Coos County Land Use Program

The Coos County Planning Department supports the community by promoting orderly growth, while protecting and enhancing the environment and, conserving and stabilizing the value of property. The Planning Department is an agency of County government that provides information and assistance to the public in understanding the land use process as administered through the Coos County Zoning and Land Development Ordinance and the Coos County Comprehensive Plan. The planning program is managed under the guidance of the Board of Commissioners with the advice of the Planning Commission.

The history of land use in Oregon is characterized by a unique and influential approach to planning and development. The state's land use system is primarily guided by the Oregon Land Use Planning Program, which was established in the 1970s in response to growing concerns about uncontrolled growth, urban sprawl, and the loss of agricultural and natural lands. 

Here's a brief overview of the history of land use in Oregon:

Senate Bill 100 (1973): The cornerstone of Oregon's land use planning program is Senate Bill 100, which was passed in 1973. It introduced comprehensive land use planning at the state level and created the framework for addressing land use issues. Senate Bill 100 established a statewide planning goals system and required every city and county to develop a comprehensive plan consistent with these goals.

Statewide Planning Goals: The statewide planning goals, developed under Senate Bill 100, encompass a broad range of topics, including urban growth boundaries, transportation, natural resources, agriculture, forest lands, historic preservation, economic development, and more. There are currently 19 goals that provide guidance and standards for local planning and development decisions.

Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC): The LCDC was created as the governing body responsible for overseeing and implementing the state's land use planning program. The commission is composed of citizen members appointed by the governor and is responsible for adopting and amending the statewide planning goals, reviewing local plans, and resolving land use disputes.

Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs): One of the key elements of Oregon's land use system is the establishment of urban growth boundaries. UGBs are designed to contain urban expansion within a defined area and promote compact and efficient development. They aim to prevent urban sprawl and protect agricultural and natural lands outside the boundaries.

 Local Comprehensive Plans: Senate Bill 100 required all cities and counties in Oregon to develop comprehensive plans that are consistent with the statewide planning goals. These plans outline the long-term vision for land use and development within each jurisdiction. They include land use maps, policies, and regulations that guide decisions on zoning, transportation, housing, environmental protection, and other aspects of development.

Land Use Planning Process: Oregon's land use planning process involves public participation, coordination with state agencies, and periodic plan reviews. It requires cities and counties to engage the public and stakeholders in the planning process, provide opportunities for input and feedback, and hold public hearings on land use decisions. The process also includes coordination with state agencies, such as the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), to ensure compliance with the statewide goals.

Land Use Disputes: The Oregon land use system has a mechanism for resolving disputes related to land use decisions. The Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) was established to hear appeals of local land use decisions and provide a forum for resolving conflicts. LUBA decisions can be further appealed to the Oregon Court of Appeals and, in some cases, the Oregon Supreme Court.

Over the years, Oregon's land use planning program has been subject to revisions and updates to address changing circumstances and evolving needs. The state's approach to land use has influenced planning practices in other states and has been recognized for its focus on preserving agricultural and natural lands, managing growth, and fostering livable communities.

History of the Oregon Building Codes Program

The history of building codes in Oregon reflects the state's commitment to public safety, ensuring that buildings meet minimum standards for construction, maintenance, and occupancy. The regulation of building construction and safety in Oregon has evolved over time through the establishment of building codes, standards, and enforcement mechanisms. Coos County administers the program to provide local assistance to all citizens for their building needs. 

Early Regulation:

• Late 1800s: As settlement expanded in Oregon, local jurisdictions began enacting their own building regulations and codes to address issues related to safety and fire prevention. These regulations varied across different cities and counties.

Statewide Code Adoption:

• 1972: The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) was created within the Department of Consumer and Business Services to oversee building code regulation statewide.
• 1974: The BCD adopted the first statewide building code, known as the Oregon State Building Code (OSBC). It integrated various model codes into a comprehensive set of regulations for building construction and safety.

The Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC):

• 2000: The OSSC was adopted as a replacement for the OSBC. It consolidated multiple specialty codes, including the structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and elevator codes, into a single, coordinated statewide code. The OSSC is periodically updated to incorporate changes in national model codes and to address local needs and concerns.

Energy Efficiency Standards:

• 1977: The Oregon Energy Code was introduced to establish energy efficiency standards for new construction and major renovations.
• 2004: Oregon became the first state to adopt a statewide residential energy code, known as the Residential Specialty Code (RSC), to specifically address energy efficiency in residential buildings.

Green Building Initiatives:

• 2007: The state enacted the Oregon Reach Code, which encouraged and incentivized the construction of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings that surpassed the minimum requirements of the building code.
• 2010: Oregon introduced the Oregon Energy Performance Score (EPS) as a voluntary rating system for measuring and disclosing the energy performance of residential buildings.

Seismic Safety:

• Given Oregon's proximity to earthquake-prone regions, seismic safety has been a significant focus in building codes.
• The state has implemented seismic design provisions to ensure buildings are constructed to withstand seismic forces, particularly in high-risk areas.

Enforcement and Oversight:

• The BCD is responsible for enforcing building codes statewide. Local building departments, under the oversight of the BCD, review construction plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the codes.
• Building officials, inspectors, and other professionals play a crucial role in enforcing building codes, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

It's important to note that the specific codes and regulations may have undergone updates and revisions beyond the information provided here. Building codes continue to evolve to address emerging concerns such as sustainability, energy efficiency, accessibility, and resiliency. The Building Program remains committed to safeguarding public health and safety through effective code enforcement and implementation.

History of the Oregon Wastewater Program

Oregon’s Onsite Wastewater Management Program was established in 1973 to ensure the safe and effective treatment of wastewater in areas not served by public sewer systems. The program was developed to protect public health, drinking water sources, and the environment—particularly Oregon’s groundwater and surface water resources.

Initially, the program focused on regulating the installation and maintenance of basic septic systems for rural homes. Over time, as land development increased and environmental concerns became more complex, the program evolved to include oversight of alternative and advanced treatment technologies, particularly in areas with challenging soil conditions, high groundwater, or dense development.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was the primary regulatory agency responsible for the program. However, to better serve local communities and streamline services, DEQ began delegating program authority to counties that demonstrated the capacity to manage onsite wastewater permitting and inspections.

Through these partnerships, many counties—like Coos County—have now taken on direct responsibility for their local onsite programs. This allows for faster permitting, improved local service delivery, and stronger collaboration between environmental health and land use planning staff.

Today, the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Program continues to adapt to new technologies, environmental challenges, and public needs, helping ensure that rural wastewater systems remain safe, effective, and sustainable.