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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Independence
Permits required for construction, enlargement, alteration, movement, or demolition of one- or two-family dwellings and related structures
Uninhabitable one-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds) with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and walls no more than 10 feet high (5-foot minimum setback from rear and side property lines)
- Exempt Uninhabitable one-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds) with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and walls no more than 10 feet high (5-foot minimum setback from rear and side property lines)
- Building code
- Oregon Residential Specialty Code and related Oregon specialty codes
- Permit validity
- Permit remains active for 180 days from issuance; first inspection must be completed within 180 days to keep permit active
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Homeowners may drop off plans at the Building Department office or complete online application through Oregon ePermitting
- 02 Access the Oregon ePermitting system at https://aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon/
- 03 Submit application and plan submittals electronically
- 04 Plans examiner reviews plans for compliance
- 05 Permit is issued or corrections are requested
- 06 Permit remains active for 180 days from issuance
- 07 Each inspection request extends the permit for an additional 180 days
- 08 One-time free extension of 180 days available during construction
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Oregon ePermitting System (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- First inspection must be completed within 180 days of permit issuance to keep permit active
Typical sequence: Each inspection request extends permit 180 days; one-time free 180-day extension available during construction
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Independence permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Independence, OR? ▸
Permits required for construction, enlargement, alteration, movement, or demolition of one- or two-family dwellings and related structures
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Independence, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Independence, OR, follow these steps: 1. Homeowners may drop off plans at the Building Department office or complete online application through Oregon ePermitting 2. Access the Oregon ePermitting system at https://aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon/ 3. Submit application and plan submittals electronically 4. Plans examiner reviews plans for compliance 5. Permit is issued or corrections are requested 6. Permit remains active for 180 days from issuance 7. Each inspection request extends the permit for an additional 180 days 8. One-time free extension of 180 days available during construction
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Independence, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Independence, OR. The following work is generally exempt: Uninhabitable one-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds) with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and walls no more than 10 feet high (5-foot minimum setback from rear and side property lines). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Independence, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Independence, OR via: Oregon ePermitting System. First inspection must be completed within 180 days of permit issuance to keep permit active.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/oregon/polk/independence
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.