Protect Oregon Farm and Forest Land – Support SB 77 and SB 78

Oregon’s farm and forest land is under threat from loopholes that allow commercial and luxury development where working farms and forests should be. Wealthy developers and nonresident businesses are taking advantage of loopholes to build luxury hotels and trophy homes in areas meant for agriculture—driving up land prices and pricing out farmers. 

Senate Bills 77 and 78 offer simple, common-sense solutions: 

SB 77 clarifies that home occupations must be small businesses operated by residents within their homes, preventing commercial developments from disguising themselves as home businesses and weakening protections for legitimate farm and forest land operators. 

SB 78 caps the size of replacement buildings to whichever is larger: 110% of the original square footage or 2,500 square feet. This will prevent misuse of this provision to build luxury homes that price out working farmers and foresters. 

These bills will help protect our rural economies, ensure land remains accessible for farmers and foresters, and maintain Oregon’s natural heritage. Please support SB 77 and SB 78.