Jackson County Planning & Building

You can obtain information such as prior building, zoning, and septic permits issued, sales information, plat maps and tax assessment records, maps of your property with overlays (zoning, flood plain, soils, aerial views etc.), and many other useful tools by using “Front Counter” on the web site at www.co.jackson.or.us From the home page, choose Front Counter Applications. You can research using address, map ID or tax account number. If you don’t have access to the internet in your home, each branch of the Jackson County Library System provides free internet workstations for public use.

One commonly asked question is, “How do I find setback regulations and allowed uses on a specific property?” You can find this information in the Jackson County 2004 Land Development Ordinances (LDO). On our internet site, look at the right side of our home page, choose “Land Ordinances”. Then click on “2004 LDO”.

All proposed building on your property must be reviewed and approved by Planning. However, you may not need a building permit based on the size of the structure or its use for agricultural purposes. You are encouraged to submit complete and accurate information with your application to assist with timely processing. When you are ready to present your proposal to Planning, you will first need to submit an accurate to-scale plot plan showing your proposal. It should include all existing structures, septic drain field and tank, well, and any proposed new structure or addition with distances to property lines. An example of a plot plan can be found on our website.

Zoning

There are many different zoning districts throughout the County, each with a list of permitted & conditional uses that outline how the property can be developed.

Overlays

These are areas of special concern such as wetlands, vernal pools, flood plain, airport approach, wildlife habitat, city Urban Growth Boundaries, and many more. You may need to plan additional time to acquire permits through Planning or other agencies if you are proposing to develop in or near these overlays.

Access

For development purposes, parcels must have legal access in accordance with requirements in effect at the time the parcel was created. Practical physical access to the development site must be possible.

Setbacks

Structures must comply with the standard structural setbacks for the zone in which it is located. Additional setbacks may be required if the property is adjacent to or near a Resource zone boundary or in a designated Fire Hazard Area.

Fire Safety and Fuelbreak

A 100 foot fuelbreak may be required around each structure on property in fire hazard areas. Access (driveway) standards, address signs and steep slopes may be considerations.

Lawful Parcel Creation

To be developed, a parcel must have been lawfully established. Likewise, existing structures must have been properly permitted if further development is to be allowed.

Once Planning has authorized your proposal, you may apply for your building, electrical, plumbing, and sanitation permits.

The services you need to develop your property are all located at 10 S. Oakdale Ave, Room 100, Medford. Call before you come to check on current operating hours. You can contact any of the programs by phone (541) 774-6900 or, toll free, 1-800-452-5021. To speak with the Building Division, call 774- 6927. To specifically speak with a Planner, you can call 774-6907 or 1-800-452-5021, extension 6907, Monday through Friday.