HB 3928
Allows counties to designate certain rural lands for rural housing development that are not subject to statewide land use planning laws.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
7%
Oppose
93%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows Oregon counties to designate certain rural lands for housing development, even if those lands aren't subject to statewide land use planning regulations. The designated land must meet specific size and use criteria, such as being at least one acre in size and not being within an urban growth boundary. Counties would need to create a development plan, including provisions for community resources like water and sewage, and the development cannot be subject to typical land use review processes.
Key provisions
- Counties can designate rural lands for housing development outside of statewide land use laws.
- Designated land must be at least one acre in size.
- Housing on designated land can only be single-unit dwellings or manufactured homes.
- Counties must require an agreement outlining a development plan with community infrastructure requirements.
- The designation is not a land use decision and is not subject to Land Use Board of Appeals review.
- County decisions are governed only by this section and other specified Oregon laws.
- Lands are exempt from repayment of additional property taxes based on disqualification from special assessment.
- The bill amends ORS 308A.706 to include rural housing development as a reason for land to be exempt from special assessment.
Who is affected
- Counties
- Homebuyers
- Landowners
- Rural Residents
- Local Governments
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Vikki Breese-Iverson
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill generally agree that rural areas should have autonomy in deciding land use, allowing them to address unique local needs and challenges. Many testifiers, including Lane County, suggest exploring innovative solutions to create affordable housing, building on existing principles like SB 100, while adapting to modern requirements. Some argue that rural Oregon is being left behind in housing solutions, proposing the use of underutilized land outside the Urban Growth Boundary to provide single-family homes for rural communities. Additionally, supporters emphasize the importance of preserving rural way of life, including allowing families with children to participate in activities like FFA and 4H and own animals for food and pleasure.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3928 express concerns about the bill's potential to undermine Oregon's unique land use planning system, which protects agricultural lands, wildlife habitats, and rural communities. They argue that the legislation would lead to uncontrolled development outside urban growth boundaries, threatening rural livelihoods, degradation of natural resources, and increased wildfire risk. Testifiers also emphasize the need to preserve farmland, support local farmers, and address the state's housing affordability crisis through community-led initiatives rather than incentivizing large-scale development. Many opponents believe that the bill would promote sprawling development, drive up land prices, and exacerbate environmental concerns, ultimately harming Oregon's natural beauty and quality of life.