County Building Permits
Benton County, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, Oregon. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All construction in unincorporated areas within Benton County boundary, except within city limits of Corvallis, Philomath, and Albany.
- Department
- Benton County Community Development Building Division
- Address
- Community Development Division, Benton County, Oregon
- Phone
- 541-766-6297
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Accela (Statewide Oregon ePermitting System) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Applications available online through statewide ePermitting system or in hard copy.
- For in-person submission: call 541-766-6297 or email permitcheck@bentoncountyor.gov to schedule appointment.
- In-person appointments available 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on-the-hour only.
- Submit completed application and supporting documents via ePermitting portal or at appointment.
- County reviews completeness and routes for technical review.
- Pay permit fees upon issuance.
- Permit validity: 180 days from issuance; extends another 180 days upon passing inspection.
Source: Benton County Community Development Building Division
General Requirements
Building permits required for new construction, additions, interior remodels of single-family homes, all commercial work, and trade permits for electrical, plumbing, HVAC work.
- Permit validity
- 180 days from issuance; extends another 180 days upon passing inspection.
- Building code
- Oregon Building Code (Residential Specialty Code, Structural Specialty Code, Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing codes)
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Based on construction value using ICC Building Valuation table
- Reinspection fee
- $50.00
- Payment note
- 3% surcharge for credit card payments online. Contact 541-766-6819 for detailed fee estimates.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Group U structures (effective Nov. 28, 2023): detached sheds, detached carports, storage buildings, detached decks, and fences no longer require permits
- Exception: attached structures or those for commercial use still require permits
Important: Exemptions apply only to permit requirements; zoning and other regulatory requirements may still apply.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Online scheduling portal (online)
- 888-299-2821 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests received after 7:00 a.m. accommodated next day unless later date requested.
Typical inspection sequence: Commercial electrical and plumbing inspections available online. Passing inspection extends permit validity another 180 days.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Oregon Building Code (Residential Specialty Code, Structural Specialty Code, Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing codes)
- Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
- Oregon Building Codes Division
- Benton County Development Code Chapter 91
- Benton County Environmental Health Division (Septic/Onsite Wastewater)
- Oregon DEQ 1200-C Construction Stormwater General Permit
- License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Benton County Community Development Building Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, OR?
- Building permits required for new construction, additions, interior remodels of single-family homes, all commercial work, and trade permits for electrical, plumbing, HVAC work.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Benton County, OR?
- Fees are calculated as: Based on construction value using ICC Building Valuation table.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, OR?
- 1. Applications available online through statewide ePermitting system or in hard copy. 2. For in-person submission: call 541-766-6297 or email permitcheck@bentoncountyor.gov to schedule appointment. 3. In-person appointments available 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on-the-hour only. 4. Submit completed application and supporting documents via ePermitting portal or at appointment. 5. County reviews completeness and routes for technical review. 6. Pay permit fees upon issuance. 7. Permit validity: 180 days from issuance; extends another 180 days upon passing inspection.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Benton County, OR?
- The following work is generally exempt: Group U structures (effective Nov. 28, 2023): detached sheds, detached carports, storage buildings, detached decks, and fences no longer require permits; Exception: attached structures or those for commercial use still require permits. Note: Exemptions apply only to permit requirements; zoning and other regulatory requirements may still apply.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benton County, OR?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Online scheduling portal, 888-299-2821. Inspection requests received after 7:00 a.m. accommodated next day unless later date requested..
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