Oregon building departments

How permitting works in Oregon

Statewide specialty codes, local or state departments. Oregon has one statewide set of specialty codes. Most cities and counties run building departments, the state serves a few counties directly, and only Construction Contractors Board licensees can get permits for paid work.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

Oregon building codes and licensing

Residential code

2026 Oregon Residential Specialty Code: effective October 1, 2026, mandatory April 1, 2027 (Chapter 1 mandatory October 1, 2026)

Commercial code

2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code: effective October 1, 2025, mandatory April 1, 2026

Adopted by

Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) (opens in a new tab)

Outside city limits

Most cities and counties run their own building departments. BCD itself provides building department services in Curry, Grant, Morrow and Umatilla counties, and it handles all permits for manufactured dwellings, prefabricated structures, elevators and boilers.

Contractor licensing

Anyone paid to do construction work that improves real property generally needs a CCB license. That includes roofing, siding, painting, carpentry and concrete work. Only licensed contractors can get the required building permits. Plumbers, electricians and a few other trades also have state training requirements. Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) (opens in a new tab)

What is different in Oregon

• Oregon has one statewide code made up of specialty codes (residential, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy efficiency). Each has its own adoption cycle and phase-in period.
• Until April 1, 2027, residential projects can use either the 2023 or 2026 ORSC. The 2026 Oregon Electrical and Plumbing Specialty Codes also took effect October 1, 2026.
• A homeowner can cancel an initial residential construction contract by written notice before midnight of the next business day (ORS 701.310).

Oregon department guides

Browse Oregon counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in Oregon?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. Oregon Building Codes Division
2. Oregon BCD – Permit services
3. Oregon CCB – CCB License (Do you need a license?)
4. Oregon CCB – Consumer Tools

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.