Usually no. New buildings within riparian areas are restricted unless specifically approved through County review.

Expansion closer to a river or stream is not allowed without approval. Any expansion must avoid additional impacts and may require review.

Possibly. Replacement of an existing structure in the same location may be allowed with County approval, as long as no additional riparian area is disturbed.

Not without approval. Ground disturbance is limited in riparian areas and requires County review.

Possibly, but only at approved locations and with designs that minimize impacts to streams and fish habitat.

Yes. Floodplain regulations may apply in addition to riparian rules, depending on your property.

• New development is restricted
• Structures must be set back from rivers and streams
• Ground disturbance must be minimized
• Impacts to vegetation and streambanks must be avoided

These rules are designed to reduce flood risk, erosion, and damage to property and infrastructure.

• Lawfully existing structures may remain
• Includes homes, buildings, and driveways

However:

• Structures cannot be expanded closer to the stream without approval
• Replacement or modification may require review
• Vegetation protection rules still apply

Existing development does not create a right to new or expanded impacts.

• New buildings or structures in riparian areas
• Expanding structures closer to rivers or streams
• Grading, filling, or excavating soil
• Placing fill, gravel, or construction materials near water
• Adding paved or impervious surfaces
• Straightening, piping, or altering stream channels

These activities can increase erosion, flood damage, and habitat impacts.

These activities may be permitted thorugh an approval process. 

• Replacement of existing structures
• Approved road or driveway crossings
• Utilities, drainage facilities, or irrigation pumps
• Water-dependent or water-related uses

All approved activities must:

• Minimize disturbance
• Restore impacted areas
• Meet County, state, and federal requirements

An approved project plan is required.

• Road and driveways should avoid riparian areas whenever possible
• Must be located at approved crossing points
• Must be designed to reduce impacts to streams and fish
• Disturbed areas must be stabilized and replanted

Some projects may also require floodplain review or additional permits.

A setback is a required distance between a stream, river, wetland, or riparian area and certain types of development, construction, vegetation removal, or ground disturbance. Setbacks are included in some local ordinances to help protect streambanks, water quality, floodplain function, habitat, and riparian vegetation.

Setbacks are often measured from the “top of bank,” which generally means the upper edge of a streambank where the slope begins to level out. Top of bank is not always easy to identify, especially where banks are gradual, vegetated, eroded, modified, or affected by seasonal flows.

If you have questions about identifying top of bank or understanding setbacks near water, contact JSWCD. We are not a regulatory agency, but we can help you understand where to start and who to contact.

May be allowed only in limited cases when:

• The property would otherwise be unbuildable, and
• Equal or better protection is provided through mitigation

Requires:

• County approval
• Detailed plans
• ODFW review

Simple wire fencing is generally considered low impact. However:

• Vegetation removal to install fencing may require County approval
• Ground disturbance may require review
• Fencing should not block flood flows or damage streambanks

Property owners are encouraged to contact the County before installing fencing in riparian areas.