On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cascade Locks
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.
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
- Exempt Non-habitable, one-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet and 15 feet in height (garden sheds, storage buildings)
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not supporting regulated buildings
- Exempt Paint, wallpaper, new cabinets, countertops, and tile or carpet finish work
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 10-30 business days for standard permits.
- 01 Contact City Recorder Kathy Woosley at kwoosley@cascade-locks.or.us to initiate the permit application process.
- 02 Submit completed building permit application through Oregon ePermitting or in person at Hood River County Community Development, 601 State Street, Hood River, OR 97031.
- 03 Provide two complete sets of construction plans including site plans, proof of legal lot and public street access, and professional design stamp (if required).
- 04 Hood River County Building Code & Inspection Division reviews plans for code compliance and structural integrity.
- 05 Fire Chief reviews all plans affecting fire and life-safety features before permit issuance (City of Cascade Locks requirement).
- 06 Address any correction comments and submit revised documents if needed.
- 07 Pay permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
- 08 Schedule and pass required inspections (structural, mechanical, electrical, fire/life-safety, final building inspection).
Typical processing time: 10-30 business days for standard permits.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective August 4, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$83.10
02
Permit fee formula
Tiered by project valuation; approximately 20% increase effective August 4, 2025. Hood River County fee schedule applies.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective August 4, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, mechanical systems, electrical, fire/life-safety review (Fire Chief), final building inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cascade Locks permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cascade Locks, OR? ▸
Building permit fees in Cascade Locks, OR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cascade Locks, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Cascade Locks, OR, follow these steps: 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).
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cascade Locks, OR? ▸
Building permit processing times in Cascade Locks, OR typically run 10-30 business days for standard permits.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cascade Locks, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cascade Locks, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cascade Locks, OR via: (541) 386-1306 (Hood River County Building Code & Inspection), kwoosley@cascade-locks.or.us (City Recorder).
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department (Hood River County), administered on behalf of City of Cascade Locks ↗
entry id permits/oregon/hood-river/cascade-locks
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department (Hood River County), administered on behalf of City of Cascade Locks before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.