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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Nehalem
Building permits required for all construction within city limits
- Exempt Manufactured dwelling permits available
Note: Zoning compliance certification essential
- 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)
- Building code
- 2014 Oregon Specialty Codes (structural, residential, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy efficiency). Chapter 157 Development Ordinance governs city requirements.
- Permit validity
- 180-day permit validity applies
- Contractor requirements
- Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license required for most construction work
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Submit plans to City Planning to ensure compliance with City Land-Use and Flood Plain Ordinances (First Step)
- 02 Obtain written certification from City Manager/Recorder that proposal is consistent with Development Ordinance and other city regulations (Second Step)
- 03 Submit zoning approval and building permit application to Tillamook County Community Development (Third Step)
- 04 Schedule appointment with Tillamook County for building permit submittal
- 05 Submit complete application (incomplete applications not accepted)
- 06 City and County review and approve permits
Fee schedule
Effective April 1, 2025
Contact City Planning for city zoning fees. See Tillamook County Building Forms for building permit fees.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective April 1, 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (503) 842-1815 (Tillamook County Inspection Hotline) (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Nehalem permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Nehalem, OR? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Nehalem, OR? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Nehalem, OR? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Nehalem, OR? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Nehalem, OR? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning Department and Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.