Newberg Zoning & Land Use Guide
What we have on file vs. what to verify locally
We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for Newbergyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.
What we have on file
- Population:
- 25,394
- County:
- Yamhill County
- State building code:
- Oregon Structural Specialty Code (based on 2021 IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- Yes — Oregon SB 1051 (2017) and HB 2001 (2019) require cities with populations greater than 2,500 and counties with populations greater than 15,000 to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit on each detached single-family lot within the urban growth boundary, subject to reasonable local siting and design regulations. HB 2001 also legalized middle housing (duplexes through fourplexes) in qualifying jurisdictions.
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of Newberg Community Development Department
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View city zoning map
Verify these locally
- Call the City of Newberg Community Development Department: (503) 537-1240
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the city zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Newberg and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Newberg Zoning Overview
Newberg is a city of approximately 25,400 residents in Yamhill County, Oregon, in the northern Willamette Valley about 25 miles southwest of Portland. The city is located in the heart of Oregon's premier wine country — Yamhill County is internationally recognized for Pinot Noir production — and is home to George Fox University, a private Christian liberal arts institution. Land use and development are regulated through the city's Development Code, codified in the Newberg Municipal Code, and administered by the Community Development Department.
Oregon's statewide land use planning system has an outsized influence on development in Newberg. The city maintains an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) in coordination with Yamhill County; beyond the UGB lies Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zoned land that is strictly protected from urban development. This system preserves the vineyards and farms that surround Newberg. Within the city, Oregon's HB 2001 (2019) requires Newberg to allow ADUs on all single-family lots and to permit middle housing (duplexes through four-plexes) in residential zones. Oregon's Building Codes Division administers the statewide structural and residential specialty codes.
Key Zoning Districts
Newberg's residential zones include R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Medium-Density), and R-3 (Multi-Family) districts. Downtown Newberg is governed by a Central Business District (CBD) zone with no setbacks required, supporting the pedestrian-oriented commercial streetscape. General Commercial (C-2) zones line major arterials, and Light Industrial (LI) zones serve employment uses.
| District | Type | Min Lot Size | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1 | Single-Family | 6,000 sq ft | 20 ft | 5 ft | 10 ft | 35 ft |
| R-2 | Medium-Density | 4,500 sq ft | 15 ft | 5 ft | 10 ft | 35 ft |
| R-3 | Multi-Family | Varies | 15 ft | 5 ft | 10 ft | 40 ft |
| CBD | Central Business | Varies | 0 ft | 0 ft | Varies | 45 ft |
ADU Rules
Oregon HB 2001 (2019) requires Newberg to allow at least one ADU per single-family lot across residential zones. The state significantly limits the city's ability to impose restrictions on ADU size, design, or parking beyond what the state law allows. ADUs may be attached, detached, or internal (e.g., basement or above-garage unit). Contact Community Development at (503) 537-1240 for current local ADU standards and permit procedures.
Development Process
Development in Newberg requires permits from Community Development. The typical process includes:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm the zoning designation and Urban Growth Boundary status of your parcel by contacting Community Development or using city GIS tools
- Planning Application — Certain uses require a Conditional Use Permit or Site Review approval from the Planning Commission
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with documents complying with the Oregon Structural or Residential Specialty Code as applicable
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupancy
Projects outside the UGB are subject to Yamhill County jurisdiction and generally cannot proceed under EFU zoning without a county exception.
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Newberg, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning and UGB status of their parcel by contacting Community Development at (503) 537-1240
- Understand that development outside the UGB falls under Yamhill County's EFU zoning and is generally not permitted for urban uses
- Understand Oregon HB 2001 ADU and middle housing rights — state law provides strong protections
- Review the Newberg Municipal Code for district-specific standards
- Check FEMA flood zone status using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center — the Chehalem Creek and other waterways in the area create some flood risk
- Properties adjacent to the UGB on the urban side may be subject to farm-friendly fencing and notification requirements due to neighboring agricultural uses
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Newberg and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Newberg Community Development or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Newberg
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 (OSSC) and Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), administered by Oregon Building Codes Division
- State ADU Override: Yes (Oregon's statewide ADU framework is SB 1051 (2017) plus HB 2001 (2019) middle housing. HB 2098 (2021) is a rental-assistance bill, not ADU.)
County — Yamhill County
- Role: Yamhill County administers planning and land use in unincorporated areas, including EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) zones surrounding Newberg's Urban Growth Boundary. The county and city coordinate on UGB planning under Oregon's statewide land use system. Yamhill County is world-renowned for Pinot Noir wine production.
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
- EFU Zone Boundary (Urban Growth Boundary) — Newberg is surrounded by Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zoned land governed by Yamhill County. The Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) marks the edge of the urban area and the beginning of agricultural land. Development is not permitted outside the UGB without a county exception or UGB amendment. Properties adjacent to the UGB on the urban side may be affected by farm activity and agricultural odors from neighboring vineyards, orchards, and farms.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional requirements. Many newer Newberg subdivisions have HOA restrictions.
Statewide Context (Oregon)
Local data for Newberg is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Oregon and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- Oregon Structural Specialty Code (based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- Yes — state law overrides local rules
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- Yes
ADU Rules in Newberg
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Newberg are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Newberg permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific