Land Use Freedom and Property Rights Act

Oregon is in the middle of a housing crisis. Rents are high, shelters are full, and too many people are being pushed into unsafe or unstable living situations. At the same time, many Oregonians own land but are restricted from using it in common sense ways that could help themselves, their families, and their communities.

That’s what this legislation is about: giving private landowners more freedom to use their own land for living purposes without unnecessary government interference, while still protecting health, safety, and the environment.

What the bill does

In simple terms, this legislation says:

If you own private land in Oregon, you should be allowed to live on it.

That includes living in:

• A trailer or RV

• A tiny home on wheels

• A tent or other temporary shelter

And it also means you can allow other people, family members, friends, or guests to do the same on your property.

Right now, many cities and counties ban or heavily restrict these kinds of living arrangements, even on private land. This bill removes those barriers.

What the bill does not do

This legislation does not remove environmental or safety protections.

Landowners still must follow:

• Environmental laws

• Water and waste disposal rules

• Fire safety requirements

Local governments can still enforce reasonable health and safety standards. What they can’t do is use zoning rules, permits, or time limits as a backdoor way to ban people from living on their own land.

Why this matters

For many people, living in a trailer, RV, or tent isn’t a lifestyle choice it’s a survival choice.

This bill helps:

• Seniors living on fixed incomes

• Families supporting adult children or relatives

• Rural residents priced out of traditional housing

• People transitioning out of homelessness

• Landowners who simply want to live simply and legally

By allowing more people to live on private land, we reduce pressure on:

• Emergency shelters

• Public assistance programs

• Law enforcement and court systems

It’s a practical solution that respects both personal freedom and public responsibility.

Property rights and compassion can coexist

At its core, this legislation recognizes a simple truth:

If you own land, the government should not prevent you from living on it, or from helping others without a very good reason.

This approach supports personal autonomy, reduces harm, and expands housing options without requiring massive new spending or bureaucracy.

Moving forward

This bill is about meeting people where they are and using the tools we already have land, community, and common sense to address Oregon’s housing crisis.

It’s not a silver bullet. But it’s a step toward a more humane, flexible, and realistic housing policy. One that trusts Oregonians to make responsible decisions on their own property.