Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Law Practice Test

What is true about Rupert and Wesley's ranch, given they purchased it in 1961?

1. The property is subject to the doctrine of prior approvement.

2. The property is free from local zoning laws.

3. The property is subject to the doctrine of prior appropriation.

4. The property is exempt from property taxes.

The correct answer is: The property is subject to the doctrine of prior appropriation.

The statement regarding Rupert and Wesley's ranch being subject to the doctrine of prior appropriation is accurate given that they purchased the property in 1961. The doctrine of prior appropriation is a principle that governs water rights in many western U.S. states, including Oregon. Under this doctrine, water rights are allocated based on a "first in time, first in right" system, meaning that the first person to use the water for a beneficial purpose has a right to continue using that amount of water, even if is not the owner of the land. Given the historical context of the ranch being purchased in 1961, any water rights associated with the property would be influenced by this doctrine, particularly if it pertains to agricultural use or other purposes that require water. Typically, these rights can be crucial for ranch operations, especially in areas where water is a limiting factor for agriculture and livestock. The other options do not apply: the property is not exempt from property taxes just because it was purchased in 1961, nor is it free from local zoning laws. Local jurisdictions have the authority to impose zoning regulations regardless of the purchase date. The doctrine of prior approvement, which is not related to property ownership or water rights, is also not relevant to the