Land Development Attorney in Portland, Oregon

As urbanization increases, the demand for thoughtful and sustainable land development has become more significant. Land development for urban, rural, or agricultural activities can significantly impact the natural environment and ecosystems surrounding these areas.

Whether you're looking to build residential communities, commercial spaces, farms, or mixed-use developments, Oregon has strict land use and development regulations that influence everything from design to completion.

At The Law Office of Frank Hammond LLC, we strive to offer comprehensive legal support for your land use and development projects. Our attorney is experienced in helping with every stage of the development process, from the initial planning to securing necessary permits and verifying compliance with Oregon's environmental regulations.

Located in Portland, Oregon, we serve clients throughout the state, including Eugene, Salem, Astoria, Newport, Bandon, Medford, Bend, and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a meeting and discuss how we can help you achieve your land development goals.

Understanding Land Development

Land development covers a wide range of activities that transform raw land into usable real estate. This can include activities such as subdividing land, installing infrastructure, and obtaining the required governmental approvals. The goal of land development is to create functional, profitable, and lasting real estate while complying with all the necessary regulations.

Oregon's land development regulations are governed by a set of state laws and local ordinances that are designed to promote orderly growth and development, conserve natural resources, and ensure public safety and welfare. These laws cover various aspects of development, including site planning, environmental impact, zoning compliance, and infrastructure.

• Zoning laws: These laws designate specific areas for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural use, helping to prevent conflicts between different types of land use. Developers must adhere to the zoning codes established by local governments, which specify the permissible types of buildings, their dimensions, and their intended use within each zone.
  

• Environmental regulations: Projects often require environmental assessments to identify potential impacts on water quality, wildlife habitats, and air quality. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees permits related to air and water discharge, ensuring that development activities do not harm the environment.
  

• Public involvement: Communities are given opportunities to participate in the planning and decision-making processes. Public hearings and comment periods are typically required for major development projects, allowing residents and stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to shaping the future growth of their communities.
  

• Infrastructure requirements: Developers must adequately provide essential services like water supply, sewage treatment, transportation, and utilities. These requirements are intended to support new development while maintaining existing infrastructure in surrounding areas.

Compliance with these regulations is monitored and enforced by local planning and zoning commissions and state agencies. Non-compliance can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, including project delays, fines, or revocation of permits. Our experienced land use attorney can help you determine whether your project complies with Oregon law.

Types of Land Development Cases We Handle

At The Law Office of Frank Hammond LLC, we have over thirty years of experience helping our clients with land development cases. Our knowledge of local and state regulations allows us to provide effective legal guidance for the following types of cases:

• Site plan approvals: We strive to help our clients obtain the necessary approvals for their site plans to ensure compliance with all zoning and environmental regulations.

• Subdivision approvals: We aim to help you with filing applications and represent you during public hearings and reviews.

• Infrastructure development: Whether installing roads, utilities, or drainage systems, our attorney can help you secure the necessary permits.

• Environmental compliance: We strive to ensure that your development project adheres to local, state, and federal environmental laws to help minimize delays or legal issues.

• Community engagement: Effective land development often requires community support. We strive to help you organize and conduct public meetings to address community concerns and incorporate feedback into your project.

Overview of Oregon Land Development Laws

Oregon’s approach to land development is regulated by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and governed by the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS). These laws provide guidelines for sustainable and organized land use.

Oregon Statewide Land Use Planning Goals

In Oregon, the cornerstone of the regulations surrounding land development is the Oregon Statewide Planning Program, which includes 19 statewide planning goals. These goals address key issues, such as urbanization, natural resource management, and public facilities, and aim to promote orderly growth while protecting natural resources. Some of these goals include:

• Goal 1: Citizen Involvement: Aims to ensure that citizens have an equal opportunity for involvement in land use decisions and processes.

• Goal 2: Land Use Planning: Seeks to provide a framework for decision-making in land use planning, with a focus on comprehensive planning, coordination between different jurisdictions, and the protection of natural resources.

• Goal 4: Forest Lands: Focuses on promoting sustainable forest management practices while providing adequate opportunities for agriculture, recreation, and open space uses.

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 92 & 215

The Oregon Revised Statutes lay out specific sections related to land development. These sections include the following:

• ORS 92.010 - 92.990: These sections cover the general provisions for subdivisions and partitions, including requirements for platting and recording.

• ORS 215.010 - 215.780: This chapter outlines the zoning and planning responsibilities of counties, including development regulations and the formation of planning commissions.

Local Development Ordinances

Local governments implement development ordinances that align with Oregon's planning goals. These ordinances often regulate various aspects of development, including land use, building design, and infrastructure provision. In Portland, for example, the City Code provides specific requirements for zoning, design review, and environmental regulations.

How Can Our Firm Help?

Oregon's laws and regulations related to land development are complicated and can take some time to fully understand. That's where an experienced environmental law attorney comes in. Some reasons why you should consider hiring The Law Office of Frank Hammond LLC include:

• Knowledge of local regulations: We are experienced in land use and development law and know both the state and local regulations that may impact your project.

• Efficient navigation of the permitting process: Permit applications often require significant documentation and involve multiple government agencies. We can help you navigate this process efficiently and make sure all the requirements are met.

• Mitigation of potential legal issues: If any disputes or challenges arise during the development process, we can provide strategic advice and strive to represent your interests in negotiations or court proceedings.

• Advocacy for community engagement: Our experienced attorney can help you address community concerns and incorporate feedback into your project, promoting a smoother approval process.

If you're considering a land development project in or around Portland, Oregon, contact us at The Law Office of Frank Hammond LLC today. Our experienced attorney is ready to offer comprehensive legal support.