Community Development
Welcome to the Coos County Community Development
Coos County Community Development supports the community by promoting orderly growth
Office Hours for Community Development Services
Land Use Planning, Building Codes Onsite Septic and Code Enforcement
Community Development is open during regular business hours. Our expert permit specialists (in planning, building, onsite and code enforcement) are available for walk-in services Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm unless otherwise posted for holidays or training. Field staff are only available by appointment . If you require access to ADA entrances, please call us or email, and we will make arrangements to ensure clear entrance. The ADA access and parking is in the back of the building between the Library and Owen Building off of Adams Street. Please contact the department for further information and accommodations.
WARNING - Fraud Alert – Fake Permit and Planning Invoices: Criminals have been sending fake invoices that appear to come from planning and zoning departments. These emails often use real permit information, property addresses, and staff names to make the request appear legitimate. The FBI has issued a nationwide warning regarding these scams.
Protect Yourself:
- Verify that all emails come from an official @co.coos.or.us email address.
- Be cautious of requests for wire transfers, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, gift cards, or other non-standard payment methods.
- Do not click links or open attachments from suspicious emails.
- If you receive an invoice or payment request that seems unusual, contact Community Development directly before making any payment.
Coos County will never:
- Request permit or land use payments through Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or gift cards.
- Ask applicants to wire funds to a personal account.
- Change payment instructions solely by email.
Coos County uses the Oregon Epermitting system. You can find the Citizen Access portal at the following link: https://aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon/Default.aspx
Appointment FormPhysical Address: 60 E Second St. Coquille OR 97423
Phone: 541-396-7770
Inspection Only Line: 541-266-1098
For questions select one of the following:
Staff will return your email as soon as possible. If you do not hear a response by the next front counter day then please call.
If you are searching for a current land use, building or onsite permits please click here
If you are looking for historical records please click here
General Guide to Development in Coos County
Thinking About Developing Property?
Whether you are building a home, starting a business, dividing land, or making improvements to your property, Coos County Community Development is here to help guide you through the process.
This guide provides a simple overview of the steps commonly involved in development projects.
Step 1: Research Your Property
Before purchasing property or beginning a project, determine:
- Zoning designation
- Comprehensive Plan designation
- Floodplain, Wetlands, shorelands, or natural hazard areas
- Access and road requirements
- Water and septic availability
- Existing permits or land use approvals
Not all properties can be developed in the same manner. Development opportunities are often determined by zoning and state land use regulations.
Step 2: Contact Community Development
Staff can help explain:
- What uses are allowed on your property
- Whether land use approval is required
- Building permit requirements
- Application procedures
- Applicable fees
Early consultation can save time and prevent costly mistakes.
Step 3: Determine What Approvals Are Needed
Depending on your project, one or more approvals may be required:
Land Use Approvals
Examples include:
- Conditional Use Permits
- Variances
- Property Line Adjustments
- Partitions and Subdivisions
- Vacation Rentals
- Home Occupations
- Plan Amendments or Zone Changes
Building Permits
Examples include:
- New homes
- Additions
- Garages and accessory structures
- Commercial buildings
- Manufactured homes
Other Permits
You may also need permits from:
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
- Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL)
- Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)
- Federal agencies
Step 4: Submit an Application
Applications must include all required materials.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Site plans
- Building plans
- Surveys
- Environmental studies
- Utility information
- Application fees
Incomplete applications may delay review.
Step 5: Review Process
Applications are reviewed for compliance with:
- Coos County Zoning and Land Development Ordinance
- Oregon Revised Statutes
- Oregon Administrative Rules
- Applicable Comprehensive Plans
- State and Federal Regulations
Some applications are reviewed administratively by staff, while others require public notice and public hearings.
Step 6: Decision
After review, the County may:
- Approve the application
- Approve with conditions
- Deny the application
Most approvals include conditions that must be completed before development may proceed.
Step 7: Obtain Required Permits
Land use approval does not automatically authorize construction.
Before construction begins, applicants may need:
- Building permits
- Septic permits
- Driveway permits
- Utility approvals
- State or Federal permits
Step 8: Construction and Inspections
Construction must comply with approved plans and applicable building codes.
Inspections are required at various stages to ensure compliance and safety.
Step 9: Final Approval
Once all conditions, permits, and inspections have been completed, final approval or occupancy authorization may be issued.
Helpful Tips
✔ Contact Community Development early.
✔ Verify zoning before purchasing property.
✔ Obtain approvals before starting work.
✔ Keep copies of permits and approvals.
✔ Understand that additional permits may be required from other agencies.
✔ Development timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project.
Need Assistance?
Coos County Community Development
Staff are available to answer questions regarding zoning, land use approvals, building permits, onsite wastewater systems, code compliance, and development requirements.
Contact us before starting your project—we are happy to help guide you through the process.
History of the Permitting Programs
Proposed Fee Changes Effective 01/01/26 see link on the right for more information.