Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Coastal Goals And Beach Bill Statewide Controls

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Key Facts

Statutes: ORS 390.605-390.770
Goals: 16, 17, 18, 19
Beach permit: OPRD required
Plan review: DLCD acknowledgment
Appeal forum: LUBA

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Oregon Public Law

Summary

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.

(1) In order to promote the public health, safety and welfare, to protect the state recreation areas recognized and declared by ORS 390.610 and 390.615, to protect the safety of the public using such areas, and to preserve values adjacent to and adjoining such areas, the natural beauty of the ocean shore and the public recreational benefit derived therefrom, it is necessary to control and regulate improvements on the ocean shore. Unless a permit therefor is granted as provided by ORS 390.650, no person shall make an improvement on any property that is within the ocean shore.

Source: Oregon Public LawView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a coastal city approve a house on an active foredune?

Generally no. Statewide Planning Goal 18 prohibits residential construction on active foredunes and conditionally stable foredunes that would be subject to ocean undercutting or wave overtopping.

Do I need a state permit to put riprap on my beach property?

Yes. Most shoreline armoring seaward of the statutory vegetation line requires an Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Ocean Shore permit under ORS 390.640 and OAR Chapter 736.

Sources

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