Unincorporated Columbia County

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

1. 01
   Licensed contractors can apply for structural, plumbing, and mechanical permits via Oregon ePermitting system
2. 02
   In-person applications can be submitted at Columbia County Land Development Services office
3. 03
   Applications can also be submitted by mail
4. 04
   All contractors must hold a valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license
5. 05
   Property owner construction statement required when property owners submit applications (not required for contractor submissions)
6. 06
   Plan review and inspections conducted before permits issued
7. 07
   Road access permits may be required for new roads, driveways, or property access ($50 fee, 2-year completion window)

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective September 1, 2025) before budgeting.

• 503-397-1501 (phone)

Typical sequence: Building staff conduct plan examinations and field inspections; inspectors maintain inspection logs showing required inspection checkpoints