Welcome to COID Land Use & Operations
The Land Use Department at Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) is here to guide property owners, developers, and community partners through the requirements for developing near our irrigation infrastructure. We are here to help you navigate the process and work with you to align your project with COID’s standards while safeguarding irrigation infrastructure and ensuring the reliability of our water delivery systems.
This page provides guidance on easements, development requirements, and how to collaborate with our team to keep your project on track.
What We Do
COID’s Land Use Department plays a vital role in safeguarding our infrastructure by overseeing development activities near canals, pipelines, and other irrigation assets. We help preserve:
- Canal bank integrity
- Maintenance and operational access
- Irrigation system functionality
- Protection of easements
- Reliable water delivery
Note: COID easements are permanent and exclusive rights to operate irrigation systems. No structures, fences, sheds, or trees may be placed within an easement without written approval.
Infrastructure, Delivery and Water Rights
Development proposals near COID infrastructure must consider existing canals, pipelines and easements that support irrigation delivery. Protecting these systems ensures uninterrupted water service to patrons. Water rights are tied to specific lands and uses, so any changes to land use or irrigation must be reviewed to ensure compliance and avoid disruption. Early coordination with COID helps safeguard infrastructure and uphold water rights, and is the best way to understand how or if a project can meet COID requirements.
Water Rights: Are there water rights on the subject property? If so, they must either be transferred off or a complete delivery system must be shown on plans for each parcel. Included within the delivery system there must be easements to each parcel retaining water rights and an irrigation contract to be recorded within the county that clearly describes the delivery system to each parcel. If you have any questions regarding your water rights, please contact the office.
Starting a Project
Planning work near a canal or ditch? Submit a Land Use Application with:
- Site plan
- Area maps
- Project description
Start Here:
Response Times
- General Public: 3–5 business days
- Developers: Complete applications required; pre-application meetings may be recommended
Agreements You May Need
Projects affecting easements will require:
- Crossing License – For driveways, utilities, or access routes
- Piping Agreement – For enclosing ditch sections
- Encroachment Approval – For work within easements
- Gate Agreement – For gated access over ditch roads
Fees & Payment
COID charges fees to cover the cost of reviewing applications, conducting site inspections, and processing agreements related to land use and infrastructure.
Common Fees May Include:
- Land Use Application Review – Based on project scope and complexity
- Site Inspections – Required for projects near canals, ditches, or easements
- Agreement Processing – Includes Crossing Licenses, Piping Agreements, and Encroachment Approvals. Some agreements are recorded with the appropriate County.
- Engineering Review – For projects requiring technical evaluation or profile views. COID contracts with a professional engineer for such reviews.
Payment Options:
- By Check – Payable to Central Oregon Irrigation District
- Online Payment – Secure portal available upon request or on our website
Need a Fee Estimate?
Request Current Fee Schedule or contact us directly for a customized quote based on your project.
Developer Handbook
The COID Developer Handbook is your essential guide for planning and building near COID infrastructure. It outlines key standards and policies to help ensure safe, compliant development around canals, ditches, and easements.
Inside the Handbook:
- Design and construction standards near COID facilities
- Easement boundaries and crossing requirements
- Agreement processes for piping, access, and encroachment
- Guidelines for piping and canal crossings
Tip: Review the handbook and contact COID staff early in your planning process to avoid delays and ensure your project aligns with COID requirements.
Engineering Requirements
To protect COID’s irrigation infrastructure, any project involving canal or ditch crossings—such as driveways, culverts, or pipelines—must meet specific engineering standards. These help ensure safe development and reliable water delivery.
Include in Your Plans:
- Elevation details
- Ditch flowline and water surface levels
- Location of proposed structures
- Existing and proposed grade lines
Missing or incomplete information may delay your application. Please contact COID staff early in your planning process to discuss the proposal and COID requirements. For full specifications, refer to the COID Developer Handbook.
Inspections
COID inspections ensure construction near irrigation infrastructure meets district standards. After plan review and a site visit, COID will issue written comments. Once approved, the applicant must schedule a final inspection before completing work, especially before backfilling underground crossings.
Key Reminders:
- Request inspections at least one full business day in advance
- Inspections must occur before backfilling
- Work performed without inspection may be subject to removal and billed at current COID labor rates
- COID inspectors verify pipe placement, trenching, bedding, fittings, and concrete forms
Seasonal Timing
- Irrigation Season: April 1 – October 30
- Construction Season: November 1 – March 1
- Winter Stock Runs: Every +/- 45 days, weather dependent
Projects delaying irrigation will incur liability costs. Plan ahead for winter stock runs and seasonal restrictions. Projects must be completed within Construction Season. COID will not delay irrigation season deliveries to accommodate development projects.
Operations & Easement Access
COID’s Operations & Maintenance team plays a vital role in delivering reliable irrigation by managing the district’s canals, pipelines, pumps, and related infrastructure. This team conducts regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades to optimize system performance and minimize service interruptions.
To support these efforts, clear access to ditch roads and easements is essential. Obstructions like fences, overgrown vegetation, debris, or parked vehicles can delay service, create safety hazards, and impact water delivery such obstructions are not permitted in COID’s easements.
Why It Matters:
- Reliable access for maintenance crews
- Fast emergency response
- Uninterrupted water delivery
- Safer conditions for workers and the public
- Shared responsibility with adjacent property owners
Reminder: Maintain 14-foot vertical clearance for service vehicles. Contact COID before removing trees near easements.
Tree & Landscaping Placement Guidelines
- Plan Ahead – Consider future tree size and canopy spread before planting near easements.
- Maintain Clearance – A 14-foot vertical clearance is required for COID service vehicles.
- Avoid Intrusion – Keep tree canopies entirely outside easement boundaries to reduce the need for heavy pruning.
- Prevent Future Issues – Proper placement today prevents costly maintenance and tree damage later.
Definitions
Easement: A right, such as a right-of-way, afforded a person to make limited use of another’s real property.
Right-of-way: Land that is owned by the public or a governmental agency or government franchisee for transportation and utility facilities
