Albany Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Albany Zoning Overview
Albany is located in the mid-Willamette Valley at the confluence of the Calapooia and Willamette rivers, serving as the county seat of Linn County. The city is known for its historic districts, with one of the largest collections of Victorian-era homes in Oregon. Albany's economy is based on manufacturing (rare metals processing), agriculture, and healthcare, and the city serves as a regional commercial center for Linn and surrounding counties.
The city's development code is managed by the Community Development Department. Albany has been growing steadily, with new residential development expanding at the city's edges while infill and rehabilitation occur in established neighborhoods and the downtown core.
Key Zoning Districts
Albany's development code includes residential single-family zones (RS-5, RS-6.5, RS-10), medium- and high-density residential (RM, RMA), commercial districts (CC, RC, NC), and industrial zones. Historic overlay districts protect the character of the city's significant Victorian neighborhoods.
ADU Regulations
Albany allows ADUs in all residential zones per Oregon HB 2001. No parking or owner-occupancy is required. ADUs offer infill housing opportunities particularly in Albany's historic neighborhoods.
Development Process
Community Development processes permits and reviews development applications. Major projects go before the Planning Commission. Historic overlay review applies in designated historic districts.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Albany
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Oregon
- Building Code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (HB 2001 / SB 458 - Cities over 2,500 must allow ADUs; no owner-occupancy or parking mandates)
County — Linn County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Albany
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 24 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 4-6 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Albany are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Albany permit fees →