Zoning 101
Where can I find my Zoning?
You can find your property's zoning information via dial.deschutes.org under the "Development Summary" tab. You can watch the video for assistance in finding this information.
1. Navigate to Dial.Deschutes.org
2. Search for the address
3. Locate the Development Tab
What are the types of zones?
Most zoning in the County has two components. The base zone and the overlay zone.
The base zone determines the uses allowed on a given property. There are several types of base zones in Deschutes County described in more detail below.
The combining zone (or "overlay zone") applies additional requirements to development in specific areas. These are typically associated with resource protection including wildlife migration areas, properties adjacent to surface mines, or areas adjacent to an airport runway. You can find more details on combining zones in the page below.
The base zone page below outlines key features of common base zones in Deschutes County. Contact Planning Division staff or do your own research to verify this information applies to a specific property. For example, certain subdivisions may have special setback requirements in addition to the setbacks required in that zone. Deschutes County also has a number of destination resorts--including Tetherow, Eagle Crest, Pronghorn, and Caldera Springs--and the setbacks and allowed uses will be specific to the land use approval for that destination resort.
In addition to the setbacks listed in the table below, most properties are also required to meet solar setbacks. This is only measured from the north property line and the required setback will depend on the height of the building. Solar setbacks are intended to prevent a building from shading out a neighboring property. For a quick overview of setbacks, click here to watch a short video.
What can I do in my Zone?
This is a complex question to answer as many different zones can influence what you can do on your property. Once you have located your property and the zones associated, use the links at the bottom of this page to learn more about your base zones and combining zones, if any.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Setbacks?
In general, setbacks are the required distance between a structure and a property line. Natural features such as rivers and rimrock also require setbacks from structures. Structures that do not require building permits are still subject to setbacks. As outlined in this brochure, fences may be allowed within required setbacks subject to additional restrictions.
Is an Existing Building or Use 'Grandfathered In'?
Please contact Planning staff if there is an existing building or use on a property that does not appear to be allowed under current zoning, since these situations are very property-specific. A nonconforming use is one that was lawfully established but violates current zoning requirements. In general, a land use application is always required to verify or alter a nonconforming use.
Substandard Lot Sizes
Many lots in Deschutes County were created before our current zoning regulations were adopted, and are smaller than the minimum lot size required in a zone. For example, the Rural Residential (RR10) Zone requires a 10-acre minimum size for new parcels, but many existing properties in this zone are smaller than 10 acres. Properties with this situation can be developed as allowed under current zoning, but cannot be divided any smaller.
What is a Home Occupation?
An occupation or profession carried on within a dwelling, and/or residential accessory structure by a resident or employees. An accounting business, hair stylist, therapist, seamstress, and piano teacher are examples of home occupation. Certain home-based businesses are allowed outright, whereas others may require a conditional use permit depending on how intensive the use is, the base zone, and type of business. For more information, see the home occupation brochure.
Zone Types
Summary of Base Zones; Exclusive Farm Use (EFU), Forest Use Zone (F1)/ Forest Use Zone (F2), Multiple Use Agricultural (MUA-10), Rural Commercial Zone (RC), Rural Industrial Zone (RI), Rural Residential (RR-10), & Urban Area Reserve Zone (UAR-10).
Summary of Combining Zones; Landscape Management , Wildlife Area, Surface Mining Impact Area, Airport Safety, Greater Sage-Grou Area, and Sensitive birth and Mammal Habitat Combining Zone.
