Bill > SB502

This bill modifies Oregon law regarding attorney fees in land use appeal cases, specifically expanding when fees can be awarded by the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBAA). The bill allows attorney fees to be charged against local governments and intervenors in certain circumstances, such as when an applicant's affordable housing or development application is initially denied but then reversed by LUBAA. The bill clarifies that if an application is denied and a third party intervenes on behalf of the local government, the intervenors can be charged attorney fees. The legislation also broadens the definition of "attorney fees" to include prelitigation legal expenses like application preparation and supporting the application in local hearings. Additionally, the bill specifies that these new provisions will apply to appeals filed on or after the effective date of the act. The changes aim to provide more financial protection and support for applicants seeking land use approvals, particularly for affordable housing developments, by making it easier to recover legal expenses when an initial decision is overturned.

Justice

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB502