Washington County is responsible for reviewing land use applications for both urban and rural projects. The land development process varies by application type and location (urban or rural).
Urban & Rural Land Use Districts
What is the urban unincorporated area?
Land within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), but outside a city (incorporated) boundary, is urban unincorporated. The County’s goal is to provide compact urban development in combination with urban services such as transit, open space, and parks to enhance quality of life.
Applications will be processed within 120 days.
What is the rural unincorporated area?
Land outside the UGB, and outside a city boundary is rural unincorporated. The County’s goal is to protect farmland and forestland by limiting development within rural land use districts.
Applications will be processed within 150 days.
Review the land use district summary and Community Development Code (CDC) for more detailed information.
Land Development Process
Pre-application Conference
We recommend scheduling a pre-application conference to determine all requirements and learn about Community Development Code and the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Schedule a pre-application conference:
Applicants choosing to forgo a pre-application conference must sign a waiver:
Neighborhood Meeting
A Neighborhood Meeting is a required step before submitting many Type II and Type III land development applications in Washington County. A Neighborhood Meeting allows developers to share early project details with nearby property owners, gather site-specific feedback, and ultimately reduce delays, appeals, or denials in the formal review process.
For Developers:
How to guide on holding a Neighborhood Meeting:
Required mailing for Neighborhood Meetings:
Neighborhood Meeting Submittal Packet:
If you are required to conduct a Neighborhood Meeting, you must submit documentation that the meeting requirements were met.
For Community Members:
Visit our Neighborhood Meetings webpage to learn more about Neighborhood Meeting Notices.
Application Submittal
Washington County reviews applications within 30 days. Applicants must provide missing information and resubmit for review, if needed.
Public Notice
Public notice is required for all Type II and Type III applications.
Type II Applications
- Include a 14‑day public comment period
- Notice is mailed to nearby property owners of addresses within the notification area (500 feet urban/1,000 feet rural)
Type III Applications
- Include a public hearing with a Hearings Officer
- Notice is mailed prior to the hearing to nearby property owners of addresses within the notification area (500 feet urban/1,000 feet rural)
Anyone can request notifications by:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 503‑846‑8761
- Online: webapps.washingtoncountyor.gov/projects-comment
County staff review all comments and prepare staff reports that become part of the public record.
Staff Reports
Staff reports are issued for all applications as a part of decisions.
This includes:
- Determination of how the application complies/does not comply with regulations.
- Approved applications include conditions of approval to ensure compliance.
- Type I and II applications are determined by the director. This decision may be appealed to a County hearings officer for review.
Public Hearing
A hearings officer hears Type III applications and director’s decision appeals. Staff issues a report seven days before the hearing.
Decision/notice of decision (after the hearing and open record periods)
The hearings officer issues a Notice of Decision, explaining how the decision was reached. The decision also includes possible conditions of approval. The Notice of Decision then goes to those in the notification area and those who submitted comments.
Appeal
There is a 12-day period during which a land use decision can be appealed. The following can appeal these decisions:
- Type I: Applicant or property owner. The hearings officer hears these appeals.
- Type II: The applicant, property owner, or others impacted by the decision. The hearings officer hears these appeals.
- Type III: Applicant, property owner, or those who submitted comments or testified at the Public Hearing. The State of Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) hears these appeals.
Filing for Final Approval
Most Type II and Type III decisions include a final approval requirement, showing that the applicant meets the conditions of approval.
Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Development Review/Current Planning
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