The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has proposed rule changes that would open up hundreds of unincorporated communities across Oregon to suburban sprawl.
The Land Conservation and Development Commission is rushing through rule changes to give counties new powers to rezone and expand rural communities across Oregon for urban sprawl. The rulemaking is deceptively called “Housing in Unincorporated Communities (HUC).”
But these rule changes will NOT lead to housing that most Oregonians can afford. Instead of homes for working families, rural communities will see luxury homes, vacation rentals, and higher property taxes.
It gets worse. The new rules would let counties rezone rural communities for everything from strip malls to factories to Amazon warehouses without first requiring the water, sewer, and roads they would need. Expansion and development would transform rural communities into “little cities” controlled by county governments.
By law, Oregon cities must have ample land for housing. So what’s the real reason for the rulemaking? Developers, investors and speculators are driving this land grab. Their lobbyists and representatives dominate the rules advisory committee.
What can you do?
We need scores of people to turn out at the 12/4 hearing. Please sign up now to testify in person or via Zoom. The organization Protect Rural Oregon provides a LCDC Testimony Development Guide that describes how you can participate.
Key reasons to oppose the rule changes
Converts rural communities to unaffordable commuter suburbs
Results in farm, ranch, and forestlands lost forever to development
Enables more development in areas prone to wildfires, floods, and coastal erosion
Wastes scarce water resources on sprawl
Rezoning means higher property taxes and homes that locals cannot afford
Diverts public and private investment away from cities that need it
Destroys wildlife habitat
Opens the door to more short term rentals and vacation homes
This rulemaking is part of a larger effort to dismantle the laws protecting Oregon’s lands, natural resources, and communities.
The rule changes are being influenced by homebuilders, realtors, and the Oregon Property Owners Association. It is taking place at LCDC, the Legislature, Metro, and counties across Oregon. We must oppose them on all fronts and advocate for new rules and laws that address new challenges to Oregonians’ quality of life.
Protect rural Oregon – before it’s rezoned away.
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