City Building Permits

Cascade Locks, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Oregon Hood River County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Within City of Cascade Locks corporate limits. Hood River County administers all building permits on behalf of the City.

Department
Community Development Department (Hood River County), administered on behalf of City of Cascade Locks
Address
601 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone
(541) 386-1306

Online Permit Portal

Platform: Oregon ePermitting and in-person submission • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Contact City Recorder Kathy Woosley at kwoosley@cascade-locks.or.us to initiate the permit application process.
  2. Submit completed building permit application through Oregon ePermitting or in person at Hood River County Community Development, 601 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031.
  3. Provide two complete sets of construction plans including site plans, proof of legal lot and public street access, and professional design stamp (if required).
  4. Hood River County Building Code & Inspection Division reviews plans for code compliance and structural integrity.
  5. Fire Chief reviews all plans affecting fire and life-safety features before permit issuance (City of Cascade Locks requirement).
  6. Address any correction comments and submit revised documents if needed.
  7. Pay permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
  8. Schedule and pass required inspections (structural, mechanical, electrical, fire/life-safety, final building inspection).

Typical processing time: 10-30 business days for standard permits.

Source: Community Development Department (Hood River County), administered on behalf of City of Cascade Locks

General Requirements

Permits required for construction, alteration, repair, demolition, change of occupancy, and installation or alteration of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Oregon does not offer a permit-free residential building exemption.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Two complete sets of construction plans including site plan
  • Proof of legal lot of record and access to public street
  • Professional design stamp (required for buildings 4,000+ sq ft or exceeding 20 feet in height)
  • Preliminary Title Report or Deed confirming ownership and boundaries
Permit validity
Work must commence within 180 days of permit issuance. Permit expires if work is suspended for 180 consecutive days. Permit expires if work extends beyond one year without extension approval.
Building code
2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) for residential; 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) for commercial; 2022 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC); Cascade Locks Community Development Code Article IV (Building Permits, § 91.051)
Contractor requirements
All construction contractors must be licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Verification required: https://ccb.oregon.gov. Fire Chief approval required for projects affecting fire and life-safety features.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$83.10
Permit fee formula
Tiered by project valuation; approximately 20% increase effective August 4, 2025. Hood River County fee schedule applies.
Payment note
Contact City Recorder Kathy Woosley (kwoosley@cascade-locks.or.us) or Hood River County Building Department at (541) 386-1306 for fee details.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 4, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Non-habitable, one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet and 15 feet in height (garden sheds, storage buildings)
  • Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
  • Retaining walls not supporting regulated buildings
  • Paint, wallpaper, new cabinets, countertops, and tile or carpet finish work
  • Certain minor repairs and maintenance

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from local zoning and development standards. Verify edge cases with City Recorder or Hood River County Building Code & Inspection Division.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (541) 386-1306 (Hood River County Building Code & Inspection) (phone)
  • kwoosley@cascade-locks.or.us (City Recorder) (email)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, mechanical systems, electrical, fire/life-safety review (Fire Chief), final building inspection.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department (Hood River County), administered on behalf of City of Cascade Locks before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cascade Locks Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Cascade Locks, OR?
Permits required for construction, alteration, repair, demolition, change of occupancy, and installation or alteration of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems. Oregon does not offer a permit-free residential building exemption.
How much does a building permit cost in Cascade Locks, OR?
The minimum permit fee is $83.10. Fees are calculated as: Tiered by project valuation; approximately 20% increase effective August 4, 2025. Hood River County fee schedule applies..
How do I apply for a building permit in Cascade Locks, OR?
1. Contact City Recorder Kathy Woosley at kwoosley@cascade-locks.or.us to initiate the permit application process. 2. Submit completed building permit application through Oregon ePermitting or in person at Hood River County Community Development, 601 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031. 3. Provide two complete sets of construction plans including site plans, proof of legal lot and public street access, and professional design stamp (if required). 4. Hood River County Building Code & Inspection Division reviews plans for code compliance and structural integrity. 5. Fire Chief reviews all plans affecting fire and life-safety features before permit issuance (City of Cascade Locks requirement). 6. Address any correction comments and submit revised documents if needed. 7. Pay permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work. 8. Schedule and pass required inspections (structural, mechanical, electrical, fire/life-safety, final building inspection).
How long does it take to get a building permit in Cascade Locks, OR?
Typical processing time is 10-30 business days for standard permits..
What work is exempt from building permits in Cascade Locks, OR?
The following work is generally exempt: Non-habitable, one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet and 15 feet in height (garden sheds, storage buildings); Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not supporting regulated buildings; Paint, wallpaper, new cabinets, countertops, and tile or carpet finish work; Certain minor repairs and maintenance. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from local zoning and development standards. Verify edge cases with City Recorder or Hood River County Building Code & Inspection Division.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Cascade Locks, OR?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (541) 386-1306 (Hood River County Building Code & Inspection), kwoosley@cascade-locks.or.us (City Recorder).

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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