Property Rights Failed General Election
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PEAPAC Recommends: YES

Private property is a basic biblical right; reduces government regulation.

Summary

Removes building permit requirements for small home improvements.

Biblical Reasoning

Private property is one of the most basic rights found in the Bible. It is, of course, the presupposition of the 8th Commandment which prohibits stealing. However, the Bible doesn’t give private owners absolute right over their property. This can be seen in gleaning laws, right of travel laws in Dt. 23:24,25, and in a building code of sorts in Dt. 22:8, with its mandate that a roof used for entertaining must be fenced. But these exceptions presuppose that the Bible gives the bulk of control of land to private citizens.

Freedom is only found in Christ. But we believe Measure 63 is a reasonable step in the right direction of decreased state regulation… This Measure would reinforce the basic Biblical teaching that men are free to make changes and repairs to their own property.

Exodus 20:15 — “8th Commandment which prohibits stealing”
Deuteronomy 23:24,25 — “right of travel laws in Dt. 23:24,25”
Deuteronomy 22:8 — “building code of sorts in Dt. 22:8, with its mandate that a roof used for entertaining must be fenced.”

Election Results

46%
54%
YesNo

Voters rejected the building permit exemption (54% No).

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: Private property is one of the most basic rights found in the Bible. It is, of course, the presupposition of the 8th Commandment which prohibits stealing. However, the Bible doesn’t give private owners absolute right over their property. This can be seen in gleaning laws, right of travel laws in Dt. 23:24,25, and in a building code of sorts in Dt. 22:8, with its mandate that a roof used for entertaining must be fenced. But these exceptions presuppose that the Bible gives the bulk of control of land to private citizens.

Our lives and homes are now marked by an increasing number of government regulations, restrictions, fees and permits. Part of this is the result of growing population density. But part of this is the result of a people who reject God and His laws, and turn instead to government as the solution to all life’s problems and hazards. The result has been literally tens of thousands of laws, permits, codes and rules.

Freedom is only found in Christ. But we believe Measure 63 is a reasonable step in the right direction of decreased state regulation, and it does have some safeguards built into it. For example, it treats electrical repairs differently than nonelectrical ones. Additionally, a number of other states get along just fine with much less government control over construction than in Oregon. This Measure would reinforce the basic Biblical teaching that men are free to make changes and repairs to their own property. And if it does prove to have some deficiencies, these can be corrected by the Legislature since this is not a Constitutional Amendment. The Legislature needs a shove to get it going in the right direction of basic freedom over property and this Measure will provide this much needed direction. We strongly urge your Yes vote.

← PreviousMeasure 62 (2008)