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HB 3438

Relating to golf courses on exclusive farm use lands in Coos County.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Court Boice and 1 co-sponsor

Oregon bill permits golf course development on exclusive farm use land in Coos County, creating an exception to statewide agricultural land protection laws.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3438

Legislative bill overview

HB 3438 permits golf courses to be developed on exclusive farm use (EFU) lands in Coos County, Oregon, which would otherwise be restricted to agricultural purposes. The bill carves out a specific exception to state land use laws that typically protect farmland from non-agricultural development.

Why is this important

Oregon's EFU zoning is a foundational land use protection designed to preserve agricultural productivity and prevent sprawl. This bill demonstrates tension between agricultural land preservation and local economic development interests, as golf courses generate tax revenue and employment but consume productive farmland. The outcome could influence whether similar exceptions are pursued in other Oregon counties.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural land preservation vs. economic development: Golf courses are non-essential uses that compete with farming for limited land, contradicting Oregon's statewide land use planning goals
  • Precedent concerns: Approving county-specific exceptions to EFU protections may encourage similar requests elsewhere, potentially eroding the entire statewide farmland protection system
  • Local vs. state authority: The bill raises questions about whether individual counties should override state agricultural protection policies based on local revenue needs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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