Proposed legislation would help address housing needs rural Oregon
By Griffin Beach on Friday, February 6th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
SALEM – A bill currently before the Oregon Legislature aims to address housing shortages in rural counties by easing land-use restrictions for residential development.
Senate Bill 1578 would allow counties with a population density of fewer than 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres for housing. That would include Baker, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, and Wallowa counties.
The legislation also expands provisions for rural accessory dwelling units, which the bill defines as residential structures located on the same lot as a primary single-unit dwelling. The bill proposes increasing the maximum allowable floor area for these units from 900 square feet to 2,500 square feet.
Sen. Todd Nash (R-Enterprise) and Rep. Mark Owens (R-Crane) are chief sponsors of the bill, alongside Rep. Alek Skarlatos (R-Canyonville).
