Development Services Newsletter | July 2026

Development Services Division - Fee Updates for FY 26-27

Each year Development Services evaluates our fees and determines if any adjustments need to be proposed.  This year we opted not to increase any of our building, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing fees.  Development Services did propose and received approval from City Council to increase some of the fees associated with permits for work in the right-of-way.  Small adjustments were made to several of the minor permits for installing and repairing sidewalks and driveways.  Additionally, the fees for constructing a private street or alley were increased to align closely with the costs our Public Works Department charges to permit and inspect public streets and alleys.  Please contact Development Services if you have any questions about these fee changes that go into effect on July 1^st.

Planning Division - Fee Updates for FY 26-27

Over the past year, City staff and City Council have discussed adjustments to land use application fees. This is very typical and happens every year, based on requirements in State law and the Land Development Code. City Council reviews the methodology used to determine fees for each land use application type, the overall impact the fees have on the City budget and applicants, and then makes an annual decision on whether the City is to charge fees at all for any given land use application type and what the recovery cost of the fees should be.

There has been discussion in previous years by the City Council to potentially begin charging application fees for historic preservation-related land use applications. Of all the similar types of land use applications the City processes (such as Willamette River Greenway, Planned Developments, etc.), only historic preservation related applications have no fee. With the annual fee update for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, City Council decided that the City should start charging application fees for historic preservation-related land use applications, beginning in the next fiscal year, which starts on July 1, 2026. Additionally, within the past year, City Council moved to adopt a policy of eventually achieving 100% cost recovery for all land use applications. Up until last fiscal year, the City generally implemented a 70% cost recovery model for most land use applications, and no cost recovery for historic preservation related actions. Last year, City Council adopted an 80% cost recovery model with direction of moving toward 100% cost recovery. For this year’s fee update, City Council furthered that goal by adopting a 90% cost recovery. The addition of historic-preservation related application fees is part of that decision, but at 40% cost recovery. Additional information and the adopted fee schedule can be found on this land use applications page, linked here: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cd/page/applications-and-fees.

Changes to Land Use Public Notifications

In its regular “short” session earlier this year, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 4037, which contains a variety of new housing-related rules that are to be implemented starting July 1, 2026. Among the changes to be made in accordance with HB4037 (2026) are procedures for public notice and appeal associated with the development of housing. To review the text of HB4037 (2026), visit the Oregon State Legislature here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4037/Enrolled

As of the implementation date of July 1, 2026, the City will be beholden to the following rules:

• Notice: Notice will only be delivered to owners of property within 100 feet of certain housing developments (or within 500 feet of housing developments with 20 units or more).
  • The City may not send certain public hearing notices to Neighborhood Associations for some land use actions.
  • The City may not send notice to renters either.
• Hearing: The City is prohibited from requiring a public hearing before making a decision (but may allow a hearing in the event of an appeal).
• Appeals: Local appeals to certain housing developments and/or land use decisions can only be made by the applicant.

For more information, you can check out page 284 of the electronic packet for the June 15, 2026 meeting, linked here: CC 06-15-2026 Packet

The Community Development Department believes strongly that the community should be able to access information about development projects occurring in the City, regardless of housing ownership status or physical location. The City maintains many online tools to assist the community in understanding development activities if interested. These tools can be accessed via our Community Development Resources webpage, linked here: Community Development Resources | Corvallis Oregon.

Tall Weeds & Grass - Who do I Contact?

It's that time of year again! Tall grass is back in Corvallis. Who do I call if I have a concern?

Are there tall weeds or grass on private property?

Use Corvallis Connect, and under Topic Areas, select “Private Property - Weeds, Tall Grass, & Vegetation on Private Property” .  If you are unable to complete an online form, please reach Development Services by phone at 541-766-6929 during regular work hours.

Are there overgrown plants in the public right-of-way that may be causing a transportation hazard? 

Use Corvallis Connect, and under Topic Areas, select “Streets, Signs and Sidewalks - Vegetation Obstruction”. If you are unable to complete an online form, please reach Public Works by phone at 541-766-6916 during regular work hours.

Are there tall weeds and grass in a city park?

Most areas of city parks are classified as Naturescaping and are not enforced as tall grass on private property.  However, you can still notify park staff if you find an area of concern.  Use Corvallis Connect, and under Topic Areas, select “Parks and Recreation – Maintenance In Parks”.  If you are unable to complete an online form, please reach Parks and Recreation by phone at 541-766-6918 during regular work hours.

Is there an imminent danger of fire in an area of tall grass?

If there are active conditions that could create a fire, contact the Corvallis Fire Department by phone at 541-766-5070 or by email at wildfire@corvallisoregon.gov.