Bolthole Index

Tillamook County, Oregon

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Tillamook County, Oregon

58Index Score / 100
#19 of 36 in Oregon

Tillamook County, Oregon requires permits for new construction and for alterations or additions, including structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical work1. Land-use, sanitation and public-works approvals come before the building permit, and unincorporated land is subject to county zoning12. Tillamook County also administers permits for new and repaired septic systems under contract with Oregon DEQ3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction, alterations and additions1
Zoning
Yes; Tillamook County Planning zones unincorporated land2
Septic permit
Required for a new system and administered by Tillamook County43
Owner-builder
A limited exemption exists, but it does not remove the permit requirement5
Minimum lot size
Varies by zoning district; an undersized legal parcel may still be buildable6
Setbacks
Depend on the zoning district, proposed use and site7
Private well work
Landowners drilling their own well need a state permit and financial security before work8
Septic soil suitability
Only 0.7% of soils rate without severe limits for a conventional drain field9

Who to call

Building permits

Tillamook County Department of Community Development - Building Division

Building-permit applications, plan review and inspections

(503) 842-3408

1510-B Third Street, Tillamook, OR 97141

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Tillamook County Department of Community Development - Planning Division

Parcel zoning, setbacks, land-use approval and floodplain questions

(503) 842-3408

1510-B Third Street, Tillamook, OR 97141

Septic permits

Tillamook County Community Development - Onsite Wastewater/Environmental Programs Division

Site evaluations and permits for new and repaired onsite wastewater systems

(503) 842-3408

[email protected]

1510-B Third Street, Tillamook, OR 97141

Roads & driveways

Tillamook County Public Works

County-road access, approaches and work in the road right-of-way

503-842-3419

[email protected]

503 Marolf Loop Road, Tillamook, OR 97141

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 Tillamook County, Oregon?

Yes. Tillamook County requires permits for new construction and for alterations or additions to existing buildings; covered work includes structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, manufactured-housing, boiler and elevator work1. Some structural exceptions exist, so the Building Division should confirm whether a narrow exemption fits your project110. Oregon's residential code applies uniformly statewide to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, while Tillamook County reviews plans and performs inspections11. A qualifying agricultural building may be exempt from the structural specialty code, but electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits still apply, and the exemption does not cover a dwelling or a structure used by the public12. An owner-builder exemption is similarly narrow: it covers specified structural-code requirements and does not eliminate the building permit5.

Who issues building permits in Tillamook County, Oregon?

The Tillamook County Department of Community Development Building Division is the permit office; call (503) 842-3408 or visit 1510-B Third Street in Tillamook10. The division issues structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits, reviews plans and conducts inspections13. After the county says a permit has been issued, the packet must be collected within 5 business days or the county mails it13. The first approved inspection must occur within 180 days to keep the permit active, and each approved inspection extends it another 180 days13. Inspection requests go through the county hotline before 7:00 a.m. on the requested day, while eligible structural and trade inspections can also be scheduled through Oregon E-Permitting14. Building fees vary by the work, and school excise tax is collected at permit submittal in addition to building fees15.

Does Tillamook County, Oregon have zoning?

Yes. Tillamook County Planning zones unincorporated land, and zoning approval is required before a county building permit2. The allowed use, minimum lot size, setbacks and building height depend on the parcel's zoning district and site conditions6716. A legally existing parcel that is smaller than the district minimum may still be buildable, but some districts tie dwelling eligibility to lot size and topography6. Setbacks are measured from property lines and can vary with both the district and proposed use7. Ask the Planning Division at (503) 842-3408 for the parcel's zone and have the map and tax-lot information ready17. If a parcel lies in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area or the county Flood Hazard Overlay, a floodplain development permit and additional elevation, floodproofing or engineering materials may be required18.

How do septic permits work in Tillamook County, Oregon?

Tillamook County Community Development administers state-mandated requirements for new and repaired septic systems under contract with Oregon DEQ3. A new system requires a completed application, the fee and a favorable site evaluation; the submittal also calls for mapping, land-use compatibility information and a site development plan as applicable4. The county states that a complete application takes at least 2 weeks to process4. Only 0.7% of county soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional drain field in the USDA soil survey, so make septic feasibility an early purchase condition rather than assuming acreage alone solves it9. Contact the Onsite Wastewater/Environmental Programs Division at (503) 842-3408 or [email protected]19. A composting toilet does not remove the need for an approved wastewater system for the home's remaining wastewater, and a building inside a sewer district still needs a sewer connection2021.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Tillamook County, Oregon?

Do not assume a recreational vehicle can become a residence on any private parcel in Tillamook County. Oregon lets a county allow one residential-use RV on qualifying rural property with an owner-occupied primary home, no other dwelling and essential services, but the state law makes that county option conditional rather than automatic22. Separate protection applies in qualifying manufactured-dwelling or RV parks with lawful utility connections and in certain post-disaster situations23. Tillamook County's campground rule governs recreational campgrounds and does not answer ordinary residential occupancy on a single private parcel24. We could not confirm a county rule specifically governing tiny-home occupancy or a countywide minimum dwelling floor area; ask the Planning Division how the proposed unit is classified and whether the parcel's zone allows it217. In unincorporated community residential districts, an RV, yurt or travel trailer cannot serve as an accessory dwelling unit25.

What are the steps to build a home in Tillamook County, Oregon?

  1. Ask the Planning Division to identify the parcel's zoning district, allowed dwelling use, setbacks and any hazard overlay before designing the house2717.
  2. Confirm legal access with Public Works if the project touches a county road or right-of-way, because public-works approval is required before the building permit is issued126.
  3. If public sewer is unavailable, obtain a favorable site evaluation and apply to the county for the septic installation permit419.
  4. Secure zoning, sanitation and public-works approvals before submitting the building-permit package1.
  5. Submit plans and applications to the Building Division, then budget for building fees and the applicable school excise tax1510.
  6. Schedule each required inspection and keep the permit active through approved inspections1413.
  7. Obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving into a new dwelling or townhouse27.

What should you check before buying land in Tillamook County, Oregon?

Start with zoning, legal access, septic feasibility, water and flood hazards. Minimum lot size and setbacks are district-specific, while access, utilities and onsite sanitation can also determine whether a proposed division or homesite works628. Only 12.3% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, and only 0.7% of soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so steep terrain and wastewater design deserve site-specific professional review299. Development in a mapped special flood-hazard area can trigger a county floodplain permit and added technical submittals18. If a landowner plans to drill rather than hire a licensed well constructor, Oregon requires a landowner permit and financial security before well work begins8. Tillamook County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill of about $2,4493031.

Watch-outs

  • A legal parcel smaller than its zoning district's minimum lot size is not automatically unbuildable, but dwelling eligibility can still depend on the zone, use and topography6.
  • Do not treat Oregon's conditional rural-RV statute as blanket permission to live in an RV on private land; ask Tillamook County Planning whether the proposed arrangement is allowed on the specific parcel2217.
  • A composting toilet does not eliminate the requirement for an approved wastewater system serving the home's other fixtures20.

Sources

  1. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Tillamook County Planning (2026 county census)
  3. Tillamook County FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  4. Instructions for Septic System Construction/Installation Permits, quoted and re-checked
  5. 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - Chapter 1, quoted and re-checked
  6. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  7. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  8. Landowner Constructed Wells, quoted and re-checked
  9. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  10. Tillamook County Department of Community Development - Building Division (tillamookcounty.gov)
  11. Residential Structures Code Program, quoted and re-checked
  12. Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 455 (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Building, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building, quoted and re-checked
  16. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  17. Tillamook County Department of Community Development - Planning Division (tillamookcounty.gov)
  18. Floodplain Development Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  19. Tillamook County Community Development - Onsite Wastewater/Environmental Programs Division (tillamookcounty.gov)
  20. Composting Toilets in Oregon, quoted and re-checked
  21. Housing and Onsite Wastewater Management, quoted and re-checked
  22. Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 215.490 (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 197.493 (Oregon statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Tillamook County Land Use Ordinance Article 5, quoted and re-checked
  25. Tillamook County Land Use Ordinance Section 5.110 ADU Standards, quoted and re-checked
  26. Tillamook County Public Works (tillamookcounty.gov)
  27. 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - Chapter 1, quoted and re-checked
  28. FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  29. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. 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

Tillamook County in Oregon

58
County map
Tillamook County highlighted among the Oregon counties · colored by Index score

How Tillamook County scores

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency50100% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy72100% ev.
Carry Cost51100% 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 →

$513kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$10,065Land / acre
101.1"Annual rain
6.3% of yrsSevere drought
0.1 / yr (+0)Mid-century 100°F days
19.4 daysMid-century dry spell
3.76" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.28×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,261Home insurance / yr
2.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.78%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
15,340Radius comparison (15 mi)
24.9People / sq mi
43.3%Federal land
12.3%Land at 15% slope or less
0.7%Septic soil without severe limits
4,539 acWorkable land screen
90.1%Wooded land
112.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
49.8°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Tillamook County

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

Tillamook County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction and alterations or additions to existing buildings subject to Tillamook County building-permit jurisdiction.

    • The county page states that structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, manufactured-housing, boiler, and elevator work are included.
    • The county states that there are some exceptions to structural requirements.
    • Land-use, sanitation, and public-works approvals are required before a building permit is issued.
    • Work may begin only when an actual building permit has been issued; initiating work before approval results in enforcement action.
    • Building permits expire if work is not started and at least one inspection has not occurred within 180 days from issuance; after work begins, suspension or abandonment for 180 days or more causes expiration; one written 180-day extension may be requested.
    “Permits are required for any new construction, as well as alterations and additions to existing building, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, manufactured housing, boiler, and elevator work.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Structural, trade, manufactured-dwelling, and short-term-rental inspections administered by Tillamook County.

    • Inspection requests must be made through the county Inspection Hotline before 7 a.m. on the desired inspection day.
    • Structural and associated trade permits can also be scheduled online through Oregon E-Permitting; that online option is not available for short-term-rental inspection requests.
    • The county lists residential and commercial inspections Monday through Thursday and states that Friday is closed.
    • The county states that a building permit expires if work is not started and at least one inspection has not occurred within 180 days from issuance.

    inspection request deadline: before 7:00 a.m. on requested inspection day · permit initial inspection deadline: 180 days from issuance (Permit expiration rules and a possible written extension apply.)

    “Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Minimum lot size and parcel division in unincorporated Tillamook County; the applicable standard depends on the property's zoning district.

    • The County states that the minimum lot size is typically for creation of new parcels.
    • A legally existing parcel smaller than the minimum lot size may still be buildable, subject to zone and use rules.
    • Some zones require a minimum lot size for creation of a dwelling in conjunction with topography constraints.
    • The County's FAQ states that Article 3 of the Land Use Ordinance contains the rules for the applicable zone.
    “Once you know the zone, you can look up the rules for that zone in Article 3 of the Land Use Ordinance.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Setbacks for development in unincorporated Tillamook County.

    • Setbacks depend on the zone and type of use.
    • Setbacks are site-specific.
    • Setbacks are measured from the property line; front-yard setbacks are generally not measured from the edge of the street.
    “The setbacks for your property depend on your zone and the type of use. Setbacks can be very site-specific, so it is best to call 503-842-3408 and ask to speak with a Planner.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot coverage for qualifying small lots and parcels in unincorporated Tillamook County.

    • The cited 50-percent limit applies within the small-lot exception in Land Use Ordinance Section 4.100.
    • The exception applies to a lot or parcel smaller than 3,000 square feet that meets the section's other requirements.
    • The structure must meet all other County Land Use Ordinance requirements, including off-street parking, except where contradicted by Section 4.100.
    • The section was amended May 27, 2015, May 11, 2022, and September 3, 2025.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent of lot area (any structure of any height)

    “Not more than 50% of the lot area shall be covered with any structure of any height.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential building height in unincorporated Tillamook County, varying by zone and proximity to the ocean or a bay.

    • In most of the county, the residential height limit is 35 feet.
    • Oceanfront or bayfront parcels have a 24-foot height limit.
    • Neahkahnie has a 24-foot height limit, with a 17-foot limit within 500 feet of the ocean.
    • Some parts of Pacific City have additional height restrictions.
    • Height in most of the county, except Neskowin, is measured as an average; Neskowin has separate measurement guidance.

    residential height limit in most of county: 35 feet (oceanfront or bayfront parcels) · residential height limit on oceanfront or bayfront parcels: 24 feet · Neahkahnie height limit: 24 feet (17 feet within 500 feet of the ocean) · Neahkahnie height limit within 500 feet of ocean: 17 feet

    “The height limit for your property depends on your zone, and how close you are to the ocean or a bay.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary recreational camping in Tillamook County recreational campgrounds.

    • A recreational campground is a place with four or more recreational vehicles and/or tents under single ownership for temporary recreational camping.
    • A camper may not stay longer than six months in any twelve-month period.
    • The campground must satisfy county campground standards, including minimum site, setback, access, sanitation, and approval requirements.
    • Additional floodplain, geologic-hazard, riparian-vegetation, state, and county-sanitation requirements may apply.
    • Primitive campgrounds accommodate camping units for no more than two weeks in any given four-week period.

    minimum campground units: >= 4 recreational vehicles and/or tents · maximum camper stay: <= 6 months in any 12-month period · primitive campground period: <= 2 weeks in any 4-week period

    “A camper as defined in Article I, shall not be allowed to stay any longer than six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units on lawfully established properties in unincorporated community residential zoning districts.

    • Only one ADU is permitted per property.
    • The ADU must be subordinate to the primary dwelling and may be attached or detached.
    • Detached ADUs require five-foot minimum rear and side setbacks, a ten-foot street-side setback where applicable, the underlying-zone front setback, and six feet of physical separation from the primary residence.
    • The ADU must be on a permanent foundation, have wheels, tongues, and running gear removed, and connect to domestic sewer and water or an onsite wastewater treatment system where sewer is unavailable.
    • An RV, yurt, travel trailer, or other non-habitable structure not intended for residential occupancy may not be used as an ADU.
    • The ADU floor area and, if freestanding, footprint may not exceed 75 percent of the primary residence measure or 800 square feet, whichever is less.
    • One off-street parking space measuring at least 8 by 20 feet is required.
    • Transient lodging use is prohibited.
    • The rule was adopted February 22, 2023.

    ADUs per property: <= 1 ADU · detached rear setback: >= 5 feet · detached side setback: >= 5 feet · detached street-side setback: >= 10 feet (Where applicable) · ADU maximum area: 75% of primary living space or 800 square feet, whichever is less · ADU parking: 8 by 20 feet (One off-street space)

    “An ADU may be sited on a lawfully established property located in unincorporated community residential zoning districts.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Administration and regulation of state-mandated requirements for installation of new and repair septic systems in Tillamook County.

    • Tillamook County performs this function under a contract with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
    • The substantive requirements are state-mandated requirements and include Oregon onsite sewage rules.
    “Tillamook County maintains a contract with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or installation of a new septic system in Tillamook County.

    • A completed application and fee are required.
    • A favorable site evaluation report must be on file; if none exists, the applicant must obtain favorable findings before applying.
    • A tax lot map, vicinity map, land-use compatibility statement, and site development plan are required as applicable.
    • The site development plan must show buildings, roads, driveways, property lines, easements, wells and springs within 200 feet, surface waters, septic components, and proposed elevations.
    • Processing of a completed application takes a minimum of two weeks.

    minimum application processing time: >= 2 weeks

    “INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION/INSTALLATION PERMITS”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of property into parcels in unincorporated Tillamook County.

    • A property at least twice the minimum lot size for its zone may be eligible for division, but division is not automatic.
    • Access, existing development, utilities, on-site sanitation requirements, and required lot dimensions must be considered.
    • Some older subdivisions may already be divided into separate smaller lots.
    • A legally divided property may still produce parcels that are not buildable or marketable.
    • Applicants should consult a County Planner.

    minimum size relative to zoning minimum for possible division: >= 2 times the zone minimum lot size (may be able to divide; not guaranteed)

    “If your property is at least twice the size of the minimum lot size for the zone, you may be able to divide your property. Important factors to keep in mind include access, existing development, utilities, on-site sanitation requirements, and required lot dimensions.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development within the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and the Tillamook County Flood Hazard Overlay zone in unincorporated Tillamook County.

    • A completed floodplain development permit application is required as part of the checklist.
    • The Department may request additional materials for FEMA regulations and the county Flood Hazard Overlay zone.
    • Site, grading, structural, elevation, floodproofing, V-zone, valuation, and flood non-conversion materials may apply.
    • Activities in floodways and estuaries require a Type II Floodplain Development Permit Application and additional findings or certifications.

    floodplain permit application: completed (Additional materials may be requested.) · floodway no-rise certification: required (For development within the floodway.)

    “This list includes minimum submission requirements for floodplain development permits and development within the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). This checklist does not exclude additional materials the Department may request to ensure compliance with FEMA Regulations and the Tillamook County Flood Hazard Overlay zone contained in the Tillamook County Land Use Ordinance (TCLUO).”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building permit submissions, including new or replacement residential and nonresidential structures.

    • School excise tax is collected at permit submittal in addition to building fees.
    • Applicable school district determines the per-square-foot rate.
    • The page does not publish the underlying building-fee schedule in the cited passage.

    Tillamook School District residential school excise tax: 1.45 USD per square foot (New or replacement residential structures, including mobile homes and all structures attached to a residence.) · Tillamook School District nonresidential construction excise tax: 0.72 USD per square foot (New or replacement nonresidential structures or addition.) · Nestucca Valley School District residential school excise tax: 1.63 USD per square foot (New or replacement residential structures, including mobile homes and all structures attached to a residence.) · Nestucca Valley School District nonresidential construction excise tax: 0.61 USD per square foot (New or replacement nonresidential structures or addition.) · Neah-Kah-Nie School District residential school excise tax: 1 USD per square foot (New or replacement residential structures, including mobile homes and all structures attached to a residence.) · Neah-Kah-Nie School District nonresidential construction excise tax: 0.5 USD per square foot (New or replacement nonresidential structures or addition.)

    “We will start collecting school excise tax payments at time of permit submittal in addition to building fees. School excise tax payments must be in the form of check and made payable to the applicable school district.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building, zoning, and land-use permit processing.

    • For specified properties within listed city limits or urban growth boundaries, an approved zoning permit is required at building-permit submittal.
    • The Building Division reviews plans and conducts inspections.
    • Issued permits must be picked up within 5 business days after notice or will be mailed.
    • The first approved inspection must occur within 180 days to avoid permit expiration; each approved inspection extends the permit another 180 days.
    • Extensions require a written request with a justifiable reason and approval by the Building Official.

    permit pickup deadline: 5 business days (After the county contacts the applicant that the permit has been issued.) · first approved inspection deadline: 180 days (Each approved inspection extends the permit another 180 days.)

    “Once we have contacted you that your permit has been issued, the permit packet must be picked up within 5 business days or it will be mailed. You have 180 days to have your first approved inspection to avoid the permit expiring, every approved inspection extends the permit another 180 days.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Under Oregon statewide land-use law, Tillamook County Planning zones unincorporated land and requires an approved zoning permit before a building permit.

    Tillamook County Planning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Oregon rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner-built single-family dwellings and adjacent outbuildings in Oregon, including Tillamook County.

    • 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 exemption during the five years before applying for another exemption.
    • The dwelling or outbuildings must have structural components constructed entirely by the owner intending to occupy them, or by that owner with friends or relatives assisting without payment.
    • The exemption applies only to structural-code requirements for ceiling heights, room sizes, and maintenance of specific temperature levels.
    • The exemption applies to new construction, renovation, remodeling, or alteration.
    • A building permit issued for the owner-built dwelling or outbuilding must note whether it 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 recording and provide a sufficient property description.
    • The exemption does not eliminate the building-permit requirement; the rule expressly refers to a building permit issued for the owner-built dwelling or outbuilding.

    prior exemption use lookback: 5 years (Owner must not have taken advantage of the exemptions during this period before applying.)

    “Owner-built dwellings and outbuildings shall be exempt from any requirements of the structural code for ceiling heights, room sizes and the maintenance of specific temperature levels in those structures. The exemption shall apply to the new construction, renovation, remodeling or alteration of an owner-built dwelling or outbuilding.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (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.
      “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)

    Commercial construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair governed by the Oregon Structural Specialty Code statewide.

    • The 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code is based on the 2024 International Building Code, International Fire Code, and International Existing Building Code.
    • Administrative provisions are effective and mandatory October 1, 2025.
    • Construction provisions were effective October 1, 2025 with a six-month phase-in period and became mandatory April 1, 2026.
    • During the phase-in period, use of either the 2022 OSSC or 2025 OSSC was permitted.

    administrative provisions effective and mandatory: 2025-10-01 · construction provisions effective: 2025-10-01 (six-month phase-in period) · construction provisions mandatory: 2026-04-01

    “Construction provisions: [...] Mandatory April 1, 2026”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential construction, reconstruction, and repair in Tillamook County governed by Oregon's statewide building-code system, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
      “The state building code shall be applicable and uniform throughout this state and in all municipalities”
    • 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) — 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)”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of a new residential dwelling or townhouse, and use or occupancy changes covered by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, including in Tillamook County.

    • Prior to occupancy of a new residential dwelling or townhouse, the building official must issue a certificate of occupancy unless a temporary certificate is issued.
    • Under R110.1, a building or structure may not be used or occupied, and a change in character, use, or occupancy may not be made, until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy.
    • Certificates are not required for work exempt from permits under Section R105.2 or for accessory buildings or structures.
    • Before issuance for a residential dwelling or townhouse, the general contractor or owner issued the structural permit must provide contact and relevant license information for the general contractor and any electrical, HVAC, and plumbing contractors that performed work.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before completion if the occupied portion is safe, for a time period set by the building official.
    • A certificate may be revoked in writing when the dwelling or townhouse violates applicable law posing a health or safety threat, or when issued in error or based on incorrect information.
    “Prior to occupancy of a new residential dwelling or townhouse the building official must issue a certificate of occupancy in the form and format established by the Division, unless a temporary certificate of occupancy is issued by the building official.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Statewide Oregon zoning data published by the Department of Land Conservation and Development; the data represents local zoning and does not itself replace local zoning ordinances or maps.

    • The source identifies the dataset as Statewide Zoning - 2023.
    • The source provides downloads through GEOHub and a GIS service.
    • Local governments remain the relevant authorities for parcel-level zoning determinations and ordinance administration.

    dataset year: 2023

    “Statewide Zoning - 2023 Downloads available from GEOHub Service”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    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.
    • There must be no other dwelling units on the property, and no portion of the single-unit dwelling may be rented as a residential tenancy.
    • The recreational vehicle space or vehicle may not be used for vacation occupancy or other short-term uses.
    • The recreational vehicle must be owned or leased by the tenant.
    • The property owner must provide essential services.
    • A county may require registration, a written residential rental agreement, payment limits, and reasonable appearance, repair, inspection, or siting standards.
    “A county may allow an owner of a lot or parcel in a rural area to site on the property one recreational vehicle”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Residential occupancy of a recreational vehicle in Oregon when the vehicle is allowed under ORS 215.490, located in a manufactured dwelling park, mobile home park, or recreational vehicle park and lawfully connected to required services, or placed on a lot with a dwelling made uninhabitable by a natural disaster.
      “A state agency or local government may not prohibit the placement or occupancy of a recreational vehicle”
  • 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

    Composting toilets and graywater reuse or disposal used as alternatives or components of residential sanitation in Tillamook County.

    • Composting toilets may be used, but the building still needs an approved wastewater treatment system for remaining wastewater.
    • If the building is within a sewer district, a sewer connection is still required.
    • Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits may be required for composting toilets.
    • Material removed from a composting toilet must be buried under 12 inches of soil under OAR 918-770-0080, or handled by a DEQ-licensed sewage disposal service to an approved septage facility.
    • Graywater reuse and disposal systems require a DEQ permit.
    • Graywater reuse may be offline during wet-weather months or when discharges could create a public nuisance.

    soil cover for removed composting-toilet material: 12 inches

    “You still need to connect plumbing fixtures to an approved septic system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Use of composting toilets and related graywater systems in Oregon.
      “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.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction, alteration, conversion, or abandonment of a water-supply well in Tillamook County when performed by a landowner rather than a licensed and bonded well constructor.

    • A landowner permit, permit fee, and bond or irrevocable letter of credit must be obtained before work begins.
    • The permit requirement does not apply when the landowner is a licensed and bonded Water Supply Well Constructor.
    • The bond amount is $10,000 and the listed permit fee is $550.
    • Only the record owner, an immediate family member, or a qualifying full-time employee may operate a drilling machine under the landowner permit.
    • The permit expires six months after issuance.
    • A water-well report must be submitted within 30 days after permit expiration or well completion, whichever occurs first.
    • The Department may deny a permit for health threats, hazards, contamination, or groundwater waste.

    landowner permit fee: 550 USD · landowner bond: 10000 USD (bond or irrevocable letter of credit) · permit duration: 6 months · water-well report deadline: 30 days (after permit expiration or completion, whichever occurs first)

    “The landowner permit and bond shall be obtained prior to beginning work on a well.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential development and sanitation facilities in Oregon, including Tillamook County, where public sanitary sewer availability differs by site.

    • Where a municipal sewer system is unavailable, development must use onsite wastewater treatment or septic systems.
    • A composting toilet does not eliminate the need for an approved wastewater treatment system.
    • A building within a sewer district still needs a sewer connection.
    • The source does not identify a single countywide water-connection requirement.
    “Your building will still need a sewer connection.”
    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.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Tillamook County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes on private land in Tillamook County.

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.

Living off-grid in Tillamook County, Oregon

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

Tillamook County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Tillamook County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Tillamook County Community Development (On-site Sanitation), acting as agent of Oregon DEQ. 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 Tillamook County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Tillamook 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 Tillamook County, Oregon?

Land in Tillamook County runs about $10,065 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Tillamook County?

Tillamook County gets about 101.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.3% of years.

How remote is Tillamook County?

A typical private-land location has about 15,340 people within 15 miles and 3,672,852 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Tillamook compares in Oregon

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