Our Building Division understands that our customers are busy people. Many homeowners have day jobs that don't allow for daytime research.  That's why we try and put as much information on our website as possible so that it's available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Here we answer many questions that people have.

Q. Can I see online if a permit has been pulled for a property or project?
A. Yes. Click here to be directed to our permits online.

Q. How do I request inspections?
A. Inspection requests can be submitted one of three ways.  You can enter them online by clicking here, fax them to 503-722-3880, or call and request them by phone at 503-496-1551.  For your request, you will need your permit number, the date you'd like your inspection, the address, a contact name and phone number and what type of inspection you are requesting.  If we receive your request by 7am, your inspection can be done that business day if desired. (Exception: Electrical and Plumbing inspections are not available on Fridays)

Q. Can I request a particular time for my inspection?
A. Due to being a small jurisdiction with only one inspector for Building, Mechanical, and residential plumbing inspections, we cannot guarantee times.  We contract with Clackamas County to perform our Electrical and Commercial Plumbing inspections, so unfortunately scheduling a time for those are beyond our control.

Q. Can I check the status of an inspection online?
A. Yes. Click here to be directed to our permits online.

Q. What jurisdictions does your department cover?
A. Our jurisdiction covers anything within the city limits of Oregon City.  Sometimes there is confusion because a property has an Oregon City zipcode (97045).  Your zip code determines which post office serves your address, not necessarily where the city limit lines are. 

Q. How can I tell if my project is in your jurisdiction?
A.If you'd like to verify which jurisdiction you are in, you can look up your project address on our OC Webmaps (the red line outlining the city represents our city limit boundaries), or feel free to call our front desk and we can verify it for you (503-722-3789, Mon-Fri, 8-5)

Q. How can I tell if I need a permit?
A. This is a tricky one.  Anytime you alter the structure (add on, remove or add walls, cut into the structure or framing, a building permit will be required.  If you're adding to the mechanical system (furnace, a/c, exhaust fans, venting, ductwork, fireplace, etc) a mechanical permit will be required.  If you're adding to or changing any wiring on the property, an electrical permit will be required.  If you are adding to or altering your plumbing system, a plumbing permit will be required.  There are a couple great resources available online that answer this question in greater detail.  One is our list of items that DO NOT require permits. That list is available on our site under "Self Help" or you can click here to view it.  The second is the Think Permit web site geared for homeowners and contractors.  Click here to visit their site.

Q. When I submit for a permit, when are the fees due?
A. If you are submitting an over the counter permit (does not require plan review), your permit will be issued at the counter the same day, which requires fees to be paid at that time.  If you are submitting a permit that requires plan review, the plan check amount is due up front and the balance will be due when the permit is ready to be issued and picked up.

Q. How long does a residential plan review take to complete?
A. Assuming we receive all the information we need to complete the plan review, a simple plan could be issued right over the counter (same day) if staff is available. If it's an addition or more complex plan, turn around time is around one week.  A new home plan usually takes 3-6 weeks to complete, depending on our workload.

Q. How much are permits?
A. (If you are inquiring about a new home permit, please see the question below) 
All residential permit costs are listed on the individual applications and are based on what it is that you are doing.  A residential building permit is based on the valuation of the project, and we figure the valuation from the square footage of your new project.  Please click here to be directed to our permit fee page.

Q. How much are new home permits?
A.  We are currently working on a simple form for applicants to fill out to figure their own new home fees because they can differ so much depending on multiple different factors.  A ball park figure for a normal, average sized home is $20,000-$24,000.  These fees include everything from inspections to connection fees.  Generally less than 9% of these fees are your building fees that cover your plan review, permit fees, all inspections (normally around 30 per new home), your state surcharge, and your paperwork.

Q. What are SDC's?
A. "System Development Charges" (or SDC's) are fees that are used to establish City Services.  The funds are set aside to create things such as parks, roads, water lines, sewer lines, storm drains and storm lines, etc. 

Q. What's included in the cost of my permit?
A.  The fees that you pay include everything that applies to your individual project.  These include your plan checks, your permit fees, state surcharges, SDC's, school tax, Metro tax, police fees, and all inspections (normally around 30 per new home) required on your project.

Q. When my fees are due, what are my payment options?
A. We accept cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard.  We do have a $500 limit on a single credit/debit card per transaction, per day.

Q. Do I need to come into your office to apply for permits?
A.  No. If it's more convenient for you, you can fax or mail in permits that do not require plan review.  Payment must accompany your application when submitted.  Click here to be directed to our credit card authorization form page. Click here to apply for a permit online.

Q. I've heard stories that it's difficult to obtain a permit, is it?
A. No. Residential permits are very easy to obtain.  No plan review is required for Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing permits, so you can walk out with a permit in about 15 minutes.  Building permits could take longer because they require plan check.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.  We're more than happy to help you.  That's what we're here for.

Q. What size lot can be developed in Oregon City?
A. Lot size is regulated by our Planning Department and is dependant on the zoning of the property.  Title 17 in the Municipal Code will give you your lot sizes, setbacks and uses for each zone.  To visit their site and to check your zoning, please click here.

Don't see the answer to your question? Please let us know so we can add it to this page for others that might have the same question.  Click here to email it to us.