By Blair Batson | 1-minute read
On July 3, 2025, the Oregon Supreme Court issued a decision in Friends of Yamhill County v. Yamhill County.
This decision upheld the Court of Appeals’ remand of Yamhill County’s decision to allow a bed and breakfast hotel to be operated as a “home occupation” within a 10,500 square foot structure the applicants described as a farm operator’s dwelling. The so-called “dwelling” has nine guest suites—plus an innkeeper suite—and is owned and operated by the Foley Entertainment Group, which manages a luxury hospitality portfolio that includes resorts and restaurants across the globe.
The Supreme Court found the applicant had failed to demonstrate the structure was the home of a farm operator. The Supreme Court also remanded the decision for a de novo determination of whether the structure was consistent with local code requirements for a single family dwelling versus a hotel.
Yamhill County winemaker Jason Lett, Hood River County orchardist Mike McCarthy, and Douglas County vintner and sheep farmer Shelley Wetherell participated in the appeal, represented by Crag Law Center.
This is an important victory for Oregon farmers and ranchers. Together, we are continuing this fight against the conversion of Oregon’s world-class agricultural land for elite entertainment and hospitality venues.
This story appears in our 2025 Annual Report: Oregon is Worth Fighting For.