Oregon's Beach Bill (ORS 390.605-390.770) and Statewide Planning Goals 16-19 give the state primary control over development on ocean shores, estuaries, dunes, and coastal headlands. Local plans must conform to these goals, which DLCD enforces.
ORS 390.605-390.770 vests title and use of the dry-sand area on Oregon's ocean shores in the public and requires an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department permit for most beach alterations, riprap, or improvements seaward of the statutory vegetation line. Statewide Planning Goals 16 (Estuarine Resources), 17 (Coastal Shorelands), 18 (Beaches and Dunes), and 19 (Ocean Resources) require coastal cities and counties to inventory resources, restrict development on active foredunes and unstable beaches, and protect estuarine wetlands. The Department of Land Conservation and Development reviews local plans for compliance, and inconsistent local approvals can be appealed to LUBA.
Building on the ocean shore without an OPRD permit, or in violation of Goal 18 dune restrictions, can require removal, restoration, and civil penalties under ORS 390.990.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
See how Corvallis's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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