Planning Division

• How do I apply for a land use application?

  The Planning Division handles land use applications. There are a number of different land use applications including annexations, variances, right-of-way vacations, conditional uses, site plan and architectural reviews, land divisions, and code or text amendments. Any type of property improvement or development may trigger a land use review so it is important to check with the Planning Division to discuss your intentions prior to starting a project.

• How do I report a zoning violation?

  Zoning violations can result when an activity or use occurs on a property that is contrary to the limitations or regulations in a zoning district. If you suspect a zoning violation is occurring and want to report it, please contact the Planning Division at 541-269-8918. We'll need to know the address of the property involved, the alleged nature of the violation, when the violation occurs (if it is not constant or in the same place), and how long it has been going on. The better information we receive, the sooner a response can usually occur.

• Who can I call with questions or comments about a land use project?

  You can always contact the Planning Division office at 541-269-8918 to get information about a land use or planning project. If you received a mailed notice of a pending land use hearing, the project planner’s name and direct contact information will appear on the notice.

• Do I need approval to put a sign on my property?

  Yes, you need approval to put a permanent sign on your property. You need to talk to the Planning Division to make sure that what you propose is within the allowed signage for the property. You may need a Building Permit for the sign's structure and attachments. If the sign is in the right of way, you need a Public Works Permit.

  Certain temporary signs are allowed on private property. This includes signs for real estate, construction, political campaigns, special events, and flags. See Coos Bay Municipal Code 17.333 for more information.

• What are my property setbacks?

  Setbacks for buildings and structures are determined by the zoning district in which development is occurring, the type of structure, and the number of floors. The City of Coos Bay Municipal Code, Chapter 17.150, outlines the requirements for yards and setbacks. General requirements for yards is 10 feet for street frontage and 5 feet from the property line for the interior side and rear. Side and rear yards must also have an additional foot for each story or part story above the first story of any building. There are additional requirements for vision clearance and vehicular access, and exceptions for accessory buildings and specific lots.

• Who is responsible for obtaining permits?

  The property owner is responsible for obtaining all permits for structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and manufactured dwelling setup. A contractor or family member can apply for permits on the property owner's behalf, but the permit is ultimately the property owner's responsibility.

  All electrical and plumbing permits are issued by the Oregon State Building Codes Division (BCD). The BCD Coos Bay Field Office is located at 1155 S 5th St., Coos Bay, OR 97420. Contact the BCD Coos Bay Field Office at 541-266-1098.

• When am I required to get a permit?

  A building permit is required for new construction or if you’re making structural, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical changes to an existing building. You generally don’t need a permit for minor repairs and maintenance. If you are not sure whether or not you need a permit, call the City of Coos Bay Building Codes Division at 541-269-8918.

• Who is responsible for the improved or unimproved right of way next to my house?

  The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the improved and/or unimproved right of way adjacent to the property. The right of way must be maintained so that vegetation in not overgrown and causing a vision clearance issue, and sidewalks must be maintained and in good repair and safe condition. See Coos Bay Municipal Code Section 12.

• Where are my property corners and property lines located?

  Often times it is assumed that fences, edges of street and/or sidewalk, vegetation/tree lines, or telephone poles are identifiers for property lines and corners. However, very often this is not the case. In some cases you will locate a permanent survey marker on your property. The permanent survey marker is typically a steel rod that has a professional survey license number and name and license number engraved on the cap. If your property does not have permanent markers, you can determine the property limits by obtaining the services of a licensed land surveyor. The City does not keep surveys of property lines on record, however the County may have a survey recorded. In order to determine if the County has this information, the property owner can contact Coos County Offices at 541-396-3121.

• Can we build a garage or home addition on our property?

  Whether or not you can build on your property depends on several things, including the property zoning, lot size, and the size of any existing buildings. The City of Coos Bay Municipal Code Title 17 has property development requirements that include lot coverage restrictions, which means only a certain amount of the property can be covered by structures. For example, the maximum lot coverage for for R-1 (Single Family Residential) lots is 35% and R-2 (Single Family & Duplex Residential) lots is 40%, but C-1 (Central Commercial District) does not have any coverage limitations.

  Please contact the Planning Division of the Community Development Department at 541-269-8918 for more information and to schedule a meeting with a Planner.

• What is my property zoned?

  The Zoning Map shows the zoning for the entire city; just zoom in to find your property. You can also call the Planning Division of at 541-269-8918. You'll need to know the property address or, if it is an undeveloped property, some other means of identifying it such as cross streets or tax parcel information. See Coos Bay Municipal Code, Title 17 for information on zoning designations and allowed uses.