Building
FAQ
Code Enforcement
Permit Counter
Planning
FAQ
Sanitation
FAQ
Tillamook County Department of Community Development
201 Laurel Avenue
Tillamook, OR 97141
(503) 842-3408
FAX: (503) 842-1819
When am I required to get a permit?
Permits are required for any new construction, as well as alterations and additions to existing building, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, manufactured housing, boiler, and elevator work.
However, there are some exceptions to the structural requirements. If you aren't sure you need a permit, call the Tillamook County Department of Community Development at (503) 842-3408.
Why do I have to buy a permit to build on my own property?
Oregon law requires you to obtain permits - even if you build 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/contractor is responsible for obtaining structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, on-site wastewater system 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-transferrable.
How do I obtain a building permit?
To obtain a building permit you must complete a permit application. Permit applications are available by contacting the Department of Community Development at the Tillamook County Courthouse. Application must include construction plans and a scale plan of your property.
Land use, sanitation and public works approvals are required before a building permit is issued. Contact Tillamook County Department of Community Development about these requirements prior to applying for your permit.
When can I start work?
When an actual building permit is issued to you, work can begin. The permit must be available on the job site and to the inspector. Initiating work prior to permit approval will result in an Enforcement action.
If you've submitted plans and specifications, one set of plans stamped "Approved" will be returned to you. These approved plans, along with the building permit card, must be available on the job site and available to the inspector.
When am I required to obtain local zoning approval?
You're required to obtain local land use/zoning approval for any new structure and for work that improves a structure, 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 prior to a permit being issued. Contact your local your Tillamook County Department of Community Development.
Where do I get applications?
You can obtain permits/applications by calling, writing or visiting the Tillamook County Department of Community Development in the basement of the County Courthouse at 201 Laurel Avenue, Tillamook, OR 97141 or calling (503) 842-3408.
Can I get a permit application through the mail?
Yes. Contact the Tillamook County Department of Community Development. When seeking a permit application through the mail, be sure to state your name, phone number, mailing address, job location, and type of permit application you need.
You should receive your application form within three to five working days. Permit applications can also be faxed or emailed to you if requested.
How long will it take to get an approved permit?
Your permit will be issued to you when all of the required information listed on the application is received and reviewed.
If your project requires a plan review, the permit will be issued and plans and permit mailed to you after your plans are approved. Time frames can change depending upon the complexity of the project and the level of information submitted with your application.
What happens if I forget to send all necessary documents and fees with the permit application?
We'll contact you by phone or mail to request additional information or fees for processing you application, and this may cause a delay.
How do I determine fees for a permit?
Fee schedules and valuation tables are available to help you determine permit fees. The Building Official will determine the value of work.
When does my permit expire?
Your permit expires if work isn't started and at least one inspection has occurred within 180 days from the date of issue. Once you have begun work, your permit expires if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days or more. This can only be done once.
If you can't work within a 180-day period and don't wish to abandon the project, you may submit a written request to extend your permit for an additional 180-day period.
On-site system septic permits expire 1 year after issuance date whether or not construction has started.
Why do I need a plumbing permit to replace a water heater?
Oregon law requires plumbing permits for water heaters because of potential safety hazards such as fire, electric shock, or explosion.
When do I have to hire an architect or engineer to design my project and prepare the plans?
An engineer or architect 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 single family dwelling; 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 over 4,000 square feet or over 20 feet in height, or when the occupancy classification requires a fire and life safety review, regardless of the building's size.
Work in Geologic Hazard areas may require a report by an engineer and/or Geologist. The Department of Community Development can help you determine if you property is in a Geological Hazard area.
For other work, the requirement for engineered plans may be waived when the nature of the work is such that code provisions can be determined from drawings.
When are drawings of plans for review and approval required?
You must submit structural plans or drawings for any new building 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 the Department of Community Development to determine whether a change in use or occupancy permit 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:
For information, contact the local building department at Tillamook County Courthouse.
Can a permit be issued before the plan review is approved?
No. All plans must be approved prior to issuing permits. However, with special permission from the local building official, 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 at 842-3407 or call to request an inspection at 842-1815.
What's the reason for the 12 percent surcharge on all building permits?
The State of Oregon collects a 12 percent surcharge on all building permits. This money is used to cover the State's costs of administering building codes programs, inspection costs, and training and other educational programs.
The Department of Environmental Quality office charges a $60.00 administrative fee for each sanitation permit the County issues.