State Revises Rules to Boost Unincorporated Housing
Oregon's proposed changes to OAR 660 would make it easier for counties to add housing in unincorporated communities.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Utilities
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The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development released a draft of revised Oregon Administrative Rules 660 on November 1, 2026, aimed at increasing housing in unincorporated communities. Public written comments are open through December 13, 2026.
Why it matters
The state is working to close its housing deficit through the State Housing Interagency Partnership, which seeks to develop 500,000 housing units over the next 20 years. Changes to unincorporated community rules could affect where and how new homes are built outside city limits.
The draft rules would apply to Oregon's four types of unincorporated communities, with Resorts and Rural Service Centers excepted from the housing changes. The final form of the rules remains open until public comments close and approval is considered.
The players
Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development
The state agency responsible for land use planning and the rulemaking that revises OAR 660 for unincorporated community housing.
State Housing Interagency Partnership
A state initiative launched in September 2025 to address Oregon's housing deficit through coordinated agency action.
The details
A rules advisory committee formed in August 2026 was asked to create a voluntary process for counties to increase housing in unincorporated communities while ensuring development has available or planned public facilities. The draft revisions to OAR 660 were offered for public comment starting November 1, 2026.
Timeline
September 2025: Governor launched the State Housing Interagency Partnership.
April 2026: Commissioners approved initiating housing rulemaking.
August 2026: The Unincorporated Communities rules advisory committee was formed.
November 1, 2026: Draft revised OAR 660 was offered and public comment opened.
December 13, 2026: Public comment period closes.
Utilities Context
The revisions to Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 660 build on the state's statewide land use planning framework, which requires that new development have available or planned public facilities. This ties housing expansion in unincorporated areas directly to how utility and infrastructure capacity is planned.
Residents in Oregon's unincorporated communities could see new housing development options if the rules are adopted. Public comments submitted through December 13, 2026 will help shape the final version.
The takeaway
Oregon residents and county officials can weigh in on how unincorporated communities grow before the rules are finalized. Comments are due December 13, 2026.
What happens next
Public written comments on the draft revised OAR 660 close December 13, 2026, and the project expects approval in February 2027.
Further reading
For related infrastructure coverage, see Utilities news in Oregon.
More information
Review the draft and submit comments via the Oregon rulemaking page for unincorporated community housing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Nugget Newspaper.
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