Bolthole Index

Curry County, Oregon

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Curry County, Oregon

57Index Score / 100
#20 of 36 in Oregon

Curry County, Oregon requires a building permit for covered residential construction, and the county Building Division issues permits and inspects the work12. Every site or structure development also starts with county planning clearance3. Curry County has zoning, while residential septic permits go through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's Medford Office rather than the county45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered residential construction; issued by the Curry County Building Division1
Planning clearance
Required for any development to a site or structure before a structural application moves to Building3
Zoning
Yes; allowable uses depend on the parcel's assigned county zone6
Septic permit
Issued by Oregon DEQ's Medford Office through Oregon e-Permitting7
RV living
Zone-specific; R-1 allows temporary residential use during construction or for qualifying watchman security with conditional-use approval8
Tiny home
No countywide tiny-home occupancy rule was confirmed; ask Planning about the parcel and proposed structure4
Owner-builder
A narrow Oregon exemption is available, but a building permit is still required9
Private well
Domestic use may be water-right exempt, but landowner well construction has separate permit, fee and bond rules1011

Who to call

Building permits

Curry County Building Division

Accepts and reviews building permit applications, reviews construction plans, issues permits and inspects work for compliance with state specialty codes

Online permits →

Zoning

Curry County Planning Department

Planning clearance, zoning and land-use applications, including flood-hazard development review

(541) 247-3284

[email protected]

94235 Moore Street, Suite 113 Gold Beach, OR 97444

Septic permits

Oregon DEQ Medford Office

Residential and small-business septic permits for Curry County

541-776-6010

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Curry County Road Department

County-road questions, including the facility permit required before constructing a private driveway access point at a county road

541-247-7097

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Curry County, Oregon?

Yes. A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair or move a residential building or structure in Curry County, subject to specific exemptions12. Curry County's Building Division accepts and reviews applications and plans, issues permits, and performs field inspections for structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical compliance2. A qualifying detached, nonhabitable accessory structure can be exempt when it is under 200 square feet and under 15 feet in average roof height, but exempt building work may still need trade permits and must comply with land-use rules12. Qualifying agricultural buildings can be exempt from Oregon's structural specialty code, but the exemption does not cover dwellings, and electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits still apply13. Curry County publishes structural fees by project valuation, with other review and inspection charges potentially added14.

Who handles Curry County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Curry County's Building Division is the local building department for Curry County, Port Orford and Gold Beach; it reviews plans, issues permits and inspects work under Oregon's specialty codes2. Building applications can be tracked through Oregon e-Permitting2. Start with the separate Curry County Planning Department at 94235 Moore Street, Suite 113, Gold Beach, OR 97444, [email protected] or (541) 247-3284, because any development to a site or structure requires planning-clearance approval15. Once Planning approves an application involving structural development, it forwards the application to Building to start the building-permit process; planning clearance remains valid for one year and authorizes only the development described in the application3. For a driveway meeting a county road, call the Curry County Road Department at 541-247-7097 about the required facility permit1617.

Does Curry County, Oregon have zoning?

Yes. Curry County assigns properties a zone based on location and characteristics, and the zoning ordinance determines which land uses are allowed in that zone615. The practical answer to setbacks, minimum home size, RV use and accessory structures therefore depends on the parcel's map designation and the proposal, not one countywide number18. Incorporated places can administer their own rules: Brookings Planning Services enforces the city's Land Development Code, while nearby Harbor is unincorporated and governed by Curry County19. Oregon also sets large default parcel sizes for certain resource lands: exclusive-farm-use land generally has an 80-acre minimum, designated rangeland 160 acres, and designated forestland 80 acres, all subject to statutory exceptions20. Curry County regulates land divisions and will not issue building, road-access or septic-installation permits for land that does not comply with its land-division ordinance21.

How do septic permits work in Curry County?

Oregon DEQ's Medford Office, not Curry County, directly permits residential and small-business septic systems in Curry County7. Apply online through Oregon e-Permitting; DEQ does not accept ordinary submissions by email, mail or in person7. The Medford Office is appointment-only and answers questions at 541-776-601022. Plan around a difficult site evaluation: 0% of mapped Curry County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, meaning nearly all mapped soils carry a severe limitation rather than proving that every parcel is unusable23. A new installation needs a final inspection request, as-built drawing, photos and materials list, followed by a pre-cover inspection24. Existing-system evaluations are voluntary, but an evaluation must use DEQ's approved form and a qualified evaluator25. A composting toilet does not eliminate the need for an approved wastewater system for the home's other plumbing fixtures26.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Curry County?

Curry County does not offer one blanket answer for living in an RV. In the Residential-One district, a trailer, camping vehicle or RV may be used as a residence only temporarily during construction of a permitted use, or temporarily for qualifying watchman security, and only with a conditional-use permit8. A campground in the Timber district is for overnight vacation, recreation or emergency use and not residential use27. Oregon separately protects RV occupancy in certain parks, qualifying rural rental arrangements and post-disaster situations, but those rules do not grant general full-time RV occupancy on every private parcel2829. No Curry County rule specifically addressing tiny-home occupancy was confirmed, so ask Planning at (541) 247-3284 how the proposed unit is classified and whether the parcel's zone allows it15. An accessory dwelling has a clearer path in specified zones inside an urban growth boundary, subject to size, siting, water and DEQ septic conditions30.

Building a home in Curry County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Curry County Planning at (541) 247-3284 to confirm the parcel's zone, allowed dwelling type, setbacks and any floodplain review1518.
  2. Submit the required Planning Clearance Application; approval lasts one year and only covers the development described3.
  3. If public sewer is unavailable, apply to Oregon DEQ through Oregon e-Permitting and establish that the site has enough usable area, suitable soil and groundwater conditions for septic731.
  4. Submit structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical applications to Curry County Building, then budget from the county's valuation-based fee schedule214.
  5. Before building a driveway connection at a county road, obtain the Road Department facility permit and provide the required private-road plans16.
  6. Keep permitted work exposed for each required inspection, complete the septic pre-cover inspection, and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into the new dwelling322433.

What to check before you buy land in Curry County, Oregon

Start with buildability, not the listing description. Only about 14% of Curry County land is at a slope of 15% or less, and 0% of mapped soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so confirm a usable homesite, access design and septic feasibility before closing3423. About 88.7% of the county is federal land and 94% is wooded, making boundaries, legal access and vegetation conditions especially important parcel checks3536. Development in a mapped floodplain requires county flood-hazard review, and a dwelling may face elevation and siting restrictions where safer buildable land exists37. For a private well, domestic use up to 15,000 gallons per day may be exempt from a water-right permit, but a landowner drilling a well still needs the separate construction permit, fee and financial security before work begins1011. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual bill near $1,9483839.

Watch-outs

  • Planning clearance is required before development, even when a small structure qualifies for a building-permit exemption312.
  • Curry County's mapped soils all carry severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency rather than assuming an ordinary system will fit23.
  • A driveway connecting to a county road needs a Road Department facility permit before construction, and private-road standards call for engineered drainage and erosion control16.
  • Tiny-home occupancy and countywide full-time RV living remain parcel-specific or unconfirmed; ask Curry County Planning at (541) 247-3284 before buying land for either use15.

Sources

  1. Curry County Building Division (2026 county census)
  2. Curry County Building Division (currycountyor.gov)
  3. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning Department (2026 county census)
  5. Oregon DEQ - Residential Septic Permitting (2026 county census)
  6. Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Residential Septic Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  8. Curry County Zoning Ordinance (Amended September 2022), quoted and re-checked
  9. 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - ORS 455.320 reprinted (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Rights FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  11. Landowner Constructed Wells, quoted and re-checked
  12. About Oregon residential building permits, quoted and re-checked
  13. Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 455 (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. County Department Fee Schedule 2024-25, quoted and re-checked
  15. Curry County Planning Department (currycountyor.gov)
  16. Curry County Planning Commission Final Order, File No. AP-2502, quoted and re-checked
  17. Curry County Road Department (currycountyor.gov)
  18. Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  19. Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  20. Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 215 (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Curry County Land Division Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Oregon DEQ Medford Office (oregon.gov)
  23. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  24. Residential Septic Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  25. Oregon Septic Smart, quoted and re-checked
  26. What do I do with the finished material? (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Curry County Zoning Ordinance (Amended September 2022), quoted and re-checked
  28. Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 197.493 (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 215.490 (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Curry County Zoning Ordinance (Amended September 2022), quoted and re-checked
  31. Housing and Onsite Wastewater Management, quoted and re-checked
  32. 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - Chapter 1, quoted and re-checked
  33. 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - Chapter 1, quoted and re-checked
  34. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Curry County Floodplain Review Staff Report, quoted and re-checked
  38. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Curry County in Oregon

57
County map
Curry County highlighted among the Oregon counties · colored by Index score

How Curry County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency42100% ev.
Admin Boringness42100% ev.
Durability29100% ev.
Property Autonomy72100% ev.
Carry Cost66100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$459kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$5,104Land / acre
83.4"Annual rain
18% of yrsSevere drought
0.1 / yr (+0.1)Mid-century 100°F days
32.8 daysMid-century dry spell
4.41" (+5.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.17×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,251Home insurance / yr
1.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.7%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
29,753People within 2 hr
4,513Radius comparison (15 mi)
14.3People / sq mi
88.7%Federal land
14%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
510 acWorkable land screen
94%Wooded land
107 tonsBiomass / forest ac
53.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Curry County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Curry County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Properties in Curry County governed by the Curry County zoning system.

    • Properties are assigned zones based on location and characteristics.
    • Allowable land uses are determined by the applicable Curry County Zoning Ordinance provisions.
    • Specific development may require land-use applications, conditional-use approval, or other county approvals.
    “Properties in Curry County are assigned a "zone" based on their location and characteristics. Information regarding the land uses allowable on each zone can be found in the Curry County Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Curry County, including Curry County-administered areas and incorporated Brookings.

    • The county page documents county zoning for Curry County.
    • Within Brookings city limits, the City of Brookings Planning Services division administers compliance with the City’s Land Development Code.
    • Harbor, outside Brookings city limits, is identified by Brookings as an unincorporated area governed by Curry County.
    • This aggregate claim does not independently resolve every incorporated municipality’s zoning ordinance.
    “The Planning Services division is responsible for reviewing and evaluating land use applications and for providing staff support to the City’s Planning Commission and ensuring compliance with the City’s Land Development Code. [...] Harbor is in the unincorporated area to the south, is not in the Brookings city limits and is governed by Curry County.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and allowable land uses in Curry County.

    • Properties are assigned a zone based on location and characteristics.
    • Allowable land uses depend on the applicable zone and Curry County Zoning Ordinance provisions.
    • The County planning page links to the Curry County Zoning Ordinance and instructions for finding a property's zone on the County online map.
    “Properties in Curry County are assigned a "zone" based on their location and characteristics. Information regarding the land uses allowable on each zone can be found in the Curry County Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Residential occupancy of a trailer, camping vehicle, or recreational vehicle in Curry County's Residential-One (R-1) zoning district.

    • A conditional use permit is required.
    • The vehicle may be used as a residence only during construction of a permitted use or temporarily to provide watchman security for material that cannot reasonably be stored in an established commercial storage facility.
    • The R-1 zone is intended to apply only within urban growth boundaries.
    “Trailer, camping or recreational vehicle temporarily used as a residence during construction of a permitted use or to temporarily provide watchman security for material that cannot be reasonably stored in an established commercial storage facility.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping in a campground in Curry County's Timber (T) zoning district.

    • The campground is for overnight temporary use for vacation, recreational, or emergency purposes, and not for residential purposes.
    • A camping site may be occupied by a tent, travel trailer, or recreational vehicle.
    • The campground may not include intensively developed recreational uses such as swimming pools, tennis courts, retail stores, or gas stations.
    • The use is subject to the applicable Section 7.040 standards.
    “Park and campground. For purposes of this rule, a campground is an area devoted to the overnight temporary use for vacation, recreational or emergency purposes, but not for residential purposes. A camping site may be occupied by a tent, travel trailer or recreational vehicle. Campgrounds in this zone shall not include intensively developed recreational uses such as swimming pools, tennis courts, retail stores, or gas stations.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    One accessory dwelling unit on one residential lot in the RCR, R-1, R-2, or R-3 zoning districts inside an urban growth boundary; ADUs may be permitted under limited circumstances in the RC zone.

    • The ADU must be subordinate in size, location, and appearance to the primary single-family dwelling.
    • It may be within, attached to, or detached from the primary dwelling; a building permit is required for the listed garage and detached-structure options.
    • It must have an independent outside address, entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, coordinated with the emergency response agency.
    • It must be 240 to 1,200 square feet.
    • It may not be created through conversion of a main-level garage living space, although attic space above a garage is excluded from that restriction.
    • An attached ADU must share a common wall with firewall construction, roof, and foundation; a detached ADU must be at least 20 feet from the primary dwelling foundation.
    • Underlying-district setbacks apply and one off-street parking space is required.
    • DEQ septic authorization and evidence of potable water availability are required before county authorization.
    • Either the primary or accessory dwelling must be occupied by the property owner.

    minimum ADU floor area: >= 240 square feet · maximum ADU floor area: <= 1200 square feet · minimum detached-ADU separation from primary dwelling foundation: >= 20 feet · required off-street parking: 1 space

    “An accessory dwelling unit is a second dwelling unit that may be allowed in conjunction with a single family dwelling in the RCR, R-1 and R-2, R-3 zoning districts. Accessory dwelling units may be permitted under limited circumstances in the RC zone.”
  • Who permits septicState

    Residential and small business septic systems in Curry County.

    • The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality administers permitting from its Medford Office.
    • Applications for Curry County are submitted through Oregon e-Permitting.
    • A completed LUCS may be required as part of the DEQ permit process.
    “permits residential and small business septic systems in Curry, Jackson, and Josephine counties”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New septic installations in Curry County after the system is installed and before covering.

    • The applicant must submit a final inspection request and notice, an as-built drawing, installation photos, and a materials list through Oregon e-Permitting.
    • After receipt, the pre-cover inspection is scheduled.
    • The requirement applies to the installation process described by DEQ and does not establish a universal periodic inspection requirement for all existing systems.
    “the pre-cover inspection will be scheduled.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Existing-system evaluations, including evaluations associated with buying or selling a home with a septic system.
      “Septic system evaluations are voluntary.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions, partitions, and planned unit developments governed by the Curry County Land Division Ordinance.

    • All land divisions must conform to the Curry County Comprehensive Plan, County Zoning Ordinance, and County Road Standards.
    • A subdivision or major partition requires written application to the Planning Commission before the plat or map may be made and recorded.
    • A person may not sell or transfer a lot or parcel in a subdivision, planned unit development, major partition, or minor partition until final approval and recording.
    • Curry County will not issue building, road-access, or septic-installation permits for land not complying with the ordinance.
    “No person shall dispose of, transfer, sell or agree to sell, offer or negotiate to sell any lot or parcel in any subdivision, planned unit development, major partition or minor partition until such plan or map has been finally approved by the designated County authority and duly recorded with the recording officer of the county.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or reconstructed private roads, driveways, and bridges on private property in Curry County, including access points at County roads.

    • The cited private-road standards apply to new roads, driveways, bridges, and cul-de-sacs on private property in the County.
    • Properties in the Forest Grazing zone are subject to specific road standards under Zoning Ordinance Section 3.046.
    • Preliminary plans demonstrating compliance must be furnished to the Community Development Department/Planning Division and Roadmaster before construction.
    • A drainage and erosion-control plan designed by a licensed engineer is required for any private road or driveway.

    private driveway access point drivable surface along County road: >= 16 feet (to provide ingress to or egress from the County road) · unobstructed horizontal clearance: >= 16 feet · unobstructed vertical clearance: >= 12 feet · average grade for any one mile: <= 13.5 percent (or 20 percent maximum for any 400 consecutive feet)

    “A private driveway access point at a County road shall have a drivable surface not less than sixteen (16) feet in width along the County road to provide ingress to or egress from the County road. See Exhibit “B”, Article 3 of the Curry County Code for Typical Design. A facility permit must be obtained from the County Road Department prior to construction.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in Curry County floodplain or special flood hazard areas subject to the Curry County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

    • Flood plain restrictions, conditions, and regulations apply to construction of buildings and uses of land in the flood plain zone.
    • Flood Hazard Development Permits are subject to administrative approval by the Director.
    • Applications must use forms furnished by the Flood Hazard Administrator and include the Board-established fee.
    • Applications may require scaled duplicate plans showing the nature, location, dimensions, elevations, structures, fill, stored materials, and drainage facilities.
    • Required information includes lowest-floor elevation, floodproofed elevation, professional certification for nonresidential floodproofing, and description of watercourse alterations or relocations.
    • No development may adversely restrict, alter, or increase floodway flow, adversely affect floodway or flood-protection facilities, or increase water-surface elevation beyond minimum FEMA standards.
    • A dwelling may not be constructed in an area of special flood hazard when sufficient suitable buildable land exists to place it at least one foot above base flood elevation or outside the special flood hazard area.

    minimum elevation for qualifying dwelling construction: >= 1 foot above base flood elevation (applies when sufficient suitable existing buildable land does not permit construction outside the special flood hazard area or at least one foot above base flood elevation) · flood hazard development permit fee: established by order of the Board

    “Restrictions, conditions and regulations for the construction of buildings and uses of land lying in the flood plain zone are subject to the Flood Damage Prevention ordinance of Curry County. The flood plain zones, as indicated on Flood Plain Maps, are an official part of the County Zoning Maps. Flood Hazard Development Permits under the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance are subject to administrative approval by the Director.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term vacation rentals in Curry County.

    • Operating a short-term rental without a Curry County permit is prohibited.
    • The County planning page links to a Short Term Rental Application, Fire District Sign Off Form, STR Regulations, and FAQs.
    • The cited page does not state the complete substantive STR eligibility, occupancy, renewal, or fee conditions.
    “Operating a short term rental without a permit is PROHIBITED in Curry County.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit, plan review, inspection, and related building fees administered by Curry County.

    • Structural permit fees vary by project valuation.
    • The schedule includes additional plan review, expedited review, fire-life-safety review, reinspection, after-hours inspection, phased-project, deferred-submittal, demolition, and temporary-certificate fees.
    • The cited schedule is titled 2024-25; no effective date is stated in the cited excerpt.

    structural permit fee for valuation $1-$500: 320 USD · structural permit fee for valuation $501-$2,000: $320 for the first $500 plus $2.83 per additional $100 or fraction thereof through $2,000 USD · structural plan review: 65 percent of structural permit fee (when applicable) · additional plan review: 155 USD (one-hour minimum; when requested) · reinspection: 160 USD (each) · structural minimum permit fee: 200 USD

    “For the first $500 of value, + $2.83 per additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and inlcuidng $2,000”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Development and construction permitting administered by Curry County in Curry County, including structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and manufactured-home work.

    • A Planning Clearance Application is required for any development to a site or structure.
    • Applications are reviewed for completeness and consistency with County regulations.
    • Planning Clearance approval is valid for one year and authorizes only the development applied for.
    • Applications including structural development are forwarded to the Building Department to initiate a building permit application after planning approval.
    • An Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control form must be included with most applications.
    • The Building Division accepts and reviews applications, reviews construction plans, issues permits, and conducts field inspections for compliance with Oregon state construction specialty codes.

    planning clearance approval validity: 1 year

    “Any development to a site or structure requires submittal and approval of a Planning Clearance Application. Once submitted, applications are reviewed for completeness and consistency with County regulations. Approval of an application is valid for one year and authorizes only the development that was applied for.”

Oregon rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, or movement in Curry County, including work administered locally by Curry County's Building Division.

    • The Oregon rule is statewide and local permits are obtained through the applicable local building department.
    • Work exempt from a building permit may still require mechanical, electrical, or plumbing permits.
    • Local land-use laws must be considered before building.
    • Work not meeting all parameters of a permit exemption requires a local building permit.
    • Examples of permit exemptions include certain nonhabitable detached one-story accessory structures under 200 square feet and under 15 feet in average roof height, and certain decks, porches, finishes, fences, and repairs meeting the stated limits.

    accessory structure area threshold: < 200 square feet (nonhabitable, detached, one-story accessory structure; roof-height and other conditions also apply) · deck height threshold: <= 30 inches above adjacent grade (specific permit exemption conditions apply)

    “A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or move a residential building or structure.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Owner-built single-family residences and adjacent auxiliary structures in Oregon where the structural components are constructed entirely by the owner intending to occupy the structures, or by the owner with unpaid assistance from friends and relatives.

    • The owner must be the recorded title owner or contract purchaser shown on the last available complete assessment roll.
    • The owner must not have used the subsection (2) exemptions during the five years before applying again.
    • The exemption applies only to structural-code requirements for ceiling heights, room sizes, and maintenance of specific temperature levels.
    • It applies to new construction, renovation, remodeling, or alteration of an owner-built dwelling or outbuilding.
    • A building permit must be issued and must note whether the owner-built dwelling or outbuilding complies with the exempted requirements.
    • If the structure does not comply with those requirements, the owner-builder must file a copy of the building permit with the county clerk for permanent deed records and provide a legally sufficient property description.
    • Noncompliance with the filing requirement does not affect conveyance of an interest in the property.

    prior use lookback: 5 years (The owner must not have previously taken advantage of the subsection (2) exemptions during that period.)

    “Owner-built dwellings and outbuildings shall be exempt from any requirements of the structural code for ceiling heights, room sizes”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Residential construction, reconstruction, and repair in Curry County subject to Oregon’s statewide building-code system.

    • The 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code applies to construction, reconstruction, and repair of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
    • Administrative provisions were effective and mandatory October 1, 2023.
    • Construction provisions were effective October 1, 2023 with a six-month phase-in period and mandatory April 1, 2024.
    • The code is based on the 2021 International Residential Code.
    • Statewide interim amendments and alternate methods may apply.

    administrative provisions mandatory date: 2023-10-01 · construction provisions mandatory date: 2024-04-01 (Effective October 1, 2023 with a six-month phase-in period)

    “The division works with building officials, technical committees, advisory boards, and the public to adopt, amend, and interpret the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). This code applies to the construction, reconstruction, and repair of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. [...] Administrative provisions (Chapter 1): Effective and mandatory Oct. 1, 2023 [...] Construction provisions (Chapters 2 - 44 and appendices): Effective Oct. 1, 2023 with *six-month phase-in period Mandatory April 1, 2024 Based on 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Oregon State Building Code specialty codes administered statewide by the Oregon Building Codes Division.
      “The Building Codes Division adopts, amends, and interprets specialty codes that make up the Oregon State Building Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Commercial construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair governed by the Oregon Structural Specialty Code statewide.
      “Construction provisions: [...] Mandatory April 1, 2026”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, reconstruction, and repair of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses governed by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code statewide.
      “2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) [...] Based on 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or work requiring a permit in Curry County under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.

    • The work must remain accessible and exposed for inspection until approved.
    • The permit applicant must provide access and means for required inspections.
    • The permit holder or authorized agent must notify the building official when work is ready.
    • Work may not proceed beyond each successive inspection point without building-official approval.
    • Final inspection occurs after all work required by the building permit is completed.
    • Curry County's Building Division states that it performs field inspection of work in progress for compliance with state specialty codes.
    “shall be subject to inspection by the building official”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy, or a change in character, use, or occupancy, of a building or structure covered by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code in Curry County.

    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for work exempt from permits under Section R105.2.
    • A certificate of occupancy is not required for accessory buildings or structures.
    • Prior to occupancy of a new residential dwelling or townhouse, the building official must issue a certificate unless a temporary certificate is issued.
    • Before issuance, the general contractor or owner issued the structural permit must provide specified contractor contact and license information.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before completion if the portion can be occupied safely.
    “until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots or parcels in Oregon resource-land zones covered by ORS 215.780: exclusive farm use land and designated forestland.

    • The stated standards apply except as provided in ORS 215.780(2).
    • A county may adopt a lower minimum lot or parcel size in specified circumstances if it demonstrates compliance to the Land Conservation and Development Commission or satisfies one of the statutory exceptions.
    • The statute states that a county with an acknowledged smaller minimum lot or parcel size described in ORS 215.780(5) need not comply with subsection (2).

    minimum lot or parcel size for exclusive farm use land not designated rangeland: >= 80 acres (Subject to ORS 215.780(2) and (5).) · minimum lot or parcel size for exclusive farm use land designated rangeland: >= 160 acres (Subject to ORS 215.780(2) and (5).) · minimum lot or parcel size for designated forestland: >= 80 acres (Subject to ORS 215.780(2) and (5).)

    “Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the following minimum lot or parcel sizes apply to all counties: (a) For land zoned for exclusive farm use and not designated rangeland, at least 80 acres; (b) For land zoned for exclusive farm use and designated rangeland, at least 160 acres; and (c) For land designated forestland, at least 80 acres.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of a manufactured dwelling on private land in Oregon with the landowner's consent.

    • The lot, tract, or parcel must have adequate area for safe, approved water supply and sewage disposal facilities.
    • The occupancy must not conflict with ORS 446.310(9).
    • The person must comply with all applicable state or local sanitation, water, plumbing, electrical, and sewerage-installation standards.
    “A person may occupy a manufactured dwelling or a camping vehicle on private land with the consent of the owner”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Use of composting toilets and related graywater systems in Oregon.

    • A composting toilet does not eliminate all household water; plumbing fixtures still need connection to an approved septic system.
    • If used with a graywater reuse system, both the graywater reuse system and septic system require a DEQ permit.
    • The graywater reuse system must be offline during wet-weather months or when discharges could create a public nuisance.
    • Material removed from a composting toilet must be buried under 12 inches of soil.
    • Buildings within a sewer district still need a sewer connection.

    burial depth for removed composting-toilet material: 12 inches · maximum reduced drainfield capacity mentioned by DEQ: two-thirds (The source says the drainfield may be approved for a smaller capacity, as much as two-thirds the size.)

    “Composting toilets don't eliminate all water generated in a home and therefore you will need to be hooked up to an approved wastewater treatment system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in Curry County where municipal sewer is unavailable.
      “development must use onsite wastewater treatment systems, or septic systems, for sanitary disposal.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction, alteration, conversion, or abandonment of a water-supply well by a landowner in Curry County.

    • A landowner permit, permit fee, and bond or irrevocable letter of credit are required before work begins unless the landowner is a licensed and bonded Water Supply Well Constructor.
    • The bond or irrevocable letter of credit amount is $10,000.
    • The permit fee is $550.
    • Only the owner of record, an immediate family member, or a qualifying full-time employee may operate the drilling machine under a landowner permit.
    • The permit expires six months after issuance.
    • A water-well report is due within 30 days of permit expiration or well completion, whichever occurs first.
    • The Department may deny the permit for health threats, health hazards, contamination, or groundwater waste.

    bond or irrevocable letter of credit: 10000 USD · permit fee: 550 USD · permit validity: 6 months

    “The landowner permit and bond shall be obtained prior to beginning work on a well.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Domestic use of groundwater from a well in Curry County.
      “domestic water use from a well not exceeding 15,000 gallons per day.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Septic-permit applicants where the property is within a city limit, urban growth boundary, sanitary district, or equivalent area.

    • Sewer is available when the property is in an area intended for urbanization, including a city limit, UGB, or sanitary district.
    • The connection must be accessible by a right-of-way or existing easement.
    • The municipality determines whether the connection is physically practical, legally available under local ordinances, and supported by system capacity.
    • For projected daily sewage flows up to 899 gallons per day, the nearest sewer connection point must be within 200 feet for a repair or alteration permit and within 300 feet for a construction-installation permit.
    • A written statement from the municipality with sewer authority is required with a septic permit application in the specified areas.
    • Emergency repairs are not allowed in those areas unless the sewer authority states in writing that sewer is unavailable.
    • The cited rule update is effective January 1, 2026.

    projected daily sewage flow threshold: <= 899 gallons per day · nearest sewer connection for repair or alteration: <= 200 feet (For existing development and projected daily sewage flows up to 899 gallons per day.) · nearest sewer connection for construction-installation: <= 300 feet (For existing development and projected daily sewage flows up to 899 gallons per day.)

    “Sewer is available if the property is in an area intended for urbanization”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — A building located within an Oregon sewer district, including a building using a composting toilet.
      “What if my building is within a sewer district? Your building will still need a sewer connection.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Qualifying agricultural buildings, agricultural grading, equine facilities and dog-training facilities under Oregon structural-code law.

    • The exemption is only from the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
    • Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work remains subject to permits and the applicable specialty codes.
    • An agricultural building must be located on a farm or forest operation and used for the statutory agricultural, forestry, horticultural, animal-husbandry or related purposes.
    • An agricultural building does not include a dwelling; a structure used for a purpose other than growing plants in which 10 or more persons are present at any one time; a structure regulated by the State Fire Marshal; a structure used by the public; or a structure subject to the National Flood Insurance Act provisions identified in ORS 455.315.
    • Incorporated cities may regulate agricultural buildings, equine facilities and dog-training facilities within their boundaries.
    • Additional uses in an agricultural building must be incidental and accessory, personal to the farm owner and immediate family or household, and pose no greater hazard than the listed agricultural uses.

    maximum persons present for qualifying non-growing-plants agricultural structure: < 10 persons (Structures with 10 or more persons present at one time are excluded.)

    “The provisions of this chapter do not authorize the application of a state structural specialty code to any agricultural building, agricultural grading, equine facility or dog training facility.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Oregon counties adopting and revising comprehensive plans, zoning, subdivision, and other land-use ordinances applicable to county land, including unincorporated areas.

    • The statutory text states an exception for ORS 527.722.
    • Plans and related ordinances may be adopted and revised part by part or by geographic area.
    • Zoning, subdivision, and other ordinances or regulations must be designed to implement the adopted county comprehensive plan.
    • Before a county zoning ordinance has legal effect, the governing body or planning commission must conduct one or more public hearings and publish 10 days' advance public notice; additional notice requirements apply to certain zone changes under ORS 215.223.
    “Except as provided in ORS 527.722, the county governing body shall adopt and may from time to time revise a comprehensive plan and zoning, subdivision and other ordinances applicable to all of the land in the county. The plan and related ordinances may be adopted and revised part by part or by geographic area.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Oregon counties administering and enforcing building inspection programs, including issuance and enforcement of building permits for residential construction in areas outside incorporated cities.

    • A county building inspection program is subject to the state building code and the statutory building-inspection-program framework.
    • If a county does not notify the director, or notifies the director that it will not administer and enforce a building inspection program, the director must arrange administration and enforcement through a municipality, other person, state employees, or state agencies; permit and other fees arising therefrom are paid into the Consumer and Business Services Fund.
    • A building inspection program is administered for four-year periods under ORS 455.150; the governing body must provide required notices to the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
    • The program must specify cooperation with the State Fire Marshal or designee and how a uniform fire code will be considered in design and construction review.
    • The cited archive is the 2015 Oregon Revised Statutes edition; the current official ORS 455 page was identified but returned a 403 error during retrieval.
    “If a city does not notify the director, or notifies the director that it will not administer the building inspection program, the county or counties in which the city is located shall administer and enforce the county program within the city in the same manner as the program is administered and enforced outside the city, except as provided by subsection (6) of this section.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Lot coverage — Development in Curry County zoning districts.
  • Tiny homes — Residential occupancy of tiny homes in Curry County, Oregon.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Curry County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Oregon’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Single or group domestic groundwater use up to 15,000 gpd is exempt from permitting, but the exemption can be limited inside designated Critical Groundwater Areas.

Limit: 15,000 gpd domestic (plus stockwater and ≤0.5 acre lawn/garden) under ORS 537.545

Oregon Water Resources Department — Exempt Water Uses ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Oregon state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Curry County, Oregon

Is Curry County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Curry County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 4,513 people within 15 miles and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: elevated current hazard exposure and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Curry County, Oregon?

Curry County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Medford Office. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Curry County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Curry County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. One residential-use recreational vehicle on a lot or parcel in an Oregon rural area, when a county elects to allow the use under ORS 215.490. The property must not be within an urban reserve. An owner-occupied single-unit dwelling must be sited on the property as the owner's primary residence. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Curry County, Oregon?

Land in Curry County runs about $5,104 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Curry County?

Curry County gets about 83.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 18% of years. On water rights, Curry County lies in the Smith River Restrictively Classified Area — Classified 2017 over alluvial/bedrock aquifers (90 sq mi); 'exempt uses only.' Exempt domestic wells allowed..

How remote is Curry County?

A typical private-land location has about 4,513 people within 15 miles and 559,508 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Curry County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Curry compares in Oregon

Compare side-by-side →See all 36 Oregon counties ranked →