Nothing but ashes and metal is left of Bonnie Sullivan’s home on the banks of the Santiam River just east of Mill City. She escaped the wildfire by riding in an open car trunk. (Photo courtesy of Bonnie Sullivan)
A bill intended to give property owners in the Santiam Canyon on break on rebuilding is headed to the governor for her signature.
THE ISSUE: Property owners in the Santiam Canyon are rebuilding after last year’s historic wildfires but are running into problems with state land-use law.
THE BILL: Senate Bill 405
WHAT IT DOES: Allows for homes and structures built under older land-use laws to be rebuilt under those regulations. Current land-use laws also require construction on these properties to begin within one year of fire damage, which is unrealistic for many property owners. The bill gives property owners five years to rebuild.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: Proponents of the bill say that increasing building costs are delaying rebuilding efforts and need more time.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
The bill passed the Oregon House on May 4 on a 56-0 vote.
State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Excused
State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Yes
State Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton: Yes
State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused
Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: Yes
The bill passed the Oregon Senate on March 31 on a 27-1 vote.
Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas: Yes
Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons: Yes
Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer: Yes
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: It heads to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature.
-Jake Thomas
