West Linn Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
West Linn Zoning Overview
West Linn is a residential city in Clackamas County, located along the Willamette and Tualatin rivers south of Portland. Known for its natural beauty, parks, and top-rated schools, West Linn is one of the more affluent communities in the Portland metro area. The city's hilly terrain and extensive tree canopy create a distinctive character that local planning seeks to preserve.
The development code is managed by the Planning Department. West Linn's planning balances accommodating housing growth required by Metro's regional framework with preserving the natural features and residential character that define the community. HB 2001 has required the city to allow middle housing types in formerly single-family-only zones.
Key Zoning Districts
West Linn's code includes single-family residential zones (R-10, R-7, R-5, R-4.5, R-3), multi-family zones (R-2.1, R-3), commercial districts, and limited industrial areas. The Bolton and Willamette neighborhoods have specific planning designations. Steep slope and flood hazard overlays affect significant portions of the city.
ADU Regulations
West Linn allows ADUs in all residential zones per Oregon HB 2001. No parking or owner-occupancy is required. ADUs provide additional housing options in this largely built-out community.
Development Process
The Planning Department reviews land use applications. Major projects require Planning Commission review. West Linn's hilly terrain means many projects require geotechnical review and compliance with steep slope regulations.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in West Linn
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 — Clackamas 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
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in West Linn
- 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 West Linn are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check West Linn permit fees →