Bill > SB788

This bill amends Oregon state law to allow wedding or event venues on farmland located east of the Cascade Range in counties with fewer than 90,000 residents. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision to ORS 215.283 that permits events to be conducted outdoors or in existing farm buildings, subject to county approval. The bill is designed to provide additional economic opportunities for farmers in eastern Oregon by allowing them to host events on their agricultural land. The existing law previously restricted the use of exclusive farm use zones primarily to agricultural activities, with limited exceptions for certain commercial and recreational uses. By creating this new allowance, the legislation aims to support rural economic development by giving farmers an additional potential revenue stream through hosting weddings and events while maintaining the primary agricultural character of the land. The bill represents a targeted approach to expanding land use options in less populated, eastern Oregon counties, recognizing the unique economic challenges and opportunities in those rural areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB788