Grants Pass Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Grants Pass Zoning Overview
Grants Pass is the county seat of Josephine County in southern Oregon, situated along the Rogue River. The city has experienced significant growth driven by its outdoor recreation amenities, relatively affordable housing compared to other Oregon cities, and remote work trends. Grants Pass gained national attention through the Grants Pass v. Johnson U.S. Supreme Court case (2024) addressing homelessness and public camping regulations.
The city's development code is managed by the Community Development Department. Planning priorities include accommodating growth within the urban growth boundary, managing housing affordability, and addressing wildfire risk from surrounding forest lands.
Key Zoning Districts
Grants Pass uses residential zones (R-1-6 through R-1-12 for single-family, R-2 and R-3 for multi-family), commercial districts (GC, SC, CBD), and industrial zones. The city has adopted middle housing code amendments per HB 2001.
ADU Regulations
Grants Pass allows ADUs in all residential zones per Oregon HB 2001. No parking or owner-occupancy is required. ADUs are an increasingly important housing option in this growing community.
Development Process
Community Development processes permits and land use applications. Major projects go before the Planning Commission. Development must comply with Oregon statewide planning goals and the city's comprehensive plan.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Grants Pass
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 — Josephine 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
- 6,000 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
- 5 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 Grants Pass
- 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
- 4-8 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Grants Pass are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Grants Pass permit fees →