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Why do I have to buy a permit to build on my own property?

Oregon law requires you to obtain permits – even on your own property – to ensure that minimum building standards are met for your own safety and for the safety of future property owners and occupants.

Who is responsible for obtaining permits?

The property owner or contractor is responsible for obtaining structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and manufactured dwelling setup permits. For electrical work, Oregon law requires that if an electrical contractor performs the work, the contractor is responsible for obtaining the permit. Electrical permits are non-transferable.

How do I obtain a construction permit?

To get a construction permit, you must complete a permit application. Permit applications are available from the local building department in your area. Take or mail the permit application to your local planning department for required land use approval and to the local sanitation authority or Department of Environmental Quality for required sanitation or septic approval.

Information that may be required includes:

The address and legal description of the property.
A description of the work proposed.
The owner’s name, address, and phone number.
If a contractor is doing the work, the contractor’s name, address, phone number, and state license number.
Generally two sets of plans for new construction of homes or remodeling that clearly show all work on the building and where the building sits on the property. Typical plans include a site plan, floor plans, and cross sections showing construction details.

When can I start work?

When an actual construction permit is issued to you, work can begin. The permit must be available on the job site and available to the inspector. If you’ve submitted plans and specifications, one set of plans stamped “Approved” will be returned to you. These approved plans, along with the construction permit, must be available on the job site and available to the inspector.

How do I get an inspection?

Any work done under a permit must be inspected by a certified inspector.

You may call the inspection request line at the building department in your area within 24 hours of completion of any phase of the project. A minimum of 24 hours notice is usually required for inspections.. When you call, you will be asked for the permit number, homeowner’s name, project address, type of inspection needed, and date on which inspection is desired. Unless all of the work is outside and accessible, an adult needs to be at the site to provide access for the inspector.

When am I required to obtain local zoning approval?

Before submitting permit applications, you are required to obtain local land use/zoning approval for any new structure and for any work that increases the area or height of a structure or changes the use of a structure. You may be required to obtain local zoning approval for electrical and plumbing work before a permit will be issued. For more information, contact your local planning zoning department.

Where do I get permits?

You can get permits by calling or visiting the local building department in the area where you plan to perform work.

Can I get a permit application by mail or fax?

Yes. Call the local building department in your area.

When does my permit expire?

Fee schedules and valuation tables are available to help you determine permit fees. Call the jurisdiction for your area.

Why do I need a plumbing permit to replace or install a water heater?

Oregon law requires plumbing permits for water heaters because of fire, electric shock, or explosion safety hazards.

When do I have to hire an architect or engineer to design my project and prepare the plans?

An architect or engineer is not required for any occupancy building that has a ground area of 4,000 square feet or less and is 20 feet high or less, or any farm agricultural building, or any accessory building to a single family dwelling or farm agricultural building. You must have engineered plans for alterations or repairs to the structural portion of existing buildings with a ground area of more than 4,000 square feet or more than 20 feet in height, or when the occupancy classification requires a fire-and-life-safety review, regardless of the building’s size.

When are plans required?

You must submit structural plans or drawings for any new construction, or for addition or alteration to an existing building. You also must submit plans for commercial plumbing projects. Plans aren’t required for nonstructural repairs and work for which a permit isn’t required. However, a change in use or occupancy may require plans even though there are no structural alterations. Check with your local planning or zoning department to determine whether a permit for change in use or occupancy is required.

What technical information do I need to submit with my plans?

You may be required to submit some or all of the following: plot map, floor plans, specifications, elevations, mechanical, plumbing, & electrical drawings, foundation plan, energy documentation, structural calculations, and required fire-protection equipment. For information, call the building department in your area.

Can a permit be issued before the plan review is approved?

No. All plans must be approved before permits are issued. However, with special permission from the local building department, a partial permit for footing only or foundation and footing only may be issued.

How can I contact a plans examiner or inspector?

You may contact a plans examiner or inspector by calling your local building department.

What's the reason for the surcharge on all building permits?

The State of Oregon collects a surcharge on all building permits to pay the state’s costs of administering building codes programs (five percent), inspection (two percent), training and other educational programs (one percent), and e-permitting (four percent).

Austin Head

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Commonly Asked Questions about Obtaining Building Permits

Do I Need a Structural Permit?

Do I Need an Electrical Permit?

Do I Need a Mechanical Permit?

Do I Need a Plumbing Permit?

Frequently Asked Questions