Permits
Construction mistakes can be costly and dangerous. Building and land use permits help prevent mistakes and protect families, homes and investments. Certified inspectors ensure work is performed safely and to code. Building codes ensure structures are safe from structural failure, fire hazards from electrical/heating systems, electrical shock and health risks.
Permits create permanent records of work and inspections. Oregon law requires homeowners to disclose all remodel work, with or without permits, during home sales.
- Land use permits, including temporary use permits: Current Planning.
- Building permits: Building Services.
- Public improvement, Assurances and Facility permits: Public Assurances
- Right-of-Way and utility permits: Operations and Maintenance
Additional Resources
Urban Development Permitting - Contacts & Tips
Rural Development Permitting - Contacts & Tips
Fee changes effective July 1
Changes are being implemented to building permit and development fees effective July 1, 2020. The changes involve phased fee increases and assessment of “convenience fees” charged by major credit card companies for online payments.
Unlike many area jurisdictions, both LUT Building Services and Current Planning operate on a cost-recovery basis – meaning that these work groups’ activities are supported entirely by fees for service. These cost-recovery fee changes are necessary to maintain operations. The Board of County Commissioners opted to phase in the fee increases to help mitigate the financial impact on our customers. For a complete list of LUT fee increases, visit the Washington County Fiscal Year 2020-21 Fee Schedule (pages 13-31).
Building Services fees
Most Building Services fees will increase 2.5% effective July 1; and an additional 2.5% effective Jan. 1, 2021.
Current Planning fees
Current Planning fee increases vary. While most are increasing a minimum of 2.5% on July 1 and an additional 2.5% effective Jan. 1, other targeted increases are also being implemented to achieve cost recovery. These increases are also being phased in—half effective July 1 and half on Jan. 1.
Changes to online payments
Effective July 1, 2020, online payments will include assessment of “convenience fees” charged by major credit card companies, as follows:
- Online credit card payments (VISA, MasterCard, Discover): Average 2.45% of costs (minimum $1.50)
- Electronic bank checks: Flat service fee of 95¢ (Customer’s bank must allow electronic checks; routing and account numbers must be correct, or a return check charge may be applied by the bank.)
- Paper checks submitted via U.S. Mail: No fee
