Ontario, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ontario.

Department

City of Ontario Building Division

Address

Community Development Center, Ontario, OR

Phone

(541) 889-5557

Website

https://www.ontariooregon.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Attend Pre-Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) meeting with Planning & Zoning Department before site plans are finalized. PDAC typically includes Fire, Public Works, Building, Planning, and other departments.
2. Submit structural permit application to Building Division with completed checklist, zoning clearance, and required documentation.
3. For residential permits, verify floodplain determination and provide local land-use approval from Planning & Zoning.
4. Upload all required application materials and construction plans to Oregon ePermitting portal (Accela). Create ePermitting account and submit Homeowner Acknowledgement Form if homeowner.
5. Building Department reviews completeness and routes for plan review to relevant departments.
6. Pay plan-check and application fees; applications are not considered submitted until fees are paid.
7. Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required.
8. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
9. Schedule and complete mandatory inspections for residential (1-2 family) and commercial projects.

Typical processing time: Plan review timelines vary; residential permits typically 4-8 weeks including plan review and resubmittals.

Source: City of Ontario Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Ontario, including new construction, additions, and most alterations.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application and checklist
• Scaled site/plot plan showing property lines, utilities, existing/proposed structures, driveways, easements
• Two complete sets of construction plans (minimum) including foundation, floor plans, cross-sections, elevations, wall bracing, framing, and structural calculations where required
• Truss documents (if applicable)
• Energy-code compliance documentation
• Local land-use approval (zoning clearance) from Planning & Zoning
• Public Works approval (if applicable)
• Floodplain determination
• Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained before occupancy of new/redeveloped/remodeled habitable, commercial, or industrial space
• Homeowner Acknowledgement Form (if applying online as homeowner)

Permit validity

Permit expires if work is not started within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended for 180 days.

Building code

Oregon State Building Code (OSBC) plus City of Ontario zoning and development ordinances.

Owner-builder

Owner exemptions exist under state law but are narrowly defined.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractors required (CCB license for general construction, dual licensing for electrical/plumbing). Homeowner exemptions apply in limited cases.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation; includes state surcharges.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Ontario Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (541) 889-5557 (phone)
• Oregon ePermitting portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence for residential (1-2 family) includes multiple required inspections. Commercial requires additional inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Oregon State Building Code (OSBC) plus City of Ontario zoning and development ordinances.
• Verify contractor license: Oregon Construction Contractors Board License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Oregon ePermitting Portal
• License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ontario, OR?

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Ontario, including new construction, additions, and most alterations.

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

Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation; includes state surcharges..

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

1. Attend Pre-Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) meeting with Planning & Zoning Department before site plans are finalized. PDAC typically includes Fire, Public Works, Building, Planning, and other departments. 2. Submit structural permit application to Building Division with completed checklist, zoning clearance, and required documentation. 3. For residential permits, verify floodplain determination and provide local land-use approval from Planning & Zoning. 4. Upload all required application materials and construction plans to Oregon ePermitting portal (Accela). Create ePermitting account and submit Homeowner Acknowledgement Form if homeowner. 5. Building Department reviews completeness and routes for plan review to relevant departments. 6. Pay plan-check and application fees; applications are not considered submitted until fees are paid. 7. Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required. 8. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work. 9. Schedule and complete mandatory inspections for residential (1-2 family) and commercial projects.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Ontario, OR?

Typical processing time is Plan review timelines vary; residential permits typically 4-8 weeks including plan review and resubmittals..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (541) 889-5557, Oregon ePermitting portal.

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