Accessory Structures in Josephine County, OR (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Josephine County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In rural Josephine County's Rural Residential zones (RR-1, RR-2.5, RR-5), a homeowner may build one accessory dwelling unit under § 19.61.020(B) of the Rural Land Development Code, but only on a lot of at least two acres, capped at 900 square feet, and sited within 100 feet of the existing single-family home; only one ADU is allowed per lot.
Josephine County ADU Zoning Standards
Some RestrictionsJosephine County Code § 19.61.020(B)
B. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as defined in JCC § 19.11.030, subject to the following standards: 1. The lot or parcel for the ADU is at least two acres in size and not located within an urban reserve as mapped in the County's GIS system; ... ... 4. The ADU is limited to 900 square feet in floor area and shall be located no more than 100 feet from the existing single-family dwelling; ... ... ...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In Rural Residential zones outside the Grants Pass and Cave Junction urban growth boundaries, § 19.61.020(B)(8) of the Rural Land Development Code bars any accessory dwelling unit from vacation occupancy under ORS 90.100, meaning an ADU approved under the county's two-acre, 900-square-foot standard cannot be operated as a short-term vacation rental.
Josephine County ADU Short-Term Rental Ban
Significant RestrictionsJosephine County Code § 19.61.020(B)(8)
B. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) as defined in JCC § 19.11.030, subject to the following standards: ... ... 8. The ADU may not be used for vacation occupancy as defined in ORS 90.100.
Shed & Carport Rules
In rural Josephine County, outside the Grants Pass and Cave Junction urban growth boundaries, the combined footprint of sheds, garages, carports and shops is capped by lot size under JCC § 19.72.060: 2,500 square feet on lots under an acre, rising to 6,000 square feet on lots of five acres or more, with larger structures needing site plan review.
Josephine County Accessory Structure Size Limits
Some RestrictionsJosephine County Code § 19.72.060(A), (C)
A. The cumulative size of all accessory structures (including attached garages, carports and shops) shall be limited based on the size of the lot or parcel on which they are to be constructed: 1. Smaller than one acre: 2,500 square feet; 2. One acre but smaller than three acres: 3,500 square feet; 3. Three acres but smaller than five acres: 4,000 square feet; 4. Five acres and larger: 6,000 squ...
Tiny Homes
In unincorporated Josephine County, a small ancillary living unit is permitted only as a "detached living space" under a Temporary Use Permit, capped at 900 square feet, and the code expressly excludes wheeled tiny homes from that category, leaving them without a path to legal placement as a dwelling.
Detached Living Space Rules, Josephine County
Significant RestrictionsJosephine County Code § 19.43.030(B)
A "detached living space" shall mean a temporary single-family structure, which is ancillary to the legal principal dwelling on the lot or parcel, has no dining table or dining room, may have an induction cooking surface, but no wiring for or installation of a conventional oven. The intent of the detached living space is to provide incidental in size, nontransient human shelter and living space...
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