ORS § 215.130 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.130
215.130 Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan
Status: repealed

(1) Any legislative ordinance relating to land use planning or zoning shall be a local law within the meaning of, and subject to, ORS 250.155 (Application of ORS 250.165 to 250.235) to 250.235 (Retention of petition materials) .

(2) An ordinance designed to carry out a county comprehensive plan and a county comprehensive plan shall apply to:

(a) The area within the county also within the boundaries of a city as a result of extending the boundaries of the city or creating a new city unless, or until the city has by ordinance or other provision provided otherwise; and

(b) The area within the county also within the boundaries of a city if the governing body of such city adopts an ordinance declaring the area within its boundaries subject to the county’s land use planning and regulatory ordinances, officers and procedures and the county governing body consents to the conferral of jurisdiction.

(3) An area within the jurisdiction of city land use planning and regulatory provisions that is withdrawn from the city or an area within a city that disincorporates shall remain subject to such plans and regulations which shall be administered by the county until the county provides otherwise.

(4) County ordinances designed to implement a county comprehensive plan shall apply to publicly owned property.

(5) The lawful use of any building, structure or land at the time of the enactment or amendment of any zoning ordinance or regulation may be continued. Alteration of any such use may be permitted subject to subsection (9) of this section. Alteration of any such use shall be permitted when necessary to comply with any lawful requirement for alteration in the use. Except as provided in ORS 215.215 (Reestablishment of nonfarm use) , a county shall not place conditions upon the continuation or alteration of a use described under this subsection when necessary to comply with state or local health or safety requirements, or to maintain in good repair the existing structures associated with the use. A change of ownership or occupancy shall be permitted.

(6) Restoration or replacement of any use described in subsection (5) of this section may be permitted when the restoration or replacement is made necessary by fire, other casualty or natural disaster. Restoration or replacement must be commenced within one year from the occurrence of the fire, casualty or natural disaster. If restoration or replacement is necessary under this subsection, restoration or replacement must be done in compliance with ORS 195.260 (Duties of local governments, state agencies and landowners in landslide hazard areas) (1)(c).

(7) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Any use described in subsection (5) of this section may not be resumed after a period of interruption or abandonment unless the resumed use conforms with the requirements of zoning ordinances or regulations applicable at the time of the proposed resumption.

(b) Notwithstanding any local ordinance, a surface mining use continued under subsection (5) of this section is not considered interrupted or abandoned for any period after July 1, 1972, provided:

(A) The owner or operator was issued and continuously renewed a state or local surface mining permit, or received and maintained a state or local exemption from surface mining regulation; and

(B) The surface mining use was not inactive for a period of 12 consecutive years or more.

(c) For purposes of paragraph (b) of this subsection, “inactive” means no aggregate materials were excavated, crushed, removed, stockpiled or sold by the owner or operator of the surface mine.

(d) A use continued under subsection (5) of this section is not considered interrupted or abandoned for any period while a federal, state or local emergency order temporarily limits or prohibits the use or the restoration or replacement of the use.

(8) Any proposal for the verification or alteration of a use under subsection (5) of this section, except an alteration necessary to comply with a lawful requirement, for the restoration or replacement of a use under subsection (6) of this section or for the resumption of a use under subsection (7) of this section shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 215.416 (Permit application) . An initial decision by the county or its designate on a proposal for the alteration of a use described in subsection (5) of this section shall be made as an administrative decision without public hearing in the manner provided in ORS 215.416 (Permit application) (11).

(9) As used in this section, “alteration” of a nonconforming use includes:

(a) A change in the use of no greater adverse impact to the neighborhood; and

(b) A change in the structure or physical improvements of no greater adverse impact to the neighborhood.

(10) A local government may adopt standards and procedures to implement the provisions of this section. The standards and procedures may include but are not limited to the following:

(a) For purposes of verifying a use under subsection (5) of this section, a county may adopt procedures that allow an applicant for verification to prove the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use only for the 10-year period immediately preceding the date of application. Evidence proving the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use for the 10-year period preceding application creates a rebuttable presumption that the use, as proven, lawfully existed at the time the applicable zoning ordinance or regulation was adopted and has continued uninterrupted until the date of application.

(b) Establishing criteria to determine when a use has been interrupted or abandoned under subsection (7) of this section.

(c) Conditioning approval of the alteration of a use in a manner calculated to ensure mitigation of adverse impacts as described in subsection (9) of this section.

(11) For purposes of verifying a use under subsection (5) of this section, a county may not require an applicant for verification to prove the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use for a period exceeding 20 years immediately preceding the date of application. [Amended by 1961 c.607 §2; 1963 c.577 §4; 1963 c.619 §9; 1969 c.460 §1; 1973 c.503 §2; 1977 c.766 §5; 1979 c.190 §406; 1979 c.610 §1; 1993 c.792 §52; 1997 c.394 §1; 1999 c.353 §1; 1999 c.458 §1; 1999 c.1103 §10; 2021 c.25 §3]

(Temporary provisions relating to restoration or replacement of uses lost to 2020 wildfires)

Note: Sections 5 and 6, chapter 25, Oregon Laws 2021, provide:

Sec. 5. Restoration or replacement of a use under ORS 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) (5) or under city land use regulations that allow the restoration or reestablishment of a nonconforming use, including under section 2 of this 2021 Act [ 227.283 (Regulations applicable to resumption of nonconforming uses) ], must commence no later than September 30, 2025, notwithstanding the time limitation under ORS 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) (6) or any other local land use regulation if the restoration is for uses that between September 1 and September 30, 2020, were damaged or destroyed by wildfires that were:

(1) The subject of a federal or state major disaster declaration; or

(2) Subject to a Governor’s executive order invocating the Emergency Conflagration Act under ORS 476.510 (Short title) to 476.610 (Payment of claims) . [2021 c.25 §5]

Sec. 6. Section 5 of this 2021 Act is repealed January 2, 2026. [2021 c.25 §6]

Source: Section 215.130 — Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan; alteration of nonconforming use , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 208.030 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 208 / Section 208.030
208.030 Redemption of county orders
Status: in_force

County orders shall be redeemed by the treasurer according to the priority of the time of presentment. Such orders, payable out of the county revenue, shall be received in payment of county taxes without any regard to priority of presentment or number, but the treasurer shall not pay any balance thereon over and above such tax when there are outstanding orders unpaid for want of funds.

Source: Section 208.030 — Redemption of county orders , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors208.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.203 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.203
215.203 Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones
Status: in_force

(1) Zoning ordinances may be adopted to zone designated areas of land within the county as exclusive farm use zones. Land within such zones shall be used exclusively for farm use except as otherwise provided in ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) , 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) or 215.284 (Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use) . Farm use zones shall be established only when such zoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) As used in this section, “farm use” means the current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by raising, harvesting and selling crops or the feeding, breeding, management and sale of, or the produce of, livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or honeybees or for dairying and the sale of dairy products or any other agricultural or horticultural use or animal husbandry or any combination thereof. “Farm use” includes the preparation, storage and disposal by marketing or otherwise of the products or by-products raised on such land for human or animal use. “Farm use” also includes the current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by stabling or training equines including but not limited to providing riding lessons, training clinics and schooling shows. “Farm use” also includes the propagation, cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of aquatic, bird and animal species that are under the jurisdiction of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, to the extent allowed by the rules adopted by the commission. “Farm use” includes the on-site construction and maintenance of equipment and facilities used for the activities described in this subsection. “Farm use” does not include the use of land subject to the provisions of ORS chapter 321, except land used exclusively for growing cultured Christmas trees or land described in ORS 321.267 (Lands not eligible for special assessment) (3) or 321.824 (Lands not eligible for special assessment) (3).

(b) As used in this subsection, “current employment” of land for farm use includes:

(A) Farmland, the operation or use of which is subject to any farm-related government program;

(B) Land lying fallow for one year as a normal and regular requirement of good agricultural husbandry;

(C) Land planted in orchards or other perennials, other than land specified in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, prior to maturity;

(D) Land not in an exclusive farm use zone which has not been eligible for assessment at special farm use value in the year prior to planting the current crop and has been planted in orchards, cultured Christmas trees or vineyards for at least three years;

(E) Wasteland, in an exclusive farm use zone, dry or covered with water, neither economically tillable nor grazeable, lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership with a farm use land and which is not currently being used for any economic farm use;

(F) Except for land under a single family dwelling, land under buildings supporting accepted farm practices, including the processing facilities allowed by ORS 215.255 (Farm product processing facility) and the processing of farm crops into biofuel as commercial activities in conjunction with farm use under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (2)(c) and 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2)(a);

(G) Water impoundments lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership with farm use land;

(H) Any land constituting a woodlot, not to exceed 20 acres, contiguous to and owned by the owner of land specially valued for farm use even if the land constituting the woodlot is not utilized in conjunction with farm use;

(I) Land lying idle for no more than one year where the absence of farming activity is due to the illness of the farmer or member of the farmer’s immediate family. For purposes of this paragraph, illness includes injury or infirmity whether or not such illness results in death;

(J) Any land described under ORS 321.267 (Lands not eligible for special assessment) (3) or 321.824 (Lands not eligible for special assessment) (3); and

(K) Land used for the processing of farm crops into biofuel, as defined in ORS 315.141 (Biomass production or collection) , if:

(i) Only the crops of the landowner are being processed;

(ii) The biofuel from all of the crops purchased for processing into biofuel is used on the farm of the landowner; or

(iii) The landowner is custom processing crops into biofuel from other landowners in the area for their use or sale.

(c) As used in this subsection, “accepted farm practice” means a mode of operation that is common to farms of a similar nature, necessary for the operation of such farms to obtain a profit in money, and customarily utilized in conjunction with farm use.

(d) As used in this subsection, “cultured Christmas trees” means trees:

(A) Grown on lands used exclusively for that purpose, capable of preparation by intensive cultivation methods such as plowing or turning over the soil;

(B) Of a marketable species;

(C) Managed to meet U.S. No. 2 or better standards for Christmas trees as specified by the Agriculture Marketing Services of the United States Department of Agriculture; and

(D) Evidencing periodic maintenance practices of shearing for Douglas fir and pine species, weed and brush control and one or more of the following practices: Basal pruning, fertilizing, insect and disease control, stump culture, soil cultivation or irrigation. [1963 c.577 §2; 1963 c.619 §1(2), (3); 1967 c.386 §1; 1973 c.503 §3; 1975 c.210 §1; 1977 c.766 §7; 1977 c.893 §17a; 1979 c.480 §1; 1981 c.804 §73; 1983 c.826 §18; 1985 c.604 §2; 1987 c.305 §4; 1989 c.653 §1; 1989 c.887 §7; 1991 c.459 §344; 1991 c.714 §4; 1993 c.704 §1; 1995 c.79 §75; 1995 c.211 §1; 1997 c.862 §1; 2001 c.613 §18; 2003 c.454 §117; 2003 c.621 §67a; 2005 c.354 §1; 2007 c.739 §34; 2009 c.850 §4; 2012 c.74 §1; 2019 c.410 §3]

Source: Section 215.203 — Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones; definitions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.799 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.799
215.799 Location of dwellings on wildlife habitat land
Status: in_force

(1) New and existing dwellings may be allowed on a lot or parcel subject to wildlife habitat special assessment under ORS 308A.403 (Legislative intent) to 308A.430 (Disqualification from special assessment) as follows:

(a) Lawfully existing dwellings, pursuant to ORS 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) (5) to (11), may remain.

(b) For a lot or parcel without an existing dwelling, dwellings may be allowed if each dwelling for which the landowner seeks approval complies with all applicable requirements under the county’s acknowledged zoning ordinance.

(2) The fact that a lot or parcel is subject to wildlife habitat special assessment may not make it easier or more difficult for a landowner to obtain approval for a dwelling on the lot or parcel. [2003 c.539 §14; 2005 c.94 §1]

Note: 215.799 (Location of dwellings on wildlife habitat land) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 215.799 — Location of dwellings on wildlife habitat land , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.330 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.330
201.330 Wasco County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Wasco County is as follows: Beginning at a point on the boundary of the state opposite the meander corner between sections 3 and 4, township 2 north, range 11 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence running south along the section line between sections 3 and 4, and along such line extended southerly along section lines to a point on the Willamette Base Line at the southeast corner of section 33, township 1 north, range 11 east of Willamette Meridian; thence westerly along the base line to the northeast corner of township 1 south, range 10 east of Willamette Meridian; thence south along the township lines to the southeast corner of township 3 south, range 10 east of Willamette Meridian; thence westerly along the south line of township 3 south, range 10 east, and such line extended along the south side of township 3 south, range 9 east of the Willamette Meridian, to the summit of the Cascade Range; thence southerly along the summit of the Cascade Range to the projection westerly of the township line between townships 8 and 9 south of the Willamette Base; thence easterly along the projection and along the township line between townships 8 and 9 south to the intersection of the township line with the main channel of the John Day River; thence in a generally northerly direction along the main channel of the John Day River to the point of intersection of the main channel with the township line between townships 5 and 6 south of the Willamette Base; thence westerly along the south township line of township 5 south to the middle of Buck Hollow; thence down the middle of Buck Hollow to the intersection of Buck Creek and the main channel of the Deschutes River; thence down the main channel of the Deschutes River to a point on the boundary of the state opposite the mouth of the Deschutes River; thence in a general westerly direction along the boundary of the state to the place of beginning. [Amended by 1967 c.421 §196]

Source: Section 201.330 — Wasco County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.448 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.448
215.448 Home occupations
Status: in_force

(1) The governing body of a county or its designate may allow, subject to the approval of the governing body or its designate, the establishment of a home occupation and the parking of vehicles in any zone. However, in an exclusive farm use zone, forest zone or a mixed farm and forest zone that allows residential uses, the following standards apply to the home occupation:

(a) It shall be operated by a resident or employee of a resident of the property on which the business is located;

(b) It shall employ on the site no more than five full-time or part-time persons;

(c) It shall be operated substantially in:

(A) The dwelling; or

(B) Other buildings normally associated with uses permitted in the zone in which the property is located; and

(d) It shall not unreasonably interfere with other uses permitted in the zone in which the property is located.

(2) The governing body of the county or its designate may establish additional reasonable conditions of approval for the establishment of a home occupation under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Nothing in this section authorizes the governing body or its designate to permit construction of any structure that would not otherwise be allowed in the zone in which the home occupation is to be established.

(4) The existence of home occupations shall not be used as justification for a zone change. [1983 c.743 §2; 1995 c.465 §1]

Source: Section 215.448 — Home occupations; parking; where allowed; conditions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 210.220 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 210 / Section 210.220
210.220 System of accounts and statements
Status: in_force

A county accountant shall establish a standard system of keeping accounts and a uniform method of statements for the same. The books of the accountant shall at all times be subject to the inspection of the board of county commissioners, or any member thereof, and of the grand jury, or to any person or persons appointed by the board or by the grand jury to examine the same. [Amended by 1981 c.216 §12; 1983 c.310 §13]

Source: Section 210.220 — System of accounts and statements; inspection of books , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors210.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 204.065 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 204 / Section 204.065
204.065 Appointment of county judge pro tem
Status: in_force

Whenever because of illness or injury an elected county judge is incapacitated and unable to perform the duties of office, and such facts are made to appear by the affidavit of one or more physicians, licensed to practice in this state, filed in the office of the Secretary of State, the Governor shall appoint some competent and qualified person county judge pro tem, who shall serve until the termination of the incapacity of the elected county judge has been evidenced in the same manner as the incapacity was originally evidenced, or until the expiration of the term of office, whichever shall first occur, or until the appointment may be revoked for cause by the Governor. Such appointment shall not vacate the office of the elected county judge nor discontinue the salary of the elected county judge.

Source: Section 204.065 — Appointment of county judge pro tem , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors204.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 209.130 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 209 / Section 209.130
209.130 Establishment of corners
Status: in_force

(1) In the establishment or reestablishment of a public land survey corner, the county surveyor shall set a monument of durable quality. When a monument cannot be set at the exact corner position or it is not practicable to set a monument, then a witness corner monument shall be set.

(2) Section corners, Donation Land Claim corners, center corners and quarter-section corners shall be witnessed by at least four references. Meander corners, angle point corners or other approved public land survey corners shall be witnessed by at least two references. References shall be of durable quality. All references shall be carefully described, and their bearings and distances noted in the report or on the survey.

(3) For the purpose of providing an additional reference, the county surveyor may, when maintaining or reestablishing survey corners, establish coordinates on public land survey corners using the Oregon Coordinate System, pursuant to ORS 93.312 (Oregon Coordinate System) , or another coordinate system, adopted by the appropriate public agency, that can be referenced directly to a geodetic control monument. [Amended by 1979 c.653 §8; 1989 c.394 §10; 2001 c.391 §1; 2005 c.230 §4; 2011 c.179 §2]

Source: Section 209.130 — Establishment of corners; references; additional reference using coordinate system , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors209.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.090 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.090
201.090 Deschutes County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Deschutes County is as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of township 22 south, range 23 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence westerly along township lines to the summit of the Cascade Range; thence northerly along the summit of the Cascade Range to the line between township 13 and 14 south; thence easterly along such township line to the northeast corner of township 14 south, range 13 east; thence southerly along the east line of range 13 east to the southwest corner of township 16 south, range 14 east; thence easterly to the southeast corner of such township; thence southerly along the range line to the southwest corner of township 18 south, range 15 east; thence easterly along township lines to the northwest corner of township 19 south, range 17 east; thence southerly to the southwest corner of such township; thence easterly to the northeast corner of township 20 south, range 19 east; thence southerly to the southeast corner of such township; thence easterly to the northeast corner of township 21 south, range 20 east; thence southerly to the southeast corner of such township; thence easterly to the range line between ranges 23 and 24 east; thence southerly along such range line to the place of beginning.

Source: Section 201.090 — Deschutes County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.454 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.454
215.454 Lawful continuation of certain winery-related uses or structures
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A use or structure in an area zoned for exclusive farm use that exists on June 28, 2011, may be lawfully continued, altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) if the use or structure is located on the same tract, as defined in ORS 215.010 (Definitions) , as a winery established under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (1)(p) or 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (1)(n) that produced more than 250,000 gallons of wine in calendar year 2010.

(b) This subsection does not affect the lawful continuation, alteration, restoration or expansion of the winery sited on the same tract.

(2) A winery established under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (1)(p) or 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (1)(n) that produced more than 150,000 gallons and not more than 250,000 gallons of wine in calendar year 2010 does not require a permit under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (2)(c) or 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2)(a). However, the winery must comply with all provisions of ORS 215.452 (Winery) except the annual production requirements.

(3) A use or structure that is lawfully established at a winery located in an exclusive farm use zone and that exists on August 2, 2011, including events and activities that exceed the income limit imposed by ORS 215.452 (Winery) , may be continued, altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) .

(4) Subsection (3) of this section does not affect the lawful continuation, alteration, restoration or replacement of the winery sited on the same tract.

(5) A use or structure that is lawfully established at a winery located in an exclusive farm use zone and that exists on June 28, 2013, including events and activities that exceed the income limit imposed by ORS 215.452 (Winery) , may be continued, altered, restored or replaced pursuant to ORS 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) .

(6) Subsection (5) of this section does not affect the lawful continuation, alteration, restoration or replacement of the winery sited on the same tract. [2011 c.567 §6; subsections (3) and (4) of 2013 Edition enacted as 2011 c.679 §6; subsections (5) and (6) of 2013 Edition enacted as 2013 c.554 §5]

Note: 215.454 (Lawful continuation of certain winery-related uses or structures) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 215.454 — Lawful continuation of certain winery-related uses or structures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.090 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.090
215.090 Information made available to commission
Status: in_force

Public officials, departments and agencies, having information, maps or other data deemed by the planning commission pertinent to county planning shall make such information available for the use of the commission. [Amended by 1977 c.766 §3]

Source: Section 215.090 — Information made available to commission , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 205.130 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 205 / Section 205.130
205.130 Recording duties of county clerk
Status: in_force

The county clerk shall:

(1) Have the custody of, and safely keep and preserve, all files and records of deeds and mortgages of real property and a record of all maps, plats, contracts, powers of attorney and other interests affecting the title to real property required or permitted by law to be recorded.

(2) Record, or cause to be recorded, in a legible and permanent manner, and keep in the office of the county clerk, all:

(a) Deeds and mortgages of real property, powers of attorney and contracts affecting the title to real property, authorized by law to be recorded, assignments thereof and of any interest therein when properly acknowledged or proved and other interests affecting the title to real property required or permitted by law to be recorded;

(b) Certificates of sale of real property under execution or order of court, or assignments of previously recorded certificates or of any interest in real property, when properly acknowledged or proved;

(c) Certified copies of death records of any person appearing in the county records as owning or having a claim or interest in land in the county. A certified copy of a death record recorded in the deed records of a county under this subsection is a public record and is not subject to the disclosure limitations under ORS 432.350 (Vital records exempt from public disclosure) ;

(d) Instruments presented for recording by the United States or the State of Oregon, or a political subdivision of either, that affect title to or an interest in real property or that lawfully concern real property; and

(e) Instruments recognized under state law or rule or federal law or regulation as affecting title to or an interest in real property if the instrument is properly acknowledged or proved.

(3) Keep and maintain:

(a) Deed and mortgage records;

(b) Statutory lien records;

(c) A record called the County Clerk Lien Record in which the following shall be recorded:

(A) The warrants and orders of officers and agencies that are required or permitted by law to be recorded; and

(B) All instruments presented for recordation when required or permitted by law to be recorded that affect the title to or an interest in real property, other than instruments recorded in the deed and mortgage records or the statutory lien records;

(d) Releases, satisfactions, assignments, amendments and modifications of recorded instruments; and

(e) Other instruments required or permitted by law to be recorded not affecting interests in real property.

(4) Perform all the duties in regard to the recording and indexing of deeds and mortgages of real property, contracts, abstracts of judgments, notices of pendency, powers of attorney and other interests when required or permitted by law to be recorded that affect the title of real property, and in regard to the entry of satisfaction and discharge of the same, together with other documents required or permitted by law to be recorded.

(5) Incur no civil or criminal liability, either personally or in an official capacity, for recording an instrument that does not comply with the provisions of law that require or allow the recording of the instrument. [Amended by 1983 c.696 §8a; 1983 c.709 §43; 1983 c.763 §63; 1985 c.471 §16; 1987 c.215 §22; 1987 c.586 §31; 1989 c.171 §28; 1989 c.179 §1; 1989 c.618 §11; 1989 c.706 §§1,2; 1989 c.738 §15; 1989 c.764 §4; 1989 c.795 §3; 1989 c.841 §10; 1989 c.1035 §4; 1991 c.230 §12; 1993 c.321 §2; 1999 c.654 §14a; 1999 c.710 §9; 2001 c.713 §2; 2007 c.30 §12; 2013 c.366 §71; 2015 c.168 §5; 2021 c.592 §42]

Source: Section 205.130 — Recording duties of county clerk , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors205.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 204.635 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 204 / Section 204.635
204.635 Deputy sheriffs
Status: in_force

(1) A sheriff’s deputies shall be appointed by the sheriff in writing and continue during the pleasure of the sheriff. The sheriff of any county may appoint deputies in the county for the purpose only, and with authority only, to receive and serve summons and civil process in any suit or action. A certified copy of the appointment of a deputy sheriff shall be filed with the county clerk, and the person appointed shall, before entering upon the duties of the office, take and file with the county clerk the oath of office.

(2) A sheriff may also, by special written appointment, authorize any other person to do any particular act. A certified copy of such appointment shall be filed with the county clerk, unless indorsed upon the process, order or other paper so authorized to be served or executed.

(3) A deputy has the power to perform any act or duty that the principal has, and a person specially appointed to do a particular act has the same power in relation to the particular act authorized. The principal is responsible for the conduct of such deputy or person specially appointed except as provided in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) In counties having a civil service system covering deputy sheriffs, the sheriff shall not be responsible for the conduct of deputy sheriffs or persons specially appointed as provided in subsection (2) of this section. [Amended by 1963 c.331 §12]

Source: Section 204.635 — Deputy sheriffs; special appointments; authority of deputy; liability of sheriff for certain deputies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors204.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.055 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.055
203.055 Elector approval of taxation related ordinance
Status: in_force

Any ordinance, adopted by a county governing body under ORS 203.035 (Power of county governing body or electors over matters of county concern) and imposing, or providing an exemption from, taxation shall receive the approval of the electors of the county before taking effect. [1973 c.282 §6; 1975 c.736 §3; 2013 c.753 §§11,12]

Source: Section 203.055 — Elector approval of taxation related ordinance , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 208.010 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 208 / Section 208.010
208.010 Receipt and disbursement of moneys
Status: in_force

The county treasurer shall receive all moneys due and accruing to the county, and disburse the same on the proper orders, issued and attested by the county clerk.

Source: Section 208.010 — Receipt and disbursement of moneys , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors208.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 205.510 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 205 / Section 205.510
205.510 County clerk not to act or have partner acting as attorney
Status: in_force

(1) No county clerk shall during the term of office of that clerk institute or assist in instituting any suit, action or probate proceeding in any court of which the clerk is an officer, act as an attorney or counselor with or without hire in any such suit, action or proceeding, or have a partner who shall act as an attorney in any of such proceedings.

(2) The county clerk of Multnomah County and the deputies of the clerk are prohibited from practicing or having a partner practicing as an attorney-at-law, while in office.

Source: Section 205.510 — County clerk not to act or have partner acting as attorney , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors205.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.190 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.190
215.190 Violation of ordinances or regulations
Status: in_force

No person shall locate, construct, maintain, repair, alter, or use a building or other structure or use or transfer land in violation of an ordinance or regulation authorized by ORS 215.010 (Definitions) to 215.190 (Violation of ordinances or regulations) and 215.402 (Definitions for ORS 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780) to 215.438 (Transmission towers) . [1955 c.439 §9; 1963 c.619 §13]

Source: Section 215.190 — Violation of ordinances or regulations , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.495 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.495
215.495 Accessory dwelling units
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Accessory dwelling unit” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.501 (Conversion of historic homes to accessory dwelling units) .

(b) “Area zoned for rural residential use” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.501 (Conversion of historic homes to accessory dwelling units) .

(c) “Single-family dwelling” has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.501 (Conversion of historic homes to accessory dwelling units) .

(2) Consistent with a county’s comprehensive plan, a county may allow an owner of a lot or parcel within an area zoned for rural residential use to construct one accessory dwelling unit on the lot or parcel, provided:

(a) The lot or parcel is not located within an area designated as an urban reserve as defined in ORS 197A.230 (Definitions for ORS 197A.230 to 197A.250) ;

(b) The lot or parcel is at least two acres in size;

(c) One single-family dwelling is sited on the lot or parcel;

(d) The existing single-family dwelling property on the lot or parcel is not subject to an order declaring it a nuisance or subject to any pending action under ORS 105.550 (Definitions for ORS 105.550 to 105.600) to 105.600 (ORS 105.550 to 105.600 not to limit authority of cities or counties to further restrict activities) ;

(e) The accessory dwelling unit will comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to sanitation and wastewater disposal and treatment;

(f) The accessory dwelling unit will not include more than 900 square feet of usable floor area;

(g) The accessory dwelling unit will be located no farther than 100 feet from the existing single-family dwelling;

(h) If the water supply source for the accessory dwelling unit or associated lands or gardens will be a well using water under ORS 537.545 (Exempt uses) (1)(b) or (d), no portion of the lot or parcel is within an area in which new or existing ground water uses under ORS 537.545 (Exempt uses) (1)(b) or (d) have been restricted by the Water Resources Commission;

(i) No portion of the lot or parcel is within a designated area of critical state concern;

(j) The lot or parcel is served by a fire protection service provider with professionals who have received training or certification described in ORS 181A.410 (Minimum standards and training for certification) ;

(k) If the lot or parcel is in an area identified on the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490 (Statewide wildfire hazard map) as within the wildland-urban interface, the lot or parcel and accessory dwelling unit comply with any applicable minimum defensible space requirements for wildfire risk reduction established by the State Fire Marshal under ORS 476.392 (Minimum defensible space requirements) and any applicable local requirements for defensible space established by a local government pursuant to ORS 476.392 (Minimum defensible space requirements) ;

(L) The accessory dwelling unit complies with the construction provisions of section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, if:

(A) The lot or parcel is in an area identified as a high wildfire hazard zone on the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490 (Statewide wildfire hazard map) ; or

(B) No statewide wildfire hazard map has been adopted; and

(m) The county has adopted land use regulations that ensure that:

(A) The accessory dwelling unit has adequate setbacks from adjacent lands zoned for resource use;

(B) The accessory dwelling unit has adequate access for firefighting equipment, safe evacuation and staged evacuation areas; and

(C) If the accessory dwelling unit is not in an area identified on the statewide wildfire hazard map described in ORS 477.490 (Statewide wildfire hazard map) as within the wildland-urban interface, the accessory dwelling unit complies with the provisions of this section and any applicable local requirements for defensible space established by a local government pursuant to ORS 476.392 (Minimum defensible space requirements) .

(3) A county may not allow an accessory dwelling unit allowed under this section to be used for vacation occupancy, as defined in ORS 90.100 (Definitions) .

(4) A county that allows construction of an accessory dwelling unit under this section may not approve:

(a) A subdivision, partition or other division of the lot or parcel so that the existing single-family dwelling is situated on a different lot or parcel than the accessory dwelling unit.

(b) Construction of an additional accessory dwelling unit on the same lot or parcel.

(5) A county may require that an accessory dwelling unit constructed under this section be served by the same water supply source or water supply system as the existing single-family dwelling, provided such use is allowed for the accessory dwelling unit by an existing water right or a use under ORS 537.545 (Exempt uses) . If the accessory dwelling unit is served by a well, the construction of the accessory dwelling unit shall maintain all setbacks from the well required by the Water Resources Commission or Water Resources Department.

(6) An existing single-family dwelling and an accessory dwelling unit allowed under this section are considered a single unit for the purposes of calculating exemptions under ORS 537.545 (Exempt uses) (1).

(7) Nothing in this section requires a county to allow any accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for rural residential use or prohibits a county from imposing any additional restrictions on accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for rural residential use, including restrictions on the construction of garages and outbuildings that support an accessory dwelling unit. [2021 c.396 §2; 2022 c.85 §5; 2023 c.76 §1; 2023 c.611 §9]

Source: Section 215.495 — Accessory dwelling units , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.284 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.284
215.284 Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use
Status: in_force

(1) In the Willamette Valley, a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(a) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(b) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel that is predominantly composed of Class IV through Class VIII soils that would not, when irrigated, be classified as prime, unique, Class I or Class II soils;

(c) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel created before January 1, 1993;

(d) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; and

(e) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(2) In counties not described in subsection (1) of this section, a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(a) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(b) The dwelling is situated upon a lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel that is generally unsuitable land for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species, considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage and flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel may not be considered unsuitable solely because of size or location if it can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land;

(c) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel created before January 1, 1993;

(d) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; and

(e) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(3) In counties in western Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.257 (Definitions for ORS 321.257 to 321.390) , not described in subsection (4) of this section, a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(a) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(b) The dwelling is situated upon a lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel that is generally unsuitable land for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species, considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage and flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A lot or parcel or portion of a lot or parcel may not be considered unsuitable solely because of size or location if it can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land;

(c) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel created after January 1, 1993, as allowed under ORS 215.263 (Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones) (4);

(d) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; and

(e) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) In the Willamette Valley, a lot or parcel allowed under paragraph (b) of this subsection for a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to approval of the governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that the originating lot or parcel is equal to or larger than the applicable minimum lot or parcel size and:

(A) Is not stocked to the requirements under ORS 527.610 (Short title) to 527.770 (Good faith compliance with best management practices not violation of water quality standards) ;

(B) Is composed of at least 95 percent Class VI through Class VIII soils; and

(C) Is composed of at least 95 percent soils not capable of producing 50 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber.

(b) Any parcel to be created for a dwelling from the originating lot or parcel described in paragraph (a) of this subsection will not be smaller than 20 acres.

(c) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling allowed under this subsection will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use.

(d) The dwelling allowed under this subsection will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area.

(e) The dwelling allowed under this subsection complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary.

(5) No final approval of a nonfarm use under this section shall be given unless any additional taxes imposed upon the change in use have been paid.

(6) If a single-family dwelling is established on a lot or parcel as set forth in ORS 215.705 (Dwellings in farm or forest zone) to 215.750 (Alternative forestland dwelling) , no additional dwelling may later be sited under subsection (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) of this section.

(7) In counties in eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.805 (Definitions for ORS 321.805 to 321.855) , a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established, subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon a finding that:

(a) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming or forest practices on nearby lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(b) The dwelling will be sited on a lot or parcel created after January 1, 1993, as allowed under ORS 215.263 (Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones) (5);

(c) The dwelling will not materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern of the area; and

(d) The dwelling complies with such other conditions as the governing body or its designee considers necessary. [Formerly subsections (3) to (8) of 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) ; 2001 c.704 §4; 2003 c.621 §71; 2015 c.27 §24]

Source: Section 215.284 — Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use; existing lots or parcels; new lots or parcels , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.253 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.253
215.253 Restrictive local ordinances affecting farm use zones prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) No state agency, city, county or political subdivision of this state may exercise any of its powers to enact local laws or ordinances or impose restrictions or regulations affecting any farm use land situated within an exclusive farm use zone established under ORS 215.203 (Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones) or within an area designated as marginal land under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition) in a manner that would restrict or regulate farm structures or that would restrict or regulate farming practices if conditions from such practices do not extend into an adopted urban growth boundary in such manner as to interfere with the lands within the urban growth boundary. “Farming practice” as used in this subsection shall have the meaning set out in ORS 30.930 (Definitions for ORS 30.930 to 30.947) .

(2) Nothing in this section is intended to limit or restrict the lawful exercise by any state agency, city, county or political subdivision of its power to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this state. [1973 c.503 §8; 1983 c.826 §12; 1985 c.565 §31; 1995 c.703 §10]

Source: Section 215.253 — Restrictive local ordinances affecting farm use zones prohibited; exception , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.111 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.111
203.111 County governing body
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise provided by county charter, a county court shall be the governing body and shall exercise general legislative authority over all matters of county concern and shall consist of the county judge and two county commissioners and a majority of those persons shall constitute a quorum. [1981 c.140 §3 (enacted in lieu of 203.110)]

Source: Section 203.111 — County governing body; legislative authority; quorum , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.280 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.280
202.280 Validity of school district bonds
Status: in_force

The validity of bonds issued by any school district prior to the division of any county or prior to the change of county boundaries, under this chapter, shall in no wise be affected by such division nor by the renumbering of the school districts that may have issued such bonds.

Source: Section 202.280 — Validity of school district bonds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.040 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.040
203.040 Inapplicability of ordinances inside incorporated city
Status: in_force

Except by consent of the governing body or the electors of a city and except in cities not regularly operating as such through elected governmental officials, ordinances adopted under ORS 203.030 (Definition for ORS 203.030 to 203.075) to 203.075 (Applicable law for local improvement assessments) in exercise of the police power shall not apply inside an incorporated city. [1973 c.282 §4; 1977 c.766 §14]

Source: Section 203.040 — Inapplicability of ordinances inside incorporated city , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.290 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.290
201.290 Tillamook County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Tillamook County is as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of township 4 north, range 5 west, Willamette Meridian; thence five miles south; thence six miles west; thence two miles south; thence one mile east; thence one mile south; thence one mile east; thence one mile south; thence one mile east; thence one mile south; thence two miles east; thence one mile south; thence two miles east; thence one mile south; thence two miles east; thence one mile south; thence one mile west; thence one mile south; thence two miles west; thence two miles south; thence two miles west; thence one mile south; thence one mile west; thence one mile south; thence one mile west; thence two miles south; thence one mile west; thence three miles south; thence one mile west; thence one mile south; thence one mile east to the northwest corner of section 5, township 2 south, range 6 west, Willamette Meridian; thence south 15 miles to the northwest corner of section 20, township 4 south, range 6 west; thence west 16 miles to the center of township 4 south, range 9 west; thence south to the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 3, township 6 south, range 9 west; thence east to the northwest corner of Polk County; thence south to the northeast corner of Lincoln County; thence west along the northern boundary of Lincoln County to the western boundary of the state; thence north along such western boundary to the south boundary line of Clatsop County; thence east along the south boundary line of Clatsop County to the point of beginning. [Amended by 1981 c.332 §1]

Source: Section 201.290 — Tillamook County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.350 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.350
201.350 Wheeler County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Wheeler County is as follows: Beginning at the northwest corner of township 13 south, range 20 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence south three miles along the west line of the township; thence east along section lines to the east boundary of range 22 east; thence south on the range line to the southeast corner of township 13 south, range 22 east; thence easterly along the southerly to the southeast corner of the township line to the northeast corner of township 14 south, range 23 east; thence southerly to the southeast corner of said township; thence easterly along township lines to the southeast corner of township 14 south, range 25 east; thence northerly along the east line of range 25 east, to the northeast corner of township 7 south, range 25 east; thence westerly to the northwest corner of the township; thence northerly along the east line of township 6 south, range 24 east, to the southeast corner of section 1 of the township; thence westerly along section lines to the middle of the main channel of the John Day River; thence southerly along the middle of the main channel of the John Day River to the point where the main channel intersects the east line of section 25, township 9 south, range 19 east; thence southerly along the east line of range 19 east to the place of beginning.

Source: Section 201.350 — Wheeler County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.457 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.457
215.457 Youth camps allowed in forest zones and mixed farm and forest zones
Status: in_force

A person may establish a youth camp:

(1) On land zoned for forest use or mixed farm and forest use, consistent with rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission.

(2) On land in eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.805 (Definitions for ORS 321.805 to 321.855) , that is zoned for exclusive farm use and is composed predominantly of class VI, VII or VIII soils, consistent with rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. However, a person may not establish a youth camp authorized under this subsection within an irrigation district or within three miles of an urban growth boundary as defined in ORS 197.015 (Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A) . A youth camp may be authorized under this subsection only on a lawfully established unit of land as defined in ORS 92.010 (Definitions for ORS 92.010 to 92.192) of at least 1,000 acres. [1999 c.586 §2; 2013 c.711 §1; 2023 c.13 §98]

Source: Section 215.457 — Youth camps allowed in forest zones and mixed farm and forest zones , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.085 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.085
203.085 County election dates
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, no election on a county measure referred by the county governing body or for a county office shall be held on any date other than:

(a) The second Tuesday in March;

(b) The third Tuesday in May;

(c) The fourth Tuesday in August; or

(d) The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, no election on a county measure other than a county measure referred by the county governing body shall be held on any date other than:

(a) The third Tuesday in May; or

(b) The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

(3) An emergency election may be held on a date other than those provided in subsection (1) or (2) of this section if the county governing body by resolution finds that an emergency exists that will require an election sooner than the next available election date to avoid extraordinary hardship to the community. A determination under this subsection as to whether an emergency exists is within the sole discretion of the county governing body.

(4) A county governing body, with adequate notice, shall hold a public hearing, on a date other than a regularly scheduled meeting, for the purpose of making findings substantiating the fact that an emergency exists before scheduling an election on a date other than those specified in subsection (1) or (2) of this section.

(5) Notice of a county’s intent to hold an emergency election shall be filed with the county elections authority no later than 47 days preceding the desired election date. At the time the notice of election is given to the county elections authority, the county shall also file with the elections authority a certified copy of the ballot title and a copy of the resolution and findings adopted by the county governing body to authorize the emergency election as required under subsection (4) of this section. [1979 c.316 §3; 1981 c.639 §4; 1985 c.808 §69; 1987 c.267 §64; 1989 c.923 §6; 1991 c.71 §2; 1993 c.713 §51; 1995 c.607 §63; 1995 c.712 §113; 2015 c.44 §1; 2021 c.551 §18]

Source: Section 203.085 — County election dates; emergency elections , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.277 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.277
215.277 Farmworker housing
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that the provision of farmworker housing, as defined in ORS 215.278 (Accessory dwellings for farmworkers) , not allow other types of dwellings not otherwise permitted in exclusive farm use zones and that farmworker housing be consistent with the intent and purposes set forth in ORS 215.243 (Agricultural land use policy) . [1989 c.964 §9; 2001 c.613 §10; 2003 c.588 §14; 2011 c.471 §5]

Source: Section 215.277 — Farmworker housing; compliance with agricultural land use policy required , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.740 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.740
203.740 Charter committee and members
Status: in_force

(1) Within 60 days after the county clerk finds that a petition for the appointment of a committee is sufficient, or within 60 days after the county court has filed with the county clerk its resolution requesting that a committee be appointed, a committee shall be appointed as provided in this section. Only one committee is to be in existence at any given period of time.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) In all counties:

(A) A majority of the county court is entitled to appoint four members of the committee;

(B) A majority of the state Senators and state Representatives then representing the county is entitled to appoint four additional members; and

(C) A majority, consisting of at least five, of those persons appointed under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph is entitled to appoint one additional member.

(b) If, within 45 days after the terms of committee members begin to run as provided in subsection (4) of this section, an appointing authority has not made the appointment or appointments it is entitled to make, the county clerk shall call a meeting of those persons constituting the appointing authority by giving written notice to each of them, specifying the purpose of the meeting and the time and place thereof. The time of the meeting shall be set within 15 days of the expiration of the 45-day period.

(3) All members of the committee must be electors of the county. No member shall be engaged, directly or indirectly, in any business with the county that is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of duties as a member of the committee. An initial appointment, or an appointment to fill a vacancy, is made by delivering to the county clerk written notice of the name and address of the person appointed, signed by the person duly authorized to act for the appointing authority. No member of an appointive authority may serve as a member of such committee. If an appointing authority fails to make such an initial appointment within 60 days after the terms of committee members begin to run as provided in subsection (4) of this section, the county court shall make the appointment within 10 days after the expiration of the 60-day period.

(4) The terms of committee members run either from the date the county court receives the certification from the county clerk that the petition requesting the appointment of the committee is sufficient or from the date the county court files its resolution requesting appointment of the committee, as the case may be. The terms expire on the day of the election at which the committee’s proposed charter is voted upon or within two years from the date the terms began, whichever is the sooner, unless, in the case where a proposed charter is not submitted at an election held within such two-year period, the county court by resolution filed with the county clerk before the expiration of the terms extends them until the day of the election on the proposed charter or for another two years, whichever is the sooner. Any vacancy occurring on the committee, in a position for which an initial appointment has been made, shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term by the appointing authority that was entitled to make the initial appointment of the member whose position is vacant or, if such appointing authority fails to make the appointment within 10 days after the vacancy occurs, by the county court.

(5) Not later than 80 days after the terms of committee members begin to run as provided in subsection (4) of this section, the members of the committee shall meet and organize. A majority of the committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The committee may adopt such rules as it deems necessary for its operation. However, the committee may not prohibit the public from attending any of its meetings. [1959 c.527 §5; 1979 c.748 §2; 2005 c.22 §153]

Source: Section 203.740 — Charter committee and members; appointment, qualifications, vacancies, terms, organization, meetings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.180 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.180
202.180 Transfer of electors’ registration records and election records
Status: in_force

(1) The county court of a new county or a county to which territory has been added shall, respectively:

(a) Cause all the registration records of electors living in the new county or in the territory that has been added to an existing county to be segregated from the registration records on file in the counties from which the new county is created or the county from which the territory has been removed;

(b) Cause the registration records to be delivered to the county clerk of the new county or the county to which the territory has been added; and

(c) Provide for the transfer to the county clerk of the new county or the county to which the territory has been added a list of electors and other election records, relating only to precincts and electors within the new county or the territory that has been added to an existing county.

(2) The county clerk of the new county or the county to which the territory has been added shall arrange and install the registration records received under subsection (1) of this section in the manner provided by law. The registration records constitute registration of the electors whose names appear on the records in the new county or the county to which the territory has been added, respectively.

(3) The list of electors and other registration and election records are records of the new county or the county to which the territory has been added, respectively.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If a county boundary change occurs on a date within a period described in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the change is not effective for purposes of eligibility for elections within the territory that is removed from one county and added to another county until the day after the respective ending date described in paragraph (b) of this subsection.

(b) The periods referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection are the periods:

(A) Beginning on the day after the 90th day before a primary election or a general election and ending on the day of the election; or

(B) Beginning on the day after the deadline for filing the notice of election before any election, other than a primary election or a general election, that is held by a county, district or other municipal corporation affected by the boundary change and ending on the day of the election. [Amended by 2007 c.154 §59; 2013 c.326 §6]

Source: Section 202.180 — Transfer of electors’ registration records and election records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.700 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.700
215.700 Resource land dwelling policy
Status: repealed

The Legislative Assembly declares that land use regulations limit residential development on some less productive resource land acquired before the owners could reasonably be expected to know of the regulations. In order to assist these owners while protecting the state’s more productive resource land from the detrimental effects of uses not related to agriculture and forestry, it is necessary to:

(1) Provide certain owners of less productive land an opportunity to build a dwelling on their land; and

(2) Limit the future division of and the siting of dwellings upon the state’s more productive resource land. [1993 c.792 §10]

Note: Sections 1 to 4, chapter 671, Oregon Laws 2021, provide:

Sec. 1. Sections 2 and 3 of this 2021 Act are added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215. [2021 c.671 §1]

Sec. 2. (1) Notwithstanding any land use planning goal related to urbanization or agricultural lands, a county that has established a review board described in section 3, chapter 671, Oregon Laws 2021, may rezone, and if necessary divide, lands that are zoned for exclusive farm use and within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region, as defined in ORS 284.771 (Definitions) , for the development of one residential unit per lot or parcel of two acres or more, provided that:

(a) The rezoned lands have not been employed for farm use in the prior three years;

(b) The rezoned lands are not:

(A) High-value farmland, as described in ORS 195.300 (Definitions for ORS 195.300 to 195.336) (10), excluding lands described in ORS 195.300 (Definitions for ORS 195.300 to 195.336) (10)(c)(B) and (10)(f)(E);

(B) Predominantly composed of Class I, II or III soils; or

(C) Viable for reasonably obtaining a profit through a farm use;

(c) Rezoning will not force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use;

(d) If the water source for the rezoned lands is a well, the lands are not within a critical ground water area as designated under ORS 537.730 (Designation of critical ground water area) to 537.740 (Filing rules designating critical ground water area) or within an area where ground water withdrawals have been restricted by the Water Resources Commission;

(e) The property owner agrees as a condition of approval of the rezoning to sign and record in the county deed records an irrevocable deed restriction in the form prescribed by the county acknowledging the protected rights of farm, forest and rangeland practices in the area and prohibiting the owner and the owner’s successors in interest from pursuing a cause of action or claim of relief alleging an injury from any farming, forest or rangeland practices if no claim or action is allowed under ORS 30.936 (Immunity from private action based on farming or forest practice on certain lands) or 30.937 (Immunity from private action based on farming or forest practice allowed as preexisting nonconforming use) or otherwise protected by law as a farming, forest or rangeland practice;

(f) The rezoning and division, if necessary, comply with all substantive rezoning and land division criteria and standards adopted by the county;

(g) The approval would not result in a cumulative total of more than 200 acres rezoned by the county under this section;

(h) The rezoning has received a public hearing and a written opinion from a review board established under section 3, chapter 671, Oregon Laws 2021;

(i) In the prior 10 years, the rezoned lands have not been assessed for property tax purposes as:

(A) Open space land under ORS 308A.300 (Definitions for ORS 308A.300 to 308A.330) to 308A.330 (Rules) ;

(B) Riparian habitat under ORS 308A.350 (Definitions for ORS 308A.350 to 308A.383) to 308A.383 (Rules) ;

(C) Wildlife habitat under ORS 308A.403 (Legislative intent) to 308A.430 (Disqualification from special assessment) ; or

(D) A conservation easement under ORS 308A.450 (Definitions for ORS 308A.450 to 308A.465) to 308A.465 (Inspection by holder) ;

(j) The rezoned lands are within a rural fire protection district established under ORS 478.010 (Formation) to 478.100 (Immaterial defects in organization not to invalidate district organization) and subject to ORS 478.115 (County governing body to determine territory of district) , 478.120 (Inclusion of forestland in district) , 478.130 (Certain structures subject to fire damage to be added to tax rolls) , 478.140 (Procedure for adding land to district by consent of owner) , 478.150 (Conference with State Forestry Department required prior to formation of district or annexation of territory) , 478.155 (Formation of district with tax zones) and 478.160 (Filing of boundary or zone change with county assessor and Department of Revenue) and comply with all applicable fire prevention code requirements under ORS 478.910 (Adoption of fire prevention code) to 478.940 (Filing and posting of fire prevention code) ; and

(k) The rezoned lands are not within an area designated as a 100-year floodplain on a current map of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(2) Upon rezoning lands under this section, the county shall file with the county assessor a statement listing the tax lots to which the change in zoning applies and the applicable date of the change. [2021 c.671 §2; 2023 c.566 §1]

Sec. 3. (1) A county with lands within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region, as defined in ORS 284.771 (Definitions) , may establish a review board that consists of four members appointed by the governing body of the county.

(2) The members of the review board shall serve terms of no more than four years and may be reappointed by the governing body.

(3) The review board must include:

(a) One member who represents the interests of the farming community of the county;

(b) One member who represents the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board;

(c) One member who is a member of the governing body of the county; and

(d) One member who is a member of the planning body for the county.

(4) The review board shall review, and conduct at least one public hearing for, each petition filed under section 2 of this 2021 Act to rezone, and if necessary partition, land and shall provide a written opinion to the county.

(5) The opinion developed by the review board is not a land use decision and is not subject to appeal. [2021 c.671 §3]

Sec. 4. Sections 2 and 3 of this 2021 Act are repealed on January 2, 2030. [2021 c.671 §4]

Source: Section 215.700 — Resource land dwelling policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.501 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.501
215.501 Conversion of historic homes to accessory dwelling units
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Accessory dwelling unit” means a residential structure that is used in connection with or that is auxiliary to a single-family dwelling.

(b) “Area zoned for rural residential use” means land that is not located inside an urban growth boundary as defined in ORS 197.015 (Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A) and that is subject to an acknowledged exception to a statewide land use planning goal relating to farmland or forestland and planned and zoned by the county to allow residential use as a primary use.

(c) “Historic home” means a single-family dwelling constructed between 1850 and 1945.

(d) “New” means that the dwelling being constructed did not previously exist in residential or nonresidential form. “New” does not include the acquisition, alteration, renovation or remodeling of an existing structure.

(e) “Single-family dwelling” means a residential structure designed as a residence for one family and sharing no common wall with another residence of any type.

(2) Notwithstanding any local zoning or local regulation or ordinance pertaining to the siting of accessory dwelling units in areas zoned for rural residential use, a county may allow an owner of a lot or parcel within an area zoned for rural residential use to construct a new single-family dwelling on the lot or parcel, provided:

(a) The lot or parcel is not located in an area designated as an urban reserve as defined in ORS 197A.230 (Definitions for ORS 197A.230 to 197A.250) ;

(b) The lot or parcel is at least two acres in size;

(c) A historic home is sited on the lot or parcel;

(d) The owner converts the historic home to an accessory dwelling unit upon completion of the new single-family dwelling; and

(e) The accessory dwelling unit complies with all applicable laws and regulations relating to sanitation and wastewater disposal and treatment.

(3) An owner that constructs a new single-family dwelling under subsection (2) of this section may not:

(a) Subdivide, partition or otherwise divide the lot or parcel so that the new single-family dwelling is situated on a different lot or parcel from the accessory dwelling unit.

(b) Alter, renovate or remodel the accessory dwelling unit so that the square footage of the accessory dwelling unit is more than 120 percent of the historic home’s square footage at the time construction of the new single-family dwelling commenced.

(c) Rebuild the accessory dwelling unit if the structure is lost to fire.

(d) Construct an additional accessory dwelling unit on the same lot or parcel.

(4) A county may require that a new single-family dwelling constructed under this section be served by the same water supply source as the accessory dwelling unit.

(5) A county may impose additional conditions of approval for construction of a new single-family dwelling or conversion of a historic home to an accessory dwelling unit under this section. [2017 c.400 §2; 2023 c.13 §99]

Source: Section 215.501 — Conversion of historic homes to accessory dwelling units , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.223 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.223
215.223 Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances
Status: in_force

(1) No zoning ordinance enacted by the county governing body may have legal effect unless prior to its enactment the governing body or the planning commission conducts one or more public hearings on the ordinance and unless 10 days’ advance public notice of each hearing is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, in case the ordinance applies to only a part of the county, is so published in that part of the county.

(2) The notice provisions of this section shall not restrict the giving of notice by other means, including mail, radio and television.

(3) In effecting a zone change the proceedings for which are commenced at the request of a property owner, the governing body shall in addition to other notice give individual notice of the request by mail to the record owners of property within 250 feet of the property for which a zone change has been requested. The failure of the property owner to receive the notice described shall not invalidate any zone change.

(4) Notice of a public hearing on a zone change pursuant to the application of a property owner shall be provided to the owner of an airport, defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation as a “public use airport” if:

(a) The name and address of the airport owner has been provided by the Oregon Department of Aviation to the county planning authority; and

(b) The property subject to the zone change application is:

(A) Within 5,000 feet of the side or end of a runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be a “visual airport”; or

(B) Within 10,000 feet of the side or end of the runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be an “instrument airport.”

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, notice of a zone change hearing need not be provided as set forth in subsection (4) of this section if the zone change would only allow a structure less than 35 feet in height and the property is located outside the runway “approach surface” as defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(6) The failure of an airport owner to receive notice that was mailed shall not invalidate any zone change.

(7) Before enacting at the request of a property owner an ordinance that would change the zone of property that includes all or part of a mobile home or manufactured dwelling park as defined in ORS 446.003 (Definitions for ORS 446.003 to 446.200 and 446.225 to 446.285) , the governing body shall give written notice by first class mail to each existing mailing address for tenants of the mobile home or manufactured dwelling park at least 20 days but not more than 40 days before the date of the first hearing on the ordinance. The governing body may require an applicant for such a zone change to pay the costs of such notice. The failure of a tenant to receive a notice which was mailed shall not invalidate any zone change. [1963 c.619 §8; 1967 c.589 §3; 1985 c.473 §14; 1987 c.106 §1; 1989 c.648 §60; 1999 c.935 §21]

Source: Section 215.223 — Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances; notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.141 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.141
215.141 Energy resilience plans
Status: repealed

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds that each county should plan for and develop energy resilience and be prepared, in the event of major grid disruption, to maintain basic services and functions.

(2) In order to carry out the provisions set forth in subsection (1) of this section, a county may:

(a) Develop and adopt an energy resilience plan; and

(b) Incorporate the energy resilience plan into the county’s applicable natural hazard mitigation plan.

(3) An energy resilience plan developed under this section must:

(a) Be based on and plan for short-term, medium-term and long-term power outages;

(b) Identify and map:

(A) Existing energy infrastructure located within the county, including transmission lines, distribution lines, substations and energy storage systems;

(B) Natural hazard risks; and

(C) Communities that experience social vulnerability;

(c) Identify potential locations for community resilience centers and communication zones that the public may use to access electricity services during a power outage;

(d) Inventory the energy consumption needs of critical public services facilities;

(e) Identify critical public services facilities where the development of alternate energy generation and storage resources will meet local energy resilience needs;

(f) Identify opportunities to coordinate and locate energy infrastructure development to align with and support critical public services facilities;

(g) Identify time schedules, priorities and potential funding sources for developing energy resilience; and

(h) Identify other actions and resources needed to implement the energy resilience plan.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) To identify and map communities that experience social vulnerabilities under subsection (3)(b)(C) of this section, a county shall consult with representatives from local environmental justice communities.

(b) A county shall use the locations of communities that experience social vulnerabilities to prioritize the potential locations of community resilience centers under subsection (3)(c) of this section.

(5) A public utility that is operating or serving customers within the boundaries of a county that is developing an energy resilience plan shall use reasonable efforts to assist with and comply with requests from the county for information regarding energy infrastructure that is located or serving customers within the boundaries of the county, provided that the information is exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.355 (Public records exempt from disclosure) .

(6) As used in this section, “critical public services facility” includes a facility related to law enforcement, fire protection, health and medical services, sanitation services, fuel and fueling, public works and engineering, public information and communications and emergency response. [2023 c.562 §5]

Note: 215.141 (Energy resilience plans) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Note: Sections 6 and 7, chapter 562, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 6. County grants for energy resilience plans. (1) The State Department of Energy shall establish a program for awarding grants to counties to cover the costs of developing energy resilience plans that meet the requirements under section 5 (3) of this 2023 Act [ 215.141 (Energy resilience plans) (3)].

(2) Under the program:

(a) A county shall use grant moneys to cover the costs of developing an energy resilience plan that meets the requirements listed under section 5 (3) of this 2023 Act;

(b) A county may be awarded a total of no more than $50,000;

(c) Counties may combine and use together grant moneys that have been awarded to the counties;

(d) A county may use grant award moneys to cover:

(A) The salaries and expenses of county employees for the time the employees work on developing an energy resilience plan;

(B) The costs to hire or contract with a technical assistance provider; and

(C) Any other necessary costs as approved by the department; and

(e) The department may issue grant award moneys to a county or directly to a technical assistance provider or providers hired or contracted by the county.

(3) The department shall establish the:

(a) Application process;

(b) Eligibility criteria for awarding grants;

(c) Process of awarding grants; and

(d) Requirements for reporting on the use of grant award moneys by grantees.

(4) No later than September 15, 2025, the department shall submit a report in the manner provided by ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy. The report must, at a minimum:

(a) Identify the counties that have received grants under the program and describe the status of the counties’ energy resilience plans;

(b) Identify opportunities to incorporate county energy resilience plans into a state energy resilience plan and other planning efforts; and

(c) Make recommendations for improvements to the program and investments that would improve future planning efforts. [2023 c.562 §6]

Sec. 7. Section 6 of this 2023 Act is repealed on January 2, 2026. [2023 c.562 §7]

Source: Section 215.141 — Energy resilience plans , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 206.010 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 206 / Section 206.010
206.010 General duties of sheriff
Status: in_force

The sheriff is the chief executive officer and conservator of the peace of the county. In the execution of the office of sheriff, it is the sheriff’s duty to:

(1) Arrest and commit to prison all persons who break the peace, or attempt to break it, and all persons guilty of public offenses.

(2) Defend the county against those who, by riot or otherwise, endanger the public peace or safety.

(3) Execute the process and orders of the courts of justice or of judicial officers, when delivered to the sheriff for that purpose, according to law.

(4) Execute all warrants delivered to the sheriff for that purpose by other public officers, according to law.

(5) Attend, upon call, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, circuit court, justice court or county court held within the county, and to obey its lawful orders or directions. [Amended by 1985 c.339 §1]

Source: Section 206.010 — General duties of sheriff , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors206.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.417 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.417
215.417 Time to act under certain approved permits
Status: in_force

(1) If a permit is approved under ORS 215.416 (Permit application) for a proposed residential development on agricultural or forest land outside of an urban growth boundary under ORS 215.010 (Definitions) to 215.293 (Dwelling in exclusive farm use or forest zone) or 215.317 (Permitted uses on marginal land) to 215.438 (Transmission towers) or under county legislation or regulation, the permit is valid for four years.

(2) An extension of a permit described in subsection (1) of this section is valid for two years. A county may approve no more than five additional one-year extensions of a permit if:

(a) The applicant makes a written request for the additional extension prior to the expiration of an extension;

(b) The applicable residential development statute has not been amended following the approval of the permit, except the amendments to ORS 215.750 (Alternative forestland dwelling) by section 1, chapter 433, Oregon Laws 2019; and

(c) An applicable rule or land use regulation has not been amended following the issuance of the permit, unless allowed by the county, which may require that the applicant comply with the amended rule or land use regulation.

(3) An extension of a permit under subsection (2) of this section is not a land use decision as defined in ORS 197.015 (Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A) .

(4) As used in this section, “residential development” means dwellings provided for under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (1)(q), (3) and (4), 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (1)(p), 215.284 (Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use) , 215.317 (Permitted uses on marginal land) , 215.705 (Dwellings in farm or forest zone) (1) to (3), 215.720 (Criteria for forestland dwelling under ORS 215.705) , 215.740 (Large tract forestland dwelling) , 215.750 (Alternative forestland dwelling) and 215.755 (Other forestland dwellings) (1) and (3). [2001 c.532 §2; 2009 c.850 §10; 2013 c.462 §§6,9; 2019 c.432 §§3,3a,4,4a]

Source: Section 215.417 — Time to act under certain approved permits; extension , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.110 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.110
215.110 Recommendations for implementation of comprehensive plan
Status: in_force

(1) A planning commission may recommend to the governing body ordinances intended to implement part or all of the comprehensive plan. The ordinances may provide, among other things, for:

(a) Zoning;

(b) Official maps showing the location and dimensions of, and the degree of permitted access to, existing and proposed thoroughfares, easements and property needed for public purposes;

(c) Preservation of the integrity of the maps by controls over construction, by making official maps parts of county deed records, and by other action not violative of private property rights;

(d) Conservation of the natural resources of the county;

(e) Controlling subdivision and partitioning of land;

(f) Renaming public thoroughfares;

(g) Protecting and assuring access to incident solar energy;

(h) Protecting and assuring access to wind for potential electrical generation or mechanical application; and

(i) Numbering property.

(2) The governing body may enact, amend or repeal ordinances to assist in carrying out a comprehensive plan. If an ordinance is recommended by a planning commission, the governing body may make any amendments to the recommendation required in the public interest. If an ordinance is initiated by the governing body, it shall, prior to enactment, request a report and recommendation regarding the ordinance from the planning commission, if one exists, and allow a reasonable time for submission of the report and recommendation.

(3) The governing body may refer to the electors of the county for their approval or rejection an ordinance or amendments thereto for which this section provides. If only a part of the county is affected, the ordinance or amendment may be referred to that part only.

(4) An ordinance enacted by authority of this section may prescribe fees and appeal procedures necessary or convenient for carrying out the purposes of the ordinance.

(5) An ordinance enacted by authority of this section may prescribe limitations designed to encourage and protect the installation and use of solar and wind energy systems.

(6) No retroactive ordinance shall be enacted under the provisions of this section. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §7; 1973 c.696 §22; 1975 c.153 §2; 1977 c.766 §4; 1979 c.671 §2; 1981 c.590 §7]

Source: Section 215.110 — Recommendations for implementation of comprehensive plan; enactment of ordinances; referral; retroactivity , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 206.180 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 206 / Section 206.180
206.180 Location of sheriff’s office
Status: in_force

The sheriff of each county shall keep an office in such room or building, at the place appointed by law for holding courts therein, as the county court may by order designate.

Source: Section 206.180 — Location of sheriff’s office , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors206.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.462 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.462
215.462 Limitations on guest ranch
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) , the governing body of a county or its designee may not allow a guest ranch in conjunction with:

(a) A campground as described in ORS 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2).

(b) A golf course as described in ORS 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2).

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 215.263 (Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones) , the governing body of a county or its designee may not approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone for a guest ranch.

(3) The governing body of a county or its designee may not approve a proposed division of land that separates the guest ranch from the dwelling of the individual conducting the livestock operation. [2018 c.15 §3]

Source: Section 215.462 — Limitations on guest ranch , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 205.990 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 205 / Section 205.990
205.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

Any officer who violates ORS 205.510 (County clerk not to act or have partner acting as attorney) (1) shall be deemed guilty of official misconduct and punished therefor as provided by ORS 162.415 (Official misconduct in the first degree) . [Amended by 1959 c.552 §15; 1971 c.743 §346]

Source: Section 205.990 — Penalties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors205.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 204.070 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 204 / Section 204.070
204.070 Oath of county judge pro tem
Status: in_force

Before entering upon the performance of the duties of county judge pro tem, the appointee shall subscribe and file in the office of the county clerk the same oath of office required of an elected county judge.

Source: Section 204.070 — Oath of county judge pro tem , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors204.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.503 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.503
215.503 Legislative act by ordinance
Status: in_force

(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) All legislative acts relating to comprehensive plans, land use planning or zoning adopted by the governing body of a county shall be by ordinance.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section and in addition to the notice required by ORS 215.060 (Procedure for action on plan) , at least 20 days but not more than 40 days before the date of the first hearing on an ordinance that proposes to amend an existing comprehensive plan or any element thereof or to adopt a new comprehensive plan, the governing body of a county shall cause a written individual notice of land use change to be mailed to each owner whose property would have to be rezoned in order to comply with the amended or new comprehensive plan if the ordinance becomes effective.

(4) In addition to the notice required by ORS 215.223 (Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances) (1), at least 20 days but not more than 40 days before the date of the first hearing on an ordinance that proposes to rezone property, the governing body of a county shall cause a written individual notice of land use change to be mailed to the owner of each lot or parcel of property that the ordinance proposes to rezone.

(5) An additional individual notice of land use change required by subsection (3) or (4) of this section shall be approved by the governing body of the county and shall describe in detail how the proposed ordinance would affect the use of the property. The notice shall:

(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 (governing body of the county) has proposed a land use regulation that 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), (governing body) will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of Ordinance Number_____. The (governing body) has determined that adoption of this ordinance may affect the permissible uses of your property, and other properties in the affected zone, and may change the value of your property.

Ordinance Number _____ is available for inspection at the ______ County Courthouse located at________. A copy of Ordinance Number _____ also is available for purchase at a cost of_____.

For additional information concerning Ordinance Number_____, you may call the (governing body) Planning Department at _________.

(6) At least 30 days prior to the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation by the governing body of a county pursuant to a requirement of periodic review of the comprehensive plan under ORS 197.628 (Periodic review) , 197.633 (Two phases of periodic review) and 197.636 (Procedures and actions for failure to meet periodic review deadlines) , the governing body of the county shall cause a written individual notice of the land use change to be mailed to the owner of each lot or parcel that will be rezoned as a result of the adoption or enactment. The notice shall describe in detail how the ordinance or plan amendment may affect the use of the property. The notice also shall:

(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 (governing body of the county) has proposed a land use that may affect the permissible uses of your property and other properties.

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

As a result of an order of the Land Conservation and Development Commission, (governing body) has proposed Ordinance Number_____. (Governing Body) has determined that the adoption of this ordinance may affect the permissible uses of your property, and other properties in the affected zone, and may change the value of your property.

Ordinance Number _____ will become effective on (date).

Ordinance Number _____ is available for inspection at the _____ County Courthouse located at_____. A copy of Ordinance Number _____ also is available for purchase at a cost of_____.

For additional information concerning Ordinance Number_____, you may call the (governing body) Planning Department at _________.

(7) Notice provided under this section may be included with the tax statement required under ORS 311.250 (Tax statements) .

(8) Notwithstanding subsection (7) of this section, the governing body of a county may provide notice of a hearing at any time provided notice is mailed by first class mail or bulk mail to all persons for whom notice is required under subsections (3) and (4) of this section.

(9) For purposes of this section, property is rezoned when the governing body of the county:

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

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

(10) The provisions of this section do not apply to legislative acts of the governing body of the county resulting from action of the Legislative Assembly or the Land Conservation and Development Commission for which notice is provided under ORS 197.047 (Notice to local governments and property owners of changes to commission rules or certain statutes) , or resulting from an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(11) The governing body of the county is not required to provide more than one notice under this section to a person who owns more than one lot or parcel affected by a change to the local comprehensive plan or land use regulation.

(12) The Department of Land Conservation and Development shall reimburse the governing body of a county for all usual and reasonable costs incurred to provide notice required under subsection (6) of this section. [1977 c.664 §37; 1999 c.1 §1; 1999 c.348 §10; 2003 c.668 §2]

Source: Section 215.503 — Legislative act by ordinance; mailed notice to individual property owners required by county for land use actions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.140 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.140
202.140 Compensation of members of county court
Status: in_force

The members of the county court of any new county organized under this chapter, while in the discharge of their duties as provided in this chapter, shall receive the same compensation as is allowed by law for the performance of their ordinary official duties.

Source: Section 202.140 — Compensation of members of county court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.320 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.320
202.320 Place of return of processes, writs, bonds, notices and other papers
Status: in_force

All processes, writs, bonds, notices, appeals, recognizances, papers and proceedings in actions changed to a new county under the provisions of this chapter issued and made returnable to the circuit court of the county from which a portion has been segregated or organized prior to the creation of such legal subdivision, shall be considered as made, taken and returnable to the circuit court within the boundaries of the judicial district to which the new county or segregated portion has been added. Such bonds, recognizances and obligations shall be payable to the new county and recoverable in the name of such new county, or payable to or recoverable in the name of the county to which the segregated portion has been added by reason of the change in boundaries. All papers and certified copies of all proceedings had in such action shall be transmitted by a court clerk or court administrator of the new county or a court clerk or court administrator of the county acquiring new territory by reason of the change in boundaries. [Amended by 1993 c.223 §8]

Source: Section 202.320 — Place of return of processes, writs, bonds, notices and other papers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.770 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.770
203.770 Copies of charters and amendments, revisions and repeals
Status: in_force

(1) Duplicate certificates shall be made, setting forth the county charter adopted and a statement of its ratification, signed by the officers or members of the body canvassing election returns. One of such certified copies shall be deposited in the office of the Secretary of State, the other shall be kept as a permanent record of the county. All courts shall take judicial notice of either copy.

(2) This section shall also apply to any amendment, revision or repeal of the county charter. [1959 c.527 §8]

Source: Section 203.770 — Copies of charters and amendments, revisions and repeals; judicial notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.298 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.298
215.298 Mining in exclusive farm use zone
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section and ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (2) and 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2):

(a) “Impact area” means an area extending 1,500 feet in any direction from the area of a proposed mining site or the farthest point from the proposed mining site where a significant conflict exists, whichever is greater, excluding from the area of the proposed mining site any undisturbed buffer areas or areas on a parcel where mining is not authorized.

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) “Mining” includes all or any part of the process of mining by the removal of overburden and the extraction of natural mineral deposits thereby exposed by any method including open-pit mining operations, auger mining operations, processing, surface impacts of underground mining, production of surface mining refuse and the construction of adjacent or off-site borrow pits except those constructed for use as access roads.

(B) “Mining” does not include excavations of sand, gravel, clay, rock or similar materials conducted by a landowner or tenant on the landowner or tenant’s property for the primary purpose of reconstruction or maintenance of access roads and excavation or grading operations conducted in the process of farming or cemetery operations, on-site road construction or other on-site construction or nonsurface impacts of underground mines.

(c) “Significant mineral resource site” means a proposed mining site, other than a site for the mining of aggregate, that is located at least one mile outside the border of the nearest incorporated city and that either:

(A) Has an estimated quantity of gold, silver or other precious minerals proposed for mining of 500,000 ounces or more and will create 75 or more full-time mining-associated jobs, including but not limited to site construction, mining, operations management, processing, hauling and reclamation; or

(B) Will create 100 or more full-time mining-associated jobs, including but not limited to site construction, mining, operations management, processing, hauling and reclamation.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (2) and 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2), a land use permit is required for mining more than 1,000 cubic yards of material or excavation preparatory to mining of a surface area of more than one acre. A county may set standards for a lower volume or smaller surface area than that set forth in this subsection.

(b) A permit for mining of aggregate shall be issued only for a site included on an inventory in an acknowledged comprehensive plan.

(3) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of ORS 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2), county approval of an application for a land use permit under ORS 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2)(b) for mining or excavation preparatory to mining of a significant mineral resource site on land zoned for exclusive farm use that is located in Baker County, Grant County, Harney County, Lake County, Malheur County, Union County or Wallowa County is not subject to:

(a) The provisions of ORS 215.296 (Standards for approval of certain uses in exclusive farm use zones) ; or

(b) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, any statewide land use planning goal or any administrative rule relating to land use.

(4) A county shall deny an application for a land use permit described in subsection (3) of this section if the county determines that the use will conflict with an administrative rule adopted for the purpose of implementing the Oregon Sage-Grouse Action Plan and Executive Order 15-18.

(5) A county shall deny an application for a land use permit described in subsection (3) of this section only if:

(a) The county determines, based on clear and objective standards, that the proposed use will create:

(A) A significant conflict with local road capacity, sight distances, horizontal or vertical alignment and cross section elements;

(B) A significant safety conflict with existing public airports due to bird attractants; or

(C) A significant health or safety conflict with existing residential uses within the boundaries of the impact area of the proposed use; and

(b) The county determines that the conflict identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection cannot be minimized through the imposition of reasonable and practicable mitigation measures as conditions of approval.

(6) For purposes of a county determination described in subsection (5) of this section, the county shall determine the impact area of the proposed use. [1989 c.861 §7; 2017 c.736 §1]

Source: Section 215.298 — Mining in exclusive farm use zone; land use permit , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.020 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.020
202.020 Petitions to form new counties or change existing county boundaries
Status: in_force

Whenever it is desired to form a new county out of one or more then existing counties or to change the boundaries of then existing counties, a petition praying for the formation of such new counties or for the change of the boundaries of then existing counties, describing the territory proposed to be incorporated in the new county or changed from one county to another, together with the name of the proposed new county, if for that purpose, or the name of the then existing county to be eliminated, if any county would be eliminated by the change of boundaries as proposed, signed by a majority of the electors registered in the territory to be embraced in the new county or registered in the territory to be embraced in the change of county boundaries, shall be presented to the county court of each county to be affected by the proposed formation of a new county. Where any existing county would be eliminated by such change of county boundaries the petition shall be signed by not less than 40 percent of the electors of the county to be eliminated. [Amended by 1983 c.83 §14]

Source: Section 202.020 — Petitions to form new counties or change existing county boundaries , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.150 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.150
202.150 Disposition of public property, records and tax liens
Status: in_force

(1) All public buildings, records or other public property within the limits of the original county shall remain and be the property of such original county; but, if the election is held for change in county boundaries, and any public building belonging to the county is located in the territory affected by the change of boundaries, the county acquiring the new territory shall pay the county from which such territory is taken the value of such public building.

(2) If any county is eliminated by the change in county boundaries, all public buildings and real property of the eliminated county and all liens for unpaid taxes become the property of the county acquiring the territory where the property is situated, and all public records and documents and all other property of every kind belonging to the eliminated county become the property of the county of which the largest area of the eliminated county becomes a part.

Source: Section 202.150 — Disposition of public property, records and tax liens , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.100 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.100
202.100 County judge and commissioners for new county
Status: in_force

(1) Not later than the 30th day after the Governor issues the proclamation provided for in ORS 199.790 (Issuance of proclamation by Governor) or 202.060 (Proclamation by Governor) , the Governor shall appoint three electors, who must be residents of the new county so formed, to serve as county judge and commissioners for the new county. When the persons appointed accept and qualify for their offices under ORS 204.016 (Eligibility for county offices generally) and 204.020 (When terms of office commence) , the new county shall have existence as a county and shall be governed by the laws of this state relating to counties. The persons appointed shall serve until the first Monday in January after the general election, or, if applicable, after the election specified in ORS 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) , at which their successors are elected.

(2) At the next practicable general election, or, if applicable, at the next practicable election specified in ORS 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) , following the appointment, successors to the persons appointed under this section shall be elected. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected county judge. If the office of county judge has judicial functions, the candidate shall be elected to a six-year term. If the office of county judge has no judicial functions, the candidate shall be elected to a four-year term. The candidate receiving the second highest number of votes shall be elected to a four-year term as commissioner. The candidate receiving the third highest number of votes shall be elected to a two-year term as commissioner.

(3) The successors shall take office on the first Monday in January next following their election.

(4) At each general election, or, if applicable, at each election specified in ORS 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) , following the election at which the first board is elected, a successor shall be elected to fill any expiring term. [Amended by 1983 c.350 §14; 1997 c.494 §20; 2001 c.430 §6]

Source: Section 202.100 — County judge and commissioners for new county , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.190 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.190
202.190 Payment of moneys due from state
Status: in_force

All moneys due from the State of Oregon to a new county shall be paid to the county treasurer of the new county in the manner and at the same time that such moneys are paid to the other counties of the state. All moneys due from the state to a county from which any territory is taken by reason of change in the boundaries thereof shall be paid to the treasurer of the two counties affected in proportion to the change in the territory affected by the change in boundaries. [Amended by 1975 c.614 §3]

Source: Section 202.190 — Payment of moneys due from state , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 208.110 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 208 / Section 208.110
208.110 Crediting of moneys to proper funds
Status: in_force

In all counties having a population of 100,000 or more, the county treasurer shall:

(1) Credit all fees, moneys received in trust for litigants or other persons and all other public moneys, except tax moneys, to the proper funds.

(2) Keep a trust fund for each public officer receiving money in trust for litigants or other persons.

(3) Pay out money from any such trust fund to the persons entitled to the same upon the order of any such officer.

(4) Receive checks, drafts and money orders for any such officer for collection only.

(5) If a check, draft or money order received under subsection (4) of this section is returned to the treasurer unpaid, charge the same to the account of such officer. [Amended by 1981 c.48 §5; 2005 c.22 §158]

Source: Section 208.110 — Crediting of moneys to proper funds; payment from funds , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors208.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.238 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.238
215.238 Attorney fees in action for nuisance or trespass relating to agri-tourism event or activity
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 30.938 (Attorney fees and costs) , in an action or claim for relief alleging nuisance or trespass and arising from a practice that is alleged by either party to be a farming or forest practice, the prevailing party is not entitled to judgment for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred at trial and on appeal if:

(1) The party owns, operates or attends an agri-tourism or other commercial event or activity authorized under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (11) or 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (4); and

(2) The action or claim arises from the event or activity. [2011 c.567 §4]

Note: See note under 215.237 (Events or activities conducted by winery in exclusive farm use zone or mixed farm and forest zone) .

Source: Section 215.238 — Attorney fees in action for nuisance or trespass relating to agri-tourism event or activity , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 210.200 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 210 / Section 210.200
210.200 Claim investigation powers
Status: in_force

A county accountant may administer oaths. The accountant may require any person presenting for settlement an account or claim for any cause against the county to be sworn before the accountant touching such account or claim, and when so sworn to answer orally as to any facts relative to the justice and items of such account or claim. No demand shall be approved, allowed, audited or paid unless it specifies each item, date and amount composing it. [Amended by 1981 c.216 §10; 1983 c.310 §11]

Source: Section 210.200 — Claim investigation powers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors210.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 208.060 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 208 / Section 208.060
208.060 Cancellation of warrants received for obligations due county
Status: in_force

The county treasurer of any county may, upon order of the county court, cancel any county warrant which the county treasurer has been compelled to receive in payment of or as an offset to obligations due the county.

Source: Section 208.060 — Cancellation of warrants received for obligations due county , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors208.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 210.100 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 210 / Section 210.100
210.100 Creation of office of county accountant
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county may by ordinance create an office of county accountant. [1981 c.216 §1; 1983 c.310 §2]

Source: Section 210.100 — Creation of office of county accountant , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors210.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.030 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.030
203.030 Definition for ORS 203.030 to 203.075
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 203.030 (Definition for ORS 203.030 to 203.075) to 203.075 (Applicable law for local improvement assessments) , “governing body” means the representative body vested with legislative power by statute or charter. [1973 c.282 §1]

Source: Section 203.030 — Definition for ORS 203.030 to 203.075 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 208.140 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 208 / Section 208.140
208.140 Annual settlement with county court
Status: in_force

The county treasurer shall annually make complete settlement with the county court at the regular January term thereof.

Source: Section 208.140 — Annual settlement with county court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors208.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 205.323 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 205 / Section 205.323
205.323 Additional fees for recording certain instruments
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to and not in lieu of the fees charged and collected under ORS 205.320 (Fees collected by county clerk) and other fees, the county clerk shall charge and collect the following fees for the recording or filing of any instrument described in ORS 205.130 (Recording duties of county clerk) :

(a) A fee of $1, to be credited as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section;

(b) A fee of $10, to be credited as provided in subsection (4)(b) of this section; and

(c) A fee of $60, to be credited as provided in subsection (4)(c) of this section.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the recording or filing of the following:

(a) Instruments that are otherwise exempt from recording or filing fees under any provision of law;

(b) Any satisfaction of judgment or certificate of satisfaction of judgment; or

(c) Internal county government instruments not otherwise charged a recording or filing fee.

(3) Subsection (1)(c) of this section does not apply to the recording or filing of:

(a) Instruments required under ORS 517.210 (Recording affidavit of annual compliance) to maintain mining claims;

(b) Warrants issued by the Employment Department pursuant to ORS 657.396 (Alternative remedies for collection of amounts liable to be repaid) , 657.642 (Alternative remedies for collection of taxes, interest and penalties) and 657.646 (Use of warrant to collect amount of judgment) ; or

(c) A certified copy of a judgment, a lien record abstract as described in ORS 18.170 (Form for lien record abstract) or a satisfaction of a judgment, including a judgment noticed by recordation of a lien record abstract.

(4) Of the amounts charged and collected under this section:

(a) The recording or filing fee charged and collected under subsection (1)(a) of this section must be deposited and credited to the Oregon Land Information System Fund established under ORS 306.132 (Oregon Land Information System Fund) .

(b) The recording or filing fee charged and collected under subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be credited as follows:

(A) Five percent of the fee must be credited for the benefit of the county;

(B) Five percent of the fee must be credited for the benefit of the county clerk for the purposes described in ORS 205.320 (Fees collected by county clerk) (2); and

(C) 90 percent of the fee must be credited to and deposited in the County Assessment and Taxation Fund created under ORS 294.187 (County Assessment and Taxation Fund) .

(c) The recording or filing fee charged and collected under subsection (1)(c) of this section must be credited to and deposited in the County Assessment and Taxation Fund created under ORS 294.187 (County Assessment and Taxation Fund) .

(5) The Department of Revenue and county tax collectors are exempt from paying the fee under subsection (1)(c) of this section. [1989 c.796 §15; 1999 c.701 §3; 1999 c.788 §61; 1999 c.803 §8; 2001 c.501 §10; 2001 c.713 §5; 2009 c.18 §2; 2013 c.646 §1; 2015 c.27 §23; 2018 c.109 §10]

Source: Section 205.323 — Additional fees for recording certain instruments; use of fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors205.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.020 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.020
215.020 Authority to establish county planning commissions
Status: in_force

(1) The governing body of any county may create and provide for the organization and operations of one or more county planning commissions.

(2) This section shall be liberally construed and shall include the authority to create more than one planning commission, or subcommittee of a commission, for a county or the use of a joint planning commission or other intergovernmental agency for planning as authorized by ORS 190.003 (Definition for ORS 190.003 to 190.130) to 190.130 (Effect of ORS 190.125) . [Amended by 1973 c.552 §1; 1975 c.767 §15]

Source: Section 215.020 — Authority to establish county planning commissions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.265 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.265
215.265 Land divisions
Status: in_force

In approving a land division under ORS 215.263 (Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones) (2)(a)(C) or (10), the governing body of a county or its designee shall require as a condition of approval that the owner of any parcel not containing a dwelling sign and record in the deed records for the county where the parcel is located an irrevocable deed restriction prohibiting the owner and the owner’s successors in interest from pursuing a cause of action or claim of relief alleging an injury from farming or forest practices for which no claim or action is allowed under ORS 30.936 (Immunity from private action based on farming or forest practice on certain lands) or 30.937 (Immunity from private action based on farming or forest practice allowed as preexisting nonconforming use) . [1999 c.321 §3; 2001 c.704 §10; 2015 c.104 §5]

Note: 215.265 (Land divisions) was added to and made a part of 215.203 (Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones) to 215.311 (Log truck parking in exclusive farm use zones) by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 215.265 — Land divisions; limiting certain causes of action , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.293 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.293
215.293 Dwelling in exclusive farm use or forest zone
Status: in_force

The county governing body or its designate shall require as a condition of approval of a single-family dwelling under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) , 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) or 215.284 (Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use) or otherwise in a farm or forest zone, that the landowner for the dwelling sign and record in the deed records for the county a document binding the landowner, and the landowner’s successors in interest, prohibiting them from pursuing a claim for relief or cause of action alleging injury from farming or forest practices for which no action or claim is allowed under ORS 30.936 (Immunity from private action based on farming or forest practice on certain lands) or 30.937 (Immunity from private action based on farming or forest practice allowed as preexisting nonconforming use) . [1983 c.826 §11; 1995 c.703 §11]

Source: Section 215.293 — Dwelling in exclusive farm use or forest zone; condition; declaration; recordation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.760 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.760
203.760 Submission of proposed charter to electors after public hearing
Status: in_force

(1) The committee shall submit its proposed charter to the county clerk not later than the 90th day before the election at which the proposed charter is to be voted upon. Before the proposed charter is submitted to the county clerk, the committee shall conduct at least one public hearing thereon. After the proposed charter is submitted to the county clerk, the county clerk shall submit the proposed charter to the district attorney for a ballot title as provided in ORS 250.185 (Preparation of ballot titles by county governing body) (2). The ballot title is subject to judicial review as provided in ORS 250.195 (Procedure for elector dissatisfied with ballot title of county measure) .

(2) The charter proposed by the committee shall take effect on the day fixed therein if approved by majority vote of the electors of the county voting thereon.

(3) If two or more conflicting county charters are approved at the same election, the one receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall be adopted. [1959 c.527 §7; 1979 c.190 §404; 1981 c.173 §6]

Source: Section 203.760 — Submission of proposed charter to electors after public hearing; approval of conflicting charters , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.050 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.050
202.050 Certification of election to Secretary of State
Status: in_force

The county clerk in each county in which an election under ORS 202.030 (Election order) is held shall certify to the Secretary of State a copy of the summary of votes cast on the question of creating a new county or changing boundaries. The county clerk also shall certify to the Secretary of State the name, territorial contents and boundaries of the new county, or the names, territorial contents and boundaries of the counties affected by the change in boundaries. [Amended by 1983 c.350 §12]

Source: Section 202.050 — Certification of election to Secretary of State , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.301 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.301
215.301 Blending materials for cement prohibited near vineyards
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) , 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) and 215.284 (Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use) , no application shall be approved to allow batching and blending of mineral and aggregate into asphalt cement within two miles of a planted vineyard.

(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to operations for batching and blending of mineral and aggregate under a local land use approval on October 3, 1989, or a subsequent renewal of an existing approval.

(3) Nothing in ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) , 215.263 (Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones) , 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) , 215.284 (Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use) , 215.296 (Standards for approval of certain uses in exclusive farm use zones) or 215.298 (Mining in exclusive farm use zone) shall be construed to apply to a use allowed under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (2) or 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (2) and approved by a local governing body on October 3, 1989, or a subsequent renewal of an existing approval. [1989 c.861 §§4,5]

Source: Section 215.301 — Blending materials for cement prohibited near vineyards; exception , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.040 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.040
202.040 Commissioners to arrange terms on proposal to change boundaries
Status: in_force

(1) In case the petition provided for in ORS 202.020 (Petitions to form new counties or change existing county boundaries) is for a change in the boundaries of existing counties, but not for the elimination of any then existing county, the county courts of the counties concerned shall appoint two commissioners each to act with the commissioners of the other counties and arrange the terms in respect to assumption of liabilities and division of assets among the counties concerned, upon which such change shall be made.

(2) If within 30 days after the appointment of the commissioners they have not agreed upon terms, the Governor, upon request of the county court of any county concerned, shall appoint commissioners equal in number to one-half the commissioners already appointed by the counties, who shall meet with such commissioners and draft terms.

(3) Within 60 days thereafter a majority of the commissioners may report to respective county courts a plan for division, which, in addition to the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section, may define the territory embraced in the proposed changes.

(4) When made within such time the plan shall be reported by the commissioners to the respective county courts, and if approved by a vote, as provided in ORS 202.030 (Election order) and 202.060 (Proclamation by Governor) , it shall become a compact between and among such counties, binding upon all. [Amended by 1983 c.350 §11]

Source: Section 202.040 — Commissioners to arrange terms on proposal to change boundaries , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.605 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.605
215.605 Counties authorized to adopt housing codes
Status: in_force

For the protection of the public health, welfare and safety, the governing body of a county may adopt ordinances establishing housing codes for the county, or any portion thereof, except where housing code ordinances are in effect on August 22, 1969, or where such ordinances are enacted by an incorporated city subsequent to August 22, 1969. Such housing code ordinances may adopt by reference published codes, or any portion thereof, and a certified copy of such code or codes shall be filed with the county clerk of said county. [1969 c.418 §1]

Source: Section 215.605 — Counties authorized to adopt housing codes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.110 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.110
201.110 Gilliam County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Gilliam County is as follows: Beginning at a point on the boundary of the state opposite the mouth of the John Day River; thence up the middle of the main channel of John Day River to the intersection of such channel with the south line of section 6, township 6 south, range 19 east; thence easterly along section lines to the east line of township 6 south, range 24 east; thence northerly along the east line of such township to the south line of township 5 south, range 24 east; thence easterly to the southeast corner of such township; thence northerly to the northeast corner of such township; thence westerly to the northwest corner of such township; thence northerly to the northeast corner of township 4 south, range 23 east; thence westerly to the range line between ranges 22 and 23 east; thence northerly along such range line to the boundary of the state; thence westerly along the boundary of the state to the place of beginning. [Amended by 1967 c.421 §190]

Source: Section 201.110 — Gilliam County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 209.990 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 209 / Section 209.990
209.990 Penalties
Status: in_force

(1) The costs of the reestablishment of the corner or witness monument may be recovered in a civil action together with costs and attorney fees for the prevailing party.

(2) A person may obtain injunctive relief to prevent further disturbance or destruction of survey monuments.

(3) Any county surveyor failing to perform the duties required of the surveyor by ORS 209.020 (Surveys on court order) to 209.090 (Procuring and filing copies of field notes and plats of Bureau of Land Management surveys) shall be fined not exceeding $100, to be recovered by an action brought by the injured party. [Amended by 1979 c.653 §17; 1989 c.394 §17]

Source: Section 209.990 — Penalties; civil remedies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors209.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 206.030 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 206 / Section 206.030
206.030 Duty to execute process and make return
Status: in_force

An officer to whom any process, order or paper is delivered shall execute or serve it according to its command or direction, or as required by law, and must make a written return of the execution or service thereof. If a sheriff is directed by a court to take personal property into custody at a specific premises, and the property is concealed in a building or enclosure, the sheriff shall demand its delivery. If delivery is not made, the sheriff shall use such reasonable force as is necessary to enter into the building or enclosure and take the property into possession. [Amended by 2003 c.304 §1]

Source: Section 206.030 — Duty to execute process and make return; taking concealed personal property; use of force , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors206.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 202.170 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 202 / Section 202.170
202.170 Transfer of records
Status: in_force

(1) When a new county is organized in whole or in part from any existing county and any record or any volume of any records of the county from which the new county is created relate wholly to property located within the new county, such records or volumes thereof shall be transferred by the officer of the old county who is in charge thereof to the officer of the new county whose duty it is to make and keep such records and take a receipt therefor. The receipt shall be filed by the officer receiving the same and shall be a sufficient accounting by and discharge to such officer for the disposition of such records. When the records have been so transferred, they shall be considered records of the county in which the property is then situated. Such records shall not be transcribed as in the case of records containing deeds, mortgages and other instruments relating to property in both counties.

(2) In the event of the elimination of any county in a change of county boundaries, all records of the eliminated county shall immediately be transferred to the county of which the largest area of the eliminated county becomes a part and be original records of such county.

Source: Section 202.170 — Transfer of records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors202.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.710 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.710
215.710 High-value farmland description for ORS 215.705
Status: in_force

(1) For purposes of ORS 215.705 (Dwellings in farm or forest zone) , high-value farmland is land in a tract composed predominantly of soils that, at the time the siting of a dwelling is approved for the tract, are:

(a) Irrigated and classified prime, unique, Class I or Class II; or

(b) Not irrigated and classified prime, unique, Class I or Class II.

(2) In addition to that land described in subsection (1) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.705 (Dwellings in farm or forest zone) , high-value farmland, if outside the Willamette Valley, includes tracts growing specified perennials as demonstrated by the most recent aerial photography of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture taken prior to November 4, 1993. For purposes of this subsection, “specified perennials” means perennials grown for market or research purposes including, but not limited to, nursery stock, berries, fruits, nuts, Christmas trees or vineyards but not including seed crops, hay, pasture or alfalfa.

(3) In addition to that land described in subsection (1) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.705 (Dwellings in farm or forest zone) , high-value farmland, if in the Willamette Valley, includes tracts composed predominantly of the following soils in Class III or IV or composed predominantly of a combination of soils described in subsection (1) of this section and the following soils:

(a) Subclassification IIIe, specifically, Bellpine, Bornstedt, Burlington, Briedwell, Carlton, Cascade, Chehalem, Cornelius, Cornelius Variant, Cornelius and Kinton, Helvetia, Hillsboro, Hullt, Jory, Kinton, Latourell, Laurelwood, Melbourne, Multnomah, Nekia, Powell, Price, Quatama, Salkum, Santiam, Saum, Sawtell, Silverton, Veneta, Willakenzie, Woodburn and Yamhill;

(b) Subclassification IIIw, specifically, Concord, Conser, Cornelius Variant, Dayton (thick surface) and Sifton (occasionally flooded);

(c) Subclassification IVe, specifically, Bellpine Silty Clay Loam, Carlton, Cornelius, Jory, Kinton, Latourell, Laurelwood, Powell, Quatama, Springwater, Willakenzie and Yamhill; and

(d) Subclassification IVw, specifically, Awbrig, Bashaw, Courtney, Dayton, Natroy, Noti and Whiteson.

(4) In addition to that land described in subsection (1) of this section, for purposes of ORS 215.705 (Dwellings in farm or forest zone) , high-value farmland, if west of the summit of the Coast Range and used in conjunction with a dairy operation on January 1, 1993, includes tracts composed predominantly of the following soils in Class III or IV or composed predominantly of a combination of soils described in subsection (1) of this section and the following soils:

(a) Subclassification IIIe, specifically, Astoria, Hembre, Knappa, Meda, Quillayutte and Winema;

(b) Subclassification IIIw, specifically, Brenner and Chitwood;

(c) Subclassification IVe, specifically, Astoria, Hembre, Meda, Nehalan, Neskowin and Winema; and

(d) Subclassification IVw, specifically, Coquille.

(5) For purposes of approving a land use application under ORS 215.705 (Dwellings in farm or forest zone) , the soil class, soil rating or other soil designation of a specific lot or parcel may be changed if the property owner:

(a) Submits a statement of agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture that the soil class, soil rating or other soil designation should be adjusted based on new information; or

(b) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Submits a report from a soils scientist whose credentials are acceptable to the State Department of Agriculture that the soil class, soil rating or other soil designation should be changed; and

(B) Submits a statement from the State Department of Agriculture that the Director of Agriculture or the director’s designee has reviewed the report described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and finds the analysis in the report to be soundly and scientifically based.

(6) Soil classes, soil ratings or other soil designations used in or made pursuant to this section are those of the Soil Conservation Service in its most recent publication for that class, rating or designation before November 4, 1993. [1993 c.792 §3; 1995 c.79 §78; 1995 c.812 §8]

Source: Section 215.710 — High-value farmland description for ORS 215.705 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.441 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.441
215.441 Use of real property for religious activities
Status: in_force

(1) If a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, chapel, meeting house or other nonresidential place of worship is allowed on real property under state law and rules and local zoning ordinances and regulations, a county shall allow the reasonable use of the real property for activities customarily associated with the practices of the religious activity, including:

(a) Worship services.

(b) Religion classes.

(c) Weddings.

(d) Funerals.

(e) Meal programs.

(f) Child care, but not including private or parochial school education for prekindergarten through grade 12 or higher education.

(2) A county may:

(a) Subject real property described in subsection (1) of this section to reasonable regulations, including site review or design review, concerning the physical characteristics of the uses authorized under subsection (1) of this section; or

(b) Prohibit or restrict the use of real property by a place of worship described in subsection (1) of this section if the county finds that the level of service of public facilities, including transportation, water supply, sewer and storm drain systems is not adequate to serve the place of worship described in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a county may allow a private or parochial school for prekindergarten through grade 12 or higher education to be sited under applicable state law and rules and local zoning ordinances and regulations. [2001 c.886 §2; 2017 c.745 §7; 2019 c.640 §19; 2021 c.385 §4; 2021 c.446 §4]

Source: Section 215.441 — Use of real property for religious activities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.050 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.050
215.050 Comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinances
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 527.722 (Restrictions on local government adoption of rules regulating forest operations) , the county governing body shall adopt and may from time to time revise a comprehensive plan and zoning, subdivision and other ordinances applicable to all of the land in the county. The plan and related ordinances may be adopted and revised part by part or by geographic area.

(2) Zoning, subdivision or other ordinances or regulations and any revisions or amendments thereof shall be designed to implement the adopted county comprehensive plan.

(3) A county shall maintain copies of its comprehensive plan and land use regulations, as defined in ORS 197.015 (Definitions for ORS chapters 195, 196, 197 and 197A) , for sale to the public at a charge not to exceed the cost of copying and assembling the material. [Amended by 1955 c.439 §2; 1963 c.619 §3; 1973 c.552 §4; 1977 c.766 §2; 1981 c.748 §41; 1987 c.919 §5; 1991 c.363 §1]

Source: Section 215.050 — Comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinances; copies available , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 210.160 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 210 / Section 210.160
210.160 Auditing and payment of accountant’s salary
Status: in_force

The demand of a county accountant for monthly salary shall be audited, allowed and ordered paid by the board of county commissioners. All other demands on account of salaries, or otherwise, fixed by law or otherwise and made payable out of the treasury, must be approved by the accountant before being ordered paid. [Amended by 1965 c.251 §5; 1981 c.216 §6; 1983 c.310 §7]

Source: Section 210.160 — Auditing and payment of accountant’s salary; auditing of other demands , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors210.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.750 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.750
203.750 County funds for charter committee
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 294.305 (Sections constituting Local Budget Law) to 294.565 (Failure to file copy of required budget, reports or other documents) , if the county court is notified of the sufficiency of a petition requesting the appointment of a committee, or if it files its resolution requesting the appointment of a committee, the county, acting through the county court, shall cause to be made available from funds of the county an amount equal at least to one cent per elector of the county or $500, whichever amount is greater, for the purpose of paying the expenses of the committee in the preparation of the charter. Members of the committee shall serve without pay. The committee, within the limit of funds available to it, may employ such persons, or contract for their services, as it may deem necessary to aid it in the performance of its functions. Persons employed by the committee are exempt from civil service. The county, acting through the county court, shall cause to be furnished free of charge to the committee adequate office space and, notwithstanding ORS 294.305 (Sections constituting Local Budget Law) to 294.565 (Failure to file copy of required budget, reports or other documents) , may cause money, in addition to the required minimum amount, to be appropriated for the committee. The committee shall submit to the county court a budget covering estimates of its expenditures. With respect to expenditures in excess of the minimum amount of money required to be made available, the budget as approved or revised and approved by the county court shall represent the authorized limits of the committee’s expenditures. Any balance remaining unexpended shall be transferred to the general fund of the county unless other provisions were made at the time of the appropriation to the committee. The county treasurer is authorized to disburse funds of the committee on its order.

(2) The committee may conduct interviews and make investigations which to it seem necessary in order to draft a charter; and, to the fullest extent practicable, county officials and employees shall cooperate with the committee and provide it with information, advice and assistance. [1959 c.527 §6]

Source: Section 203.750 — County funds for charter committee; committee staff; county officials to cooperate , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.455 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.455
215.455 Effect of approval of winery on land use laws
Status: in_force

Any winery approved under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) , 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) , 215.284 (Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use) , 215.452 (Winery) and 215.453 (Large winery) is not a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (Goal exceptions) (2)(a) or (b). [1989 c.525 §5; 2007 c.71 §73; 2011 c.679 §9]

Source: Section 215.455 — Effect of approval of winery on land use laws , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.170 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.170
201.170 Josephine County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Josephine County is as follows: Beginning at the east quarter corner of section 13, township 33 south, range 5 west, Willamette Meridian, which point is on the range line between ranges 4 and 5; thence west one mile; north one and one-half miles; west one and one-fourth miles; north one-half mile; west one and three-fourths miles; south one-fourth mile; west one mile; north one-fourth mile; west two miles; north one-half mile; west one-fourth mile; south one mile; west one and one-half miles; south one mile; west one-fourth mile; north one-fourth mile; west one mile; south one-fourth mile; west one mile; south one-half mile; west one-half mile; south one-fourth mile; west one-half mile; north on the range line between ranges 6 and 7 to the east quarter corner of section 13, township 33 south, range 7 west; thence west one and one-half miles; north one-half mile; west two and one-half miles; north one-half mile; west one mile; north one-half mile; west one-fourth mile; north three-fourths mile; west one-fourth mile; south one-fourth mile; west one-half mile; north to the township line; west on the township line to the southeast corner of section 31, township 32 south, range 8 west; thence north three-fourths mile; west one-half mile; north one-fourth mile; west one-half mile to the range line; south to the southwest corner of section 31, township 32 south, range 8 west; thence west to the southwest corner of section 36, township 32 south, range 9 west; thence north to a point on the line separating Douglas County on the north from Curry County on the south and due north of the head of Kelsey Canyon; thence down Kelsey Canyon to Rogue River; thence on a straight line to the head of a prominent butte situate on the top of the dividing ridge between the waters of Rogue River and Indigo Creek, and about two miles northeast of Bear Camp; thence to the nearest waters of Indigo Creek; thence following down Indigo Creek to the Illinois River; thence up the Illinois River to the mouth of Collier Creek; thence up Collier Creek and up the south branch of such creek to the top of the dividing ridge separating the waters of the Illinois River on the east from the waters of the Chetco River and the north fork of Smith River on the west; thence following along on the divide to the south boundary of the state; thence east along the boundary to the range line between townships 4 and 5, west of Willamette Meridian; thence north to the place of beginning.

Source: Section 201.170 — Josephine County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.251 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.251
215.251 Relationship to other farm uses
Status: in_force

Nothing in ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (1)(y), 215.246 (Approval of land application of certain substances) to 215.249 (Division of land for application of biosolids) or 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (1)(v) affects whether the land application of a substance not described in ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (1)(y), 215.246 (Approval of land application of certain substances) to 215.249 (Division of land for application of biosolids) or 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (1)(v) is a farm use as defined in ORS 215.203 (Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones) . [2001 c.488 §7; 2003 c.14 §100; 2009 c.850 §7]

Note: See note under 215.246 (Approval of land application of certain substances) .

Source: Section 215.251 — Relationship to other farm uses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.262 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.262
215.262 Legislative findings related to nonfarm dwellings
Status: in_force

The Legislative Assembly declares that the creation of small parcels for nonfarm dwellings in exclusive farm use zones introduces potential conflicts into commercial agricultural areas and allows a limited number of nonfarm dwellings in exclusive farm use zones. To protect the state’s land base for commercial agriculture from being divided into multiple parcels for nonfarm dwellings while continuing to allow a limited number of nonfarm dwellings on less productive agricultural land not suitable for farm use, it is necessary to:

(1) Limit the incremental division of lots or parcels larger than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 (Minimum lot or parcel sizes) into smaller lots or parcels for the purpose of creating new nonfarm dwellings; and

(2) Allow a limited number of lots or parcels equal to or less than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 (Minimum lot or parcel sizes) to be partitioned into not more than two parcels unsuitable for farm use and eligible for siting nonfarm dwellings under ORS 215.284 (Dwelling not in conjunction with farm use) . [2001 c.704 §2; 2003 c.621 §69; 2019 c.262 §2]

Note: 215.262 (Legislative findings related to nonfarm dwellings) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 215.262 — Legislative findings related to nonfarm dwellings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.279 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.279
215.279 Farm income standard for dwelling in conjunction with farm use
Status: in_force

In any rule adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission that establishes a farm income standard to determine whether a dwelling is customarily provided in conjunction with farm use on a tract, the commission shall allow a farm operator to satisfy the income standard by earning the required amount or more of farm income on the tract:

(1) In at least three of the last five years;

(2) In each of the last two years; or

(3) Based on the average farm income earned on the tract in the best three of the last five years. [2011 c.459 §1]

Note: 215.279 (Farm income standard for dwelling in conjunction with farm use) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 215.279 — Farm income standard for dwelling in conjunction with farm use , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 210.170 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 210 / Section 210.170
210.170 Auditing and approving claims
Status: in_force

(1) The county accountant shall be the accounting officer of the county. All demands, accounts or claims against the county shall be presented to the accountant with the necessary evidence in support thereof, and the accountant shall examine and audit the same. If the accountant finds such demands, accounts or claims correct, lawful, just and valid, and authorized by the board of county commissioners, the accountant shall indorse them as audited and approved, with the date thereof. After auditing and approving any such claim, the accountant shall draw an order on the county treasurer for the payment thereof, which order the county treasurer shall, when presented, either pay or indorse “Not paid for want of funds,” as provided in ORS 208.020 (Payment, nonpayment and interest on county orders) .

(2) If a demand, claim or account and evidence in support thereof is not sufficient to satisfy the accountant as to its correctness, lawfulness, justness or validity, the accountant shall indorse the same as audited and rejected, with the date thereof, and report the same to the board of county commissioners with such explanation as the accountant may deem necessary.

(3) The accountant shall receive and preserve in the office of the accountant all accounts, books, vouchers, documents and papers relating to the accounts and contracts of the county, its debts, revenues and other financial affairs.

(4) The accountant shall give information as to the exact condition of the treasury and of every fund thereof upon demand by the board of county commissioners, or any member thereof.

(5) All claims approved and ordered paid shall be numbered consecutively, and the order drawn for the same shall designate the fund out of which it is payable. [Amended by 1981 c.216 §7; 1983 c.310 §8]

Source: Section 210.170 — Auditing and approving claims; financial records and reports , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors210.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.320 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.320
201.320 Wallowa County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Wallowa County is as follows:

(1) Commencing at the northeast corner of the state; thence west on the state line to the east boundary of Umatilla County; thence south on the east boundary of Umatilla County to the first standard parallel north of the Willamette Base Line; thence east to the northwest corner township 4 north, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south six miles to the southwest corner township 4 north, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence west two miles to the northwest corner section 2, township 3 north, range 40 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south six miles to the southwest corner section 35, township 3 north, range 40 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southeast corner section 35; thence south two miles to the southwest corner section 12, township 2 north, range 40 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southeast corner section 12; thence south three miles to the southwest corner section 30, township 2 north, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southeast corner of section 30; thence south seven miles to the southwest corner section 32, township 1 north, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east two miles to the southeast corner section 33, township 1 north, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south six miles to the southwest corner section 34, township 1 south, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southeast corner section 34; thence south four miles to the southwest corner section 23, township 2 south, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southwest corner section 24, township 2 south, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south two miles to the southwest corner section 36, township 2 south, range 41 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east three miles to southeast corner section 32, township 2 south, range 42 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south two miles to the southwest corner section 9, township 3 south, range 42 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southeast corner of such section line; thence south one mile to the southwest corner section 15, township 3 south, range 42 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southeast corner section 15; thence south two miles to the southwest corner section 26, township 3 south, range 42 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east one mile to the southwest corner section 25, township 3 south, range 42 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south four miles to the southwest corner section 13, township 4 south, range 42 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east two miles to the southeast corner section 18, township 4 south, range 43 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south three miles to the northwest corner section 5, township 5 south, range 43 east, Willamette Meridian; thence east 11 miles to the southeast corner, township 4 south, range 44 east, Willamette Meridian; thence south six miles to the southeast corner, township 5 south, range 44 east, Willamette Meridian, a point on first standard parallel south of the Willamette Base Line; thence east to the east boundary of the state; thence northerly along the east boundary of the state to the place of beginning.

(2) The western and southern boundaries of Wallowa County established by subsection (1) of this section are the eastern and northern boundaries of the adjacent counties.

Source: Section 201.320 — Wallowa County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.150 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.150
201.150 Jackson County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Jackson County is as follows:

(1) Beginning at the southwest corner of Umpqua County; thence running due east to the northwest corner of Douglas County; thence southerly along the western boundary line of Douglas County to the southwest corner of such county; thence easterly along the southern boundary of Douglas County to the southeast corner thereof; thence in a southeast direction to the eastern extremity of Rogue River Valley; thence due south to the boundary line between Oregon and California; thence due west along such boundary line to the Pacific coast; thence northerly along the coast to the point of beginning.

(2) Beginning at the southeast corner of Douglas County; thence running due east to the one hundred and twentieth meridian of west longitude; thence due south along the boundary line between Grant and Wasco Counties to the forty-second parallel of north latitude; thence west along the forty-second parallel to the southeast corner of Jackson County; thence to the place of beginning.

Note: For description of areas, parts of which were once encompassed by the area described in 201.150 (Jackson County) but that now form parts of Coos, Curry and Josephine Counties, see, respectively, 201.060 (Coos County) , 201.080 (Curry County) and 201.170 (Josephine County) . The eastern boundary of Jackson County is part of the western boundary of Klamath County (see 201.180 (Klamath County) ). The northern boundary of Jackson County is part of the southern boundary of Douglas County (see 201.100 (Douglas County) ). The western boundary of Jackson County is the eastern boundary of Josephine County (see 201.170 (Josephine County) ). The southern boundary of Jackson County is the Oregon-California line.

Umpqua County, referred to in 201.150 (Jackson County) (1), was incorporated in Douglas County in 1863.

Source: Section 201.150 — Jackson County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 210.150 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 210 / Section 210.150
210.150 Bond or letter of credit of subordinates
Status: in_force

A county accountant may require the deputies, clerks, assistants and employees of the accountant to give bonds of indemnity, with sufficient sureties, or to give an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution, as defined in ORS 706.008 (Additional definitions for Bank Act) , for the faithful performance of their duties. [Amended by 1981 c.216 §5; 1983 c.310 §6; 1991 c.331 §49; 1997 c.631 §428]

Source: Section 210.150 — Bond or letter of credit of subordinates , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors210.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 206.090 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 206 / Section 206.090
206.090 Delivery of jail, prisoners and process to new sheriff
Status: in_force

Within one day after the service of the certificate referred to in ORS 206.080 (Certificate of election or appointment to new sheriff) upon the former sheriff, the former sheriff shall deliver to the successor:

(1) The jail of the county, with its appurtenances and the property of the county therein.

(2) The prisoners then confined in the county jail.

(3) The process or other papers in the custody of the former sheriff, authorizing or relating to the confinement of the prisoners, or if they have been returned, a written memorandum of them and the time and place of their return.

(4) All process for the arrest of a party, and all papers relating to the summoning of jurors which have not been fully executed.

(5) All executions and final process, except those which the former sheriff has executed, or has begun to execute, by the collection of money or a levy on property.

(6) All process or other papers for the enforcement of a provisional remedy not fully executed.

Source: Section 206.090 — Delivery of jail, prisoners and process to new sheriff , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors206.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.045 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.045
203.045 Procedure for adopting ordinance
Status: in_force

(1) This section does not apply to a county that prescribes by charter the manner of adopting ordinances for the county or to an ordinance authorized by a statute other than ORS 203.035 (Power of county governing body or electors over matters of county concern) .

(2) The ordaining clause of an ordinance adopted under ORS 203.035 (Power of county governing body or electors over matters of county concern) shall read:

(a) In case of adoption by the county governing body only, “The (name of the governing body) ordains as follows:”.

(b) In case of adoption or ratification by the electors of the county, “The People of (name of county) ordain as follows:”.

(3) Except as subsections (4) and (5) of this section provide to the contrary, every ordinance of a county governing body shall, before being put upon its final adoption, be read fully and distinctly in open meeting of that body on two days at least 13 days apart.

(4) Except as subsection (5) of this section provides to the contrary, and except ordinances imposing, or providing exemptions from, taxation, an ordinance necessary to meet an emergency may, upon being read first in full and then by title, be adopted at a single meeting of the governing body by unanimous vote of all its members present, provided they constitute a quorum.

(5) Any reading required by subsection (3) or (4) of this section may be by title only:

(a) If no member of the governing body present at the meeting requests that the ordinance be read in full; or

(b) If, not later than one week before the first reading of the ordinance, a copy of it is provided each member, copies of it are available at the headquarters of the governing body, one copy for each person who requests it, and notice of the availability is given by:

(A) Written notice posted at the courthouse of the county and two other public places in the county; and

(B) Publication at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, designated by the county governing body and published in the county or, if no newspaper is so published, then in one published elsewhere.

(6) An ordinance adopted after being read by title only may have no legal effect if it differs substantially from its terms as it is thus filed prior to the reading, unless each section incorporating such a difference, as finally amended prior to being adopted by the governing body, is read fully and distinctly in open meeting of that body.

(7) Upon the final vote on an ordinance, the ayes and nays of the members of the governing body shall be taken and recorded in the record of proceedings of the body.

(8) Upon the adoption of an ordinance by the governing body in accordance with this section, the chairperson and recording secretary of the body at the session at which the ordinance is adopted shall sign it with the date of its adoption and with their names and titles of office or position.

(9) An ordinance adopted in accordance with this section, if not an emergency ordinance, shall take effect on the 90th day after the date of its adoption, unless it prescribes a later effective date or is referred to the electors of the county. If an ordinance is referred to the electors, it shall take effect only upon the approval of a majority of those voting on the proposed ordinance. An emergency ordinance may take effect immediately upon the date of its adoption. [1973 c.282 §3; 1975 c.736 §1]

Source: Section 203.045 — Procedure for adopting ordinance; inapplicability to county prescribing procedure by charter or other statutes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.300 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.300
201.300 Umatilla County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Umatilla County is as follows:

(1) Beginning at a point on the boundary of the state and the eastern boundary of Morrow County, as described in ORS 201.250 (Morrow County) ; thence southerly along such county boundary to the northern boundary of Grant County, as described in ORS 201.120 (Grant County) ; thence easterly along such county boundary to the boundary of Union County as described in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The boundary line between Umatilla and Wallowa and Umatilla and Union Counties begins at the terminus of Umatilla and Union Counties on the south and more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the summit of the Blue Mountains where the township line between townships 6 and 7 south intersects the summit; thence west on the township line to the southwest corner of section 33, township 6 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of section 4 of such township and range; thence west to the southwest corner of section 34, township 5 south, range 34 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of section 27, township 4 south, range 34 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence west to the northwest corner of section 27, township 4 south, range 33 1/2 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northeast corner of township 4 south, range 33 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence west to the southwest corner of section 35, township 3 south, range 33 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of section 2, township 3 south, range 33 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the northeast corner of township 3 south, range 33 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence south to the northwest corner of township 3 south, range 33 1/2 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the southeast corner of township 2 south, range 33 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of section 31, township 2 south, range 34 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the southeast corner of section 28, township 2 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of section 3, township 2 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the southeast corner of southwest quarter of section 35, township 1 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of section 35, township 1 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the northeast corner of northwest quarter of section 36, township 1 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence south to the center of section 36, township 1 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the northeast corner of southeast quarter of section 36, township 1 south, range 35 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence south to the southwest corner of township 1 south, range 36 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east along the south boundary line of township 1 south, range 36 east, and township 1 south, range 37 east, to the southwest corner of section 33, township 1 south, range 37 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northeast corner of section 20, township 1 south, range 37 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the southeast corner of section 13, township 1 south, range 37 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence north along the east boundary line of township 1 south, range 37 east, and townships 1 and 2 north, range 37 east, of the Willamette Meridian, to the northeast corner of township 2 north, range 37 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 4, township 2 north, range 38 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the township line between townships 3 and 4 north, range 38 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the southeast corner of section 34, township 4 north, range 38 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of section 23, township 4 north, range 38 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the southwest corner of section 17, township 4 north, range 39 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence north to the northwest corner of section 5, township 4 north, range 39 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence east to the southeast corner of section 31, township 5 north, range 39 east, of the Willamette Meridian; thence due north about nine and one-half miles, terminating at the state line between Oregon and Washington. [Amended by 1967 c.421 §195]

Source: Section 201.300 — Umatilla County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 203.810 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 203 / Section 203.810
203.810 Offenses under county law
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “County law” means a county charter adopted pursuant to ORS 203.710 (Performance of functions by officers designated by county law) to 203.770 (Copies of charters and amendments, revisions and repeals) and legislation passed by a charter county or any ordinance enacted by a general law county.

(b) “County offense” means any crime or offense defined or made punishable by county law.

(2) Except as may be provided otherwise by county law:

(a) The justice courts and circuit court for a county have jurisdiction of county offenses to the same extent as such courts have jurisdiction of crimes or offenses defined or made punishable by state law, as determined by the maximum punishment which may be imposed therefor.

(b) The district attorney shall prosecute county offenses unless the county governing body elects to have the prosecution of such offenses conducted by a county counsel appointed pursuant to ORS 203.145 (Appointment of legal counsel for county governing body) .

(c) The practice and procedure as to the prosecution, trial and punishment of county offenses shall be the same as in the case of similar crimes or offenses defined or made punishable by state law.

(3) Except as may be provided otherwise by county law and subject to limitations on its civil jurisdiction under state law, the justice court and circuit court for a county have jurisdiction of a civil proceeding maintained by a county under ORS 30.310 (Actions and suits by governmental units) or 30.315 (Proceedings by cities and counties to enforce ordinances and resolutions) , including a proceeding to abate or enjoin any act or condition that is declared to be a nuisance by an ordinance of the county.

(4) Judgments based on county offenses may be enforced in the manner provided by ORS 52.600 (Enforcement of justice court judgments generally) . [1961 c.724 §33; 1963 c.611 §1; 1977 c.622 §1; 1981 c.75 §1; 1985 c.626 §2; 1995 c.658 §91; 1999 c.788 §49]

Source: Section 203.810 — Offenses under county law; jurisdiction; prosecutions; enforcement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors203.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 209.020 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 209 / Section 209.020
209.020 Surveys on court order
Status: in_force

The county surveyor shall execute all orders directed to the surveyor by any court of record or county court for surveying roads, or surveying or resurveying any tract of land the title to which is in dispute before such court, and all orders of survey for the partition of real estate. The county surveyor may charge and collect a fee that will reimburse the county for work performed under this section. [Amended by 1979 c.653 §1; 1989 c.394 §4]

Source: Section 209.020 — Surveys on court order; fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors209.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.233 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.233
215.233 Validity of ordinances and development patterns adopted before September 2, 1963
Status: in_force

Nothing in ORS 215.010 (Definitions) , 215.030 (Membership of planning commission) , 215.050 (Comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinances) , 215.060 (Procedure for action on plan) , 215.110 (Recommendations for implementation of comprehensive plan) , 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) , 215.170 (Authority of cities in unincorporated area) , 215.185 (Remedies for unlawful structures or land use) , 215.190 (Violation of ordinances or regulations) , 215.203 (Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones) , 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) and 215.223 (Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances) and this section shall impair the validity of ordinances enacted prior to September 2, 1963. All development patterns made and adopted prior to that time shall be deemed to meet the requirements of ORS 215.010 (Definitions) , 215.030 (Membership of planning commission) , 215.050 (Comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinances) , 215.060 (Procedure for action on plan) , 215.110 (Recommendations for implementation of comprehensive plan) , 215.130 (Application of ordinances and comprehensive plan) , 215.170 (Authority of cities in unincorporated area) , 215.185 (Remedies for unlawful structures or land use) , 215.190 (Violation of ordinances or regulations) , 215.203 (Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones) , 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) and 215.223 (Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances) and this section concerning comprehensive plans. [1963 c.619 §14; 1971 c.13 §3; 1985 c.565 §30; 2001 c.672 §17]

Source: Section 215.233 — Validity of ordinances and development patterns adopted before September 2, 1963 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.120 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.120
201.120 Grant County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Grant County is as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of township 18 south of range 26 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence running north on the line between ranges 25 and 26, to the northwest corner of township 7 south, range 26 east; thence east along the township line between townships 6 and 7 south to the summit of the chain of mountains known as the Blue Mountains; thence southerly along the summit of the Blue Mountains to the westerly boundary line of Baker County, as described in ORS 201.010 (Baker County) (1); thence along and adjoining the western line of Baker County on the summit of the Blue Mountains southerly between the waters of Powder River and Burnt River on the east and John Day River on the west, to a point where the line of such summit intersects the section line on the north side of section 15, township 15 south, range 35 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence east on the such section line to the quarter section corner on the north side of such section 15; thence south one and one-half miles to the center of section 22; thence east to the quarter section corner on the east side of section 24, the quarter section corner being on the range line between range 35 1/2 east and range 36 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence north on such range line 7.99 chains to the northwest corner of section 19, township 15 south, range 36 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence east on the section line to the intersection of the range line between range 36 east and range 37 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence south to the township line between townships 17 and 18 south; thence west along such township line to the range line between ranges 32 and 33 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence south on such range line to the township line between townships 18 and 19 south; thence west on such township line to the place of beginning.

Source: Section 201.120 — Grant County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.255 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.255
215.255 Farm product processing facility
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Biofuel” has the meaning given that term in ORS 315.141 (Biomass production or collection) .

(b) “Facility for the processing of farm products” means a facility for:

(A) Processing farm crops, including the production of biofuel, if at least one-quarter of the farm crops come from the farm operation containing the facility; or

(B) Slaughtering, processing or selling poultry, poultry products, rabbits or rabbit products from the farm operation containing the facility and consistent with the licensing exemption for a person under ORS 603.038 (Licensing exemption for certain poultry and rabbit processors) (2).

(c) “Processing area” means the floor area of a building dedicated to farm product processing. “Processing area” does not include the floor area designated for preparation, storage or other farm use.

(2) A county may allow a facility for the processing of farm products as a permitted use under ORS 215.213 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993) (1)(u) and ORS 215.283 (Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties) (1)(r) on land zoned for exclusive farm use, only if the facility:

(a) Uses less than 10,000 square feet for its processing area and complies with all applicable siting standards; or

(b) Notwithstanding any applicable siting standard, uses less than 2,500 square feet for its processing area.

(3) A county may not apply siting standards in a manner that prohibits the siting of a facility for the processing of farm products under subsection (2)(a) of this section. [2019 c.410 §2; 2023 c.81 §2]

Note: 215.255 (Farm product processing facility) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 215.255 — Farm product processing facility; conditions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 205.234 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 205 / Section 205.234
205.234 Requirements for first page of instruments to be recorded
Status: in_force

(1) When an instrument is presented to a county clerk for recording, the first page of the instrument must contain at least:

(a) The names of the transactions as required in ORS 205.236 (Labeling of instrument to be recorded) ;

(b) The names of the persons described in ORS 205.125 (County Clerk Lien Record) (1)(a) and (b) and 205.160 (Indexes kept by county clerk) ;

(c) The person to whom and, for mailing purposes only, the address to which the instrument will be delivered as provided in ORS 205.180 (Entry in appropriate record of instruments received for recording) ;

(d) For instruments that convey or contract to convey fee title to real estate and for memoranda of the instruments, the true and actual consideration paid for the transfer as required by ORS 93.030 (Contracts to convey, instruments of conveyance and related memoranda to state consideration) ;

(e) For instruments that convey or contract to convey fee title to real estate, the tax statement information required by ORS 93.260 (Tax statement information required in conveyancing instrument) ;

(f) For instruments recorded in the County Clerk Lien Record, the information described in ORS 205.125 (County Clerk Lien Record) (1)(c) and (e); and

(g) For instruments that assign a mortgage or trust deed, the name and address of the assignee mortgagee or assignee trust deed beneficiary.

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 205.327 (Penalty for presenting nonstandard instruments for recording) , if an instrument presented for recording does not contain the information required by subsection (1) of this section, a cover sheet may be prepared that contains the required information. The person that presents the instrument for recording shall prepare the cover sheet. The cover sheet may be attached to the instrument and must be recorded as a part of the instrument. Any errors in the cover sheet do not affect the transactions contained in the instrument. The cover sheet need not be separately signed or acknowledged. [1991 c.230 §3; 1993 c.321 §4; 2007 c.345 §1; 2011 c.505 §3; 2012 c.47 §4]

Source: Section 205.234 — Requirements for first page of instruments to be recorded; cover sheet , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors205.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 209.150 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 209 / Section 209.150
209.150 Removal or destruction of survey monument
Status: in_force

(1) Any person or public agency removing, disturbing or destroying any survey monument of record in the office of the county surveyor or county clerk shall cause a registered professional land surveyor to reference and replace the monument within 90 days of the removal, disturbance or destruction. The registered professional land surveyor referencing and replacing the monument shall do so in the same manner that is provided for public land survey corners according to ORS 209.140 (Necessary interference with corners or accessories) and shall notify the county surveyor of that action within two business days. The costs of referencing and replacing the survey monument shall be paid by the person or public agency causing the removal, disturbance or destruction.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a county surveyor may, upon written request and written notice to an affected property owner, provide written authorization to a registered professional land surveyor to remove a survey monument other than a public land survey corner as defined in ORS 209.005 (Definitions) . A county surveyor may require that the position of the removed monument be referenced to another survey monument and noted on a survey map filed in accordance with ORS 209.250 (Survey by registered land surveyor) . [Amended by 1979 c.653 §10; 1989 c. 394 §12; 1991 c.339 §2; 1997 c.336 §3; 1997 c.489 §10]

Source: Section 209.150 — Removal or destruction of survey monument; notice to county surveyor; replacement of monument; exception , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors209.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.130 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.130
201.130 Harney County
Status: in_force

The boundary of Harney County is as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the south boundary of the state and the east line of range 28 east of the Willamette Meridian; thence northerly along such range line to the northeast corner of township 33 south, range 28 east; thence westerly along township lines to the southwest corner of township 32 south, range 24 east; thence northerly along the west line of range 24 east to the northwest corner of township 22 south, range 24 east; thence easterly to the northeast corner of such township; thence northerly along the east line of range 24 east to the township line between townships 18 and 19 south; thence easterly along such township line to the line between ranges 32 and 33 east; thence northerly along such range line to the line between townships 17 and 18 south; thence easterly along such township line to the line between ranges 36 and 37 east; thence southerly along such range line to the southeast corner of township 37 south, range 36 east; thence easterly along the township line to the line between ranges 38 and 39 east; thence southerly along the last-named range line to the south boundary of the state; thence westerly along the south boundary of the state to the place of beginning.

Source: Section 201.130 — Harney County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 201.020 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 201 / Section 201.020
201.020 Benton County
Status: in_force

(1) The boundary of Benton County is as follows:

(a) Commencing in the middle of the Willamette River, at the southeast corner of Polk County; thence running south along the main channel of the river to the middle fork of the river; thence up the middle fork to its source; thence due south to the forty-second parallel of north latitude; thence west along the forty-second parallel to the Pacific Ocean; thence north along the coast of the Pacific Ocean to the southern boundary of Polk County.

(b) Beginning at a point on the Benton and Lincoln County boundary line which is the northeast corner of section 13, township 14 south, range 9 west, Willamette Meridian; thence west a distance of approximately one mile to the section corner common to sections 11, 12, 13 and 14, township 14 south, range 9 west, Willamette Meridian; thence south a distance of approximately one mile to the section corner common to sections 13, 14, 23 and 24, township 14 south, range 9 west, Willamette Meridian; thence west a distance of approximately four miles to the section corner common to sections 17, 18, 19 and 20, township 14 south, range 9 west, Willamette Meridian; thence south a distance of approximately two miles to the section corner common to sections 29, 30, 31 and 32, township 14 south, range 9 west, Willamette Meridian; thence east a distance of approximately two miles to the section corner common to sections 27, 28, 33 and 34, township 14 south, range 9 west, Willamette Meridian; thence south a distance of approximately two and one-fourth miles to the Lane and Lincoln County boundary along the one-sixteenth section line in sections 10, 11 and 12 in township 15 south, range 9 west, Willamette Meridian; thence east to the boundary lines corner common to Lincoln, Benton and Lane Counties; thence north a distance of approximately five and one-fourth miles to the place of beginning.

(c) The southern boundary of Benton County commences in the middle of the channel of the Willamette River at a point where a line running west will pass three miles south of the ford on Long Tom (near Rowland Hinton’s field); thence running due west to a monument set on the present county boundary between Lane and Benton Counties, which is 14.96 chains north of the quarter section corner between sections 11 and 12, township 15 south, range 6 west, Willamette Meridian; thence south to the quarter corner between sections 11 and 12, township 15 south, range 6 west; thence westerly on the quarter line through townships 6 and 7 west, to the quarter corner on the west side of section 7, township 15 south, range 7 west; thence south to the quarter corner on the east side of section 12, township 15 south, range 8 west; thence westerly on the quarter section line through township 15 south, range 8 west, to the west line of section 7 of such township.

(2) When the Willamette River serves as the boundary between Linn and Benton Counties in subsection (1)(a) and (c) of this section, a reference to the river refers to the middle of the Willamette River as it existed on January 8, 2003, and may be further identified using coordinates and other location information determined by the affected county surveyors and filed by the appropriate counties with the appropriate county assessors and the Department of Revenue under ORS 308.225 (Boundary changes) . [Amended by 2003 c.622 §1]

Note: For description of areas, parts of which were once encompassed by the area described in 201.020 (Benton County) (1)(a) but that now form parts of Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane and Lincoln Counties, see, respectively, 201.060 (Coos County) , 201.080 (Curry County) , 201.100 (Douglas County) , 201.150 (Jackson County) , 201.170 (Josephine County) , 201.200 (Lane County) and 201.210 (Lincoln County) .

Source: Section 201.020 — Benton County , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors201.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.755 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.755
215.755 Other forestland dwellings
Status: in_force

Subject to the approval of the governing body or its designee, the following dwellings may be established in any area zoned for forest use under a land use planning goal protecting forestland, provided that the requirements of the acknowledged comprehensive plan, land use regulations and other applicable provisions of law are met:

(1) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a lawfully established dwelling, as described in ORS 215.291 (Alteration, restoration or replacement of lawfully established dwelling) .

(2) One manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle, or the temporary use of an existing building, in conjunction with an existing dwelling as a temporary use for the term of a hardship suffered by the existing resident or a relative of the resident. Within three months of the end of the hardship, the manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle shall be removed or demolished or, in the case of an existing building, the building shall be removed, demolished or returned to an allowed nonresidential use. The governing body or its designee shall provide for periodic review of the hardship claimed under this subsection. A temporary dwelling established under this section shall not qualify for replacement under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Caretaker residences for public parks and public fish hatcheries. [1997 c.318 §6; 1999 c.640 §4; 2023 c.301 §1]

Note: 215.755 (Other forestland dwellings) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 215.755 — Other forestland dwellings; criteria , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 215.060 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 215 / Section 215.060
215.060 Procedure for action on plan
Status: in_force

Action by the governing body of a county regarding the plan shall have no legal effect unless the governing body first conducts one or more public hearings on the plan and unless 10 days’ advance public notice of each of the hearings is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, in case the plan as it is to be heard concerns only part of the county, is so published in the territory so concerned and unless a majority of the members of the governing body approves the action. The notice provisions of this section shall not restrict the giving of notice by other means, including mail, radio and television. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §5; 1967 c.589 §1; 1973 c.552 §6]

Source: Section 215.060 — Procedure for action on plan; notice; hearing , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors215.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 206.060 — OR Code / Title 20 / Chapter 206 / Section 206.060
206.060 When sheriff justified in executing process
Status: in_force

A sheriff is justified in the execution of process regular on its face, and appearing to have been issued by competent authority, whatever may be the defect in the proceedings in which it was issued.

Source: Section 206.060 — When sheriff justified in executing process , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors206.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).