Zoning, building permits and septic rules in John Day, Oregon

John Day’s own rules

• Building code adoptedAdopted

  Building code inside John Day city

  • Code text adopts the 1976 Uniform Building Code edition as amended and adopted by the state of Oregon (Oregon structural specialty and fire and life safety code); current state code edition not verified.

  “is hereby adopted in its entirety, as the building code of the city and all portions of said code on file in the office of the city recorder are hereby referred to”

• Camping on your landLimited

  Camping on city-owned property inside John Day city (private land not addressed)

  • Camping prohibited on city property 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Only permitted lot is east of and adjacent to City Hall unless changed by council resolution or emergency declaration
  • Camp facilities limited to 50 square feet; 150 square feet footprint per person

  camp facility size: <= 50 square feet

  “camping is permitted on city property subject to the time, place, and manner regulations contained in this chapter.”

• Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

  Dwelling units and business properties abutting a street, alley or right of way with a public sewer inside John Day city

  • Connection required within 90 days after official notice
  • Public sewer must be within 300 feet of the property line
  • City council may exclude connection by motion or resolution if no public hazard is known and exclusion is necessary for public welfare
  • Water connection rule not found

  distance to public sewer: <= 300 feet (council exclusion) · time to connect after notice: <= 90 days

  “within 90 days after date of official notice to do so; provided, that said public sewer is within 300 feet (91.5 m) of the property line.”

• Building in a floodplainRequired

  Development in areas of special flood hazard inside John Day city

  • Applies to structures including manufactured homes and all development including fill
  • Flood Insurance Study for the City of John Day dated September 15, 1977 with FIRMs adopted by reference
  • Application requires lowest-floor elevation, floodproofing elevation and certification where applicable

  “a development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in section 4-2-3b.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask John Day or Grant County directly.

• Building permit — Building permits inside John Day city
• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption inside John Day city
• Inspections — Building inspection inside John Day city
• Certificate of occupancy — Certificate of occupancy inside John Day city
• Local zoning — Land inside John Day city

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.