Structural (Building) Permit

When is a Structural (Building) Permit Needed?

In general, building permits are required to construct, enlarge, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure.

The following are some examples of when building permits are required. This information is not all-inclusive, so please check with Development Services staff to discuss the scope of your project.

Projects that require a building permit:

One- and Two-Family Dwellings

• Build a one- or two-family dwelling
• Finish an existing attic, garage, or basement to create living or conditioned space
• Move, remove, alter or add interior wall(s) that are load bearing or create habitable space
• Add a bathroom in new or existing space
• Build, demolish or add a dwelling, room, garage, shed, carport or other structure attached to an existing dwelling (porches or patio covers under 200 square feet that are supported by an exterior wall may be exempt)
• Build, demolish or move any detached accessory structure that is more than 200 square feet in area or more than 14 feet high (reference the Oregon Residential Specialty Code and/or Land Development Code for specific height limitations).
• Add a window or door opening
• Replace roofing when the old roof and sheathing are removed and new sheathing is installed
• Build a deck more than 30 inches high
• Construct a fence more than seven feet tall

Multi-Family / Commercial Structures

Work on multi-family / commercial structures almost always requires a structural (building) permit! This includes, but is not limited to, the following - 

• Change the use or occupancy in an existing building (tenant improvements)
• Build, demolish or move a detached accessory structure that is 120 square feet or greater
• Install non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions 5 feet 9 inches or more in height
• Cell phone antenna upgrades or additions
• ADA upgrades
• Fire and life safety alterations or additions (fire sprinklers, alarms, and detection systems)
• Replace or add new windows or doors
• Re-roofing or re-siding
• Seismic upgrades

Certain work may be exempt from permits. Refer to Section R105.2 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (for one- and two-family residential) or Section 105.2 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (for multi-family/commercial projects) for more details or contact us.

Note: Some projects require other reviews and approvals before you may apply for building permits. If you are unsure whether your project requires additional approvals, please contact Development Services or learn more using the links below.

• Public Improvements by Private Contract (PIPC) – Public Works, Development Review Division
• Historic Review – Planning Division
• Land Use Approvals (e.g. subdivision, conditional development) – Planning Division

Who May Purchase this Permit?

The property owner (or his/her authorized agent) or a licensed contractor may purchase these permits. Oregon contractors must be registered with the Construction Contractors Board.

What is the Cost of the Permit?

Building permit fees are based on the value of the work performed. The value of new structures is determined by the City of Corvallis valuation table, which is adjusted annually on April 1 based on data published by the International Code Council (ICC). This annual adjustment is required by each jurisdiction in Oregon per Oregon Administrative Rule OAR 918-050. The project’s valuation is used to determine the plan review and permit fees as described in Section 8.03.300.010 of the Development Services Division Fee Schedule. A permit fee schedule is included as part of the Structural (Building) Permit Form.

For additional information, go to our Permit Fees page. You may also request a permit estimate for your project by completing a Fee Estimate Request form and returning it to our office or by email at development.services@corvallisoreogn.gov.

Are Plans Required?

Yes, all building permits require plan review. The type of plans needed will depend on the scope and complexity of your project. Please refer to our checklists below for specific plan details or contact us if you have any questions.

Residential Plan Review Application Checklist

Multi-Family and Commercial Plan Review Application Checklist

Which Applications and Forms Do I Need?

If applying in-person, you will need a Structural (Building) Permit Form. Other forms may be required based on the scope of work and are discussed below.

If applying online, you do not need to provide a Structural (Building) Permit Form. The online application will gather all necessary project information. You will also be able to upload any required forms and plans to your online application.

A full list of all of our applications and forms can be found on our Forms, Applications, and Fees page. The forms required will depend on the scope of your project. Some typical forms include the following:

• System Development Charge (SDC) Worksheet (for any plumbing or use modifications)
• Meter Request Form (required with any request for new or changed water service)
• Pedestrian Oriented Design Standards (PODS) Checklist (for all new dwellings)
• Residential Energy Additional Measure Selection Form (for new or converted conditioned space)
• School District Construction Excise Tax Exemption Form
• Affordable Housing Construction Excise Tax Exemption Form

How Do I Apply?

You can apply for a permit online or in our office. For online submittals, you will be able to fill out the online application and upload forms and documents at www.corvallispermits.com. If you wish to submit your application in-person, please bring one (1) hard copy of all necessary applications and forms and three (3) copies of plans to our office. Full details on the submittal process can be found here.