3 Things to Consider When Building a Pole Barn in Central Oregon

So you're thinking about building a pole barn garage or shop on your property in Central Oregon, this is exciting! Post-frame buildings are one of the most cost-effective and durable ways to add usable space—whether you're parking vehicles, storing toys, or building out a full-blown workshop. They offer an incredibly cost affective way to give shelter to the things that you find important in your life.  But before you break ground, here are three important things to consider that can save you time, money, and future headaches.

1. Site Location & Drainage

Pole barns are only as solid as the ground they sit on. Central Oregon’s high desert climate comes with unique challenges—from rocky soil to flash flooding during seasonal storms. Here’s what to think about:

• Does your site slope? If not, you may need excavation to create proper water runoff.
• How does snow melt or rain flow across your lot?
• Where will we be accessing this garage from?  Will it require a seperate driveway, or land clearing?

Where there's a will there's a way, and sometimes making sure you're being realistic about where this project is starting from is a great way to make sure all variables are being taken into account when designing your project.

2. Permitting & Zoning Requirements

In Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, setbacks and size limits can vary a lot depending on your zoning. Don’t assume just because you have space that you're good to go. Here’s what can impact your design:

• Setback requirements: How far from your property line the building must be.
• Structure spacing: Minimum distance between your new garage and existing buildings.
• Size caps: Some zones limit garage size (e.g., 1,500 sq ft in certain residential areas).
• Usage: Shops vs. garages vs. accessory dwellings have different codes.

Information can be found on your county websites, and if you want a cheat code, pull up chatGPT and ask it what the zoning for your address is.  Its typically correct (but not always).

3. Future Use & Insulation Needs

Most people start with a simple garage in mind, but we’ve seen plenty of projects evolve into full-blown shops, hobby spaces, or even partial guest quarters.Ask yourself:

• Will you want heat, water, or plumbing someday?
• Do you plan to finish the interior or just leave it as cold storage?
• Do you need thicker concrete for a lift or heavy equipment?

One of the beautiful things about post frame construction is the ease in which you can add things in later.  Work within your budget's comfort zone today, and prep your work to add on some of the extras at a later date as your finances allow.

Final Thoughts

A pole barn is a long-term investment, and taking the time to consider your site conditions, permitting requirements, and future use will set you up for success. Central Oregon’s climate and soil, and volcanic geography can create some unique challenges, but with a little planning, you can avoid common pitfalls and end up with a structure that truly fits your needs —now and down the road.