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Sunday, November 28, 2004
Law - Land-use rules in Oregon to be turned on their head
A lengthy story in the NY Times last Friday, headlined "Property Rights Law May Alter Oregon Landscape," reported on the effect of a ballot initiative adopted there on Nov. 2. Some quotes:,
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 20 - Over the past three decades, Oregon has earned a reputation for having the most restrictive land-use rules in the nation. Housing was grouped in and near the cities, while vast parcels of farmland and forests were untouched by so much as a suburban cul-de-sac.
Environmentalists and advocates for "smart growth" cheered the ever-growing list of rules as visionary, while some landowners, timber companies and political allies cried foul.But in a matter of days, the landowners will get a chance to turn the tables. Under a ballot measure approved on Nov. 2, property owners who can prove that environmental or zoning rules have hurt their investments can force the government to compensate them for the losses - or get an exemption from the rules.
Supporters of the measure, which passed 60 percent to 40 percent, call it a landmark in a 30-year battle over property rights. * * *
Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 28, 2004 10:18 AM
Posted to General Law Related