An Explanation of Title 13 (Nature in Neighborhoods)

In the 1970s, Oregon established a set of 19 Statewide Planning Goals as part of a strong program for land use planning. Since that time, local jurisdictions have enacted various policies and rules in order to meet the intent of the Statewide Planning Goals.

Goal 5 establishes standards for protecting natural resources, open spaces, and scenic and historic areas. In 2005, after many years of deliberation and public discussion, the Metro Council adopted Title 13 (Nature in Neighborhoods) into its Urban Growth Management Functional Plan to meet Goal 5. Click here to link to Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods webpage.

Title 13 includes provisions that encourage habitat-friendly development practices (e.g., pervious paving options, alternative stormwater treatment facilities, transferable development rights, etc.) while also regulating development activity within designated Habitat Conservation Areas (HCAs). Click here to view the text of Title 13 (Nature in Neighborhoods).

With the earlier adoption of Title 3 (Water Quality and Flood Management), Metro had already established protections for streams and wetland areas designated as Water Quality Resources (WQRs). There is some overlap of HCAs with WQRs, and the new Title 13 regulations are intended to complement and enhance the existing Title 3 rules. Click here to view the text of Title 3.

Last updated: 10/22/2009