City Building Permits
Scappoose, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Scappoose, Oregon. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Scappoose
- Department
- Community Development Center (CDC)
- Phone
- 503-543-7184
- ehappala@scappoose.gov
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Accela • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Use Oregon ePermitting system for structural, plumbing, and mechanical permits
- Licensed contractors and homeowners can apply online
- Electrical permits must be applied through Columbia County
- Septic permits must be applied through Columbia County
- All contractors working in Scappoose must have a City of Scappoose business license (Portland Metro licenses do NOT cover Scappoose)
- Contact CDC Office Administrator Elizabeth Happala at 503-543-7184 or ehappala@scappoose.gov for in-person support
General Requirements
Building permits required for new construction and alterations
- Building code
- Oregon statewide building codes
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must have a City of Scappoose business license; Portland Metro licenses do NOT cover Scappoose
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Based on ICC Building Valuation Data Table
- Reinspection fee
- Inspections outside normal business hours (minimum 2-hour charge)
- Payment note
- Deferred Submittals (65% of building permit fee, minimum $250)
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Accessory structures (including ADUs) - requires permit review
- Solar photovoltaic systems - permit available
- Manufactured dwelling placement - permit available
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 503-543-7184 (phone)
- ehappala@scappoose.gov (email)
Typical inspection sequence: Building Department conducts inspections for code compliance
Additional Resources
- Building code: Oregon statewide building codes
- Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Search
- 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 Community Development Center (CDC) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scappoose Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Scappoose, OR?
- Building permits required for new construction and alterations
- How much does a building permit cost in Scappoose, OR?
- Fees are calculated as: Based on ICC Building Valuation Data Table.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Scappoose, OR?
- 1. Use Oregon ePermitting system for structural, plumbing, and mechanical permits 2. Licensed contractors and homeowners can apply online 3. Electrical permits must be applied through Columbia County 4. Septic permits must be applied through Columbia County 5. All contractors working in Scappoose must have a City of Scappoose business license (Portland Metro licenses do NOT cover Scappoose) 6. Contact CDC Office Administrator Elizabeth Happala at 503-543-7184 or ehappala@scappoose.gov for in-person support
- What work is exempt from building permits in Scappoose, OR?
- The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures (including ADUs) - requires permit review; Solar photovoltaic systems - permit available; Manufactured dwelling placement - permit available.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Scappoose, OR?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 503-543-7184, ehappala@scappoose.gov.
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