Page 152 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

Appendix C - Permitted Farm Uses

Permitted non-farm uses on EFU land (ORS Chapter 215)

Under state law, only certain non-farm uses are allowed in exclusive farm use zones. Note that some uses
are not allowed on “high-value” farmland (OAR 660-033-0020(8)). See Section 215.213 (1), (2) and (11) for
more detail.

The following types of non-farm uses, among others, are potentially allowed in exclusive farm use zones:
• Churches and cemeteries • Dog training classes or testing trials

• Forest product propagation and harvesting • Commercial activities in conjunction with
• Utility service farm use, including biofuels

• Dwelling for farm use • Community centers for rural communities

• Farm buildings • Private hunting and fishing preserves

• Geothermal exploration or production • Public or private parks, private playgrounds,
or campgrounds
• Mineral exploration and mining
• Golf courses
• Certain road and highway projects
• Personal use airports
• Replacement of an existing dwelling
• Siting for solid waste disposal
• Creation or restoration of wetlands
• Commercial dog boarding kennels
• Wineries
• Home occupations including bed and
• Farm stands
breakfasts
• Armed forces reserve center if within one- • Room and board services (five-guest limit) in

half mile of a community college
existing residences
• Site for take-off and landing of model aircraft
• Landscaping business in conjunction with a
• Small-scale crop, poultry, and biofuels nursery
processing facilities
• Public or private K-12 schools serving rural
• Fire services communities
• Irrigation facilities • Agritourism events and activities

Exempt uses are contained in ORS 215.203

148 WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY
Appendix C - Permitted Farm Uses