Oregon's Property Rights Law Is Being Tested By Landowners

The controversial measure, which calls for compensation of property owners or regulation waivers when land use rules reduce the value of property, is beginning to be tested by landowners eager to exercise their newly restored rights.

"Since the measure was approved, Oregon property owners had filed 2,755 claims covering 150,455 acres, according to the university’s Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, which is tracking the measure’s impact. If all the claims were paid, state officials say, it could amount to more than $3 billion in compensation. But not a single claim has been paid, the institute reported."

"Instead of paying property owners, local government agencies have routinely chosen to waive the regulations, clearing the way for numerous developments in rural areas."