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Zoning for solar panels and historic homes in Portland
In July 2009, Portland’s Bureau of Development Services and Bureau of Planning and Sustainability proposed a series of incentives for the development of green energy technologies within the city. This […]
How not to plan for future industry in Oregon
Industrial developers already struggling in the recession, specifically the now nearly defunct Opus Northwest LLC, were dealt another blow in September by the Court of Appeals in 1000 Friends of […]
Misleading publicity hurts Oregon planning
Oregon State University last month sent out a press release to highlight the work of some of its academics. If the point was to draw attention to the work, it […]
North Bethany ordinance passes with provisions
The Washington County Board of Commissioners last week preliminarily approved the basic structure of a land-use ordinance that will guide the future development of North Bethany. But ironing out the fine details is going to require more time.
Portland metro reserves OK’d by state agency
The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development released its staff review and report on regional government Metro's urban and rural reserve designations. The report supported the designations and suggested the seven-member Land Conservation and Development Commission approves them next month when it releases its decision.
Oregon questions its land use system
Oregon officials are questioning the efficiency of the state's widely admired land use system. Critics say the urban growth boundaries within the state are reevaluated too frequently, which burdens local governments with too many costs.
Oregon land use policy not working as planned
Oregon's land use policy has received many accolades from around the world since it was first incepted over 35 years ago. But a new study conducted by an Oregon State University geosciences professor has found that it's still difficult to demonstrate that it has accomplished one of its primary goals - protecting agricultural lands and a thriving forest, farm and ranching industry.
5 potential problems with Portland’s urban growth boundary expansion
We may be forgiven for not noticing a report issued in the dog days of August from Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan recommending the addition of 2,658 acres to […]
Measure 49 – the sublime and the routine
With the recession, the Gulf oil spill and overseas wars, and battles raging over the future of urban growth in the Portland-metro area, Oregonians may be forgiven for not bringing […]
Florida homeowners cannot stop the beach renourishment
The current U.S. Supreme Court rarely issues unanimous opinions, and that’s especially true for land use and takings. That makes the “sort of” unanimous opinion in Stop the Beach Renourishment […]
RLUIPA issues remain 10 years later
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act – a federal act said to prohibit, among other things, state and local governments from discriminating against religious uses when processing land-use […]
Court: DEQ storm-water permits do not violate Oregon laws
Using acronyms only environmental lawyers could love, the Oregon Court of Appeals determined that metro-area municipality storm-water permits issued by the Department of Environmental Quality did not violate state laws […]
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
