How much does a building permit cost in Madras, OR?

Fees are calculated as: County uses valuation-based formula; city fees for local review vary by permit type.

How do I apply for a building permit in Madras, OR?

1. Consult with City of Madras Community Development Department to confirm development criteria and zoning compliance prior to formal application 2. Consult with City of Madras Public Works Department for site development, utility, and access requirements 3. Prepare city-required application and supporting documents per city checklists; city provides enhanced structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing review (effective May 1, 2020) 4. Submit to City of Madras Community Development for local plan review and approval 5. Once City of Madras approves the project, submit the city-approved application and documents to Jefferson County Community Development Department 6. County processes the building permit application through Oregon ePermitting; county will not issue without city approval documented 7. Create Oregon ePermitting account if not already established, upload county-required documents 8. County reviews for completeness; pay fees when invoiced through ePermitting 9. After approval and fee payment, permit is issued and construction may begin; schedule required inspections

What work is exempt from building permits in Madras, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Work meeting Oregon residential exemption thresholds (small detached structures, low fences, retaining walls, finish work, etc.). Note: City development code and zoning compliance may still apply even where building permit is exempt; applicants should verify with city before assuming work is exempt

How do I schedule a building inspection in Madras, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Oregon ePermitting, (541) 475-2344.

City Building Permits

Madras, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Oregon Jefferson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Madras administers local review and approvals for projects within city limits. Jefferson County will not issue building permits within Madras city limits without City of Madras approval first.

Department: City of Madras Community Development Department
Address: 125 SW E Street, Madras, OR 97741
Phone: (541) 475-2344
Website: https://www.madras.gov/commdev

Online Permit Portal

Open Oregon ePermitting

Platform: Oregon ePermitting / Accela • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Consult with City of Madras Community Development Department to confirm development criteria and zoning compliance prior to formal application
Consult with City of Madras Public Works Department for site development, utility, and access requirements
Prepare city-required application and supporting documents per city checklists; city provides enhanced structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing review (effective May 1, 2020)
Submit to City of Madras Community Development for local plan review and approval
Once City of Madras approves the project, submit the city-approved application and documents to Jefferson County Community Development Department
County processes the building permit application through Oregon ePermitting; county will not issue without city approval documented
Create Oregon ePermitting account if not already established, upload county-required documents
County reviews for completeness; pay fees when invoiced through ePermitting
After approval and fee payment, permit is issued and construction may begin; schedule required inspections

Source: City of Madras Community Development Department

General Requirements

City requires permits for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical systems, and major renovations. City code provisions in Title 18 (Development Code) govern land use and development review.

Required Documents

City-side materials vary by project type per city checklists
Building application
Site plan
Construction plans
Structural/MEP details

Permit validity: Standard Oregon 180-day permit expiration applies; permits expire if final inspection not conducted within 180 days of issuance
Building code: Oregon State Building Code as administered through city and county coordination
Owner-builder: Madras code pages do not publish separate owner-builder restrictions beyond Oregon law
Contractor requirements: Oregon CCB and specialty BCD licenses required for hired contractors performing regulated work

Fees

Permit fee formula: County uses valuation-based formula; city fees for local review vary by permit type
Payment note: Both city and county fees must be paid; applicants should confirm fee structure with both jurisdictions

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Work meeting Oregon residential exemption thresholds (small detached structures, low fences, retaining walls, finish work, etc.)

Important: City development code and zoning compliance may still apply even where building permit is exempt; applicants should verify with city before assuming work is exempt

Inspections

How to Schedule

Oregon ePermitting (online)
(541) 475-2344 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: County inspection sequence applies; city may also require final site review before certificate of occupancy

Additional Resources

Building code: Oregon State Building Code as administered through city and county coordination
Verify contractor license: Oregon Construction Contractors Board
Zoning information: View zoning info
Sign Permit Guide
Temporary Use Permits
Process Changes City Help Community Development
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 City of Madras Community Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madras Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Madras, OR?: City requires permits for structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical systems, and major renovations. City code provisions in Title 18 (Development Code) govern land use and development review.
How much does a building permit cost in Madras, OR?: Fees are calculated as: County uses valuation-based formula; city fees for local review vary by permit type.
How do I apply for a building permit in Madras, OR?: 1. Consult with City of Madras Community Development Department to confirm development criteria and zoning compliance prior to formal application 2. Consult with City of Madras Public Works Department for site development, utility, and access requirements 3. Prepare city-required application and supporting documents per city checklists; city provides enhanced structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing review (effective May 1, 2020) 4. Submit to City of Madras Community Development for local plan review and approval 5. Once City of Madras approves the project, submit the city-approved application and documents to Jefferson County Community Development Department 6. County processes the building permit application through Oregon ePermitting; county will not issue without city approval documented 7. Create Oregon ePermitting account if not already established, upload county-required documents 8. County reviews for completeness; pay fees when invoiced through ePermitting 9. After approval and fee payment, permit is issued and construction may begin; schedule required inspections
What work is exempt from building permits in Madras, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Work meeting Oregon residential exemption thresholds (small detached structures, low fences, retaining walls, finish work, etc.). Note: City development code and zoning compliance may still apply even where building permit is exempt; applicants should verify with city before assuming work is exempt
How do I schedule a building inspection in Madras, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Oregon ePermitting, (541) 475-2344.

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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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