On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gresham
Building Division services cover building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical construction; permit need depends on project scope.
Detached non-habitable accessory structures up to 200 sq ft and 10 ft wall height, with larger rural exception on parcels 2 acres or more
Private-side concrete walkways, slabs, platforms, and driveways adding less than 1,000 sq ft
Window awnings within stated projection limits
Low decks and porches within listed grade and setback thresholds
Gutters and downspouts
Door and window replacements with no structural change
Re-roofing within stated live-load and fire-resistance limits
Limited like-for-like electrical replacements
Irrigation alterations with an approved backflow device already in place
- Exempt Detached non-habitable accessory structures up to 200 sq ft and 10 ft wall height, with larger rural exception on parcels 2 acres or more
- Exempt Private-side concrete walkways, slabs, platforms, and driveways adding less than 1,000 sq ft
- Exempt Window awnings within stated projection limits
- Exempt Low decks and porches within listed grade and setback thresholds
- Exempt Gutters and downspouts
- Exempt Door and window replacements with no structural change
- Exempt Re-roofing within stated live-load and fire-resistance limits
- Exempt Limited like-for-like electrical replacements
- Exempt Irrigation alterations with an approved backflow device already in place
Required documents
- Permit application
- Plans and supporting documents as required by residential or commercial checklists
- Building code
- Oregon Structural, Residential, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Specialty Codes.
- Permit validity
- No citywide expiration statement found on reviewed Gresham pages.
- Owner-builder
- Not clearly stated on reviewed public pages.
- Contractor requirements
- State trade and contractor licensing rules apply; permit applications and inspections are managed by the city.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No universal citywide estimate posted on the reviewed pages.
- 01 Determine permit type and review supporting residential or commercial project guidance.
- 02 Submit the permit application through EnerGov; projects requiring plan review upload plans in the online system.
- 03 Provide all required supporting documents and respond to any completeness or plan-review comments.
- 04 Pay invoiced fees.
- 05 Receive permit issuance and approved plans.
- 06 Perform work and schedule inspections through EnerGov.
- 07 Complete final inspections to close the permit.
Typical processing time: No universal citywide estimate posted on the reviewed pages.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective July 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$123.00 for ORSC entries; valuation tables also start at $37.00 OSSC commercial and $58.00 ORSC and multi-family
02
Plan check fee
65% of permit fee; administrative or special plan review add-ons may apply
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based building permit tables for structural work
04
Trade permit fee
Separate trade permit schedules
05
Reinspection fee
$175.00 per inspection
06
Penalty (no permit)
Investigation fee is $175.00 per hour; other requested inspection fees apply
EnerGov supports online application and payment; city fee schedule, school excise tax, and state surcharge documents are posted on the permit page.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- EnerGov (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests before 6:30 a.m. will be attempted same day; request before midnight for next-day inspection
- Inspection hours
- Daily between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Varies by permit, then final inspection at project completion.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gresham permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Gresham, OR? ▸
Building Division services cover building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical construction; permit need depends on project scope.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Gresham, OR? ▸
Building permit fees in Gresham, OR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $123.00 for ORSC entries; valuation tables also start at $37.00 OSSC commercial and $58.00 ORSC and multi-family. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based building permit tables for structural work. Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee; administrative or special plan review add-ons may apply.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Gresham, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Gresham, OR, follow these steps: 1. Determine permit type and review supporting residential or commercial project guidance. 2. Submit the permit application through EnerGov; projects requiring plan review upload plans in the online system. 3. Provide all required supporting documents and respond to any completeness or plan-review comments. 4. Pay invoiced fees. 5. Receive permit issuance and approved plans. 6. Perform work and schedule inspections through EnerGov. 7. Complete final inspections to close the permit.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Gresham, OR? ▸
Building permit processing times in Gresham, OR typically run No universal citywide estimate posted on the reviewed pages.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Gresham, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Gresham, OR. The following work is generally exempt: Detached non-habitable accessory structures up to 200 sq ft and 10 ft wall height, with larger rural exception on parcels 2 acres or more; Private-side concrete walkways, slabs, platforms, and driveways adding less than 1,000 sq ft; Window awnings within stated projection limits; Low decks and porches within listed grade and setback thresholds; Gutters and downspouts; Door and window replacements with no structural change; Re-roofing within stated live-load and fire-resistance limits; Limited like-for-like electrical replacements; Irrigation alterations with an approved backflow device already in place. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Gresham, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Gresham, OR via: EnerGov. Requests before 6:30 a.m. will be attempted same day; request before midnight for next-day inspection.
last verified April 2026
source City of Gresham Building Division ↗
entry id permits/oregon/multnomah/gresham
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Gresham Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.