SB 1578
Allows counties with a population density of less than 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres to be divided and developed for residential dwellings of at least five units per acre.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
15%
Oppose
85%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows counties with populations under 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres for residential development, provided that housing density is at least five units per acre. It also expands the ability to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on farmland and allows for larger rural ADUs. The bill sunsets on January 2, 2034, and includes provisions for annual reporting on rezoning activity and for ensuring that new residential developments protect farm, forest, and rangeland practices.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of Senate Bill 1578 believe the legislation offers a common-sense solution to Oregon's housing crisis by providing practical tools for rural counties to address housing shortages and create attainable homeownership opportunities. The bill authorizes counties to designate rural land for affordable housing development, addressing the lack of available housing in rural areas and allowing them to attract new jobs and industries. By empowering rural landowners and modernizing land-use regulations, SB 1578 aims to unlock housing potential on developed or suitable land without requiring urban expansion, enabling modest high-density projects and innovative ADU expansions to attract and retain families, workers, and seniors.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of Senate Bill 1578 express concerns about the bill's potential impact on agriculture, forest lands, and rural counties. They argue that the measure would allow urban-density housing on limited farmland, bypassing Oregon's land use planning system and weakening farmland protections. Testifiers also contend that the bill ignores state mandates for safe drinking water and source protection, and fails to address the affordable housing crisis, instead benefiting luxury developers and increasing wildfire risk. Additionally, opponents believe that the bill would undermine Oregon's strong land use policies, allowing for the rezoning of agricultural and forest lands for non-farm housing, potentially fragmenting farmland and forestland. They also express concerns about the potential for corrupt motivations and connections between local counties and legislators, as well as the lack of provisions for essential services like well water and sewage disposal. Overall, opponents argue that SB 1578 would have negative impacts on agriculture, forest lands, rural counties, and Oregon's unique character, and urge lawmakers to reject the bill.
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