ORS 227.215: Regulation of development.

(1) As used in this section, “development” means a building or mining operation, making a material change in the use or appearance of a structure or land, dividing land into two or more parcels, including partitions and subdivisions as provided in ORS 92.010 to 92.285, and creating or terminating a right of access.

      (2) A city may plan and otherwise encourage and regulate the development of land. A city may adopt an ordinance requiring that whatever land development is undertaken in the city comply with the requirements of the ordinance and be undertaken only in compliance with the terms of a development permit.

      (3) A development ordinance may provide for:

      (a) Development for which a permit is granted as of right on compliance with the terms of the ordinance;

      (b) Development for which a permit is granted discretionarily in accordance and consistent with the requirements of ORS 227.173;

      (c) Development which need not be under a development permit but shall comply with the ordinance; and

      (d) Development which is exempt from the ordinance.

      (4) The ordinance may divide the city into districts and apply to all or part of the city.