The City of Roseburg swapped residential land with significant development constraints inside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) with land immediately outside the UGB that is much easier to develop. Simply put, the City swapped undeveloped residential land with severe slopes for flat residential land. This process of a UGB swap is officially referred to in statute as a UGB exchange. The UGB moved in such a manner as to create no net increase in the number of possible dwelling units currently allowed in the UGB as compared to the new boundaries proposed by the swap. The purpose of the swap is to help facilitate residential growth by providing more easily developable land.

The project removed of approximately 290 acres of land (see map; shown in green) from the UGB. This land is impractical to develop at urban densities. Removal of this property allows for limited development opportunities under rural land use laws within the jurisdiction of Douglas County. In turn, the project included incorporation of approximately 220 acres of land (see map; shown in orange) into the UGB. This land was identified as a more suitable location for urban development within the City. The UGB swap only moved the UGB line. Further annexation of property into the city limits will need to occur and should be anticipated as private development and public utility upgrades within the area are proposed.

Swapping lands with development constraints for land that can accommodate more efficient and logical urban development is an important tool the City can use to address our current housing situation. Recent housing documents used to guide the way in which the City may better facilitate housing growth identify the UGB swap as a primary way the City may create housing development opportunities.