Program History
Oregonians in the 1960s and '70s became concerned as they watched rapid population growth begin to take place around the state. Lawmakers responded with
Senate Bill 100, which Governor Tom McCall signed into law in 1973. At that time, farming and timber harvesting were the state’s largest industries and many Oregonians thought eventual development of land for new homes and industries would displace these economic engines. SB 100 tied local planning to a set of guiding statewide principles. The new law created the
Land Conservation and Development Commission to craft the rules that guide the system. May 2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of Oregon's Land Use Planning Program.
People and the Land: An Oral History of Oregon's Statewide Land Use Planning Program
Historical Milestones
Early 20th Century
1960s and '70s
1980s and '90s
21st Century
New Legislative Land Use Actions
Each legislative session, new legislation is passed that has enduring outcomes for our land use system. Most changes are small, but some are significant. Significant milestones like those above will be included in the department timeline as they occur. Minor legislative actions are captured in the DLCD Legislative Report, written after the end of a legislative session. These reports are written to inform stakeholders and counties of land use related bills that might require a city or county to update its code for compliance. Go to the
Legislative Information page to see the report and other related information.