Committee Prepares to Revamp Measure 37

By Laura Oppenheimer, The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.

Jan. 20–A legislative committee charged with retooling Oregon’s property-rights law doubled in size Friday — and got advice from Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who wants to expedite modest Measure 37 claims while clamping down on large developments.

Meanwhile, a Jackson County judge ruled on one of the most controversial aspects of the voter-approved law, saying successful claimants must develop their land themselves rather than sell it to a professional.

The decision could be appealed to a higher court, setting policy statewide. This interpretation limits the amount of rural housing that will result from more than 6,000 applications to waive restrictions adopted since property last changed hands.

The ruling boosts Measure 37′s visibility just as the Legislature begins grappling with it.

Legislative leaders appointed five representatives Friday to join a panel of senators on the Land Use Fairness Committee. Rep. Greg Macpherson, D-Lake Oswego, will lead the group with Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene. Vice chairmen, Sen. Larry George, R-Sherwood, and Rep. Bill Garrard, R-Klamath Falls, are both property-rights advocates.

Beginning Tuesday, the committee will consider proposals to limit development and extend governments’ 180-day deadline to respond to claims.

“The window is rapidly closing on our ability to provide better options for our citizens,” Kulongoski wrote to the committee. “We have just one opportunity now to get this right.”

To read the governor’s letter, go to www.oregon.gov/gov/docs/m37011907.pdf

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