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1. Why do I need a permit?

Permits are critical to both new construction and the home improvement process, helping to protect what is many families' biggest investment. Permits, and the accompanying inspection by building experts, provide protection by ensuring safe workmanship and eliminating costly construction missteps before they happen. Permitting can be a simple, straightforward process.

2. Who can apply for a permit?

The owner, contractor or authorized agent may apply for and obtain a permit. When a permit is issued on a property, the owner is not automatically notified.

3. What are my permit fees going to be?

Each project is different and we cannot provide firm estimates but do offer resources to aid your planning. The Commercial Fee Estimating Guide provides a description of fees and tips for calculating your costs. If you have questions regarding fees please contact our staff at 541-682-5505.

4. Can I pay my fees online?

Projects that are submitted through eBuild can be paid online by Visa or or MasterCard. If you are paying by check, you can make a payment here at the Permit & Information Center. You can also make payment with a credit card by phone at 541-682-5505.

5. How long does it take to get a permit?

The length of time required to obtain your permit will depend on the complexity of your project and the completeness of your plans.  After your project has been assigned a project coordinator, you will receive a Commitment Letter which will give you an estimate of the time required to complete the review of your project.

6. How long will my application remain active?

Permit applications are good for 360 days from the date they are submitted. Timely responses to requests for additional information during plan review will help ensure permit approval before the application expires. Because code changes may occur, a new application with plan check fees is required after an application expires, and the project will need to conform to the codes in effect at that time.

7. How long will my permit remain active?

Most permits are valid for 360 days from the date they are issued, except stand-alone electrical permits which are valid for 180 days. Each time an inspection is scheduled AND completed, the permit’s expiration date will be extended for another 360 days. (Stand-alone electrical permit exception for 180 days also applies to this type of extension.)

8. Why do I need an erosion permit?

Find the comprehensive answer.

9. How can I look up permit information on my property?

You can search our Building Permit database for permits applied for as of June 1998. If the structure was built prior to 1998 you might want to consider submitting a Record Search Application. There is a $20 non-refundable application fee which will pay for the first 45 minutes of research through older permit records. In accordance with State guidelines, our office does not keep residential plans beyond two years after the completed date of the project. We do keep plans for commercial projects. After the commercial project has been completed the plans are stored on microfilm. To view microfilmed plans that are available before deciding if you would like copies of plans, please submit a Record Search Application  and staff will contact you to set up an appointment time that will work for you.