Malheur County, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Adrian-area properties in unincorporated Malheur County.

Department

Malheur County Planning & Zoning Department and Building Department

Address

251 B Street West, #12, Vale, OR 97918 (Planning & Zoning); 14 S 3rd St, Nyssa, OR 97919 (Building Department)

Phone

(541) 473-5185 (Planning & Zoning); (541) 372-5460 (Building Department)

Email

BuildingDepartment@bldgmalheurco.org

Website

https://www.malheurco.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit structural permit application to Planning & Zoning with site plan and zoning fee ($50).
2. If septic/onsite wastewater system proposed, submit soils evaluation application and site inspection request to Environmental Health ($520 fee).
3. Once Planning & Zoning and Environmental Health approvals received, county issues physical address assignment.
4. Submit structural permit application to Building Department with two complete sets of construction plans, zoning approval, and sanitation approval.
5. Submit trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) as applicable with licensed contractor documentation.
6. Building Department issues permits after plan review completion.
7. Schedule and complete mandatory inspections: foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, and final.

Typical processing time: 4-8 weeks total for new residential construction; 2-4 weeks for accessory structures.

Source: Malheur County Planning & Zoning Department and Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, structural alterations, and most additions in the Adrian area. Certain exempt structures and repairs may not require permits but may still require trade permits.

Required Documents

• Structural permit application
• Site plan showing lot dimensions, setbacks, existing/proposed structures, utilities, easements, wells, septic systems, drainage
• Two complete sets of construction plans including foundation, floor plans, cross-sections, elevations, wall bracing, and framing plans
• Energy-code compliance documentation
• Engineered plans (if required) stamped by Oregon-licensed PE/architect for retaining walls over 4 ft or non-prescriptive lateral systems
• Zoning permit number and approval from Planning & Zoning
• Sanitation approval from Environmental Health (if septic system proposed)

Permit validity

Permit expires if work is not started within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days. One extension of up to 180 days may be available.

Building code

Oregon State Building Code (OSBC) 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Chapters 1-44 (mandatory April 1, 2024); 2025 OSSC (effective October 1, 2025, mandatory April 1, 2026); 2025 Oregon Energy-Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) (mandatory July 1, 2025).

Owner-builder

Owner work exemptions exist in limited cases for owner-builders on own property in non-rental residential context, but exemptions are narrow and do not apply to all project types.

Contractor requirements

Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licensure required for all paid construction work. Electrical and plumbing contractors require dual licensing: CCB plus Oregon BCD trade license. Manufactured dwelling installers require CCB plus Oregon BCD MDI license.

Fees

Plan check fee

Approximately 65% of permit fee (based on project valuation)

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation; includes plan review surcharge (~65% of permit fee) and 12% state surcharge. Fire/life-safety review fee may apply.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached, nonhabitable, one-story accessory structures under 200 sq ft and under 15 ft average roof height (e.g., small sheds, unfinished storage)
• Decks not more than 30 inches above grade (single story, single-family only)
• Patio/porch/deck covers up to 200 sq ft
• Fences under 7 ft tall
• Window/door replacements with no structural work
• Like-for-like repairs with no structural/load-bearing changes
• Agricultural/equine structures (structural permit exemption under ORS 455.315, but exemption does NOT waive electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, or septic permits)

Important: Permit-exempt building work may still require electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits enforced separately. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required regardless of building-permit status for most installations.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (541) 372-5460 (phone)
• Building Department (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Mandatory building inspections required at: foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, and final. Applicant is responsible for requesting inspections and maintaining the inspection record card on site.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Oregon State Building Code (OSBC) 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Chapters 1-44 (mandatory April 1, 2024); 2025 OSSC (effective October 1, 2025, mandatory April 1, 2026); 2025 Oregon Energy-Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC) (mandatory July 1, 2025).
• Verify contractor license: Oregon Construction Contractors Board License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Malheur County Building Department
• Malheur County Environmental Health
• License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Malheur County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Malheur County, OR?

A building permit is required for all new construction, structural alterations, and most additions in the Adrian area. Certain exempt structures and repairs may not require permits but may still require trade permits.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Malheur County, OR?

Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation; includes plan review surcharge (~65% of permit fee) and 12% state surcharge. Fire/life-safety review fee may apply.. Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of permit fee (based on project valuation).

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Malheur County, OR?

1. Submit structural permit application to Planning & Zoning with site plan and zoning fee ($50). 2. If septic/onsite wastewater system proposed, submit soils evaluation application and site inspection request to Environmental Health ($520 fee). 3. Once Planning & Zoning and Environmental Health approvals received, county issues physical address assignment. 4. Submit structural permit application to Building Department with two complete sets of construction plans, zoning approval, and sanitation approval. 5. Submit trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) as applicable with licensed contractor documentation. 6. Building Department issues permits after plan review completion. 7. Schedule and complete mandatory inspections: foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, and final.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Malheur County, OR?

Typical processing time is 4-8 weeks total for new residential construction; 2-4 weeks for accessory structures..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Malheur County, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached, nonhabitable, one-story accessory structures under 200 sq ft and under 15 ft average roof height (e.g., small sheds, unfinished storage); Decks not more than 30 inches above grade (single story, single-family only); Patio/porch/deck covers up to 200 sq ft; Fences under 7 ft tall; Window/door replacements with no structural work; Like-for-like repairs with no structural/load-bearing changes; Agricultural/equine structures (structural permit exemption under ORS 455.315, but exemption does NOT waive electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, or septic permits). Note: Permit-exempt building work may still require electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits enforced separately. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required regardless of building-permit status for most installations.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Malheur County, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (541) 372-5460, Building Department.