 196 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 196.570 — Agreements between Oregon Ocean Science Trust and private organizations; records; use of funds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors196.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 197a.420 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 197a / Section 197a.420
197A.420 Duplexes
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “City” or “city with a population of 25,000 or greater” includes, regardless of size, any city within Tillamook County and the communities of Barview/Twin Rocks/Watseco, Cloverdale, Hebo, Neahkahnie, Neskowin, Netarts, Oceanside and Pacific City/Woods.

(b) “Cottage clusters” means groupings of no fewer than four detached housing units per acre with a footprint of less than 900 square feet each and that include a common courtyard.

(c) “Middle housing” means:

(A) Duplexes;

(B) Triplexes;

(C) Quadplexes;

(D) Cottage clusters; and

(E) Townhouses.

(d) “Townhouses” means a dwelling unit constructed in a row of two or more attached units, where each dwelling unit is located on an individual lot or parcel and shares at least one common wall with an adjacent unit.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, each city with a population of 25,000 or greater and each county or city within a metropolitan service district shall allow the development of:

(a) All middle housing types in areas zoned for residential use that allow for the development of detached single-family dwellings; and

(b) A duplex on each lot or parcel zoned for residential use that allows for the development of detached single-family dwellings.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, each city not within a metropolitan service district with a population of 2,500 or greater and less than 25,000 shall allow the development of a duplex on each lot or parcel zoned for residential use that allows for the development of detached single-family dwellings. Nothing in this subsection prohibits a local government from allowing middle housing types in addition to duplexes.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except within Tillamook County, this section does not apply to:

(A) Cities with a population of 1,000 or fewer, except inside of Tillamook County;

(B) Lands not within an urban growth boundary;

(C) Lands that are not incorporated and also lack sufficient urban services, as defined in ORS 195.065 (Agreements required) ; or

(D) Lands that are not incorporated and are zoned under an interim zoning designation that maintains the land’s potential for planned urban development.

(b) This section does not apply to lands that are not zoned for residential use, including lands zoned primarily for commercial, industrial, agricultural or public uses.

(5) Local governments may regulate siting and design of middle housing required to be permitted under this section, provided that the regulations do not, individually or cumulatively, discourage the development of all middle housing types permitted in the area through unreasonable costs or delay. Local governments may regulate middle housing to comply with protective measures adopted pursuant to statewide land use planning goals.

(6) This section does not prohibit local governments from permitting:

(a) Single-family dwellings in areas zoned to allow for single-family dwellings; or

(b) Middle housing in areas not required under this section.

(7) A local government that amends its comprehensive plan or land use regulations relating to allowing additional middle housing is not required to consider whether the amendments significantly affect an existing or planned transportation facility. [Formerly 197.758]

Note: Sections 3 and 4, chapter 639, Oregon Laws 2019, provide:

(a) June 30, 2021, for each city subject to ORS 197.758 (3) (2021 Edition);

(b) June 30, 2022, for each local government subject to ORS 197.758 (2) except as provided in paragraph (d) of this subsection;

(c) June 30, 2025, for each city subject to ORS 197.758 (3), as amended by section 20 of this 2023 Act; or

(d) July 1, 2025, for each city, as defined in ORS 197.758, in Tillamook County.

(2) The Land Conservation and Development Commission, with the assistance of the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, shall develop a model middle housing ordinance no later than December 31, 2020.

(3) A local government that has not acted within the time provided under subsection (1) of this section shall directly apply the model ordinance developed by the commission under subsection (2) of this section under ORS 197.646 (Implementation of new requirement in goal, rule or statute) (3) until the local government acts as described in subsection (1) of this section.

(4) In adopting regulations or amending a comprehensive plan under this section, a local government shall consider ways to increase the affordability of middle housing by considering ordinances and policies that include but are not limited to:

(a) Waiving or deferring system development charges;

(b) Adopting or amending criteria for property tax exemptions under ORS 307.515 (Definitions for ORS 307.515 to 307.523) to 307.523 (Application deadlines) , 307.540 (Definitions for ORS 307.540 to 307.548) to 307.548 (Termination of exemption) or 307.651 (Definitions for ORS 307.651 to 307.687) to 307.687 (Review of denial of application) or property tax freezes under ORS 308.450 (Definitions for ORS 308.450 to 308.481) to 308.481 (Extending deadline for completion of rehabilitation project) ; and

(c) Assessing a construction tax under ORS 320.192 (City or county ordinance or resolution to impose tax) and 320.195 (Deposit of revenues) . [2019 c.639 §3; 2023 c.223 §21; 2023 c.283 §3]

(2) An extension under this section may be applied only to specific areas where the local government has identified water, sewer, storm drainage or transportation services that are significantly deficient and for which the local government has established a plan of actions that will remedy the deficiency in those services that is approved by the department. The extension may not extend beyond the date that the local government intends to correct the deficiency under the plan.

(3) In areas where the extension under this section does not apply, the local government shall apply its own land use regulations consistent with section 3 (1), chapter 639, Oregon Laws 2019, or the model ordinance developed under section 3 (2), chapter 639, Oregon Laws 2019.

(4) A request for an extension by a local government must be filed with the department no later than:

(a) December 31, 2020, for a city subject to ORS 197.758 (3) (2021 Edition).

(b) June 30, 2021, for a local government subject to ORS 197.758 (2).

(c) June 30, 2024, for each city subject to ORS 197.758 (3), as amended by section 20 of this 2023 Act.

(5) The department shall grant or deny a request for an extension under this section:

(a) Within 90 days of receipt of a complete request from a city subject to ORS 197.758 (3).

(b) Within 120 days of receipt of a complete request from a local government subject to ORS 197.758 (2).

(6) The department shall adopt rules regarding the form and substance of a local government’s application for an extension under this section. The department may include rules regarding:

(a) Defining the affected areas;

(b) Calculating deficiencies of water, sewer, storm drainage or transportation services;

(c) Service deficiency levels required to qualify for the extension;

(d) The components and timing of a remediation plan necessary to qualify for an extension;

(e) Standards for evaluating applications; and

(f) Establishing deadlines and components for the approval of a plan of action. [2019 c.639 §4; 2023 c.223 §22]

Source: Section 197A.420 — Duplexes; middle housing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors197A.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 197.022 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 197 / Section 197.022
197.022 Policy regarding ORS 215.433 and 227.184
Status: repealed

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 (Supplemental application for remaining permitted uses following denial of initial application) and 227.184 (Supplemental application for remaining permitted uses following denial of initial application) . [1999 c.648 §5]

Note: 197.022 (Policy regarding ORS 215.433 and 227.184) 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.

Note: Sections 1, 2 and 5, chapter 217, Oregon Laws 2021, provide:

Sec. 1. Section 2 of this 2021 Act is added to and made a part of ORS chapter 197 [series became ORS chapters 197 and 197A]. [2021 c.217 §1]

Sec. 2. Restoration of uses destroyed by 2020 wildfires. (1) This section applies only to owners of properties on which structures or uses were destroyed or interrupted by a wildfire that was identified in an executive order issued by the Governor in accordance with the Emergency Conflagration Act under ORS 476.510 (Short title) to 476.610 (Payment of claims) between August 1 and September 30, 2020. The local government may alter, restore or replace such a use as provided in this section in lieu of another process.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a property owner may alter, restore or replace a nonresidential use without further application with the local government if:

(a) The use was allowed outright as an accessory use, without regard to whether the primary use was destroyed or was or will be restored;

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) The use was subject to a land use process; and

(B) A permit, including a conditional permit, was issued for the use notwithstanding any expiration of the permit or any subsequent changes to the law or process; or

(c) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) The use was established before a requirement that the use be subject to a land use process; and

(B) The replacement use conforms as nearly as practicable to records of the use with the county assessor, building permit information or other reliable records.

(3) The local government shall approve an application to alter, restore or replace a dwelling if the local government determines that the evidence in the record establishes that:

(a) The former dwelling:

(A) Had intact exterior walls and roof structure;

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

(C) Had interior wiring for interior lights;

(D) Had a heating system; and

(E) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(i) Was authorized by building permits or other regulatory approval process by the appropriate authority; or

(ii) Was assessed as a residential dwelling for purposes of ad valorem taxation for the tax year beginning July 1, 2001, and is not subject to unresolved enforcement proceedings questioning the lawfulness of the dwelling; and

(b) The proposed dwelling will:

(A) Not exceed the floor area of the destroyed dwelling by more than 10 percent;

(B) Be adequately served by water, sanitation and roads;

(C) Be located wholly or partially within the footprint of the destroyed dwelling unless the applicant chooses a different location within the same lot or parcel to comply with local flood regulations or to avoid a natural hazard area; and

(D) Comply with applicable building codes that were in effect on the later of:

(i) January 1, 2008; or

(ii) The date of the former dwelling’s construction.

(4) A local government may not add conditions to the approval or siting of a dwelling under subsection (3) of this section except as necessary to maintain participation in the National Flood Insurance Program under 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq. A local government may require that the property owner submit an application for a permit for the approval or siting of a nonresidential use only for the purpose of establishing such conditions that are necessary to maintain participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.

(5) A local government may delegate the approval of an application under subsection (3) of this section to:

(a) A hearings officer, as defined in ORS 215.402 (Definitions for ORS 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780) or 227.160 (Definitions for ORS 227.160 to 227.186) ;

(b) A planning commission, as described in ORS 215.020 (Authority to establish county planning commissions) ; or

(c) A building official, as defined in ORS 455.715 (Definitions for ORS 455.715 to 455.740) .

(6) The findings of the local government or its designee in approving an application under subsection (3) of this section is not a land use decision. The local government may not require an applicant give notice to any nonparty. The findings and conclusions of the local government are entitled to deference if there is any evidence to support the findings and are subject to review only under ORS 34.010 (Former writ of certiorari as writ of review) to 34.100 (Power of court on review) .

(7) If a local government determines based on the evidence in the record that the use legally existed, the local government may, through a land use decision, approve an application to alter, restore or replace a use for which a land use application, building permit or other regulatory approval was required but record of the approval is unavailable for:

(a) A dwelling built after January 1, 2001, that complies with subsection (3)(a)(A) to (D) and (b) of this section; or

(b) A nonresidential use or structure.

(8) An application under this section must be filed on or before September 30, 2025.

(9) For applications described in subsection (3) of this section, the amount of time during which an applicant is permitted to occupy a recreational vehicle under ORS 197.493 (Placement and occupancy of recreational vehicle) (1)(b)(C) is extended to December 30, 2030.

(10) An approval of an application under this section expires only if the property owner has not commenced development of the structure or use on or before December 30, 2030. [2021 c.217 §2; 2021 c.520 §3; 2023 c.327 §2]

Sec. 5. Sections 2 and 4 of this 2021 Act are repealed on January 2, 2031. [2021 c.217 §5]

Source: Section 197.022 — Policy regarding ORS 215.433 and 227.184 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors197.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 192.275 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 192 / Section 192.275
192.275 Notice when report required
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 192.230 (Definitions for ORS 192.235 to 192.245) to 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , if any state or federal law requires a state agency to send, mail or submit a report to the public, the state agency may meet this requirement by mailing notice of the report to the public. The notice shall state that if the recipient returns an attached or enclosed postcard to the state agency, the state agency will supply a copy of the report. The postcard may contain a checkoff to indicate whether the person wants to continue receiving a copy of complete reports. [1993 c.181 §2]

Note: See note under 192.270 (Definitions for ORS 192.270 and 192.275) .

Source: Section 192.275 — Notice when report required; content; effect , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors192.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 194.305 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 194 / Section 194.305
194.305 Notification regarding performance of notarial act with respect to electronic records
Status: in_force

(1) A notary public may select one or more tamper-evident technologies to perform notarial acts with respect to electronic records. A person may not require a notary public to perform a notarial act with respect to an electronic record with a technology that the notary public has not selected.

(2) Before a notary public performs the notary public’s initial notarial act with respect to an electronic record, a notary public shall notify the Secretary of State that the notary public will be performing notarial acts with respect to electronic records and identify the technology the notary public intends to use. If the Secretary of State, by rule, has established standards pursuant to ORS 194.360 (Rules) for approval of technology, the technology must conform to the standards. If the technology conforms to the standards, the Secretary of State shall approve the use of the technology.

(3) A county clerk may accept for recording a tangible copy of an electronic record containing a notarial certificate as satisfying any requirement that a record accepted for recording be an original, if the notarial officer executing the notarial certificate certifies that the tangible copy is an accurate copy of the electronic record. [2013 c.219 §19; 2020 s.s.1 c.12 §§25,26; 2021 c.344 §3]

Source: Section 194.305 — Notification regarding performance of notarial act with respect to electronic records; selection of technology; acceptance of tangible copy of electronic record , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors194.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 190.520 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 190 / Section 190.520
190.520 Annual estimate of population of cities and counties by Portland State University
Status: in_force

(1) Portland State University shall:

(a) Annually estimate the population as of July 1 of each city and county within the state and no later than December 15 of each year prepare a certificate of population showing the university’s estimate of the population of each city and county within the state as of July 1. The university’s estimate may be based upon statistical or other pertinent data or upon an actual count. The certificate shall also indicate the results of any enumeration of cities or annexed areas made after July 1.

(b) Annually estimate the number of persons between the ages of 4 and 20 who resided in each county as of October 25. The university shall certify such estimate to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and to the executive officer of the administrative office of each county, as defined in ORS 328.001 (Definitions for chapter) , by January 1 of each year.

(c) Upon an official request from a city, county, political subdivision, public corporation or state agency, cause to be conducted at the expense of the requesting party an actual count of the population of the area specified in the request and prepare a certificate of population based upon such count.

(d) Upon the incorporation of a city, cause to be conducted at the expense of the city an actual count of the population of the city. The university shall prepare a certificate of population based upon such count. If the election of officers of the newly incorporated city is held 40 days or more before the end of the calendar quarter, the certificate shall be prepared before the end of the calendar quarter. If the election is held less than 40 days before the end of the calendar quarter, the certificate shall be prepared before the end of the calendar quarter next following the election.

(2) All certificates prepared under this section shall be filed with the Portland State University Population Research Center. [Formerly 221.850; 1963 c.312 §1; 1971 c.294 §11; 1993 c.98 §12; 2003 c.14 §89; 2007 c.71 §62; 2013 c.768 §106b]

Source: Section 190.520 — Annual estimate of population of cities and counties by Portland State University; actual count , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors190.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 197.622 — OR Code / Title 19 / Chapter 197 / Section 197.622
197.622 Amendments to acknowledged comprehensive plan or land use regulation after remand from Land Use Board of Appeals
Status: in_force

When a local government adopts a change to an acknowledged comprehensive plan or land use regulation, and the Land Use Board of Appeals remands all or a portion of that decision based solely on inadequate findings or evidence, if the local government adopts the same changes following remand with revised findings and additional evidence responding to the remand, then a party may not raise new issues that could have been but were not previously raised before the board, but may only challenge the revised findings or additional evidence. [2023 c.551 §2]

Source: Section 197.622 — Amendments to acknowledged comprehensive plan or land use regulation after remand from Land Use Board of Appeals , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors197.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).