Development Process Summary

Welcome to the City of Aurora. We thank you for choosing Aurora for locating your project.

The nature of your project determines the process for obtaining permits. Simple projects may not require any permits at all, or may only require an over-the-counter permit such as a building permit for a new garage or a planning permit for cutting a tree or a simple sign change.

Building permits are issued by the City Recorder before any work begins. When the project is complete, a final building inspection is required, and for new buildings, a Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the facility may be occupied. City personnel will process building permits applications and fees, and plan review and inspections are performed by staff from the Marion County Building Department. Most projects that require building permits must also have land use approvals from the City. In Oregon, there are three main types of land use procedures for property owners and developers. Type 1 is the simplest: the City Planning Director makes the decision, without written notice to neighbors or a public hearing. Type 1 approvals are for things like a small addition to an existing house that complies with all the setbacks and other zoning requirements and are not subject to appeal in most circumstances. Type 2 decisions are also made by the Planning Director, but first notice is provided to neighbors and they are welcome to submit comments to the City about the application. Partitions are an example of a Type 2 procedure. Type 3 applications require a public hearing, and decisions are made by the Planning Commission or City Council. Examples include subdivisions and variances. Type 2 and 3 land use decisions may be appealed. The land use procedures for different types of development and appeals are found in Title 16 of the Municipal Code.

For projects within the historic overlay districts, different procedures often apply. The Historic Review Board is the City's decision maker for a variety of development applications, building permits, and exterior modifications to properties within the historic overlay districts and to cultural resources throughout the City. If your property is within the overlay or involves a historic structure, the best way to begin is by speaking with the Board.

A telephone call to the City will help you determine the process needed to complete your project. Complicated projects routinely start with a pre-application meeting, where City staff will inform you in detail about the information and materials required for your particular type of application, as well as the standards, criteria, and procedures that will apply. Applicants are encouraged to stay in contact with the staff reviewing your application. Two-way communication is always helpful to keep the review process running smoothly for both the applicant and the City.

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