jaspector
§ OR Sherman County
County building permits

Unincorporated Sherman County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sherman County, Oregon. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Avg processing
2-3 weeks for initial plan review at BCD
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Oregon Building Codes Division, Pendleton Field Office

Street address
800 SE Emigrant Ave., Suite 360, Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone
541-276-7814
Coverage
All unincorporated areas of Sherman County; land use approval required from Sherman County Planning Department
Online portal
Oregon ePermitting System (ACA Oregon/Accela)
ACA Oregon/Accela
Website
Department website
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Sherman County

Building permits are required for all residential, commercial, and structural construction. No permit-free residential building in Oregon.

Accessory structures less than 200 sq ft and under 10 ft tall (still require planning review and zoning compliance)
  • Exempt Accessory structures less than 200 sq ft and under 10 ft tall (still require planning review and zoning compliance)

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Sherman County Planning Department before proceeding.

Required documents
  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan
  • Construction plans
  • Land use approval from Sherman County Planning Department
  • Zoning compliance documentation
  • Project scope information
Building code
Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) 2023, effective October 1, 2023; based on International Residential Code 2018 with Oregon amendments
Contractor requirements
All contractors must be licensed through Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB); verify license at ccb.state.or.us or 1-503-378-4621

Source: Oregon Building Codes Division, Pendleton Field Office ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 2-3 weeks for initial plan review at BCD

  1. 01
    Apply for land use approval through Sherman County Planning Department (66365 Lonerock Rd, Moro, OR 97039)
  2. 02
    Obtain planning department sign-off confirming zoning and setbacks comply with Sherman County Zoning Ordinance
  3. 03
    Submit signed application and associated materials to Oregon BCD Pendleton Field Office (541-276-7814)
  4. 04
    BCD performs plan review and issues building permit
  5. 05
    Licensed contractor performs construction
  6. 06
    BCD inspects and approves final work

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for initial plan review at BCD

Source: Oregon Building Codes Division, Pendleton Field Office ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • 541-276-7814 (phone)
Inspection hours
8:00 AM to noon, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Source: Oregon Building Codes Division, Pendleton Field Office ↗

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Sherman County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Sherman County, OR? ▸
Building permits are required for all residential, commercial, and structural construction. No permit-free residential building in Oregon.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sherman County, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sherman County, OR, follow these steps: 1. Apply for land use approval through Sherman County Planning Department (66365 Lonerock Rd, Moro, OR 97039) 2. Obtain planning department sign-off confirming zoning and setbacks comply with Sherman County Zoning Ordinance 3. Submit signed application and associated materials to Oregon BCD Pendleton Field Office (541-276-7814) 4. BCD performs plan review and issues building permit 5. Licensed contractor performs construction 6. BCD inspects and approves final work
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Sherman County, OR? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Sherman County, OR typically run 2-3 weeks for initial plan review at BCD. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Sherman County, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Sherman County, OR. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures less than 200 sq ft and under 10 ft tall (still require planning review and zoning compliance). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Sherman County Planning Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sherman County, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sherman County, OR via: 541-276-7814.
last verified April 2026 source Oregon Building Codes Division, Pendleton Field Office ↗ entry id permits/oregon/sherman/unincorporated
Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Oregon Building Codes Division, Pendleton Field Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

← Back to Sherman County permit guides