Land Use Measure Put On Hold

“A new law that would force the state to compensate landowners when land-use laws hurt property values was put on hold by a judge Wednesday pending a lawsuit by critics who fear it will lead to nearly unchecked development. Circuit Judge Paul Lipscomb consolidated two lawsuits challenging Measure 7 and put off future hearings to an unspecified later date. Under a 1973 state law, Oregon communities have adopted Urban Growth Boundaries designed to prevent urban sprawl. Critics of Measure 7, adopted last month, say it would undermine zoning and environmental regulations.”