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Setbacks
Accessory Buildings
Fences
River Issues
Historic Buildings
Business Questions
Other Questions
Setbacks
Q: What are building setbacks?
A: Setbacks are required minimum distances between a building and the related front, side, street side, or rear property line. These distances determine how far construction must be set back from the property line. Setbacks for your particular property may be determined by calling the Community Development Department office. Or, if you know the zoning of your property, simply check our online Development Code.
Q: Can eaves, decks, and other similar things project into my property setbacks?
A: Yes, some things can, provided that a setback of at least 36 inches is preserved:
- Eaves, chimneys, bay windows, and overhangs can extend up to 24 inches into a setback.
- Unenclosed covered patios, porches, or decks (less than 50% enclosed) can be placed in a front yard of a residence as long as it is no closer than 5 feet to the front property line.
- Unenclosed covered patios, porches, or decks (less than 50% enclosed) can be placed in a back yard of a residence as long as the open side is is no closer than 5 feet to the rear property line.
- Uncovered patios and decks under 30 inches in height may be constructed up to the side and rear property lines.
- All applicable building, fire, and development codes must be met in all cases.
Accessory Buildings
Q: Am I permitted to place a storage shed or shop on my residential lot?
A: You may have accessory structure such as a storage shed, shop, greenhouse or gazebo on your property, subject to these restrictions:
- The structure must be no taller than 14 feet and no larger than 600 square feet of building footprint. Exceeding 600 square feet requires the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.
- Structures larger than 400 square feet and/or higher than one story must meet Architectural Design Standards.
- Structures must be located outside of front, rear, or side yard setbacks. If your property is located on a corner lot, please contact our office for additional setback requirements.
- You cannot exceed your zoning district’s lot coverage standard:
- 40% for R1 Single Family Residential lots or
- 50% for R Low Density Residential and R2 Multi-Family Residential lots.
- Lot coverage is defined as the percentage of your property covered by buildings or impervious structures. Contact the Community Development office for questions on calculating lot coverage.
Q: Can I build an addition to my home?
A: Generally, the answer would be yes, as long as the addition does not encroach into any required setbacks, exceed lot coverage allowances, or violate height restrictions. In R1 Single-Family Residential districts, buildings may be 28 feet high (measured to mid-point of ridge). Buildings may be 35 feet high in R2 Multi-Family Residential and RC Residential Commercial districts, and 40 feet high in R3 High Density Multi-Family Residential districts. Additionally, all other required building and development code requirements must be met. You are strongly encouraged to contact the Cottage Grove Building Division for further information regarding such plans.
Q: May I build an apartment on my property?
A: The City allows “Accessory Dwelling Units” (defined as a second dwelling unit on a lot with an existing single family house, which is auxiliary to, and smaller than, the main house). Section 2.2.200.B of the Development Code specifies standards for ADUs. These are available at the Community Development Department or can be downloaded from this site. Standards include:
- One accessory dwelling unit is allowed per lot, and cannot exceed 800 square feet of floor area.
- Either the primary residence or accessory dwelling unit must be owner-occupied.
- Detached accessory dwellings cannot exceed 28 feet or 110% of the height of the primary dwelling (whichever is less).
- The structure must comply with residential and/or structural building codes.
- A garage that is needed to meet the parking requirement for the main house cannot be converted into an apartment.
Fences
Q: What height fence can I build?
A: You may fence in your entire yard. Fences do not require building permits, but do have siting and height requirements, including:
- No fence may be higher than 6 feet without approval through a variance, master planned development, or site design review. Constructing any fence over 6 feet high requires a building permit.
- Fences cannot be any higher than 4 feet tall in the front yard setback (15 feet in most residential areas).
- Side yard and rear yard fences may be 6 feet high up to the property line.
- Fences should not be higher than 2 ½ feet in the vision clearance triangle (a 20 foot wide triangle at the intersection of any two streets, driveway and street, or street and alley).
- Walls over 4 feet in height require a building permit and appropriate design from a licensed engineer.
- Fences and walls proposed on public right-of-way or easements are subject to land use review and approval. Contact the Community Development Department for details.
Q: Can I build my fence on my property line?
A: A fence may be located up to, but not over, your property line(s), subject to the siting and height requirements listed above.
Q: How do I find my property lines?
A: First, obtain a copy of your property's legal description (if you don't have a copy, you may be able to get this from the Lane County Assessor's office located in the Lane County Courthouse), or copy of the plat map for your subdivision. Using this information, try to locate your property pins - iron rods inserted into the ground in each corner of your property (you may need to use a metal detector to find them). Stringing a line (or laying a garden hose) between those pins will give you a fairly accurate idea of where your property lines are.
The City of Cottage Grove Engineering Department may be able to provide you with additional information about your property, location of utilities, etc. The Engineering Department can be contacted at (541) 942-3349, and is located in the basement of City Hall at 400 E. Main Street. You may also want to hire a surveyor to reestablish your property corners and property lines for you.
River Issues
Q: How close can I build to the river in my backyard?
A: There is a 50' Riparian Setback (measured from the top of the bank) on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River, Silk Creek, Bennett Creek, and the Row River. If you live along one of these rivers, you should take a look at Section 3.7.300 (Riparian Development) in the Development Code. Construction of buildings, fences, sheds, etc., in this 50' setback are prohibited. Vegetation or tree removal is also prohibited, although invasive species removal is encouraged. For more information on property vegetation management in riparian areas, contact the Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council.
Q: I live on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. Are there any special restrictions there?
A: Yes, the Coast Fork and the lands next to it are designated as the "willamette River Greenway," and are protected from extensive development by state law. Local standards for Greenway development are found in Section 3.7.400 of the Development Code.
Historic Buildings
How do I know if a building is "historic"?
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
What is the Historic Landmarks Commission?
What is the process for designating a building or neighborhood as a local historic landmark?
Do property owners have a choice whether or not their building is listed as a "historic landmark"?
Is Cottage Grove's Downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
I own or lease a building in Cottage Grove's historic downtown. Is my building a "historic landmark"?
Are there other "historic landmarks" in Cottage Grove?
What are the benefits of National Register designation?
What are the benefits of local designation?
Are financial incentives available?
What protections or restrictions are placed on designated historic buildings?
I want to paint my historic building. Do I need a permit from the City?
I want to renovate the exterior of my building. Do I need special approval?
Does the Cottage Grove Historical Society have anything to do with the City of Cottage Grove's historic building program?
Where can I get additional information about historic landmarks and historic preservation?
Q: How do I know if a building is "historic"?
A: Any building over 50 years old may classify as "historic". Buildings that have particular merit may be designated as "historic landmarks" on the City of Cottage Grove's local inventory and/or on the National Register of Historic Places.
A building, site, or neighborhood may be eligible for local, state or national designation as a historic landmark based on any of the following criteria:
- Its association with historic or famous events;
- Its association with the lives of persons, or groups of people, significant in local, state or national history;
- Its architectural design or method of construction;
- Its relationship to the cultural, social, political and/or economic history of the community;
- Its identification as a resource that represents an aesthetic or educational feature of the community;
- The likelihood that the property will yield important information about pre-history or the historic past of the community.
Q: What is the National Register of Historic Places?
A: The National Register is the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. National Register properties are recognized for having significance to the history of their community, state, or the nation.
The National Park Service administers the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service has a "Frequently Asked Questions" page on the National Register website.
If your property is designated on the National Register of Historic Places, it is automatically designated as a local historic landmark in Cottage Grove.
Q: What is the Historic Landmarks Commission?
A: The Historic Landmarks Commission is a volunteer, 5-member commission appointed by the City Council to review applications for new construction, additions, extensive remodeling, or demolition within the Historic Preservation Overlay District. This volunteer commission holds public meetings on Historic Alteration Permits. They also advise city staff on historic preservation planning issues and set policy and guidelines for preservation programs as part of Cottage Grove's Certified Local Government program.
Q: What is the process for designating a building or neighborhood as a local historic landmark?
A: There are several ways to designate a building or neighborhood as a local historic landmark:
- When any historic resource or neighborhood is officially entered into the National Register of Historic Places, the resource is automatically designated by HP overlay zoning as a local historic landmark.
In this case, the property owner or neighborhood group applies to the National Park Service for designation as a National Register Historic Landmark or National Register Historic District. The application is sent to the State Historic Preservation Office for review before being sent on to the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. for designation on the National Register of Historic Places. The affected property owner(s) will be given an opportunity to opt-out of the designation by the State Historic Preservation Office. Any property designated on the National Register is automatically placed on Cottage Grove's local landmarks list and protected by our local Historic Preservation Overlay District.
- A group or person may nominate the historic resource for local historic landmark designation through a Type III Historic Preservation application.
A property owner or neighborhood group applies for this designation through the City of Cottage Grove's Community Development Department. The application is reviewed by the City's Historic Landmarks Commission at one of their regular meetings. The Historic Landmarks Commission bases their decision on criteria listed above.
- The Historic Landmark Commission may recommend historic resources for local historic landmark designation based on a City-inventory of historic resources following the procedures set forth in the Historic Landmark Ordinance
During this inventory, a historic building specialist reviews the architectural character of a building or a neighborhood, its individual history and alterations which have occurred to the building(s) exterior. The Historic Landmarks Commission review the building(s) according to criteria listed above. Formal designation is made following the public hearing. Property owners have an opportunity to comment and opt-out of the designation.
- The Planning Commission may recommend historic resources for local historic landmark designation following the procedures set forth in the Historic Landmark Ordinance.
Q: Do property owners have a choice whether or not their building is listed as a "historic landmark"?
A: All affected property owners are invited to attend a public hearing before the Historic Landmarks Commission on any application for local Landmarks Designation. Individual property owners may object and opt-out at that time. If no objections are filed with the Community Development Department, the historic designation becomes final if the Historic Landmarks Commission votes to accept the application as presented.
National Register nominations follow the procedure established by the National Park Service. Property owners have an opportunity to opt-out in writing to the State Historic Preservation Office if they do not want to be nominated to the National Register.
Designation is permanent. Once designated, the building remains designated as "historic" at a national and/or local level, unless demolished or moved.
Q: Is Cottage Grove's Downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
A: Yes. Downtown Cottage Grove was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
The Downtown National Register Historic District is also designated as a "historic district" at the local level, which means that local Historic Preservation standards in the Cottage Grove Development Code apply to all "historic landmarks" in Downtown Cottage Grove.
The map below shows the outline of the Downtown National Register Historic District:
Q: I own or lease a building in Cottage Grove's historic downtown. Is my building a "historic landmark"?
A: All buildings within a designated "historic neighborhood" or "historic district" are "historic landmarks", although some buildings are listed as "contributing" to the historic character of the district and others are listed as "non-contributing" or "non-contributing/non-historic". Historic buildings (i.e. older than 50 years) are typically listed as "non-contributing" when they have been altered so much that you can no longer see their historic form or materials. If you renovate your historic building, you may be able to change its listing from "non-contributing" to "contributing".
Q: Are there other "historic landmarks" in Cottage Grove?
A: Yes. There are several dozen buildings listed as local "historic landmarks", as well as approximately a dozen buildings on the National Register of Historic Places that are not in the Downtown Historic District. For a list of local historic landmarks, check here.
Q: What are the benefits of National Register designation?
A: Across the country, historic designation has been proven to be one of the best tools we have to improve property values and ensure neighborhood sustainability.
Contributing historic landmarks qualify for a 10-year tax freeze from the State of Oregon, and may qualify for "brick and mortar" grants from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office for qualified restoration projects.
Owners of contributing historic landmarks may apply for Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives when remodeling their income-generating properties. The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector rehabilitation of historic buildings and is one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective community revitalization programs. It provides a 20% tax credit for qualifying rehabilitation projects.
Q: What are the benefits of local designation?
A: Designation as a local historic landmark or historic neighborhood is intended to protect and encourage the continued use of historic resources. Designated resources are protected by the Historic Preservation Overlay District standards found in the Cottage Grove Development Code. These standards ensure that new construction or alterations on historic building or on adjacent properties are sensitive to the historic character of the resource and/or district.
Q: Are financial incentives available?
A: Financial incentives are available through the State and Federal Government for buildings individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or landmarks within a National Register Historic District.
The State Historic Preservation Office offers "Special Assessment" – a freeze on the assessed value of a building for 10 years. Applicants must prepare and commit to restoration and improvement plans of their building. All plans and alterations to both the exterior and interior must be approved by the State before work is commenced. For more information call the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at (503) 378-4168.
The US Department of the Interior offers a 20% Federal tax credit for rehabilitation performed on income-producing buildings (apartments, bed & breakfast, commercial, etc.) Again, all work on both the exterior and interior must by approved before work is commenced. In this case, both the State and Federal Government review the planned restoration and renovation.
Also, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has a tax credit fund established jointly with Bank of America. Contact the National Trust for Historic Preservation for more information.
Q: What protections or restrictions are placed on designated historic buildings?
A: Protections include the review of new construction adjacent to historic buildings. The Historic Landmarks Commission reviews new construction to ensure compatibility in scale, style, height, materials, architectural detail, and orientation with the adjacent historic building and neighborhood.
The Historic Landmark Commission also protects historic buildings from demolition. Demolition of historic buildings requires a public hearing before the Landmarks Commission, who can delay the demolition to give neighbors or other concerned citizens time to save the building.
Restrictions are placed on exterior alterations of historic buildings. Exterior alterations are reviewed by the Historic Landmarks Commission. Alterations including attaching decks or porches, replacing siding with different type of material, replacing windows with different materials or styles, removing historic ornamentation, changing rooflines, constructing an addition, etc. Minor exterior alterations (such as replacing missing historic features or repairing structures based on historic photographs) may be approved administratively by City Staff.
Interior alterations are not reviewed by the Historic Landmarks Commission, although building permits are required. If you have an intact historic interior, you should contact the State Historic Preservation Office before removing historic features. Removal of interior finishes may hurt your chances to qualify for state or federal financial incentives. If you are participating in the Special Assessment Program, you must receive SHPO approval for any changes you make to the interior of your building.
Routine maintenance is not reviewed. Routine maintenance includes cleaning, landscaping and minor repairs. In addition, paint colors are not reviewed.
Q: I want to paint my historic building. Do I need a permit from the City?
A: If your building is already painted, you do not need a permit to re-paint it. We don't regulate paint colors. However, the City will offer assistance in selecting colors if requested by the property owner.
If your building is brick, and not painted, DO NOT paint it. Paint can be very damaging to historic brick. Contact the Community Development Department if you have questions.
Murals are allowed downtown, if (1) the surface is already painted, and (2) the mural doesn't act as a sign for your business. If you want to paint a new mural, you need to apply for a Type II Historic Alteration Permit. Contact the Community Development Department before you begin your project.
Q: I want to renovate the exterior of my building. Do I need special approval?
A: Yes. If you want to change the exterior of your historic building, you should contact the City of Cottage Grove Community Development Department. Staff will help you determine if you need to get approval from the Community Development Department or the Historic Landmarks Commission for your project. You may also need to get building permits and specialty (sign, electrical, mechanical or plumbing) permits for your proposed work.
Please review the Cottage Grove Downtown Historic District Design Guidelines. They will help you figure out what kind of exterior changes might be appropriate on your historic building
Q: Does the Cottage Grove Historical Society have anything to do with the City of Cottage Grove's historic building program?
A: No, not directly. People often confuse the historical society with the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Cottage Grove Historical Society has nothing to do with the review of local landmarks – that's the role of the Historic Landmarks Commission. The CG Historical Society is a non-profit organization of volunteers that maintains the historic library. The Cottage Grove Genealogical Society maintains historical records of families from the area.
Q: Where can I get additional information about historic landmarks and historic preservation?
A: The Community Development Department has put together a Historic Preservation Handbook for your use. This document is full of tidbits on preserving your historic building. It also includes a copy of the Cottage Grove Downtown Historic District Design Guidelines. These guidelines were written to give property and business owners in the historic district suggestions and guidance for restoring, rehabilitating, and maintaining their historic properties.
You can also call the City of Cottage Grove Community Development Department at 541-942-3340, write to us at 400 East Main Street, Cottage Grove, OR 97424, or email the City Planner at planner@cottagegrove.org.
Applications and Development Code standards can be found online at www.cottagegrove.org.
Historic Preservation Resources:
Business Questions
Q: Do I need a license to operate a business in Cottage Grove?
A: No. The City of Cottage Grove does not require a business license. However, when opening a new business in a commercial or industrial zone, you are required to apply for a Change of Use Permit available from the Community Development Department. When opening a business in your home, you are required to apply for a Home Occupation Permit (see below).
Q: Do I need a permit to operate a business in my home?
A: Yes. Businesses operated, or based, from home are required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Community Development Department. An application form for this permit is available in the Community Development Department, or can be downloaded from this site. Further information regarding Home Occupation Permits and the conditions under which they must operate are found in Section 2.2.200(G) of the Cottage Grove Development Code.
Q: Can I place a sign on my house for my home-based business?
A: Yes, limited to a single sign not over 2 square feet in size per side, not to exceed a total of 4 square feet. Signs for home-based businesses may not be illuminated, flash, or rotate, and must be attached to the dwelling unit (not free-standing). Signs must comply with all other signage requirements as listed in Chapter 3.8 of the Cottage Grove Development Code, as well as all applicable building codes.
Q: Can I use banners to advertise my business?
A: Banners and temporary signs are permitted at commercial businesses for a maximum of 14 calendar days, except for business closure (Going Out of Business) and seasonal/holiday signage, which may be displayed for 30 days prior to the event and must be removed the day after the event. Extensions of these times are not allowed. Banners and temporary signs may not be illuminated, and may not be displayed in the public right-of-way. Home-based businesses may not display banners or temporary signs at any time.
Other Questions
Q: How do I find out my property's zoning?
A: The easiest way to find out your property's zoning is to either call the Community Development Department (541-942-3340) or stop by our office in City Hall (400 East Main Street) for a quick look at our zoning map. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to Noon and 1pm to 5pm. You may also want to pick up a zoning map to take with you. They are available to the public for a small charge.
Q: Can I cut down the tree(s) in the planting strip in front of my home?
A: Only if the tree is dead, dying, severely damaged, or creating a public hazard; and, only following approval from the City. If you have a specific question about the removal of a tree in a planting strip, please call the Community Development Department. We will send a city representative to assess the tree's health and make a decision regarding its removal, or ask you to hire a professional. You may also call the Community Development Department at 541-942-3340 if you have further questions regarding tree removal.
Q: Can I use my camper/trailer/RV for temporary or permanent living quarters?
A: In limited circumstances, it is possible. Please see Section 4.9.100 of the Cottage Grove Development Code or call the Community Development Department for further information.
Q: Can I have horses, chickens, rabbits, goats and/or other animals/livestock?
A: Yes, depending on your property’s size and zoning district. Section 2.2.110 of the Cottage Grove Development allows small animals (limited to 3), such as cats, dogs, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, chickens or similar size animals (excluding roosters and swine) in all residential areas. In R Low Density Residential and R1 Single Family Residential districts, 1 head of cattle, horse, sheep, or similar size animals are allowed per one-half acre of undeveloped pasture. Livestock are prohibited on lots of less than one-half acre in R and R1 districts, and lots of any size in all other residential districts. In all cases, animals must be kept in a manner that does not create offensive odors or noise pursuant to the City’s Nuisance Ordinance (Chapter 8.12 of the Cottage Grove Municipal Code).
Q: Who owns the property next to me?
A: Information on property ownership can be obtained by calling the Lane County Assessor's Office (541-682-4321).
Q: Is this property in the floodplain?
A: The City restricts development within the 100-year floodplain to protect human life and health and minimize damage to public and private property in the event of a flood. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has maps available on their website that can help you to determine if your property is within a floodplain. Floodplain maps are also available for review at the Community Development Department. Information on floodplain hazards, construction techniques, and the National Floodplain Insurance Program is available at the Cottage Grove Library. It is recommended that you get flood insurance if your property is located in a designated floodplain. Development within a designated floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit. Further information regarding Floodplain Development ordinance can be found in Section 3.7.200 of the Development Code or by calling the Community Development Department.
Q: How do I file a nuisance complaint?
A: In order to file a complaint, contact the Community Development Department either by phone (541-942-3340) or in person at City Hall (400 East Main Street). When a complaint is filed, staff will perform a site inspection to determine if there is a violation of City code. If a violation exists, the enforcement process will begin. Please be patient: Code violations will be dealt with on a complaint basis and according to specific procedure. If there is no violation of City code, it is a civil matter in which the City cannot be involved.
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