Have questions we haven't answered? Let us know! Contact the City Planner or Planning Staff via email or call (503) 436-8042.

Under what circumstances do I need a building permit?
(1) New construction, except nonhabitable one story buildings with an area that does not exceed 200 square feet or that have a height of ten feet measured to the highest point;
(2) Replacement, repair or remodeling that requires changes to the framing or sheeting;
(3) Fences more than six feet in height or those which a re required barriers around swimming pools or spas;
(4) Retaining walls more than four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing; and
(5) Decks, walkways and platforms more than 30 inches above grade, including replacement and repairs.

For building permit applications, visit the Forms Library. For more information on building permits, visit the Building Department.

When do I need to have my property surveyed?
The City requires that property corner boundaries be clearly marked with official recorded survey pins before permits will be issued if your project includes exterior elements of a building. If your survey was recorded prior to January 1, 1986, you may need to have that survey reviewed and confirmed as to its accuracy by a licensed surveyor. In addition, you may need to provide a copy of your recorded survey to confirm that the survey pin placement corresponds with property corners. To obtain information on whether there is a recorded survey for your property, call the Clatsop County Surveyor’s Office at (503) 325-8631 or visit their website at www.co.clatsop.or.us

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
Maybe. A tree removal permit is required to cut down any tree more than six inches in diameter, when measured at a height of four and-one-half feet above the natural grade. The City issues tree removal permits when at least one of seven criteria is met. Tree removal permit applications forms are available at City Hall.

Can I conduct business activities from my home?
Yes, if a City business license is obtained and the criteria outlined below are met. Although businesses are generally not permitted in residential zones, the City’s Zoning Ordinance permits small home businesses, referred to as home occupations. The City permits three types of home businesses: Type I home occupations; Type II home occupations; and cottage industries.

(1) Type I home occupations employ only family members that reside at the dwelling and are permitted in all residential zones as an outright use.
(2) Type II home occupations are permitted to have one employee, other than a family member, and are permitted in all residential zones on a conditional use basis.
(3) Cottage industries are permitted to have one employee, other than a family member, and are only permitted in the RVL zone on a conditional use basis.

For more information, download a home occupation business license application form.

What are the City’s restrictions on fences?
The City regulates fence height and material in required yards.Click here for information about regulations on fence height and materials.

What is the zoning designation of my property and what are the standards for that zone?
City staff can determine the zoning of a specific parcel of property if provided with a street address or map/tax lot number. Once the zoning has been determined, staff can provide the standards with regard to a particular zone, or you may download the information from our website. Click here for links to the City’s zoning standards.

What are the City’s setback requirements in residential zones?
Buildings and other improvements must be setback from property lines. The City’s Zoning Ordinance defines this required setback as a “yard.” There are five types of yards: front yard, rear yard, side yard, street side yard and ocean yard.Click here for information about the City’s setback requirements.

Does the City regulate lot coverage?
Yes. The Zoning Ordinance regulates the portion of a lot that can be covered with hard-surfaced materials such as buildings, decks, driveways and walkways. The maximum lot coverage is 50%.Click here to download a work sheet for calculating lot coverage.

Are there restrictions on the size of single family dwellings?
Yes. The Zoning Ordinance regulates the maximum gross square footage of dwellings. The method for achieving this objective is called the floor area ratio (FAR). The maximum FAR is determined by Zoning Districts and is outlined below.

RVL Zone maximum FAR = .5
RL Zone Lots > 5,000 square feet, maximum FAR = .5
Lots = 5,000 square feet, maximum FAR = .6
R1 Zone maximum FAR = .6
R2 Zone maximum FAR = .6
R3 Zone maximum FAR = .6
RAM Zone maximum FAR = .6
RM Zone maximum FAR = .6

For example, if you own a 5,000 square foot lot in the R2 Zone, your house and garage may have a total floor area of no more than 3,000 square feet. The floor area ratio does not apply to multifamily dwellings.Click here to download a work sheet for calculating floor area ratio.

What are the restrictions on building height?
The maximum building height in the City’s residential zones is 28 feet. The maximum building height in the City’s RM, Residential Motel, Zone is 32 feet. The maximum building height in the C1, Limited Commercial, Zone is 28 feet. The maximum building height in the C2, General Commercial, Zone is 36 feet. Click here for more information on building height restrictions or to download diagrams to calculate existing grade and building height.

Are there restrictions on building in wetland areas?
Yes. The City has prepared maps that indicate where wetlands are located. Areas identified as wetlands are subject to the standards of the City’s Wetland Overlay Zone. If your property is identified as a wetland on the City map, you may be required to determine the extent of wetlands on your property prior to any construction; this report is termed a wetland delineation. If your property contains wetlands, at a minimum you have the right to construct one dwelling on piling. The City has a list of persons and firms that prepare wetland delineation.

Both the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Division of State Lands have regulatory authority over wetlands. You may need to obtain a permit from either or both agencies before you can commence construction a wetland area.

What do I need to know about sign regulations?
The City has a FAQ prepared on signs in Cannon Beach. Click here to download a copy.

What projects are subject to design review?
All commercial development is subject to the City’s design review process as are duplexes, triplexes, and multifamily dwellings.

For more information on the design review process:
Scope of the Design Review Board or to Learn more about the Design Review Board