Environmental Rules in Corvallis, OR (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Corvallis, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Corvallis bans any non-stormwater discharge or illegal connection into its municipal storm drainage system, with the Public Works Director able to fine negligent violators up to $20,000 per day.
Stormwater Discharge Rules in Corvallis
Significant RestrictionsCorvallis Municipal Code § 4.04.030.010
Section 4.04.030 - Prohibitions. Section 4.04.030.010 Prohibition of illicit discharges. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drainage system or watercourses any pollutants or waters containing any pollutants. ... Section 4.04.090.080 Penalties. ... 2)Any person who is found to have negligently violated this Article or who negligently failed to comply...
Erosion Control
The City of Corvallis requires an Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) permit before any ground-disturbing construction activity affecting 2,000 square feet or more, cumulatively, under Section 9.03.090 of the Corvallis Municipal Code. Erosion and sediment release must be minimized to the greatest extent practicable using best management practices, and violators face a fine of $100 to $5,000 per offense, with each day a separate violation.
Corvallis Erosion & Sediment Control Permit
Some RestrictionsCorvallis Municipal Code §§ 9.03.080, 9.03.090, 9.03.110(4)
Erosion and sediment release shall be minimized to the greatest extent practicable utilizing best management practices and the standards in the Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Manual. ... An erosion prevention and sediment control (EPSC) permit is required before commencing ground disturbing activity affecting 2,000 square feet or greater, cumulatively, throughout the duration of the de...
Flood Zones
In the City of Corvallis, any development in the Special Flood Hazard Area, the mapped 100-Year Floodplain of the Willamette River, Marys River, Millrace, and local streams, needs a Floodplain Development Permit before work starts. Land Development Code Chapter 4.5 bars new construction, fill, and even fences from encroaching on the Regulatory Floodway, and the City Engineer serves as Floodplain Administrator, reviewing every permit against the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Benton County.
Corvallis Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsCorvallis Land Development Code §§ 4.5.20.01, 4.5.50.01 & 4.5.80.01
4.5.20.01 Natural Hazards that are Subject to this Chapter. a.These provisions apply to public and private properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area (100-Year Floodplain) of rivers and local streams; ... 4.5.50.01 Floodplain Development Permit. The Developer must obtain a Floodplain Development Permit consistent with Chapter 2.11 - Floodplain Development Permit, prior to initiating Develo...
Defensible Space
Corvallis Municipal Code Section 7.08.120 requires every property owner or occupant to cut down and remove weeds, grass, vines, and other growth capable of easy ignition, and layers a stricter International Wildland-Urban Interface Code clearance standard on parcels the Oregon State Fire Marshal has rated HIGH or EXTREME for wildfire risk.
Corvallis Wildfire Vegetation Clearance Duty
Some RestrictionsCorvallis Municipal Code § 7.08.120
304.1.2.1 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is readily capable of being ignited by available sources (OFC Section 305) and endangering property, is required to be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises. Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildland interface areas must comply with the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. (2021 IWUIC Sectio...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Corvallis, the Land Development Code adds one foot of freeboard on top of FEMA's Base Flood Elevation to set the Design Flood Elevation, and every new or substantially improved residential structure must have its lowest floor built at or above that line. Critical facilities such as fire stations get an extra margin, with the lowest floor required three feet above Base Flood Elevation.
Corvallis Base Flood Elevation & Freeboard
Some RestrictionsCorvallis Land Development Code §§ 1.6.40, 4.5.110.04 & 4.5.110.11
Design Flood Elevation (DFE) One foot above Base Flood Elevation (BFE). ... 4.5.110.04 Residential Construction. a.Lowest Floor - New Construction, conversion to, and Substantial Improvement (as defined in Chapter 1.6 - Definitions) of any residential structure, including mobile and Manufactured Dwellings, must have the Lowest Floor elevated at or above the Design Flood Elevation (DFE). In AO...
Looking for Benton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Corvallis city rules.
Environmental Rules in Benton County →