Bill > SB498

This bill modifies Oregon state law regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on rural residential land by expanding the definition of a "historic home" from dwellings built between 1850 and 1945 to those constructed before January 1, 1974. The bill allows property owners in rural residential areas to build a new single-family dwelling on a lot with an existing historic home, provided the lot is at least two acres, not in an urban reserve, and the owner converts the historic home into an ADU upon completing the new dwelling. The legislation places several restrictions on this process: the owner cannot subdivide the property, the ADU cannot be enlarged beyond 120% of its original size, the ADU cannot be rebuilt if destroyed by fire, and no additional ADUs can be constructed on the same lot. Counties retain the authority to impose additional conditions on construction and may require the new dwelling and ADU to share the same water supply. This change aims to provide more flexibility for rural homeowners in preserving and utilizing historic structures while developing their property.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB498