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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Madras
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.
Work meeting Oregon residential exemption thresholds (small detached structures, low fences, retaining walls, finish work, etc.)
- 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
Required documents
- City-side materials vary by project type per city checklists
- Building application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Structural/MEP details
- Building code
- Oregon State Building Code as administered through city and county coordination
- Permit validity
- Standard Oregon 180-day permit expiration applies; permits expire if final inspection not conducted within 180 days of issuance
- 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- Madras code pages do not publish separate owner-builder restrictions beyond Oregon law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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Consult with City of Madras Community Development Department to confirm development criteria and zoning compliance prior to formal application
- 02 Consult with City of Madras Public Works Department for site development, utility, and access requirements
- 03 Prepare city-required application and supporting documents per city checklists; city provides enhanced structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing review (effective May 1, 2020)
- 04 Submit to City of Madras Community Development for local plan review and approval
- 05 Once City of Madras approves the project, submit the city-approved application and documents to Jefferson County Community Development Department
- 06 County processes the building permit application through Oregon ePermitting; county will not issue without city approval documented
- 07 Create Oregon ePermitting account if not already established, upload county-required documents
- 08 County reviews for completeness; pay fees when invoiced through ePermitting
- 09 After approval and fee payment, permit is issued and construction may begin; schedule required inspections
§ 04
Fee schedule
Madras building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
County uses valuation-based formula; city fees for local review vary by permit type
Both city and county fees must be paid; applicants should confirm fee structure with both jurisdictions
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Oregon ePermitting (online)
- (541) 475-2344 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: County inspection sequence applies; city may also require final site review before certificate of occupancy
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Madras permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Madras, OR? ▸
Building permit fees in Madras, OR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: County uses valuation-based formula; city fees for local review vary by permit type.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Madras, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Madras, OR, follow these steps: 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
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Madras, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Madras, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Madras, OR via: Oregon ePermitting, (541) 475-2344.
last verified April 2026
source City of Madras Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/oregon/jefferson/madras
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Madras Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.