Oregon state law dictates how to form a new city, which has only happened twice in the last century. To review two helpful summaries of the process, click HERE and HERE. 

Any area outside of an existing incorporated city that has 150 residents may seek to incorporate as a new city. Oceanside successfully petitioned to place incorporation on the ballot in 2022, which was not approved by the voters. This second attempt only involves the northern half of unincorporated Oceanside, to be called "Oceanside Village."

To earn a hearing on the incorporation petition before the County Commissioners, the petitioners must meet the following requirements:

1. Specify the proposed city name and boundary

2. Research and draft an "Economic Feasibility Statement" that specifies which services the new city would provide, and the revenue sources it would draw upon to pay for them. (Land use planning services are the only mandatory service under state law; all other city services are optional. Since all of Oceanside's current urban services (sewer, water, fire protection, law enforcement) would continue to be provided by existing special districts or county agencies, the new city would limit itself to roads, short-term rental regulation and emergency preparedness.

3. Fix a cap or permanent limit on any city property tax that the Village Council and residents might choose to adopt in the future. (Incorporation does not automatically give rise to a city tax.)
 
The petitioners may then gather signatures. To make the ballot, they must submit valid signatures from at least 20% of the registered voters within the proposed boundary within 90 days. The County Commissioners must hold a public hearing to determine whether the proposed city is economically feasible and can meet its land use planning responsibilities. They also consider whether they should modify the proposed city boundary to include or exclude areas based on whether they would "benefit" from incorporation. Once approved, a ballot measure to incorporate the new city is placed on the ballot for voter approval by a majority of registered voters residing within the proposed city boundary.