Rural Residential (RR)
Step 1: Prepare your application
There are three sections to every application packet: Planning, Sanitation and Building.
Download a printable PDF version of the information on this webpage.
Planning
To start, you will need to know whether your property is 1) in a flood plain, 2) in a riparian zone, or 3) in a resource zone. You can find this information online.
Legal Lot Verification
A Legal Lot Verification Application will not be required if a Building Permit is filed for rebuilding of a lawful dwelling destroyed in the Holiday Farm Fire area for property zoned Rural Residential (LC 16.290) before September 30, 2025.
Pursuant to LC 16.290(2)(a), the following use is allowed in the Rural Residential zone: placement, alteration, and maintenance of not more than one permanent single-family dwelling or manufactured dwelling on a “lot or parcel” of any size. For lands zoned Rural Residential (Lane Code 16.290), the County has not required evidence of lawful status of a unit of land or a Legal Lot Verification (to determine of the property is a “lot or parcel” as defined by Lane Code) when a Building Permit is filed for the restoring or replacing of a dwelling within one (1) year of the date that a previously existing dwelling was damaged or destroyed. The timeline for restoring or replacing a nonconforming use destroyed or damaged by a wildfire in September 2020 has been extended to September 30, 2025 by the Legislature through Senate Bill 405. Based on this, the County will also extend the timeline to restoring or replacing of a lawful dwelling damaged or destroyed in the Holiday Farm Fire area in the Rural Residential Zone. A Legal Lot Verification Application will not be required if a Building Permit is filed for rebuilding of a lawful dwelling destroyed in the Holiday Farm Fire area for property zoned Rural Residential (LC 16.290) before September 30, 2025. If you have questions about what this means for your rebuilding project, please talk with the Planner on Duty at 541-682-3577 or in person at 3050 N Delta Hwy from 9 am to 3 pm (no appointment necessary).
Simplified Planning Process
Many properties may be eligible under House Bill 2289 for relief and flexibility from certain land use and building code requirements:
The legislation allows for replacement of a dwelling through a simplified planning process that cannot be appealed to the Hearings Official or Land Use Board of Appeals. This replacement dwelling option is subject to certain criteria, for example, that the replacement dwelling is proposed wholly or partially within the same footprint of the former dwelling and has a floor area that is not more than 10 percent greater than the former dwelling. Other criteria apply.
The legislation also allows alteration, restoration, or replacement of a nonresidential use (e.g. a structure that is not a dwelling) if the structure is verified to have existed before the fire, subject to certain criteria, and if the replacement use will be as near as practicable to records of the use with the county assessor, building permit information or other reliable records.
For both options, a Planning application will not be required. Property owners need to meet with the Planner on Duty and Builder on Duty to 1) review eligibility requirements and for assistance with assembling information and materials needed for review and 2) for eligibility review at building permit intake.
Review the HB 2289 Eligibility Form for more detailed information.
Sanitation
If you plan to connect to an existing system, a professional must evaluate the health of the system. Please have a licensed DEQ-certified installer or professional perform an assessment of the system and drain field. Any repairs needed must be made with the appropriate permits.
If you are able to connect to the existing system, an authorization permit is required. Many existing systems will need to be pumped out.
If you are connecting to an existing or new system, please begin with the application below.
Building
The building portion of the application can be the most complex for many property owners. Please do not hesitate to call 541-682-4651 with questions.
Each project is unique and while some fall into a set of basic requirements, others may be more complex. Learn how to prepare your site plan by downloading this guide and examples.
There is also a pre-approved ready-to-build plan for a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath single family home available for use.
A geotechnical or soils report (OSSC Section 1803.6) from a geotechnical engineer licensed in Oregon may be required for some properties. More information about that process is available online.
Residential, single-family dwellings are eligible to participate in the Quick Start permit program, which allows you to start construction while the plans are still being reviewed for compliance with State building codes. Learn more about the Quick Start program.
You must also include a completed Contractor Responsibility Form with your application.
Electrical permits are applied for separately. You can find the Electrical Permit Application online.
If your plans include constructing an accessory structure (garage, patio cover or deck), Lane County has pre-approved plans available. View the pre-approved plans.
If you also plan to build a fence, please be aware of any height or setback requirements for visual clearance. Fences cannot be built in a road right-of-way. See the handout.
If you are placing a manufactured home on your property, you do not need to submit building plans; however, you must complete the Manufactured Home Installer Responsibility Form.
Step 2: Submit your application
Before you can submit your application, you must meet with a Lane County Planner. (Find a time upriver or in town here.)
Once an application is submitted and confirmed as complete, a permit number is created and your application is routed for review.
Step 3: Application Completeness Review
Staff review the submitted application to ensure that all required elements have been included. If an element is missing, staff will contact you and request the missing pieces before your application can move to Step 4.
If staff determine a significant amount of information is missing or land use applications are required, you will be asked to pick up your materials and resubmit a complete packet.
Step 4: Permit review process
Your application is reviewed carefully by staff who specialize in planning, sanitation and building. If more information is needed a plans examiner will contact you.
Step 5: Permits issued
Permits are valid for 180 days. Each approved inspection renews the associated permit(s) for another 180 days.
The building packet you are issued will include inspection information.
Step 6: Begin construction
Ensure your contractor has a valid Oregon CCB license.
Beware of individuals that may try to take advantage of you during the rebuild process. Tips to avoid scams can be found at State of Oregon 'Buyers Beware' website.
Be aware of the laws and codes for repairs. Visit the Oregon Building Codes Division for additional information.
Step 7: Inspections
There are a minimum of 11 inspections required for a dwelling. Inspections are also required for septic systems and manufactured dwellings.
Step 8: Move in
After you have approved final inspections for all of your permits you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy and can move in!
Help is available.
Lane County Land Management Division staff are working to answer your questions as quickly as possible.