Union County, OR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Union County, Oregon requires building permits under the statewide residential code, with the City of La Grande/Union County Building Division administering the building program¹. Union County Planning regulates zoning and development on unincorporated land². Harney County's Environmental Health Program handles septic applications, permits and inspections throughout Union County³.

At a glance

Building permit: Required; the City of La Grande/Union County Building Division administers the program¹
Zoning: Union County zoning applies in unincorporated areas²
Septic permit: Required for new, altered or repaired systems; Harney County Environmental Health administers the program⁴
RV living: Allowed only in qualifying settings under state law; confirm the parcel-specific county approval before occupancy⁵
Tiny home occupancy: No county-specific occupancy rule was confirmed; ask Union County Planning before buying or placing one²
Owner-builder: A limited statewide exemption is available, but a building permit is still required⁶
Domestic well water right: Domestic well use up to 15,000 gallons per day is exempt from the state water-right permit requirement⁷

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Union County Planning Department

Land-use planning, zoning and development in unincorporated Union County

541-963-1014

1001 Fourth Street, Suite C La Grande, OR 97850

Building permits

City of La Grande/Union County Building Division

Building permit applications for the City of La Grande and Union County

541-962-1360

[email protected]

P.O. Box 670 - 1000 Adams Avenue La Grande, OR 97850

Septic permits

Harney County Environmental Health Program

Septic application intake, inquiries, record searches, fees, inspections and permit issuance for Union County

541-573-2761

[email protected]

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Union County Planning Department — Floodplain

Floodplain development permits and review in Union County

541-963-1014

1001 Fourth Street, Suite C La Grande, OR 97850

Roads & driveways

Union County Public Works Department

Road approach and construction applications affecting county roads

(541) 963-1016

P.O. Box 1103 La Grande, OR 97850

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 Union County, Oregon?

Yes. New homes and other covered residential work in unincorporated Union County require a building permit under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code¹. The statewide residential code governs construction, reconstruction and repair of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses⁸. The City of La Grande/Union County Building Division provides the application and administers the county building program⁹. A new dwelling cannot be occupied until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy, unless a temporary certificate is issued; permit-exempt work and accessory structures are exceptions¹⁰. Oregon's owner-builder provision is narrow: it relaxes specified structural-code requirements for an owner-built home, but the permit must still be issued and identify whether the home complies with those requirements⁶. Qualifying agricultural buildings may be exempt from the structural specialty code, but electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits still apply¹¹.

Who issues Union County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The City of La Grande/Union County Building Division accepts Union County building permit applications at P.O. Box 670 - 1000 Adams Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850; call 541-962-1360 or email [email protected]⁹. Start the land-use side with Union County Planning at 1001 Fourth Street, Suite C, La Grande, OR 97850, or 541-963-1014¹². Union County encourages a no-charge pre-application consultation with Planning before a land-use application¹³. The two approvals do different jobs: Planning checks whether the location and proposed use comply with county zoning, while the building division administers construction permits under the statewide code²¹. Permit fees vary with the type and value of work, and a current Union County-specific fee schedule was not confirmed; ask the building division for a project quote before budgeting¹⁴.

Does Union County, Oregon have zoning?

Yes. Union County Planning administers land-use planning, zoning and development in unincorporated Union County¹². The county ordinance establishes zones for the unincorporated area and requires buildings, structures, land transfers and uses to comply with that ordinance¹⁵. Incorporated cities may apply their own land-use rules, so verify whether a parcel is inside city limits before relying on the county ordinance¹⁶. Resource zoning can materially limit subdivision: Oregon's general minimums are 80 acres for exclusive-farm-use land that is not rangeland, 160 acres for designated rangeland and 80 acres for designated forestland, subject to statutory exceptions¹⁷. Union County-specific minimum home size and lot-coverage rules were not confirmed, so ask Planning about the parcel's zone, setbacks, allowed dwelling type and development standards before choosing a house plan¹².

How do septic permits work in Union County?

Harney County Environmental Health administers onsite wastewater work throughout incorporated and unincorporated Union County under delegated authority¹⁸. A septic permit is required to install a new system, alter an existing system or repair an existing system⁴. Union County's official page says the service covers application intake, inquiries, record searches, fee collection, inspections and permit issuance; applications can be sent to [email protected] or filed through Oregon ePermitting¹⁹. The complete application goes to Union County Planning for a Land Use Compatibility Statement before returning to Harney County Environmental Health for final processing¹⁹. For an inspection, call 541-573-2761¹⁹. Septic feasibility deserves early attention: only about 2.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain the site evaluation before committing to a home location or system budget²⁰.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Union County?

Do not assume an RV can become a permanent dwelling on any rural parcel. Oregon protects RV occupancy only in qualifying settings, including certain lawful park placements, disaster replacement situations and uses allowed under the state's rural RV statute⁵. The rural statute lets a county allow one tenant-owned or leased RV on qualifying rural property with an owner-occupied primary home and essential services, but the state provision is permission for a county program rather than proof that every Union County parcel qualifies²¹. Union County's agricultural campground rule separately allows temporary camping in approved private campgrounds for no more than 30 days in a consecutive six-month period; that rule does not authorize residential RV occupancy on an ordinary homesite²². County-specific tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling size were not confirmed, so ask Union County Planning how the parcel's zone treats the proposed unit before purchase or placement¹².

How do you build a home in Union County, step by step?

Call Union County Planning at 541-963-1014 for a pre-application consultation and confirm the parcel's zone, allowed dwelling, setbacks, access and flood status¹²¹³.
If public sewer is unavailable, begin the septic site evaluation and permit process with Harney County Environmental Health; the septic application needs county land-use compatibility review⁴.
Confirm legal road access. Every newly divided parcel must abut and have adequate access to an approved public or private road, and work in a county road approach requires Public Works approval²³²⁴.
Obtain the necessary county land-use approval, then submit construction plans and the building permit application to the City of La Grande/Union County Building Division¹⁹.
Schedule required building and septic inspections, and do not occupy the new dwelling until the building official issues the certificate of occupancy²⁵¹⁰.

What should you check before buying land in Union County?

Check zoning, septic, water, flood exposure and access before treating a parcel as buildable. Union County zoning controls uses and structures on unincorporated land, while incorporated municipalities may use their own regulations¹⁶. Conventional septic conditions are challenging: only about 2.9% of county soils are rated without severe drain-field limitations, making an early site evaluation especially valuable²⁰. Domestic well use not exceeding 15,000 gallons per day is exempt from Oregon's water-right permit requirement, but that answer does not establish every well-construction requirement⁷. Any development or fill in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs a floodplain development permit from Union County²⁶. Confirm road access as well, particularly for a proposed division or state-highway frontage²³. For carrying costs, the median property-tax bill is about $2,307 per year and the effective rate is about 0.9%²⁷²⁸.

Watch-outs

Only about 2.9% of Union County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency rather than a post-closing task²⁰.
Any development, including fill, in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a Union County floodplain development permit²⁹.
Union County-specific rules for tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling size were not confirmed; ask Union County Planning about the exact parcel and proposed structure¹².

Sources

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.

How Union County scores

Seclusion77100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.

Admin Boringness42100% ev.

Durability56100% ev.

Property Autonomy72100% ev.

Carry Cost74100% 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 →

$340kTypical home

0.9%Property tax

$2,830Land / acre

28.8"Annual rain

11.7% of yrsSevere drought

2.7 / yr (+2.5)Mid-century 100°F days

26 daysMid-century dry spell

1.46" (+7.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.23×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,123Home insurance / yr

4.5% / yrInsurance growth

1.21%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

19,402People within 30 min

246,387People within 2 hr

6,637Radius comparison (15 mi)

12.7People / sq mi

48.1%Federal land

36.2%Land at 15% slope or less

2.9%Septic soil without severe limits

33,798 acWorkable land screen

61.4%Wooded land

40.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac

44.8°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Union County

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

Union County rules

County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land use planning, zoning, and development in unincorporated Union County.
- The county planning page limits the Planning Department's zoning role to unincorporated Union County.
- The county zoning ordinance establishes zones for the unincorporated area of Union County.
- Incorporated municipalities may apply their own land-use regulations.
“For the purpose of this ordinance, the following zones are hereby established for the unincorporated area of Union County.”
Planning Department - Union County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
County-administered zoning and land-use regulation in unincorporated Union County.
- All persons must locate, construct, repair, alter, replace, or use a building or other structure, transfer land, or establish a use only as the ordinance permits.
- The ordinance identifies zoning classifications and boundaries for the unincorporated area.
- The ordinance includes subsequent amendments and adopted zoning maps.
“All persons shall locate, construct, repair, alter, replace, or use a building or other structure, or transfer land or establish a use only as this ordinance permits. [...] For the purpose of this ordinance, the following zones are hereby established for the unincorporated area of Union County.”
Zoning, Partition and Subdivision Ordinance - Article 1.00 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary camping by campers or camper vehicles in private campgrounds in Union County agricultural-grazing and agricultural-forest zones.
- Private campground approval and applicable county conditional-use requirements apply.
- The three-mile urban-growth-boundary restriction and lake/reservoir exception apply.
- The 30-day limit applies during any consecutive six-month period.
- Campsites may use tents, travel trailers, yurts, or recreational vehicles.
- Individual campsites generally may not have separate sewer, water, or electric hookups, except electrical service may be provided to qualifying yurts.
maximum temporary camping duration: <= 30 days during any consecutive six-month period
“camper's vehicle shall not exceed a total of 30 days during any consecutive six-month period. [...] Allowed uses include tent, travel trailer or recreational vehicle”
Article 3.00 Agriculture-Grazing Zone ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout incorporated and unincorporated Union County.
- Authority is exercised under a 2025 intergovernmental agreement among DEQ, Union County, and Harney County.
- DEQ delegated specified duties to Harney County within Union County.
- The Union County ordinance states that the Harney County Public Health Administrator administers and enforces the chapter under the supervision of the Union County Board of Commissioners.
“DEQ has delegated to Harney County its authority to perform DEQ's duties under ORS 454.635, 454.655, 454.665, and 454.755 within Union County.”
Union County Ordinance 2025-02 Onsite Wastewater ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
New, altered, or repaired septic systems, and authorization to connect to or change use of an existing septic system, in Union County.
- Harney County provides the onsite sanitation service for Union County.
- A site evaluation does not itself guarantee approval; a separate construction-installation permit is required if the site is approved.
- A Land Use Compatibility Statement is required for all Septic Construction Permit and Authorization to Connect applications.
- The septic installation permit is valid for one year.
- The source states that the DEQ surcharge increases every November 1; current fees should be confirmed with Harney County.
permit validity: 1 year
“Septic permits are required to install a new septic system, alter an existing septic system, or repair an existing septic system.”
Onsite Sanitation ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Onsite septic inspection services and inspection scheduling for Union County systems administered by Harney County.
- Harney County's Union County service includes inspections.
- The official Union County page instructs applicants to schedule an inspection through Harney County Environmental Health.
- The reviewed sources do not establish a universal periodic inspection interval for every Union County septic system.
“To schedule an onsite inspection please call 541-573-2761. Harney County provides Onsite Sanitation services to Baker, Grant, Harney, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler Counties.”
Onsite Septic Program for Union County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Parcels and lots created through partition or subdivision in unincorporated Union County, including access connections and driveways serving proposed development.
- Every parcel or lot must abut and have adequate access to an approved public or private road.
- Ordinary minimum road frontage is 100 feet.
- A parcel or lot on the radius of a curved street or facing the circular end of a cul-de-sac may have frontage of not less than 30 feet.
- Flag parcels and lots with less than 100 feet of frontage are not permitted.
- Access across ditches and streams must accommodate a gross vehicle weight of 50,000 pounds and use a standard method approved by the County Planning Department.
- For new development adjacent to the state highway system, the developer or owner must notify and coordinate with Union County and the ODOT District Manager before applying.
- Proposed subdivisions fronting the state highway system must share access points; if access from a local road is possible, access onto the state highway is not allowed.
- A maximum of two accesses may be allowed regardless of the number of lots or businesses served.
minimum road frontage: >= 100 feet (30 feet for a parcel or lot on the radius of a curved street or facing the circular end of a cul-de-sac) · minimum one-way driveway width: >= 10 feet (Driveway design guideline) · minimum two-way driveway lane width: >= 10 feet (Maximum of four lanes allowed) · private road easement width: >= 30 feet (A driveway easement to one parcel or lot may be 20 feet) · maximum state-highway accesses: <= 2 accesses (Regardless of the number of lots or businesses served)
“Every parcel and lot shall abut and have adequate access to an approved public or private road”
Article 25.00 Land Division Regulations - Union County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Any development, including fill or other man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, in a Special Flood Hazard Area within Union County.
- Development in the SFHA requires additional review and construction to higher standards.
- Requirements may include elevating the lowest floor two feet above the nearest adjacent ground, a flood study where Base Flood Elevation data is unavailable, hydrostatic-force venting, anchoring, and elevation certificates before foundation pouring and at completion.
- Requirements vary based on the flood zone, proposed work, and additional property factors.
- The county floodplain regulations are in Article 17 of the Zoning, Partition, and Subdivision Ordinance.
lowest-floor elevation above nearest adjacent ground: >= 2 feet (The county page states this may be required and that each proposal is unique)
“In Union County, any development (any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate) in the SFHA, including fill, requires a floodplain development permit.”
Flood Plain Information - Union County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Land-use applications and building permits for development in unincorporated Union County.
- Applicants are encouraged to schedule a pre-application consultation with the Planning Department.
- The county states that the City of La Grande Building Division handles all building permits and inspections.
- The pre-application consultation is available at no charge.
“You are encouraged to make an appointment with the Planning Department to complete a pre-application consultation.”
Land Use Applications - Union County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building permitRequired
Building permits are required under the statewide Oregon Residential Specialty Code; for unincorporated Union County the building program is administered through the City of La Grande Building Division per the county Planning Department.
Union County Planning Department ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Oregon rules that apply here

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”
2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - ORS 455.320 reprinted ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Construction, reconstruction, and repair of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in Oregon, including applicable projects in Union County.
- The Oregon Residential Specialty Code applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses.
- The 2023 ORSC administrative provisions were effective and mandatory October 1, 2023.
- The 2023 ORSC construction provisions were effective October 1, 2023 with a six-month phase-in period and mandatory April 1, 2024.
- The state Building Codes Division maintains a uniform building code throughout Oregon.
administrative provisions mandatory date: 2023-10-01 date · construction provisions effective date: 2023-10-01 date (six-month phase-in period) · construction provisions mandatory date: 2024-04-01 date
“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”
Residential Structures Code Program ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
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.”
  Oregon State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — Commercial construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair governed by the Oregon Structural Specialty Code statewide.
  “Construction provisions: [...] Mandatory April 1, 2026”
  Oregon Structural Specialty Code adoption ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 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)”
  Residential Structures Code Program ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
New residential dwellings and townhouses, and changes in character, use, or occupancy, in Union County under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code.
- Before occupancy of a new residential dwelling or townhouse, the building official must issue a certificate of occupancy unless a temporary certificate is issued.
- A certificate of occupancy is required before a building or structure, or a changed portion, is used or occupied.
- Certificates are not required for work exempt from permits under Section R105.2 or for accessory buildings or structures.
- Before issuance, the general contractor or owner issued the structural permit must provide contact and relevant license information for the general, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing contractors who performed work.
- The building official may revoke a certificate or temporary certificate in writing when the residential dwelling or townhouse violates applicable law posing a threat to health and safety.
- A temporary certificate may be issued before all permitted work is complete if the portion to be occupied can be occupied safely, for a stated validity period.
“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.”
2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - Chapter 1 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
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”
Maps, Data and Tools ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 215 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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”
Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 215.490 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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”
  Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 197.493 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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”
Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 446.125 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwelling units in areas within an urban growth boundary zoned for detached single-unit dwellings in a city with population greater than 2,500 or a county with population greater than 15,000.
- The local government must allow at least one accessory dwelling unit for each detached single-unit dwelling.
- Local regulations may address siting and design but may not include owner-occupancy requirements for the primary or accessory structure or requirements to construct additional off-street parking.
- Local governments may regulate vacation occupancies to require owner-occupancy or off-street parking.
city population threshold: > 2500 persons · county population threshold: > 15000 persons · minimum ADUs per detached single-unit dwelling: >= 1 unit
“A city with a population greater than 2,500 or a county with a population greater than 15,000 shall allow”
Oregon Revised Statutes, ORS 197A.425 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
What do I do with the finished material? ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Sanitary wastewater disposal by onsite wastewater treatment systems where municipal sewer is not legally or physically available, including Union County.
  “In areas where a municipal sewer system is not available, development must use onsite wastewater treatment systems, or septic systems, for sanitary disposal.”
  Housing and Onsite Wastewater Management ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Well permitLimited
Use of groundwater from wells in Union County, including domestic wells.
- Oregon generally requires a water-right permit or license to use water from any source, including groundwater.
- An expressly stated exemption is domestic water use from a well not exceeding 15,000 gallons per day; other exemptions also exist, including emergency fire control and stock watering.
- This claim concerns the water-right permit requirement and does not establish every separate well-construction permit requirement.
domestic well exempt-use threshold: <= 15000 gallons per day (Domestic water use from a well not exceeding this amount is listed as an example exempt from the water-right permit requirement.)
“A few examples of uses that are exempt from this requirement include emergency fire control, stock watering, and domestic water use from a well not exceeding 15,000 gallons per day.”
Water Rights FAQs ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
A building located within an Oregon sewer district, including a building using a composting toilet.
- The source specifically addresses buildings within a sewer district.
- A composting toilet does not eliminate the sewer-connection requirement.
“What if my building is within a sewer district? Your building will still need a sewer connection.”
What do I do with the finished material? ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 455 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivisions and partitions in Oregon subject to review under ORS 92.044.
- Before a plat may be made and recorded, the applicant must submit a written application to the city or county having jurisdiction under ORS 92.042.
- The application must include a tentative plan showing the general design.
- The tentative plan must be approved before the plat may be considered for approval.
- Cities and counties must adopt standards and procedures governing submission and approval, including requirements addressing utilities, streets, minimum lot sizes, safety, light and air, overcrowding, transportation, water, sewerage, drainage, education, recreation and other needs.
- Applicable local zoning ordinances and regulations remain part of plat approval criteria.
tentative-plan approval before plat consideration: true (Applies to subdivisions or partitions subject to review under ORS 92.044.) · local standards and procedures: required by city or county ordinance or regulation (Jurisdiction is determined under ORS 92.042.)
“Before a plat of any subdivision or partition subject to review under ORS 92.044 may be made and recorded, the person proposing the subdivision or partition or authorized agent or representative of the person shall make an application in writing to the county or city having jurisdiction under ORS 92.042 for approval of the proposed subdivision or partition in accordance with procedures established by the applicable ordinance or regulation adopted under ORS 92.044.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 92 — Subdivisions and Partitions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Oregon state building-code permit fees and fee methodologies, including residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural work.
- Residential electrical new-construction fees are calculated by square footage or, for alterations and repairs, by services, feeders, and branch circuits.
- Residential plumbing new-construction fees are based on kitchens and bathrooms; alteration and repair fees are based on fixtures.
- Residential mechanical fees are calculated per appliance or equipment.
- Residential structural new-construction fees use the ICC Valuation Table current as of April 1 of each year; alteration and repair fees use fair market value as determined by the building official.
- Commercial plumbing fees are based on fixtures; commercial mechanical fees use equipment valuation and installation costs; commercial electrical fees use services, feeders, and branch circuits.
- Commercial structural new-construction valuation is the greater of the ICC Valuation Table current as of April 1 of each year or the applicant's stated value; otherwise the building official determines valuation when the construction or occupancy type does not fit the table.
- Local fee schedules and additional departmental fees may also apply.
residential structural valuation table date: April 1 of each year · commercial structural valuation: greater of ICC Valuation Table or applicant-stated value (when construction is new/addition) · alteration or repair valuation: fair market value determined by building official (residential structural work)
“Fees calculated per appliance/equipment. [...] Fees based on fair market value as determined by the building official.”
Valuation and fee requirements by work/record type ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 215 — County Planning; Zoning; Housing Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
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.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 455 — Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

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 Union County.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Union County.
Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes or tiny homes on wheels in unincorporated Union 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 Union County, Oregon

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

Union County scores 71/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 19,402 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Union County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Harney County Onsite Program (Oregon DEQ regional agent for Baker/Union/Wallowa Counties). 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 Union County?

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

Land in Union County runs about $2,830 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Union County?

Union County gets about 28.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.7% of years.

How remote is Union County?

A representative private-land location has about 19,402 people within a 30-minute drive and 246,387 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who issues Union County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Does Union County, Oregon have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Union County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Union County?

How do you build a home in Union County, step by step?

What should you check before buying land in Union County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Union County in Oregon

How Union County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Union County

Union County rules

Oregon rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Union County, Oregon

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Union County, Oregon?

What is the water situation in Union County?

How remote is Union County?

How Union compares in Oregon