County Building Permits
Columbia County, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Columbia County, Oregon. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated areas of Columbia County; also administers building permits for City of Rainier
- Department
- Land Development Services Department, Building Division
- Address
- 445 Port Avenue, Port Business Center, St. Helens, OR 97051
- Phone
- 503-397-1501
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Accela • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Licensed contractors can apply for structural, plumbing, and mechanical permits via Oregon ePermitting system
- In-person applications can be submitted at Columbia County Land Development Services office
- Applications can also be submitted by mail
- All contractors must hold a valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license
- Property owner construction statement required when property owners submit applications (not required for contractor submissions)
- Plan review and inspections conducted before permits issued
- Road access permits may be required for new roads, driveways, or property access ($50 fee, 2-year completion window)
General Requirements
All new construction requires a building permit under Oregon statewide building codes
- Building code
- Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) and Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC)
- Owner-builder
- Property owner construction statement required when property owners submit applications
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must hold a valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Based on ICC Building Valuation Data Table × square footage
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective September 1, 2025).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Land Development Services Department, Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 503-397-1501 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Building staff conduct plan examinations and field inspections; inspectors maintain inspection logs showing required inspection checkpoints
Additional Resources
- Building code: Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) and Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC)
- Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Search
- DEQ 1200-C Stormwater Permit (projects disturbing 1+ acre)
- Oregon Department of State Lands - Removal-Fill Permits (Columbia River waterfront)
- 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 Land Development Services Department, Building Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Columbia County, OR?
- All new construction requires a building permit under Oregon statewide building codes
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Columbia County, OR?
- Fees are calculated as: Based on ICC Building Valuation Data Table × square footage.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Columbia County, OR?
- 1. Licensed contractors can apply for structural, plumbing, and mechanical permits via Oregon ePermitting system 2. In-person applications can be submitted at Columbia County Land Development Services office 3. Applications can also be submitted by mail 4. All contractors must hold a valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license 5. Property owner construction statement required when property owners submit applications (not required for contractor submissions) 6. Plan review and inspections conducted before permits issued 7. Road access permits may be required for new roads, driveways, or property access ($50 fee, 2-year completion window)
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Columbia County, OR?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 503-397-1501.
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