The local comprehensive plans must be consistent with the statewide planning goals. It then becomes the controlling document for land use in the area covered by that plan. Oregon's planning laws apply not only to local governments but also to special districts and state agencies. A Partnership Oregon's planning program is a partnership between state and local governments. The state requires cities and counties to plan, and it sets the standards for such planning.
Local governments do the planning and administer most of the land-use regulations.
The resulting mosaic of state-approved local comprehensive plans covers the entire state. The state does not write comprehensive plans. It doesn't zone land or administer permits for local planning actions like variances and conditional uses. And unlike some other states, Oregon does not require environmental impact statements. The commission's seven members are unsalaried volunteers, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate.