The UGB separates urban land from rural land. State law requires that a 20-year supply of urbanizable land be included inside its borders at all times. Urban growth boundaries were created as part of the statewide land-use planning program in Oregon in the early 1970s. By providing land for urban uses within the boundary, rural lands can be protected from urban sprawl. Metro manages the regional urban growth boundary for the Portland metropolitan area.
Typical projects are subdivisions, multifamily projects and commercial developments.
Usually the most controversial issues are related to increases in traffic, connection of streets in neighborhoods and the protection of significant natural resources. These districts are subject to Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules, in addition to the County s standards. In these districts most types of development are not allowed or are not presumed to be appropriate. Thus more development, such as rural residences and land divisions, can occur in these areas. However, the level of development is still much less than that allowed in the urban area.