Development Services Newsletter | October 2026

Solid Waste Codes & Rules

With summer giving way to fall, it’s the time of year when Corvallis sees a new round of students and residents moving and finishing those warm-weather projects before the rain comes. Here are a few tips to make sure you keep your property in compliance with our livability codes for the new season. Corvallis responds to these concerns on a complaint-driven basis; however, understanding the city regulations will help ensure your property remains in compliance.

Landlords are responsible for providing adequate waste receptables to properly serve the number of dwelling units that are to be serviced at least weekly. This applies to one- and two-dwelling-unit properties as well as multifamily properties. In addition, receptacles are required for both recycling and yard waste. Overflowing trash might mean more receptacles are needed or more frequent pickups should be scheduled. 

Do you have items that won’t fit in a trash can? This could include discarded bedding, mattresses and furniture, large yard debris or tree stumps, or demolition/construction debris. Once these items are outside, they need to be properly disposed of within one week. 

Lastly, there are some specific rules for exterior sanitation as it relates to furniture. The Corvallis Municipal code defines interior furnishings as any item designed to be used indoors or protected from the elements, such as upholstered furniture, indoor appliances, and indoor carpet. Before the rain comes, please move these items inside or store them in a way that prevents them from deteriorating in the winter weather. 

Proposed Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code Amendments for Housing

City staff are finalizing proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Land Development Code (LDC) text amendments related to clear and objective standards for residential development. The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on October 21, to consider changes to the Comprehensive Plan and LDC. These changes implement recommendations from the 2018 Code Audit project, implement state law requirements to provide clear and objective standards and procedures for the development of housing, and update the development standards chapters in Article 4 of the LDC. The proposed amendments also implement Oregon Middle Housing rule updates adopted in 2026.

This final phase of the Code Audit Project continues the phase 3 updates focused on the City’s zoning chapters in Article 3 of the LDC. As a result, the majority of LDC chapters are proposed to receive modifications, with changes ranging from chapter overhauls to minor clerical adjustments.

The proposed changes are intended to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Remove discretionary review processes for all Residential development, as required by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 197A.400 – Local Requirements for Housing.
2. Implement Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) related to nonconforming lot sizes, middle housing allowances, and cottage cluster standards.
3. Clarify zoning map provisions relating to split-zoned properties.
4. Align land division and property boundary modification provisions with state rules and adjust infill land division standards.
5. Clarify Conditional Development approval criteria associated with residential development within the Willamette River Greenway (WRG) Overlay.
6. Clarify development improvements standards, such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities associated with adopted area plans.
7. Clarify and relocate accessory development regulations for engineered retaining walls and accessory dwelling units.
8. Revise standards relating to multi-dwelling bicycle parking, common garbage collection, and subdivision housing type variety.
9. Provide a consistent and logical structure for natural features-related chapters, clarify existing policy and standards related to natural features protections, and revise hillside development standards.
10. Correct the Significant Vegetation Map consistent with DDI09-00003 (Order 2009-053) and update the associated Natural Resource Overlay on the Comprehensive Plan Map and Official Zoning Map.
11. Add, clarify, or replace LDC definitions associated with proposed changes.
12. Make varied clerical adjustments to maintain or improve the clarity and usability of the code.

Following the October Planning Commission meeting, the City Council will consider staff and Planning Commission recommendations, and a recommendation to adopt the changes by January 1, 2027, for purposes of implementing the Oregon Middle Housing rule updates.

Corvallis Fire Department Emergency Management Updates

October is Earthquake Preparedness Month! There's no better time to make sure you and your neighbors are ready. Join millions of people across the state on October 15 at 10:15 a.m. in the Great Oregon ShakeOut, an annual earthquake drill where participants practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." It's a quick, simple way to build the habits that keep you safe when the ground starts shaking. Take a few minutes this month to check your emergency kit, secure heavy furniture, and talk through your family's plan. Living in the Pacific Northwest means being prepared, and every small step counts. Learn more and register to participate at https://www.shakeout.org/oregon/.

Events: Corvallis Fire Open House, Safety & Resources Fair on Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Fire Station #1, 400 NW Harrison Blvd.  

Link for more information: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/fire/page/fire-department-annual-open-house-safety-fair-october-3.