Chapter 215 — County Planning; Zoning; Housing Codes

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2001 EDITION

COUNTY PLANNING

215.010 Definitions. As used in this chapter:

(1) The terms defined in ORS 92.010 shall have the meanings given therein, except that "parcel":

(a) Includes a unit of land created:

(A) By partitioning land as defined in ORS 92.010;

(B) In compliance with all applicable planning, zoning and partitioning ordinances and regulations; or

(C) By deed or land sales contract, if there were no applicable planning, zoning or partitioning ordinances or regulations.

(b) Does not include a unit of land created solely to establish a separate tax account.

(2) "Tract" means one or more contiguous lots or parcels under the same ownership.

(3) The terms defined in ORS chapter 197 shall have the meanings given therein.

(4) "Farm use" has the meaning given that term in ORS 215.203.

(5) "The Willamette Valley" is Clackamas, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill Counties and the portion of Benton and Lane Counties lying east of the summit of the Coast Range. [Amended by 1955 c.756 §25; 1963 c.619 §1 (1); 1985 c.717 §4; 1993 c.792 §8; 1999 c.327 §1]

215.020 Authority to establish county planning commissions. (1) The governing body of any county may create and provide for the organization and operations of one or more county planning commissions.

(2) This section shall be liberally construed and shall include the authority to create more than one planning commission, or subcommittee of a commission, for a county or the use of a joint planning commission or other intergovernmental agency for planning as authorized by ORS 190.003 to 190.130. [Amended by 1973 c.552 §1; 1975 c.767 §15]

215.030 Membership of planning commission. (1) The county planning commission shall consist of five, seven or nine members appointed by the governing body for four-year terms, or until their respective successors are appointed and qualified; provided that in the first instance the terms of the initial members shall be staggered for one, two, three and four years.

(2) A commission member may be removed by the governing body, after hearing, for misconduct or nonperformance of duty.

(3) Any vacancy on the commission shall be filled by the governing body for the unexpired term.

(4) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation other than reimbursement for duly authorized expenses.

(5) Members of a commission shall be residents of the various geographic areas of the county. No more than two voting members shall be engaged principally in the buying, selling or developing of real estate for profit, as individuals, or be members of any partnership or officers or employees of any corporation that is engaged principally in the buying, selling or developing of real estate for profit. No more than two voting members shall be engaged in the same kind of occupation, business, trade or profession.

(6) The governing body may designate one or more officers of the county to be nonvoting members of the commission.

(7) Except for subsection (5) of this section, the governing body may provide by ordinance for alternative rules to those specified in this section. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §2; 1973 c.552 §2; 1977 c.766 §1]

215.035 [1973 c.552 §10; renumbered 244.135 in 1993]

215.040 [Amended by 1973 c.552 §3; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.042 County to appoint planning director; term and duties of director. (1) The governing body of each county shall designate an individual to serve as planning director for the county responsible for administration of planning. The governing body shall provide employees as necessary to assist the director in carrying out responsibilities. The director shall be the chief administrative officer in charge of the planning department of the county, if one is created.

(2) The director shall provide assistance, as requested, to the planning commission and shall coordinate the functions of the commission with other departments, agencies and officers of the county that are engaged in functions related to planning for the use of lands within the county.

(3) The director shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body of the county. [1973 c.552 §9]

215.044 Solar access ordinances; purpose; standards. (1) County governing bodies may adopt and implement solar access ordinances. The ordinances shall provide and protect to the extent feasible solar access to the south face of buildings during solar heating hours, taking into account latitude, topography, microclimate, existing development, existing vegetation and planned uses and densities. The county governing body shall consider for inclusion in any solar access ordinance, but not be limited to, standards for:

(a) The orientation of new streets, lots and parcels;

(b) The placement, height, bulk and orientation of new buildings;

(d) Planned uses and densities to conserve energy, facilitate the use of solar energy, or both.

(2) The Office of Energy shall actively encourage and assist county governing bodies’ efforts to protect and provide for solar access.

(3) As used in this section, "solar heating hours" means those hours between three hours before and three hours after the sun is at its highest point above the horizon on December 21. [1981 c.722 §2]

215.046 [1973 c.552 §11; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.047 Effect of comprehensive plan and land use regulations on solar access ordinances. Solar access ordinances shall not be in conflict with acknowledged comprehensive plans and land use regulations. [1981 c.722 §3]

215.050 Comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinances; copies available. (1) Except as provided in ORS 527.722, the county governing body shall adopt and may from time to time revise a comprehensive plan and zoning, subdivision and other ordinances applicable to all of the land in the county. The plan and related ordinances may be adopted and revised part by part or by geographic area.

(2) Zoning, subdivision or other ordinances or regulations and any revisions or amendments thereof shall be designed to implement the adopted county comprehensive plan.

(3) A county shall maintain copies of its comprehensive plan and land use regulations, as defined in ORS 197.015, for sale to the public at a charge not to exceed the cost of copying and assembling the material. [Amended by 1955 c.439 §2; 1963 c.619 §3; 1973 c.552 §4; 1977 c.766 §2; 1981 c.748 §41; 1987 c.919 §5; 1991 c.363 §1]

215.055 [1955 c.439 §3; 1963 c.619 §4; 1971 c.13 §2; 1971 c.739 §1; 1973 c.80 §43; 1975 c.153 §1; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.060 Procedure for action on plan; notice; hearing. Action by the governing body of a county regarding the plan shall have no legal effect unless the governing body first conducts one or more public hearings on the plan and unless 10 days’ advance public notice of each of the hearings is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, in case the plan as it is to be heard concerns only part of the county, is so published in the territory so concerned and unless a majority of the members of the governing body approves the action. The notice provisions of this section shall not restrict the giving of notice by other means, including mail, radio and television. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §5; 1967 c.589 §1; 1973 c.552 §6]

215.070 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.080 Power to enter upon land. The commission, and any of its members, officers and employees, in the performance of their functions, may enter upon any land and make examinations and surveys and place and maintain the necessary monuments and markers thereon.

215.090 Information made available to commission. Public officials, departments and agencies, having information, maps or other data deemed by the planning commission pertinent to county planning shall make such information available for the use of the commission. [Amended by 1977 c.766 §3]

215.100 Cooperation with other agencies. The county planning commission shall advise and cooperate with other planning commissions within the state, and shall upon request, or on its own initiative, furnish advice or reports to any city, county, officer or department on any problem comprehended in county planning.

215.104 [1955 c.439 §4; 1963 c.619 §6; 1967 c.589 §2; 1973 c.552 §7; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.108 [1955 c.439 §5; 1961 c.607 §1; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.110 Recommendation of ordinances to implement plan; content; enactment; referral; retroactivity prohibited. (1) A planning commission may recommend to the governing body ordinances intended to implement part or all of the comprehensive plan. The ordinances may provide, among other things, for:

(a) Zoning;

(b) Official maps showing the location and dimensions of, and the degree of permitted access to, existing and proposed thoroughfares, easements and property needed for public purposes;

(c) Preservation of the integrity of the maps by controls over construction, by making official maps parts of county deed records, and by other action not violative of private property rights;

(d) Conservation of the natural resources of the county;

(e) Controlling subdivision and partitioning of land;

(f) Renaming public thoroughfares;

(g) Protecting and assuring access to incident solar energy;

(h) Protecting and assuring access to wind for potential electrical generation or mechanical application; and

(i) Numbering property.

(2) The governing body may enact, amend or repeal ordinances to assist in carrying out a comprehensive plan. If an ordinance is recommended by a planning commission, the governing body may make any amendments to the recommendation required in the public interest. If an ordinance is initiated by the governing body, it shall, prior to enactment, request a report and recommendation regarding the ordinance from the planning commission, if one exists, and allow a reasonable time for submission of the report and recommendation.

(3) The governing body may refer to the electors of the county for their approval or rejection an ordinance or amendments thereto for which this section provides. If only a part of the county is affected, the ordinance or amendment may be referred to that part only.

(4) An ordinance enacted by authority of this section may prescribe fees and appeal procedures necessary or convenient for carrying out the purposes of the ordinance.

(5) An ordinance enacted by authority of this section may prescribe limitations designed to encourage and protect the installation and use of solar and wind energy systems.

(6) No retroactive ordinance shall be enacted under the provisions of this section. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §7; 1973 c.696 §22; 1975 c.153 §2; 1977 c.766 §4; 1979 c.671 §2; 1981 c.590 §7]

215.120 [Amended by 1957 c.568 §2; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.124 [1955 c.683 §§2, 4; 1957 c.568 §3; repealed by 1959 c.387 §1]

215.126 [1955 c.683 §3; 1957 c.568 §1; 1959 c.387 §2; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.130 Application of ordinances; alteration of nonconforming use. (1) Any legislative ordinance relating to land use planning or zoning shall be a local law within the meaning of, and subject to, ORS 250.155 to 250.235.

(2) An ordinance designed to carry out a county comprehensive plan and a county comprehensive plan shall apply to:

(a) The area within the county also within the boundaries of a city as a result of extending the boundaries of the city or creating a new city unless, or until the city has by ordinance or other provision provided otherwise; and

(b) The area within the county also within the boundaries of a city if the governing body of such city adopts an ordinance declaring the area within its boundaries subject to the county’s land use planning and regulatory ordinances, officers and procedures and the county governing body consents to the conferral of jurisdiction.

(3) An area within the jurisdiction of city land use planning and regulatory provisions that is withdrawn from the city or an area within a city that disincorporates shall remain subject to such plans and regulations which shall be administered by the county until the county provides otherwise.

(4) County ordinances designed to implement a county comprehensive plan shall apply to publicly owned property.

(5) The lawful use of any building, structure or land at the time of the enactment or amendment of any zoning ordinance or regulation may be continued. Alteration of any such use may be permitted subject to subsection (9) of this section. Alteration of any such use shall be permitted when necessary to comply with any lawful requirement for alteration in the use. Except as provided in ORS 215.215, a county shall not place conditions upon the continuation or alteration of a use described under this subsection when necessary to comply with state or local health or safety requirements, or to maintain in good repair the existing structures associated with the use. A change of ownership or occupancy shall be permitted.

(6) Restoration or replacement of any use described in subsection (5) of this section may be permitted when the restoration is made necessary by fire, other casualty or natural disaster. Restoration or replacement shall be commenced within one year from the occurrence of the fire, casualty or natural disaster. If restoration or replacement is necessary under this subsection, restoration or replacement shall be done in compliance with ORS 195.260 (1)(c).

(7)(a) Any use described in subsection (5) of this section may not be resumed after a period of interruption or abandonment unless the resumed use conforms with the requirements of zoning ordinances or regulations applicable at the time of the proposed resumption.

(b) Notwithstanding any local ordinance, a surface mining use continued under subsection (5) of this section shall not be deemed to be interrupted or abandoned for any period after July 1, 1972, provided:

(A) The owner or operator was issued and continuously renewed a state or local surface mining permit, or received and maintained a state or local exemption from surface mining regulation; and

(B) The surface mining use was not inactive for a period of 12 consecutive years or more.

(c) For purposes of this subsection, "inactive" means no aggregate materials were excavated, crushed, removed, stockpiled or sold by the owner or operator of the surface mine.

(8) Any proposal for the verification or alteration of a use under subsection (5) of this section, except an alteration necessary to comply with a lawful requirement, for the restoration or replacement of a use under subsection (6) of this section or for the resumption of a use under subsection (7) of this section shall be subject to the provisions of ORS 215.416. An initial decision by the county or its designate on a proposal for the alteration of a use described in subsection (5) of this section shall be made as an administrative decision without public hearing in the manner provided in ORS 215.416 (11).

(9) As used in this section, "alteration" of a nonconforming use includes:

(a) A change in the use of no greater adverse impact to the neighborhood; and

(b) A change in the structure or physical improvements of no greater adverse impact to the neighborhood.

(10) A local government may adopt standards and procedures to implement the provisions of this section. The standards and procedures may include but are not limited to the following:

(a) For purposes of verifying a use under subsection (5) of this section, a county may adopt procedures that allow an applicant for verification to prove the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use only for the 10-year period immediately preceding the date of application. Evidence proving the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use for the 10-year period preceding application creates a rebuttable presumption that the use, as proven, lawfully existed at the time the applicable zoning ordinance or regulation was adopted and has continued uninterrupted until the date of application;

(b) Establishing criteria to determine when a use has been interrupted or abandoned under subsection (7) of this section; or

(c) Conditioning approval of the alteration of a use in a manner calculated to ensure mitigation of adverse impacts as described in subsection (9) of this section.

(11) For purposes of verifying a use under subsection (5) of this section, a county may not require an applicant for verification to prove the existence, continuity, nature and extent of the use for a period exceeding 20 years immediately preceding the date of application. [Amended by 1961 c.607 §2; 1963 c.577 §4; 1963 c.619 §9; 1969 c.460 §1; 1973 c.503 §2; 1977 c.766 §5; 1979 c.190 §406; 1979 c.610 §1; 1993 c.792 §52; 1997 c.394 §1; 1999 c.353 §1; 1999 c.458 §1; 1999 c.1103 §10]

215.140 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.150 [Amended by 1955 c.439 §8; repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.160 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.170 Authority of cities in unincorporated area. The powers of an incorporated city to control subdivision and other partitioning of land and to rename thoroughfares in adjacent unincorporated areas shall continue unimpaired by ORS 215.010 to 215.190 and 215.402 to 215.438 until the county governing body that has jurisdiction over the area adopts regulations for controlling subdivision there. Any part of the area subject to the county regulations shall cease to be subject to the two powers of the city, unless otherwise provided in an urban growth area management agreement jointly adopted by a city and county to establish procedures for regulating land use outside the city limits and within an urban growth boundary acknowledged under ORS 197.251. [Amended by 1963 c.619 §10; 1983 c.570 §4]

215.180 [1955 c.439 §6; 1963 c.619 §11; repealed by 1977 c.766 §16]

215.185 Remedies for unlawful structures or land use. (1) In case a building or other structure is, or is proposed to be, located, constructed, maintained, repaired, altered, or used, or any land is, or is proposed to be, used, in violation of an ordinance or regulation designed to implement a comprehensive plan, the governing body of the county or a person whose interest in real property in the county is or may be affected by the violation, may, in addition to other remedies provided by law, institute injunction, mandamus, abatement, or other appropriate proceedings to prevent, temporarily or permanently enjoin, abate, or remove the unlawful location, construction, maintenance, repair, alteration, or use. When a temporary restraining order is granted in a suit instituted by a person who is not exempt from furnishing bonds or undertakings under ORS 22.010, the person shall furnish undertaking as provided in ORCP 82 A(1).

(2) The court may allow the prevailing party reasonable attorney fees and expenses in a judicial proceeding authorized by this section that involves a dwelling approved to relieve a temporary hardship. However, if the court allows the plaintiff reasonable attorney fees or expenses, such fees or expenses shall not be charged to the county if the county did not actively defend itself or the landowner in the proceeding.

(3) Nothing in this section requires the governing body of a county or a person whose interest in real property in the county is or may be affected to avail itself of a remedy allowed by this section or by any other law. [1955 c.439 §7; 1963 c.619 §12; 1977 c.766 §6; 1981 c.898 §48; 1983 c.826 §5; 2001 c.225 §1]

215.190 Violation of ordinances or regulations. No person shall locate, construct, maintain, repair, alter, or use a building or other structure or use or transfer land in violation of an ordinance or regulation authorized by ORS 215.010 to 215.190 and 215.402 to 215.438. [1955 c.439 §9; 1963 c.619 §13]

215.200 [1957 s.s. c.11 §1; renumbered 215.285]

AGRICULTURAL LAND USE

(Exclusive Farm Use Zones)

215.203 Zoning ordinances establishing exclusive farm use zones; definitions. (1) Zoning ordinances may be adopted to zone designated areas of land within the county as exclusive farm use zones. Land within such zones shall be used exclusively for farm use except as otherwise provided in ORS 215.213, 215.283 or 215.284. Farm use zones shall be established only when such zoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan.

(2)(a) As used in this section, "farm use" means the current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by raising, harvesting and selling crops or the feeding, breeding, management and sale of, or the produce of, livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or honeybees or for dairying and the sale of dairy products or any other agricultural or horticultural use or animal husbandry or any combination thereof. "Farm use" includes the preparation, storage and disposal by marketing or otherwise of the products or by-products raised on such land for human or animal use. "Farm use" also includes the current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by stabling or training equines including but not limited to providing riding lessons, training clinics and schooling shows. "Farm use" also includes the propagation, cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of aquatic species and bird and animal species to the extent allowed by the rules adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. "Farm use" includes the on-site construction and maintenance of equipment and facilities used for the activities described in this subsection. "Farm use" does not include the use of land subject to the provisions of ORS chapter 321, except land used exclusively for growing cultured Christmas trees as defined in subsection (3) of this section or land described in ORS 321.267 (1)(e) or 321.415 (5).

(b) "Current employment" of land for farm use includes:

(A) Farmland, the operation or use of which is subject to any farm-related government program;

(B) Land lying fallow for one year as a normal and regular requirement of good agricultural husbandry;

(C) Land planted in orchards or other perennials, other than land specified in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, prior to maturity;

(D) Land not in an exclusive farm use zone which has not been eligible for assessment at special farm use value in the year prior to planting the current crop and has been planted in orchards, cultured Christmas trees or vineyards for at least three years;

(E) Wasteland, in an exclusive farm use zone, dry or covered with water, neither economically tillable nor grazeable, lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership with a farm use land and which is not currently being used for any economic farm use;

(F) Except for land under a single family dwelling, land under buildings supporting accepted farm practices, including the processing facilities allowed by ORS 215.213 (1)(x) and 215.283 (1)(u);

(G) Water impoundments lying in or adjacent to and in common ownership with farm use land;

(H) Any land constituting a woodlot, not to exceed 20 acres, contiguous to and owned by the owner of land specially valued for farm use even if the land constituting the woodlot is not utilized in conjunction with farm use;

(I) Land lying idle for no more than one year where the absence of farming activity is due to the illness of the farmer or member of the farmer’s immediate family. For purposes of this paragraph, illness includes injury or infirmity whether or not such illness results in death;

(J) Any land described under ORS 321.267 (1)(e) or 321.415 (5); and

(K) Land used for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by breeding, raising, kenneling or training of greyhounds for racing.

(c) As used in this subsection, "accepted farming practice" means a mode of operation that is common to farms of a similar nature, necessary for the operation of such farms to obtain a profit in money, and customarily utilized in conjunction with farm use.

(3) "Cultured Christmas trees" means trees:

(a) Grown on lands used exclusively for that purpose, capable of preparation by intensive cultivation methods such as plowing or turning over the soil;

(b) Of a marketable species;

(c) Managed to produce trees meeting U.S. No. 2 or better standards for Christmas trees as specified by the Agriculture Marketing Services of the United States Department of Agriculture; and

(d) Evidencing periodic maintenance practices of shearing for Douglas fir and pine species, weed and brush control and one or more of the following practices: Basal pruning, fertilizing, insect and disease control, stump culture, soil cultivation, irrigation. [1963 c.577 §2; 1963 c.619 §1(2), (3); 1967 c.386 §1; 1973 c.503 §3; 1975 c.210 §1; 1977 c.766 §7; 1977 c.893 §17a; 1979 c.480 §1; 1981 c.804 §73; 1983 c.826 §18; 1985 c.604 §2; 1987 c.305 §4; 1989 c.653 §1; 1989 c.887 §7; 1991 c.459 §344; 1991 c.714 §4; 1993 c.704 §1; 1995 c.79 §75; 1995 c.211 §1; 1997 c.862 §1; 2001 c.613 §18]

215.205 [1957 s.s. c.11 §2; renumbered 215.295]

215.207 [1989 c.653 §2; repealed by 1999 c.314 §94]

215.209 Department of Land Conservation and Development database; rural land maps; contents. The Department of Land Conservation and Development shall develop, in conjunction with local governments and other state agencies, a computerized database that is capable of producing county-wide maps that show the diversity of Oregon’s rural lands. The database shall include, at a minimum, information on soil classifications, forest capabilities, irrigated lands, croplands, actual farm use, and plan and zone designations. To create the database, the department shall use the most current soils information from the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service, or its successor agency, and may use any other related information that is readily available. [1999 c.1014 §3]

Note: 215.209 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.210 [Amended by 1955 c.652 §6; renumbered 215.305]

215.213 Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands system prior to 1993. (1) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), the following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(a) Public or private schools, including all buildings essential to the operation of a school.

(b) Churches and cemeteries in conjunction with churches.

(d) Utility facilities necessary for public service, including wetland waste treatment systems but not including commercial facilities for the purpose of generating electrical power for public use by sale or transmission towers over 200 feet in height. A utility facility necessary for public service may be established as provided in ORS 215.275.

(e)(A) A dwelling on real property used for farm use if the dwelling is occupied by a relative of the farm operator or the farm operator’s spouse, which means a child, parent, stepparent, grandchild, grandparent, stepgrandparent, sibling, stepsibling, niece, nephew or first cousin of either, if the farm operator does or will require the assistance of the relative in the management of the farm use and the dwelling is located on the same lot or parcel as the dwelling of the farm operator.

(B) Notwithstanding ORS 92.010 to 92.190 or the minimum lot or parcel size requirements under ORS 215.780, if the owner of a dwelling described in this paragraph obtains construction financing or other financing secured by the dwelling and the secured party forecloses on the dwelling, the secured party may also foreclose on the homesite, as defined in ORS 308A.250, and the foreclosure shall operate as a partition of the homesite to create a new parcel.

(f) Nonresidential buildings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use.

(g) Primary or accessory dwellings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use if the dwellings are on a lot or parcel that is managed as part of a farm operation not smaller than the minimum lot size in a farm zone with a minimum lot size acknowledged under ORS 197.251.

(h) Operations for the exploration for and production of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005, including the placement and operation of compressors, separators and other customary production equipment for an individual well adjacent to the wellhead. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (1)(a) or (b).

(i) Operations for the exploration for minerals as defined by ORS 517.750. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (1)(a) or (b).

(j) A site for the disposal of solid waste that has been ordered to be established by the Environmental Quality Commission under ORS 459.049, together with equipment, facilities or buildings necessary for its operation.

(k) One manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle, or the temporary residential use of an existing building, in conjunction with an existing dwelling as a temporary use for the term of a hardship suffered by the existing resident or a relative of the resident. Within three months of the end of the hardship, the manufactured dwelling or recreational vehicle shall be removed or demolished or, in the case of an existing building, the building shall be removed, demolished or returned to an allowed nonresidential use. The governing body or its designee shall provide for periodic review of the hardship claimed under this paragraph. A temporary residence approved under this paragraph is not eligible for replacement under paragraph (t) of this subsection.

(L) The breeding, kenneling and training of greyhounds for racing in any county over 200,000 in population in which there is located a greyhound racing track or in a county of over 200,000 in population contiguous to such a county.

(m) Climbing and passing lanes within the right of way existing as of July 1, 1987.

(n) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways, including the placement of utility facilities overhead and in the subsurface of public roads and highways along the public right of way, but not including the addition of travel lanes, where no removal or displacement of buildings would occur, or no new land parcels result.

(o) Temporary public road and highway detours that will be abandoned and restored to original condition or use at such time as no longer needed.

(p) Minor betterment of existing public road and highway related facilities, such as maintenance yards, weigh stations and rest areas, within right of way existing as of July 1, 1987, and contiguous public-owned property utilized to support the operation and maintenance of public roads and highways.

(q) A replacement dwelling to be used in conjunction with farm use if the existing dwelling has been listed in a county inventory as historic property as defined in ORS 358.480.

(r) Creation of, restoration of or enhancement of wetlands.

(s) A winery, as described in ORS 215.452.

(t) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a lawfully established dwelling that:

(A) Has intact exterior walls and roof structure;

(B) Has indoor plumbing consisting of a kitchen sink, toilet and bathing facilities connected to a sanitary waste disposal system;

(D) Has a heating system; and

(E) In the case of replacement, is removed, demolished or converted to an allowable nonresidential use within three months of the completion of the replacement dwelling. A replacement dwelling may be sited on any part of the same lot or parcel. A dwelling established under this paragraph shall comply with all applicable siting standards. However, the standards shall not be applied in a manner that prohibits the siting of the dwelling. If the dwelling to be replaced is located on a portion of the lot or parcel not zoned for exclusive farm use, the applicant, as a condition of approval, shall execute and record in the deed records for the county where the property is located a deed restriction prohibiting the siting of a dwelling on that portion of the lot or parcel. The restriction imposed shall be irrevocable unless a statement of release is placed in the deed records for the county. The release shall be signed by the county or its designee and state that the provisions of this paragraph regarding replacement dwellings have changed to allow the siting of another dwelling. The county planning director or the director’s designee shall maintain a record of the lots and parcels that do not qualify for the siting of a new dwelling under the provisions of this paragraph, including a copy of the deed restrictions and release statements filed under this paragraph.

(u) Farm stands if:

(A) The structures are designed and used for the sale of farm crops or livestock grown on the farm operation, or grown on the farm operation and other farm operations in the local agricultural area, including the sale of retail incidental items and fee-based activity to promote the sale of farm crops or livestock sold at the farm stand if the annual sale of incidental items and fees from promotional activity do not make up more than 25 percent of the total annual sales of the farm stand; and

(B) The farm stand does not include structures designed for occupancy as a residence or for activity other than the sale of farm crops or livestock and does not include structures for banquets, public gatherings or public entertainment.

(v) An armed forces reserve center, if the center is within one-half mile of a community college. For purposes of this paragraph, "armed forces reserve center" includes an armory or National Guard support facility.

(w) A site for the takeoff and landing of model aircraft, including such buildings or facilities as may reasonably be necessary. Buildings or facilities shall not be more than 500 square feet in floor area or placed on a permanent foundation unless the building or facility preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. The site shall not include an aggregate surface or hard surface area unless the surface preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. As used in this paragraph, "model aircraft" means a small-scale version of an airplane, glider, helicopter, dirigible or balloon that is used or intended to be used for flight and is controlled by radio, lines or design by a person on the ground.

(x) A facility for the processing of farm crops located on a farm operation that provides at least one-quarter of the farm crops processed at the facility. The building established for the processing facility shall not exceed 10,000 square feet of floor area exclusive of the floor area designated for preparation, storage or other farm use or devote more than 10,000 square feet to the processing activities within another building supporting farm uses. A processing facility shall comply with all applicable siting standards but the standards shall not be applied in a manner that prohibits the siting of the processing facility.

(y) Fire service facilities providing rural fire protection services.

(z) Irrigation canals, delivery lines and those structures and accessory operational facilities associated with a district as defined in ORS 540.505.

(aa) Utility facility service lines. Utility facility service lines are utility lines and accessory facilities or structures that end at the point where the utility service is received by the customer and that are located on one or more of the following:

(A) A public right of way;

(B) Land immediately adjacent to a public right of way, provided the written consent of all adjacent property owners has been obtained; or

(bb) Subject to the issuance of a license, permit or other approval by the Department of Environmental Quality under ORS 454.695, 459.205, 468B.050, 468B.053 or 468B.055, or in compliance with rules adopted under ORS 468B.095, and as provided in ORS 215.246 to 215.251, the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids for agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural production, or for irrigation in connection with a use allowed in an exclusive farm use zone under this chapter.

(2) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), the following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use subject to ORS 215.296:

(a) A dwelling in conjunction with farm use or the propagation or harvesting of a forest product on a lot or parcel that is managed as part of a farm operation or woodlot if the farm operation or woodlot:

(A) Consists of 20 or more acres; and

(B) Is not smaller than the average farm or woodlot in the county producing at least $2,500 in annual gross income from the crops, livestock or forest products to be raised on the farm operation or woodlot.

(b) A dwelling in conjunction with farm use or the propagation or harvesting of a forest product on a lot or parcel that is managed as part of a farm operation or woodlot smaller than required under paragraph (a) of this subsection, if the lot or parcel:

(A) Has produced at least $20,000 in annual gross farm income in two consecutive calendar years out of the three calendar years before the year in which the application for the dwelling was made or is planted in perennials capable of producing upon harvest an average of at least $20,000 in annual gross farm income; or

(B) Is a woodlot capable of producing an average over the growth cycle of $20,000 in gross annual income.

(c) Commercial activities that are in conjunction with farm use but not including the processing of farm crops as described in subsection (1)(x) of this section.

(d) Operations conducted for:

(A) Mining and processing of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005, not otherwise permitted under subsection (1)(h) of this section;

(B) Mining, crushing or stockpiling of aggregate and other mineral and other subsurface resources subject to ORS 215.298;

(D) Processing of other mineral resources and other subsurface resources.

(e) Community centers owned by a governmental agency or a nonprofit community organization and operated primarily by and for residents of the local rural community, hunting and fishing preserves, public and private parks, playgrounds and campgrounds. Subject to the approval of the county governing body or its designee, a private campground may provide yurts for overnight camping. No more than one-third or a maximum of 10 campsites, whichever is smaller, may include a yurt. The yurt shall be located on the ground or on a wood floor with no permanent foundation. Upon request of a county governing body, the Land Conservation and Development Commission may provide by rule for an increase in the number of yurts allowed on all or a portion of the campgrounds in a county if the commission determines that the increase will comply with the standards described in ORS 215.296 (1). A public park or campground may be established as provided under ORS 195.120. As used in this paragraph, "yurt" means a round, domed shelter of cloth or canvas on a collapsible frame with no plumbing, sewage disposal hookup or internal cooking appliance.

(f) Golf courses.

(g) Commercial utility facilities for the purpose of generating power for public use by sale.

(h) Personal-use airports for airplanes and helicopter pads, including associated hangar, maintenance and service facilities. A personal-use airport as used in this section means an airstrip restricted, except for aircraft emergencies, to use by the owner, and, on an infrequent and occasional basis, by invited guests, and by commercial aviation activities in connection with agricultural operations. No aircraft may be based on a personal-use airport other than those owned or controlled by the owner of the airstrip. Exceptions to the activities permitted under this definition may be granted through waiver action by the Oregon Department of Aviation in specific instances. A personal-use airport lawfully existing as of September 13, 1975, shall continue to be permitted subject to any applicable rules of the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(i) A facility for the primary processing of forest products, provided that such facility is found to not seriously interfere with accepted farming practices and is compatible with farm uses described in ORS 215.203 (2). Such a facility may be approved for a one-year period which is renewable. These facilities are intended to be only portable or temporary in nature. The primary processing of a forest product, as used in this section, means the use of a portable chipper or stud mill or other similar methods of initial treatment of a forest product in order to enable its shipment to market. Forest products, as used in this section, means timber grown upon a parcel of land or contiguous land where the primary processing facility is located.

(j) A site for the disposal of solid waste approved by the governing body of a city or county or both and for which a permit has been granted under ORS 459.245 by the Department of Environmental Quality together with equipment, facilities or buildings necessary for its operation. Notwithstanding the soil type or value of the site or expansion area, if a site that is approved under this paragraph before January 1, 2002, is lawfully used for the disposal of nonputrescible solid waste, the county shall allow the site, together with equipment, facilities or buildings necessary for its operation, to be maintained, expanded or enhanced as necessary for the disposal of the incoming solid waste.

(k) Dog kennels not described in subsection (1)(L) of this section.

(L) Residential homes as defined in ORS 197.660, in existing dwellings.

(m) The propagation, cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of aquatic and insect species. Insect species shall not include any species under quarantine by the State Department of Agriculture or the United States Department of Agriculture. The county shall provide notice of all applications under this paragraph to the State Department of Agriculture. Notice shall be provided in accordance with the county’s land use regulations but shall be mailed at least 20 calendar days prior to any administrative decision or initial public hearing on the application.

(n) Home occupations as provided in ORS 215.448.

(o) Transmission towers over 200 feet in height.

(p) Construction of additional passing and travel lanes requiring the acquisition of right of way but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(q) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways involving the removal or displacement of buildings but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(r) Improvement of public road and highway related facilities such as maintenance yards, weigh stations and rest areas, where additional property or right of way is required but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(s) A destination resort which is approved consistent with the requirements of any statewide planning goal relating to the siting of a destination resort.

(t) Room and board arrangements for a maximum of five unrelated persons in existing residences.

(u)(A) A living history museum related to resource based activities owned and operated by a governmental agency or a local historical society, together with limited commercial activities and facilities that are directly related to the use and enjoyment of the museum and located within authentic buildings of the depicted historic period or the museum administration building, if areas other than an exclusive farm use zone cannot accommodate the museum and related activities or if the museum administration buildings and parking lot are located within one quarter mile of the metropolitan urban growth boundary.

(B) As used in this paragraph:

(i) "Living history museum" means a facility designed to depict and interpret everyday life and culture of some specific historic period using authentic buildings, tools, equipment and people to simulate past activities and events; and

(ii) "Local historical society" means the local historical society, recognized as such by the county governing body and organized under ORS chapter 65.

(v) Operations for the extraction and bottling of water.

(3) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use may be established on a lot or parcel with soils predominantly in capability classes IV through VIII as determined by the Agricultural Capability Classification System in use by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service on October 15, 1983. A proposed dwelling is subject to approval of the governing body or its designee in any area zoned for exclusive farm use upon written findings showing all of the following:

(a) The dwelling or activities associated with the dwelling will not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming practices on nearby lands devoted to farm use.

(b) The dwelling is situated upon generally unsuitable land for the production of farm crops and livestock, considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage and flooding, location and size of the tract. A lot or parcel shall not be considered unsuitable solely because of its size or location if it can reasonably be put to farm use in conjunction with other land.

(4) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), one single-family dwelling, not provided in conjunction with farm use, may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use on a lot or parcel described in subsection (7) of this section that is not larger than three acres upon written findings showing:

(b) If the lot or parcel is located within the Willamette River Greenway, a floodplain or a geological hazard area, the dwelling complies with conditions imposed by local ordinances relating specifically to the Willamette River Greenway, floodplains or geological hazard areas, whichever is applicable; and

(5) Upon receipt of an application for a permit under subsection (4) of this section, the governing body shall notify:

(a) Owners of land that is within 250 feet of the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be established; and

(b) Persons who have requested notice of such applications and who have paid a reasonable fee imposed by the county to cover the cost of such notice.

(6) The notice required in subsection (5) of this section shall specify that persons have 15 days following the date of postmark of the notice to file a written objection on the grounds only that the dwelling or activities associated with it would force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted farming practices on nearby lands devoted to farm use. If no objection is received, the governing body or its designee shall approve or disapprove the application. If an objection is received, the governing body shall set the matter for hearing in the manner prescribed in ORS 215.402 to 215.438. The governing body may charge the reasonable costs of the notice required by subsection (5)(a) of this section to the applicant for the permit requested under subsection (4) of this section.

(7) Subsection (4) of this section applies to a lot or parcel lawfully created between January 1, 1948, and July 1, 1983. For the purposes of this section:

(a) Only one lot or parcel exists if:

(A) A lot or parcel described in this section is contiguous to one or more lots or parcels described in this section; and

(B) On July 1, 1983, greater than possessory interests are held in those contiguous lots, parcels or lots and parcels by the same person, spouses or a single partnership or business entity, separately or in tenancy in common.

(b) "Contiguous" means lots, parcels or lots and parcels that have a common boundary, including but not limited to, lots, parcels or lots and parcels separated only by a public road.

(8) A person who sells or otherwise transfers real property in an exclusive farm use zone may retain a life estate in a dwelling on that property and in a tract of land under and around the dwelling.

(9) No final approval of a nonfarm use under this section shall be given unless any additional taxes imposed upon the change in use have been paid.

(10) Roads, highways and other transportation facilities and improvements not allowed under subsections (1) and (2) of this section may be established, subject to the approval of the governing body or its designee, in areas zoned for exclusive farm use subject to:

(a) Adoption of an exception to the goal related to agricultural lands and to any other applicable goal with which the facility or improvement does not comply; or

(b) ORS 215.296 for those uses identified by rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission as provided in section 3, chapter 529, Oregon Laws 1993. [1963 c.577 §3; 1963 c.619 §1a; 1969 c.258 §1; 1973 c.503 §4; 1975 c. 551 §1; 1975 c.552 §32; 1977 c.766 §8; 1977 c.788 §2; 1979 c.480 §6; 1979 c.773 §10; 1981 c.748 §44; 1983 c.743 §3; 1983 c.826 §6; 1983 c.827 §27b; 1985 c.544 §2; 1985 c.583 §1; 1985 c.604 §3; 1985 c.717 §5; 1985 c.811 §12; 1987 c.227 §1; 1987 c.729 §5; 1987 c.886 §9; 1989 c.224 §25; 1989 c.525 §1; 1989 c.564 §7; 1989 c.648 §59; 1989 c.739 §1; 1989 c.837 §26; 1989 c.861 §1; 1989 c.964 §10; 1991 c.459 §345; 1991 c.866 §1; 1991 c.950 §2; 1993 c.466 §1; 1993 c.469 §5; 1993 c.704 §2; 1993 c.792 §29a; 1995 c.435 §1; 1995 c.528 §1; 1997 c.249 §59; 1997 c.250 §1; 1997 c.276 §1; 1997 c.312 §1; 1997 c.318 §1; 1997 c.363 §1; 1997 c.862 §2; 1999 c.608 §1; 1999 c.640 §1; 1999 c.758 §1; 1999 c.816 §1; 1999 c.935 §20; 2001 c.149 §1; 2001 c.260 §1; 2001 c.488 §1; 2001 c.613 §7; 2001 c.676 §1; 2001 c.757 §1; 2001 c.941 §1]

Note: The amendments to 215.213 by section 2, chapter 260, Oregon Laws 2001, become operative January 1, 2004. See section 3, chapter 260, Oregon Laws 2001. The text that is operative on and after January 1, 2004, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

215.213. (1) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), the following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(a) Public or private schools, including all buildings essential to the operation of a school.

(b) Churches and cemeteries in conjunction with churches.

(f) Nonresidential buildings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use.

(m) Climbing and passing lanes within the right of way existing as of July 1, 1987.

(o) Temporary public road and highway detours that will be abandoned and restored to original condition or use at such time as no longer needed.

(q) A replacement dwelling to be used in conjunction with farm use if the existing dwelling has been listed in a county inventory as historic property as defined in ORS 358.480.

(r) Creation of, restoration of or enhancement of wetlands.

(s) A winery, as described in ORS 215.452.

(t) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a lawfully established dwelling that:

(A) Has intact exterior walls and roof structure;

(B) Has indoor plumbing consisting of a kitchen sink, toilet and bathing facilities connected to a sanitary waste disposal system;

(D) Has a heating system; and

(u) Farm stands if:

(y) Fire service facilities providing rural fire protection services.

(z) Irrigation canals, delivery lines and those structures and accessory operational facilities associated with a district as defined in ORS 540.505.

(A) A public right of way;

(B) Land immediately adjacent to a public right of way, provided the written consent of all adjacent property owners has been obtained; or

(2) In counties that have adopted marginal lands provisions under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition), the following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use subject to ORS 215.296:

(A) Consists of 20 or more acres; and

(B) Is a woodlot capable of producing an average over the growth cycle of $20,000 in gross annual income.

(c) Commercial activities that are in conjunction with farm use but not including the processing of farm crops as described in subsection (1)(x) of this section.

(d) Operations conducted for:

(A) Mining and processing of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005, not otherwise permitted under subsection (1)(h) of this section;

(B) Mining, crushing or stockpiling of aggregate and other mineral and other subsurface resources subject to ORS 215.298;

(D) Processing of other mineral resources and other subsurface resources.

(f) Golf courses.

(g) Commercial utility facilities for the purpose of generating power for public use by sale.

(k) Dog kennels not described in subsection (1)(L) of this section.

(L) Residential homes as defined in ORS 197.660, in existing dwellings.

(n) Home occupations as provided in ORS 215.448.

(o) Transmission towers over 200 feet in height.

(p) Construction of additional passing and travel lanes requiring the acquisition of right of way but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(q) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways involving the removal or displacement of buildings but not resulting in the creation of new land parcels.

(s) A destination resort which is approved consistent with the requirements of any statewide planning goal relating to the siting of a destination resort.

(t) Room and board arrangements for a maximum of five unrelated persons in existing residences.

(B) As used in this paragraph:

(ii) "Local historical society" means the local historical society, recognized as such by the county governing body and organized under ORS chapter 65.

(v) Operations for the extraction and bottling of water.

(5) Upon receipt of an application for a permit under subsection (4) of this section, the governing body shall notify:

(a) Owners of land that is within 250 feet of the lot or parcel on which the dwelling will be established; and

(b) Persons who have requested notice of such applications and who have paid a reasonable fee imposed by the county to cover the cost of such notice.

(7) Subsection (4) of this section applies to a lot or parcel lawfully created between January 1, 1948, and July 1, 1983. For the purposes of this section:

(a) Only one lot or parcel exists if:

(A) A lot or parcel described in this section is contiguous to one or more lots or parcels described in this section; and

(b) "Contiguous" means lots, parcels or lots and parcels that have a common boundary, including but not limited to, lots, parcels or lots and parcels separated only by a public road.

(8) A person who sells or otherwise transfers real property in an exclusive farm use zone may retain a life estate in a dwelling on that property and in a tract of land under and around the dwelling.

(9) No final approval of a nonfarm use under this section shall be given unless any additional taxes imposed upon the change in use have been paid.

(a) Adoption of an exception to the goal related to agricultural lands and to any other applicable goal with which the facility or improvement does not comply; or

(b) ORS 215.296 for those uses identified by rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission as provided in section 3, chapter 529, Oregon Laws 1993.

215.214 [1979 c.773 §11; 1983 c.743 §4; 1983 c.826 §10; 1985 c.565 §29; 1987 c.729 §5c; repealed by 1993 c.792 §55]

215.215 Reestablishment of nonfarm use. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 215.130 (6), if a nonfarm use exists in an exclusive farm use zone and is unintentionally destroyed by fire, other casualty or natural disaster, the county may allow by its zoning regulations such use to be reestablished to its previous nature and extent, but the reestablishment shall meet all other building, plumbing, sanitation and other codes, ordinances and permit requirements.

(2) Consistent with ORS 215.243, the county governing body may zone for the appropriate nonfarm use one or more lots or parcels in the interior of an exclusive farm use zone if the lots or parcels were physically developed for the nonfarm use prior to the establishment of the exclusive farm use zone. [1977 c.664 §41; 1991 c.67 §49]

215.220 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.223 Procedure for adopting zoning ordinances; notice. (1) No zoning ordinance enacted by the county governing body may have legal effect unless prior to its enactment the governing body or the planning commission conducts one or more public hearings on the ordinance and unless 10 days’ advance public notice of each hearing is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or, in case the ordinance applies to only a part of the county, is so published in that part of the county.

(2) The notice provisions of this section shall not restrict the giving of notice by other means, including mail, radio and television.

(3) In effecting a zone change the proceedings for which are commenced at the request of a property owner, the governing body shall in addition to other notice give individual notice of the request by mail to the record owners of property within 250 feet of the property for which a zone change has been requested. The failure of the property owner to receive the notice described shall not invalidate any zone change.

(4) Notice of a public hearing on a zone change pursuant to the application of a property owner shall be provided to the owner of an airport, defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation as a "public use airport" if:

(a) The name and address of the airport owner has been provided by the Oregon Department of Aviation to the county planning authority; and

(b) The property subject to the zone change application is:

(A) Within 5,000 feet of the side or end of a runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be a "visual airport"; or

(B) Within 10,000 feet of the side or end of the runway of an airport determined by the Oregon Department of Aviation to be an "instrument airport."

(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, notice of a zone change hearing need not be provided as set forth in subsection (4) of this section if the zone change would only allow a structure less than 35 feet in height and the property is located outside the runway "approach surface" as defined by the Oregon Department of Aviation.

(6) The failure of an airport owner to receive notice that was mailed shall not invalidate any zone change.

(7) Before enacting at the request of a property owner an ordinance that would change the zone of property that includes all or part of a mobile home or manufactured dwelling park as defined in ORS 446.003, the governing body shall give written notice by first class mail to each existing mailing address for tenants of the mobile home or manufactured dwelling park at least 20 days but not more than 40 days before the date of the first hearing on the ordinance. The governing body may require an applicant for such a zone change to pay the costs of such notice. The failure of a tenant to receive a notice which was mailed shall not invalidate any zone change. [1963 c.619 §8; 1967 c.589 §3; 1985 c.473 §14; 1987 c.106 §1; 1989 c.648 §60; 1999 c.935 §21]

215.230 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.233 Validity of ordinances and development patterns adopted before September 2, 1963. Nothing in ORS 215.010, 215.030, 215.050, 215.060 and 215.110, 215.130, 215.170, 215.185, 215.190, 215.203, 215.213, 215.223 and this section shall impair the validity of ordinances enacted prior to September 2, 1963. All development patterns made and adopted prior to that time shall be deemed to meet the requirements of ORS 215.010, 215.030, 215.050, 215.060 and 215.110, 215.130, 215.170, 215.185, 215.190, 215.203, 215.213, 215.223 and this section concerning comprehensive plans. [1963 c.619 §14; 1971 c.13 §3; 1985 c.565 §30; 2001 c.672 §17]

215.236 Establishing nonfarm dwelling in exclusive farm use zone; procedures; disqualification for farm use valuation; additional tax or penalty; requalification. (1) As used in this section, "dwelling" means a single-family residential dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use.

(2) The governing body or its designee may not grant final approval of an application made under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) for the establishment of a dwelling on a lot or parcel in an exclusive farm use zone that is, or has been, receiving special assessment without evidence that the lot or parcel upon which the dwelling is proposed has been disqualified for special assessment at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 or other special assessment under ORS 308A.315, 321.257 to 321.390, 321.730 or 321.815 and any additional tax imposed as the result of disqualification has been paid.

(3) The governing body or its designee may grant tentative approval of an application made under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7) for the establishment of a dwelling on a lot or parcel in an exclusive farm use zone that is specially assessed at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 upon making the findings required by ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7). An application for the establishment of a dwelling that has been tentatively approved shall be given final approval by the governing body or its designee upon receipt of evidence that the lot or parcel upon which establishment of the dwelling is proposed has been disqualified for special assessment at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 and any additional tax imposed as the result of disqualification has been paid.

(4) The owner of a lot or parcel upon which the establishment of a dwelling has been tentatively approved as provided by subsection (3) of this section shall, before final approval, simultaneously:

(a) Notify the county assessor that the lot or parcel is no longer being used as farmland;

(b) Request that the county assessor disqualify the lot or parcel for special assessment under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128, 308A.315, 321.257 to 321.390, 321.730 or 321.815; and

(5) A lot or parcel that has been disqualified pursuant to subsection (4) of this section may not requalify for special assessment unless, when combined with another contiguous lot or parcel, it constitutes a qualifying parcel.

(6) When the owner of a lot or parcel upon which the establishment of a dwelling has been tentatively approved notifies the county assessor that the lot or parcel is no longer being used as farmland and requests disqualification of the lot or parcel for special assessment at value for farm use, the county assessor shall:

(a) Disqualify the lot or parcel for special assessment at value for farm use under ORS 308A.050 to 308A.128 or other special assessment by removing the special assessment;

(b) Provide the owner of the lot or parcel with written notice of the disqualification; and

(7) The Department of Consumer and Business Services, a building official, as defined in ORS 455.715 (1), or any other agency or official responsible for the administration and enforcement of the state building code, as defined in ORS 455.010, may not issue a building permit for the construction of a dwelling on a lot or parcel in an exclusive farm use zone without evidence that the owner of the lot or parcel upon which the dwelling is proposed to be constructed has paid the additional tax, if any, imposed by the county assessor under subsection (6)(c) of this section. [1981 c.748 §46; 1983 c.462 §14; 1983 c.570 §6; 1983 c.826 §23; 1985 c.717 §6; 1985 c.811 §6; 1987 c.305 §5; 1987 c.414 §147; 1991 c.459 §346; 1993 c.792 §27; 1993 c.801 §36a; 1999 c.314 §58; 2001 c.704 §7]

215.240 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.243 Agricultural land use policy. The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

(1) Open land used for agricultural use is an efficient means of conserving natural resources that constitute an important physical, social, aesthetic and economic asset to all of the people of this state, whether living in rural, urban or metropolitan areas of the state.

(2) The preservation of a maximum amount of the limited supply of agricultural land is necessary to the conservation of the state’s economic resources and the preservation of such land in large blocks is necessary in maintaining the agricultural economy of the state and for the assurance of adequate, healthful and nutritious food for the people of this state and nation.

(3) Expansion of urban development into rural areas is a matter of public concern because of the unnecessary increases in costs of community services, conflicts between farm and urban activities and the loss of open space and natural beauty around urban centers occurring as the result of such expansion.

(4) Exclusive farm use zoning as provided by law, substantially limits alternatives to the use of rural land and, with the importance of rural lands to the public, justifies incentives and privileges offered to encourage owners of rural lands to hold such lands in exclusive farm use zones. [1973 c.503 §1]

215.246 Approval of land application of biosolids; subsequent use of tract of land; consideration of alternatives. (1) The uses allowed under ORS 215.213 (1)(bb) and 215.283 (1)(y):

(a) Require a determination by the Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the department’s review of a license, permit or approval, that the application rates and site management practices for the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids ensure continued agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural production and do not reduce the productivity of the tract.

(b) Are not subject to other provisions of ORS 215.213 or 215.283 or to the provisions of ORS 215.275 or 215.296.

(2) The use of a tract of land on which the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids has occurred under this section may not be changed to allow a different use unless:

(a) The tract is included within an acknowledged urban growth boundary;

(b) The tract is rezoned to a zone other than an exclusive farm use zone;

(d) The different use of the tract is a use allowed under:

(A) ORS 215.213 (1)(c), (e) to (g), (k), (m) to (q), (s) to (u), (x), (z) or (aa);

(B) ORS 215.213 (2)(a) to (c), (i), (m) or (p) to (r);

(D) ORS 215.283 (2)(a), (j), (L) or (p) to (s).

(3) When a state agency or a local government makes a land use decision relating to the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids under a license, permit or approval by the Department of Environmental Quality, the applicant shall explain in writing how alternatives identified in public comments on the land use decision were considered and, if the alternatives are not used, explain in writing the reasons for not using the alternatives. The applicant must consider only those alternatives that are identified with sufficient specificity to afford the applicant an adequate opportunity to consider the alternatives. A land use decision relating to the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids may not be reversed or remanded under this subsection unless the applicant failed to consider identified alternatives or to explain in writing the reasons for not using the alternatives.

(4) The uses allowed under this section include:

(a) The treatment of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids that occurs as a result of the land application;

(b) The establishment and use of facilities, including buildings, equipment, aerated and nonaerated water impoundments, pumps and other irrigation equipment, that are accessory to and reasonably necessary for the land application to occur on the subject tract;

(c) The establishment and use of facilities, including buildings and equipment, that are not on the tract on which the land application occurs for the transport of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids to the tract on which the land application occurs if the facilities are located within:

(A) A public right of way; or

(B) Other land if the landowner provides written consent and the owner of the facility complies with ORS 215.275 (4); and

(d) The transport by vehicle of reclaimed water or agricultural or industrial process water to a tract on which the water will be applied to land.

(5) Uses not allowed under this section include:

(a) The establishment and use of facilities, including buildings or equipment, for the treatment of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids other than those treatment facilities related to the treatment that occurs as a result of the land application; or

(b) The establishment and use of utility facility service lines allowed under ORS 215.213 (1)(aa) or 215.283 (1)(x). [2001 c.488 §4]

Note: 215.246 to 215.251 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Note: Section 8, chapter 488, Oregon Laws 2001, provides:

Sec. 8. The State Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the Department of Human Services, in conjunction with local governments and other parties interested in the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids, shall prepare a joint written report to the Seventy-second Legislative Assembly on the implementation of the amendments to ORS 215.213 and 215.285 by sections 1 to 3 of this 2001 Act and sections 4 to 7 of this 2001 Act [215.246 to 215.251] not later than February 1, 2003. The report shall include an inventory of the number, type, acreage, location and zoning of existing operations applying reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids to land in Oregon. For biosolids, the inventory shall include an estimate of the amount of land and a general description of the types of land on which the land application is occurring, but the inventory need not identify particular land application sites. The report shall include a description of the methods of transport of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water and biosolids, the soil types of the lands on which the land application occurs, the agricultural, horticultural and silvicultural products grown and the reported effects, if any, on adjacent or nearby farm and forest operations. The report also shall describe the applicable land use regulations, standards or criteria used by the Department of Environmental Quality to evaluate applications for licenses, permits and approvals for the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids and include a bibliography of the most relevant articles and reports regarding alternative methods to land application and the possible effects of land application to human or animal health and soil productivity. The report also may include other matters the agencies or interested parties consider pertinent to the purposes of the report. Prior to submittal of the report, the agencies shall distribute a draft of the report to interested parties and take written public comment on it. The final report must describe the written comments received and explain how the comments were addressed. [2001 c.488 §8]

215.247 Transport of biosolids to tract of land for application. If biosolids are transported by vehicle to a tract on which the biosolids will be applied to the land under a license, permit or approval issued by the Department of Environmental Quality under ORS 454.695, 459.205, 468B.050, 468B.053 or 468B.055 or in compliance with rules adopted under ORS 468B.095, the transport and the land application are allowed outright, and a state or local government license, permit or approval in connection with the use is not a land use decision. [2001 c.488 §5]

Note: See note under 215.246.

215.249 Division of land for application of biosolids. Notwithstanding ORS 215.263, the governing body of a county or its designee may not approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone for the land application of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or biosolids described in ORS 215.213 (1)(bb) or 215.283 (1)(y). [2001 c.488 §6]

Note: See note under 215.246.

215.250 [Repealed by 1973 c.619 §16]

215.251 Relationship to other farm uses. Nothing in the amendments to ORS 215.213 and 215.283 by sections 1 to 3, chapter 488, Oregon Laws 2001, and ORS 215.246 to 215.249 affects whether the land application of a substance not described in the amendments to ORS 215.213 and 215.283 by sections 1 to 3, chapter 488, Oregon Laws 2001, and ORS 215.246 to 215.249 is a farm use as defined in ORS 215.203. [2001 c.488 §7]

Note: See note under 215.246.

215.253 Restrictive local ordinances affecting farm use zones prohibited; exception. (1) No state agency, city, county or political subdivision of this state may exercise any of its powers to enact local laws or ordinances or impose restrictions or regulations affecting any farm use land situated within an exclusive farm use zone established under ORS 215.203 or within an area designated as marginal land under ORS 197.247 (1991 Edition) in a manner that would restrict or regulate farm structures or that would restrict or regulate farming practices if conditions from such practices do not extend into an adopted urban growth boundary in such manner as to interfere with the lands within the urban growth boundary. "Farming practice" as used in this subsection shall have the meaning set out in ORS 30.930.

(2) Nothing in this section is intended to limit or restrict the lawful exercise by any state agency, city, county or political subdivision of its power to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of this state. [1973 c.503 §8; 1983 c.826 §12; 1985 c.565 §31; 1995 c.703 §10]

215.260 [Amended by 1955 c.652 §3; repealed by 1957 s.s. c.11 §4 (215.261 enacted in lieu of 215.260)]

215.261 [1957 s.s. c.11 §5 (enacted in lieu of 215.260); repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.262 Legislative findings related to nonfarm dwellings. (1) The Legislative Assembly declares that the creation of small parcels for nonfarm dwellings in exclusive farm use zones introduces potential conflicts into commercial agricultural areas and allows a limited number of nonfarm dwellings in exclusive farm use zones. To protect the state’s land base for commercial agriculture from being divided into multiple parcels for nonfarm dwellings while continuing to allow a limited number of nonfarm dwellings on less productive agricultural land not suitable for farm use, it is necessary to:

(a) Limit the incremental division of lots or parcels larger than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 into smaller lots or parcels for the purpose of creating new nonfarm dwellings; and

(b) Allow a limited number of lots or parcels equal to or less than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 to be partitioned into not more than two parcels unsuitable for farm use and eligible for siting nonfarm dwellings under ORS 215.284.

(2) The amendments to ORS 215.263 by section 3, chapter 704, Oregon Laws 2001, address the partition of land within an exclusive farm use zone to create parcels smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 for the purpose of siting dwellings not provided in conjunction with farm use in eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.405, and in western Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.257. [2001 c.704 §2]

Note: 215.262 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.263 Land divisions in exclusive farm use zones; criteria for approval. (1) Any proposed division of land included within an exclusive farm use zone resulting in the creation of one or more parcels of land shall be reviewed and approved or disapproved by the governing body or its designee of the county in which the land is situated. The governing body of a county by ordinance shall require such prior review and approval for such divisions of land within exclusive farm use zones established within the county.

(2) The governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division of land to create parcels for farm use as defined in ORS 215.203 if it finds:

(a) That the proposed division of land is appropriate for the continuation of the existing commercial agricultural enterprise within the area; or

(b) The parcels created by the proposed division are not smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780.

(3) The governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone for nonfarm uses, except dwellings, set out in ORS 215.213 (2) or 215.283 (2) if it finds that the parcel for the nonfarm use is not larger than the minimum size necessary for the use. The governing body may establish other criteria as it considers necessary.

(4) In western Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.257, but not in the Willamette Valley, as defined in ORS 215.010, the governing body of a county or its designee:

(a) May approve a division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to create up to two new parcels smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780, each to contain a dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use if:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (2) or (3);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780;

(D) The remainder of the original lot or parcel that does not contain the nonfarm dwellings complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780; and

(E) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are generally unsuitable for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage or flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A parcel may not be considered unsuitable based solely on size or location if the parcel can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land.

(b) May approve a division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to divide a lot or parcel into two parcels, each to contain one dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use if:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.284 (2) or (3);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that is equal to or smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 but equal to or larger than 40 acres;

(D) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are:

(i) Not capable of producing more than at least 50 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber; and

(ii) Composed of at least 90 percent Class VI through VIII soils;

(E) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings do not have established water rights for irrigation; and

(F) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are generally unsuitable for the production of farm crops and livestock or merchantable tree species considering the terrain, adverse soil or land conditions, drainage or flooding, vegetation, location and size of the tract. A parcel may not be considered unsuitable based solely on size or location if the parcel can reasonably be put to farm or forest use in conjunction with other land.

(5) In eastern Oregon, as defined in ORS 321.405, the governing body of a county or its designee:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.284 (7);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780;

(D) The remainder of the original lot or parcel that does not contain the nonfarm dwellings complies with the minimum size established under ORS 215.780; and

(b) May approve a division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to divide a lot or parcel into two parcels, each to contain one dwelling not provided in conjunction with farm use if:

(A) The nonfarm dwellings have been approved under ORS 215.284 (7);

(B) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that was lawfully created prior to July 1, 2001;

(C) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are divided from a lot or parcel that is equal to or smaller than the minimum size established under ORS 215.780 but equal to or larger than 40 acres;

(D) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings are:

(i) Not capable of producing more than at least 20 cubic feet per acre per year of wood fiber; and

(ii) Either composed of at least 90 percent Class VII and VIII soils, or composed of at least 90 percent Class VI through VIII soils and are not capable of producing adequate herbaceous forage for grazing livestock. The Land Conservation and Development Commission, in cooperation with the State Department of Agriculture and other interested persons, may establish by rule objective criteria for identifying units of land that are not capable of producing adequate herbaceous forage for grazing livestock. In developing the criteria, the commission shall use the latest information from the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service and consider costs required to utilize grazing lands that differ in acreage and productivity level;

(E) The parcels for the nonfarm dwellings do not have established water rights for irrigation; and

(6) This section does not apply to the creation or sale of cemetery lots, if a cemetery is within the boundaries designated for a farm use zone at the time the zone is established.

(7) This section does not apply to divisions of land resulting from lien foreclosures or divisions of land resulting from foreclosure of recorded contracts for the sale of real property.

(8) The governing body of a county may not approve any proposed division of a lot or parcel described in ORS 215.213 (1)(e) or (k), 215.283 (1)(e) or (2)(L) or 215.284 (1), or a proposed division that separates a processing facility from the farm operation specified in ORS 215.213 (1)(x) or 215.283 (1)(u).

(9) The governing body of a county may approve a proposed division of land in an exclusive farm use zone to create a parcel with an existing dwelling to be used:

(a) As a residential home as described in ORS 197.660 (2) only if the dwelling has been approved under ORS 215.213 (3) or 215.284 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (7); and

(b) For historic property that meets the requirements of ORS 215.213 (1)(q) and 215.283 (1)(o).

(10)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 215.780, the governing body of a county or its designee may approve a proposed division of land provided:

(A) The land division is for the purpose of allowing a provider of public parks or open space, or a not-for-profit land conservation organization, to purchase at least one of the resulting parcels; and

(B) A parcel created by the land division that contains a dwelling is large enough to support continued residential use of the parcel.

(b) A parcel created pursuant to this subsection that does not contain a dwelling:

(A) Is not eligible for siting a dwelling, except as may be authorized under ORS 195.120;

(B) May not be considered in approving or denying an application for siting any other dwelling;

(C) May not be considered in approving a redesignation or rezoning of forestlands except for a redesignation or rezoning to allow a public park, open space or other natural resource use; and

(D) May not be smaller than 25 acres unless the purpose of the land division is:

(i) To facilitate the creation of a wildlife or pedestrian corridor or the implementation of a wildlife habitat protection plan; or

(ii) To allow a transaction in which at least one party is a public park or open space provider, or a not-for-profit land conservation organization, that has cumulative ownership of at least 2,000 acres of open space or park property.

(11) The governing body of a county or its designee may approve a division of land smaller than the minimum lot or parcel size described in ORS 215.780 (1) and (2) in an exclusive farm use zone provided:

(a) The division is for the purpose of establishing a church, including cemeteries in conjunction with the church;

(b) The church has been approved under ORS 215.213 (1) or 215.283 (1);

(d) The remaining lot or parcel, not including the church, meets the minimum lot or parcel size described in ORS 215.780 (1) and (2) either by itself or after it is consolidated with another lot or parcel.

(12) The governing body of a county may not approve a division of land for nonfarm use under subsection (3), (4), (5), (9), (10) or (11) of this section unless any additional tax imposed for the change in use has been paid.

(13) Parcels used or to be used for training or stabling facilities may not be considered appropriate to maintain the existing commercial agricultural enterprise in an area where other types of agriculture occur. [1973 c.503 §9; 1977 c.766 §9; 1979 c.46 §2; 1981 c.748 §48; 1983 c.826 §7; 1985 c.544 §4; 1987 c.729 §5b; 1989 c.224 §26; 1989 c. 564 §8; 1989 c.861 §3; 1991 c.459 §347; 1993 c.704 §7; 1993 c.792 §12; 1997 c.318 §2; 1997 c.550 §2; 1997 c.862 §4; 1999 c.321 §1; 1999 c.349 §1; 2001 c.544 §4; 2001 c.613 §19; 2001 c.704 §3]

215.265 Land divisions; limiting certain causes of action. In approving a land division under ORS 215.263 (10), the governing body of a county or its designee shall require as a condition of approval that the owner of any parcel not containing a dwelling sign and record in the deed records for the county where the parcel is located an irrevocable deed restriction prohibiting the owner and the owner’s successors in interest from pursuing a cause of action or claim of relief alleging an injury from farming or forest practices for which no claim or action is allowed under ORS 30.936 or 30.937. [1999 c.321 §3; 2001 c.704 §10]

Note: 215.265 was added to and made a part of 215.203 to 215.311 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.270 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.273 Applicability to thermal energy power plant siting determinations. Nothing in ORS 215.130, 215.203, 215.213, 215.243, 215.253, 215.263, 215.273, 215.283, 215.284, 308A.050 to 308A.128 and 316.844 is intended to affect the authority of the Energy Facility Siting Council in determining suitable sites for the issuance of site certificates for thermal power plants, as authorized under ORS 469.300 to 469.563, 469.590 to 469.619 and 469.930. [1973 c.503 §16; 1983 c.740 §56; 1983 c.826 §19; 1995 c.79 §76; 1997 c.99 §20; 1999 c.314 §56; 2001 c.672 §18]

215.275 Utility facilities necessary for public service; criteria; mitigating impact of facility. (1) A utility facility established under ORS 215.213 (1)(d) or 215.283 (1)(d) is necessary for public service if the facility must be sited in an exclusive farm use zone in order to provide the service.

(2) To demonstrate that a utility facility is necessary, an applicant for approval under ORS 215.213 (1)(d) or 215.283 (1)(d) must show that reasonable alternatives have been considered and that the facility must be sited in an exclusive farm use zone due to one or more of the following factors:

(a) Technical and engineering feasibility;

(b) The proposed facility is locationally dependent. A utility facility is locationally dependent if it must cross land in one or more areas zoned for exclusive farm use in order to achieve a reasonably direct route or to meet unique geographical needs that cannot be satisfied on other lands;

(d) Availability of existing rights of way;

(e) Public health and safety; and

(f) Other requirements of state or federal agencies.

(3) Costs associated with any of the factors listed in subsection (2) of this section may be considered, but cost alone may not be the only consideration in determining that a utility facility is necessary for public service. Land costs shall not be included when considering alternative locations for substantially similar utility facilities. The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall determine by rule how land costs may be considered when evaluating the siting of utility facilities that are not substantially similar.

(4) The owner of a utility facility approved under ORS 215.213 (1)(d) or 215.283 (1)(d) shall be responsible for restoring, as nearly as possible, to its former condition any agricultural land and associated improvements that are damaged or otherwise disturbed by the siting, maintenance, repair or reconstruction of the facility. Nothing in this section shall prevent the owner of the utility facility from requiring a bond or other security from a contractor or otherwise imposing on a contractor the responsibility for restoration.

(5) The governing body of the county or its designee shall impose clear and objective conditions on an application for utility facility siting under ORS 215.213 (1)(d) or 215.283 (1)(d) to mitigate and minimize the impacts of the proposed facility, if any, on surrounding lands devoted to farm use in order to prevent a significant change in accepted farm practices or a significant increase in the cost of farm practices on the surrounding farmlands.

(6) The provisions of subsections (2) to (5) of this section do not apply to interstate natural gas pipelines and associated facilities authorized by and subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. [1999 c.816 §3]

Note: 215.275 was added to and made a part of 215.203 to 215.311 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.277 Farmworker housing; compliance with agricultural land use policy required. It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that the provision of farmworker housing, as defined in ORS 315.164, not allow other types of dwellings not otherwise permitted in exclusive farm use zones and that such farmworker housing be consistent with the intent and purposes set forth in ORS 215.243. [1989 c.964 §9; 2001 c.613 §10]

215.278 Accessory dwellings for farmworkers; rules. (1) The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall revise administrative rules regarding dwellings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use to allow, under ORS 215.213 and 215.283, the establishment of accessory dwellings needed to provide opportunities for farmworker housing for individuals primarily engaged in farm use whose assistance in the management of the farm is or will be required by the farm operator on the farm unit.

(2) As used in this section, "farm unit" means the contiguous and noncontiguous tracts in common ownership used by the farm operator for farm use as defined in ORS 215.203. [2001 c.613 §6]

Note: 215.278 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 215 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.280 [Repealed by 1963 c.619 §16]

215.281 Legislative findings related to dwellings in conjunction with commercial dairy farm. The Legislative Assembly finds that:

(1) Dairies and dairying are an important part of Oregon agriculture and make a significant contribution to the state and local economies;

(2) Dairies require continuous on-site labor to operate the dairy and to protect the significant investment in milking and waste disposal facilities, equipment and livestock necessary to operate a commercial dairy; and

(3) Dairies require more on-site housing than other types of farms because of the year-round labor-intensive nature of a dairy operation and justify different standards for the review of a primary or accessory dwelling customarily provided in conjunction with a commercial dairy farm under ORS 215.213 and 215.283. [2001 c.149 §4]

Note: 215.281 and 215.282 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 215 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

215.282 Dwellings in conjunction with commercial dairy farm; rules. The Land Conservation and Development Commission shall consider the findings of ORS 215.281 and adopt rules that provide standards for the review of a primary or accessory dwelling customarily provided in conjunction with a commercial dairy farm. Notwithstanding any other administrative rule establishing a gross farm income standard, the rules adopted under this section shall allow the siting of a dwelling on a commercial dairy farm prior to the dairy earning any gross farm income. [2001 c.149 §5]

Note: See note under 215.281.

215.283 Uses permitted in exclusive farm use zones in nonmarginal lands counties. (1) The following uses may be established in any area zoned for exclusive farm use:

(a) Public or private schools, including all buildings essential to the operation of a school.

(b) Churches and cemeteries in conjunction with churches.

(f) Primary or accessory dwellings and other buildings customarily provided in conjunction with farm use.

(g) Operations for the exploration for and production of geothermal resources as defined by ORS 522.005 and oil and gas as defined by ORS 520.005, including the placement and operation of compressors, separators and other customary production equipment for an individual well adjacent to the wellhead. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (1)(a) or (b).

(h) Operations for the exploration for minerals as defined by ORS 517.750. Any activities or construction relating to such operations shall not be a basis for an exception under ORS 197.732 (1)(a) or (b).

(i) A site for the disposal of solid waste that has been ordered to be established by the Environmental Quality Commission under ORS 459.049, together with equipment, facilities or buildings necessary for its operation.

(j) The breeding, kenneling and training of greyhounds for racing.

(k) Climbing and passing lanes within the right of way existing as of July 1, 1987.

(L) Reconstruction or modification of public roads and highways, including the placement of utility facilities overhead and in the subsurface of public roads and highways along the public right of way, but not including the addition of travel lanes, where no removal or displacement of buildings would occur, or no new land parcels result.

(m) Temporary public road and highway detours that will be abandoned and restored to original condition or use at such time as no longer needed.

(n) Minor betterment of existing public road and highway related facilities such as maintenance yards, weigh stations and rest areas, within right of way existing as of July 1, 1987, and contiguous public-owned property utilized to support the operation and maintenance of public roads and highways.

(o) A replacement dwelling to be used in conjunction with farm use if the existing dwelling has been listed in a county inventory as historic property as defined in ORS 358.480.

(p) Creation of, restoration of or enhancement of wetlands.

(q) A winery, as described in ORS 215.452.

(r) Farm stands if:

(s) Alteration, restoration or replacement of a lawfully established dwelling that:

(A) Has intact exterior walls and roof structure;

(B) Has indoor plumbing consisting of a kitchen sink, toilet and bathing facilities connected to a sanitary waste disposal system;

(D) Has a heating system; and

(t) A site for the takeoff and landing of model aircraft, including such buildings or facilities as may reasonably be necessary. Buildings or facilities shall not be more than 500 square feet in floor area or placed on a permanent foundation unless the building or facility preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. The site shall not include an aggregate surface or hard surface area unless the surface preexisted the use approved under this paragraph. As used in this paragraph, "model aircraft" means a small-scale version of an airplane, glider, helicopter, dirigible or balloon that is used or intended to be used for flight and is controlled by radio, lines or design by a person on the ground.

(u) A facility for the processing of farm crops located on a farm operation that provides at least one-quarter of the farm crops processed at the facility. The building established for the processing facility shall not exceed 10,000 square feet of floor area exclusive of the floor area designated for preparation, storage or other farm use or devote more than 10,000 square feet to the processing activities within another building supporting farm uses. A processing facility shall comply with all applicable siting standards but the standards shall not be applied in a manner that prohibits the siting of the processing facility.

(v) Fire service facilities providing rural fire protection services.

(w) Irrigation canals, delivery lines and those structures and accessory operational facilities associated with a district as defined in ORS 540.505.

(x) Utility facility service lines. Utility facility service lines are utility line