|
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a voter-approved property rights law that requires governments to either pay landowners for losses caused by state land-use regulations or waive the regulation and allow development.
Opponents of the 2004 law, known as Measure 37, contended it threatened state and local efforts to control development. Supporters said it protected property rights and that it was only fair to compensate property owners for such losses.
Tuesday's ruling reversed a decision issued in October by Marion County Circuit Judge Mary James, who said the measure violated the state and federal constitutions. She said it stripped the Legislature of its power, gave longtime landowners an unfair advantage and failed to give their neighbors a voice in the process.
|