Corvallis, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All construction within the incorporated City of Corvallis.

Department

Development Services Division

Address

501 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333

Phone

541-766-6929

Email

development.services@corvallisoregon.gov

Website

https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/ds

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create account at corvallispermits.com or log in if existing user.
2. Select application type (structural building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.).
3. Complete online application and upload plans if required.
4. City staff reviews completeness within 2 business days; notification by email if additional info needed.
5. For projects requiring plan review: email notification when plan review fees calculated; fees must be paid before review begins.
6. Plan review timeline typically 2 weeks for 1-2 family residential; 3 weeks for multi-family/commercial.
7. Permit ready to issue OR plan review letter with items to resolve.
8. Upon approval, email notification with fees due; permit issues upon payment.

Typical processing time: 2 weeks for 1-2 family residential; 3 weeks for multi-family/commercial. Some minor permits may be over-the-counter or 1-2 weeks.

Source: Development Services Division

General Requirements

Building permit required for construct, enlarge, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of building/structure. Examples: new dwelling, demolition, addition, garage, shed, carport, patio cover (200+ sq ft or 14+ ft tall), detached accessory structure (200+ sq ft or 14+ ft tall).

Permit validity

Application expires if permit not obtained within 180 days of submittal. Issued permit expires if no inspection passed within 180 days.

Building code

Oregon Building Codes (Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Oregon Structural Specialty Code, Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing codes) plus City of Corvallis local amendments

Fees

Permit fee formula

Based on construction value per City of Corvallis valuation table (adjusted annually April 1 per ICC data)

Payment note

Two-point fee collection: plan review fees at application; permit fees + SDCs + external fees at issuance. State surcharge: 12% of all building permit fees. Request fee estimate via Fee Estimate Request form emailed to development.services@corvallisoregon.gov

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Porches and patio covers under 200 sq ft supported by exterior wall
• Certain small accessory structures (review with Development Services for specific projects)

Important: All amendments to approved plans must be submitted to plan review staff for approval. Electrical and plumbing corrections must be completed and re-inspected within 20 calendar days per state law.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ePlans account (corvallispermits.com) (online)

Scheduling deadline

Same-day inspection requests accepted until 7:00 a.m. cut-off.

Inspection hours

Available 24/7

Typical inspection sequence: Inspectors follow Oregon Building Code and City of Corvallis Municipal/Land Development Codes. Correction items must be resolved before next inspection requested. Inspection results posted online typically following inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Oregon Building Codes (Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Oregon Structural Specialty Code, Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing codes) plus City of Corvallis local amendments
• Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
• Accessible Housing Exemption
• License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Corvallis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Corvallis, OR?

Building permit required for construct, enlarge, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of building/structure. Examples: new dwelling, demolition, addition, garage, shed, carport, patio cover (200+ sq ft or 14+ ft tall), detached accessory structure (200+ sq ft or 14+ ft tall).

How much does a building permit cost in Corvallis, OR?

Fees are calculated as: Based on construction value per City of Corvallis valuation table (adjusted annually April 1 per ICC data).

How do I apply for a building permit in Corvallis, OR?

1. Create account at corvallispermits.com or log in if existing user. 2. Select application type (structural building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.). 3. Complete online application and upload plans if required. 4. City staff reviews completeness within 2 business days; notification by email if additional info needed. 5. For projects requiring plan review: email notification when plan review fees calculated; fees must be paid before review begins. 6. Plan review timeline typically 2 weeks for 1-2 family residential; 3 weeks for multi-family/commercial. 7. Permit ready to issue OR plan review letter with items to resolve. 8. Upon approval, email notification with fees due; permit issues upon payment.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Corvallis, OR?

Typical processing time is 2 weeks for 1-2 family residential; 3 weeks for multi-family/commercial. Some minor permits may be over-the-counter or 1-2 weeks..

What work is exempt from building permits in Corvallis, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Porches and patio covers under 200 sq ft supported by exterior wall; Certain small accessory structures (review with Development Services for specific projects). Note: All amendments to approved plans must be submitted to plan review staff for approval. Electrical and plumbing corrections must be completed and re-inspected within 20 calendar days per state law.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Corvallis, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: ePlans account (corvallispermits.com). Same-day inspection requests accepted until 7:00 a.m. cut-off..

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