Accessory Structures in Lane County, OR (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Lane County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Lane County allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot in the Rural Residential zone under Lane Code section 16.290(8), but only on parcels of at least two acres that already hold a single-family home. The ADU is capped at 900 square feet of usable floor area, must sit within 100 feet of the existing house, and needs a Type I land-use permit plus written fire-district certification before the county will approve it.
Rural ADU Rules in Lane County
Some RestrictionsLane Code § LC 16.290(8)
(a) Purpose. The provisions of this section are intended to implement state law authorizing the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to provide additional housing opportunities on rural lands and to encourage the preservation of historic housing stock. ... (c) Criteria for ADUs. A lot or parcel may qualify for one (1) ADU pursuant to the criteria under either subsection (xi) or (xii) ...
ADU Impact Fees
Lane County charges its Parks and Recreation System Development Charge on every new dwelling built in the unincorporated area, but Lane Code 4.030.020(C) sets the accessory dwelling unit rate at half of the single-family charge. The fee applies to building permits filed after April 14, 2002, is calculated from the county's 2001 SDC Methodology Report, and is collected by the Administrator before the county issues the ADU's building permit.
Lane County Charges Half-Rate Parks SDC for ADUs
Some RestrictionsLane Code § LC 4.030.020(C)
A. Except as otherwise provided in LC 4.030.005 through LC 4.030.075, a Parks and Recreation SDC shall be imposed upon all new development with new dwelling units for which an application for a building permit is filed after April 14, 2002. B. Except as otherwise provided in LC 4.030.005 through LC 4.030.075, manufactured housing shall be charged the full SDC rate. C. Except as otherwise provid...
Shed & Carport Rules
Sheds, garages, greenhouses and other accessory structures are a permitted use on rural residential (RR) land in unincorporated Lane County under Lane Code 16.290(2)(t), no discretionary review needed. But every one still has to clear the property-line setbacks in LC 16.290(7)(a): 20 feet from a road right-of-way, 10 feet from other lot lines, unless the shed is under 120 square feet and sits more than 10 feet from other structures.
Shed and Accessory Building Rules in Lane County
Some RestrictionsLane Code § LC 16.290(7)(a)
(a) Property Line Setbacks. Structures other than a fence or sign shall be located: (i) At least 20 feet from the right-of-way of a State road, County road or a local access public road specified in LC Chapter 15; (ii) At least 10 feet from all other property lines; and (ii) Notwithstanding LC 16.290(7)(a)(ii) above, a structure that contains less than 120 square feet of floor area and that is ...
Tiny Homes
A tiny house on a permanent foundation is treated as a dwelling or ADU under Lane Code 16.290 and must meet building code plus the 900 sq ft ADU cap. In the RR zone, one recreational vehicle used for residential purposes is allowed under a rental agreement per LC 16.290(9).
Tiny Homes and RV Dwellings in Lane County
Some RestrictionsLane Code 16.290(2)(w)
Not more than one (1) recreational vehicle used for residential purposes on a lot or parcel that is subject to a residential rental agreement and meets the standards of LC 16.290(9).
Accessory Structures by City in Lane County
1 cities in Lane County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Lane County ordinances
See every category we cover for Lane County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Lane County Ordinance Hub →