City Building Permits

Nehalem, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Oregon Tillamook County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within city limits of Nehalem. Building permits issued by Tillamook County Community Development as of September 1, 2011.

Department
Planning Department and Community Development
Address
City of Nehalem, 35900 8th Street, P.O. Box 143, Nehalem, Oregon 97131
Website
https://www.nehalem.gov/pz

Online Permit Portal

Open Oregon ePermitting System

Platform: Accela • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Submit plans to City Planning to ensure compliance with City Land-Use and Flood Plain Ordinances (First Step)
  2. Obtain written certification from City Manager/Recorder that proposal is consistent with Development Ordinance and other city regulations (Second Step)
  3. Submit zoning approval and building permit application to Tillamook County Community Development (Third Step)
  4. Schedule appointment with Tillamook County for building permit submittal
  5. Submit complete application (incomplete applications not accepted)
  6. City and County review and approve permits

Source: Planning Department and Community Development

General Requirements

Building permits required for all construction within city limits

Required Documents

  • City Land-Use Ordinance and Flood Plain Ordinance compliance documentation
  • Written certification from City Manager/Recorder
  • Plans and site plan
  • Elevation certificate (for floodplain construction, completed by licensed engineer)
Permit validity
180-day permit validity applies
Building code
2014 Oregon Specialty Codes (structural, residential, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy efficiency). Chapter 157 Development Ordinance governs city requirements.
Contractor requirements
Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license required for most construction work

Fees

Permit fee formula
Fees determined by Tillamook County for structural permits. City zoning compliance fees vary.
Payment note
Contact City Planning for city zoning fees. See Tillamook County Building Forms for building permit fees.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective April 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Manufactured dwelling permits available

Important: Zoning compliance certification essential

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (503) 842-1815 (Tillamook County Inspection Hotline) (phone)
Inspection hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Call Tillamook County Inspection Hotline to schedule inspections. City may conduct inspections for zoning/land-use compliance. Floodplain inspections may be required for flood-zone construction. 180-day permit validity applies.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning Department and Community Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nehalem Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Nehalem, OR?
Building permits required for all construction within city limits
How much does a building permit cost in Nehalem, OR?
Fees are calculated as: Fees determined by Tillamook County for structural permits. City zoning compliance fees vary..
How do I apply for a building permit in Nehalem, OR?
1. Submit plans to City Planning to ensure compliance with City Land-Use and Flood Plain Ordinances (First Step) 2. Obtain written certification from City Manager/Recorder that proposal is consistent with Development Ordinance and other city regulations (Second Step) 3. Submit zoning approval and building permit application to Tillamook County Community Development (Third Step) 4. Schedule appointment with Tillamook County for building permit submittal 5. Submit complete application (incomplete applications not accepted) 6. City and County review and approve permits
What work is exempt from building permits in Nehalem, OR?
The following work is generally exempt: Manufactured dwelling permits available. Note: Zoning compliance certification essential
How do I schedule a building inspection in Nehalem, OR?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (503) 842-1815 (Tillamook County Inspection Hotline).

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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