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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Helens
Building permits required for new construction and specific alterations
- Building code
- Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) and Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC)
- Owner-builder
- Property owner construction statement may be required
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must have valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Licensed contractors and homeowners can apply for structural, grade-fill, plumbing, and mechanical permits online via Oregon ePermitting
- 02 Applications may be submitted in person at City Hall (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm, closed 12–1pm)
- 03 Contact Building Department: 503-397-6272 (select option 4, then option 3)
- 04 All contractors must have valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license
- 05 Property owner construction statement may be required
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 503-366-8234 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm (closed 12–1pm daily)
Typical sequence: Building Services Department conducts plan review and inspections to ensure code compliance
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about St. Helens permits
01 Do I need a building permit in St. Helens, OR? ▸
Building permits required for new construction and specific alterations
02 How do I apply for a building permit in St. Helens, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in St. Helens, OR, follow these steps: 1. Licensed contractors and homeowners can apply for structural, grade-fill, plumbing, and mechanical permits online via Oregon ePermitting 2. Applications may be submitted in person at City Hall (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm, closed 12–1pm) 3. Contact Building Department: 503-397-6272 (select option 4, then option 3) 4. All contractors must have valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license 5. Property owner construction statement may be required
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Helens, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in St. Helens, OR via: 503-366-8234.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/oregon/columbia/st-helens
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.