Building Permit Timeline

The permitting process varies with the permit needed, site conditions, construction plans and more. Both the applicant and the County play critical roles in this process.

Preparing the application

Involving us early in the process – before the permit is submitted – is encouraged as it helps resolve issues early on.

Applicants must develop and submit complete, detailed site plans and construction drawings that demonstrate compliance with state and County codes and all other applicable development standards.

Permit applications for simple, small projects can be reviewed and issued more quickly than complex large projects. Applications for projects that are well researched and designed with code requirements in mind are able to be issued more quickly, as they require fewer changes and/or resubmittals.

The review process

Applications rarely meet all code requirements or standards in the first round of reviews. Most permit drawings require changes or additional details to meet code requirements.

During the review process, applicants often work with design and construction professionals to meet code requirements and update plans for further review. Efficient, timely review requires clear communication and coordination between a the applicant and County reviewers.

Application “travel time” through the review process depends on:

• Complexity of the project
• Scope of the project
• Timely responses from applicants

The time frames below are averages for all projects, both simple and complex.

1. Creating and Issuing Permits

• Set up permit in ProjectDox:  3-5 business days
• Prescreen for completeness: 3-5 business days
• Development Review/Current Planning site review: 5-7 business days
• Grading initial review (if needed; see Grading):  2-3 business days
• Initial plan review: 10-20 business days 
• Response to review comments:  3-5 business days
• File check: 3-5 business days
• Permit issuance: 1-2 business days

2. Plan Review

• Simple residential (prescriptive):  5-7 business days
• Residential (non-prescriptive):  10 business days
• Commercial:  20 business days

3. Inspections

• Inspection:  1-2 business days
• Final review and process for granting occupancy:  1 business day

4. Grading and Drainage

• Set up permit in ProjectDox:  3-5 business days
• Prescreen for completeness:  3-5 business days
• Plan review:  20 business days
• Permit issuance:  2 business days
• Inspections: 2-4 business days

Glossary

• Prescreen:  The average time from the plans upload to when the submittal package is reviewed for completeness.
   
• File check:  The average time between plan approval to when the project is checked for outstanding items, such as outside agency permit approvals, fees, review approvals, etc.
   
• Permit Issuance: The average time between an applicant resolving all items from file check when it is reviewed/verified by staff.
   
• Prescriptive design:  A design path in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code that ensures a building can resist gravity, wind and earthquake loads.