How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?

Fees are calculated as: Based on construction valuation using ICC Building Valuation Table methodology per OAR 918-050-0100.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures: nonhabitable, detached, one-story, 3 feet from property line; Decks/porches: floor <30 inches above adjacent grade; Fences: <7 feet height (wood, wire, chain link); Concrete slabs/driveways: <30 inches above grade, no basement below; Interior finish work: paint, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops. Note: Local jurisdictions may impose more stringent requirements. Verify with county Planning Division before proceeding with exempt work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov (ePermitting), 541-276-7814 (BCD Pendleton Field Office). Available 24/7 online and by phone.

County Building Permits

Umatilla County, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Q: Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?

Building permit required for all structural additions, new structures, certain remodels, manufactured home placement, and accessory structures 200+ sq ft. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits required.

Q: How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?

1. Obtain Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) from Umatilla County Community Development, Planning Division (541-278-6252). 2. After zoning approval, submit structural plans to Oregon BCD via BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov or in person at Pendleton field office. 3. BCD reviews plans for code compliance; contact office with questions. 4. Upon permit issuance, schedule inspections 24/7 via ePermitting system or by phone. 5. Conduct required inspections: footing, framing, final, and specialty code inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical). 6. Pass final inspection to complete permit process.

Q: How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?

Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for standard residential permits. Plan review typically 15 business days..

Q: How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov (ePermitting), 541-276-7814 (BCD Pendleton Field Office). Available 24/7 online and by phone.

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

Oregon Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Umatilla County. Structural permits administered by state BCD; zoning/land use by county Planning Division.

Department: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) & Umatilla County Community Development
Address: 800 SE Emigrant Ave, Suite 360, Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone: 541-276-7814
Website: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/pages/index.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Open BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov (ePermitting)

Platform: Oregon ePermitting • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Obtain Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) from Umatilla County Community Development, Planning Division (541-278-6252).
After zoning approval, submit structural plans to Oregon BCD via BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov or in person at Pendleton field office.
BCD reviews plans for code compliance; contact office with questions.
Upon permit issuance, schedule inspections 24/7 via ePermitting system or by phone.
Conduct required inspections: footing, framing, final, and specialty code inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical).
Pass final inspection to complete permit process.

Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for standard residential permits. Plan review typically 15 business days.

Source: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) & Umatilla County Community Development

General Requirements

Building permit required for all structural additions, new structures, certain remodels, manufactured home placement, and accessory structures 200+ sq ft. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits required.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans and specifications
Site plan
Proof of zoning approval (LUCS)
Project valuation estimate

Permit validity: Permit valid 180 days from issuance. Work must start within this period. Permit expires if work suspended/abandoned for 180+ consecutive days.
Building code: Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Oregon Structural Specialty Code, Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, Oregon Electrical Specialty Code, Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code. New codes effective October 1, 2025.
Contractor requirements: All work for compensation requires Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license with appropriate endorsement (residential, commercial, or both). License info: ccb.oregon.gov

Fees

Permit fee formula: Based on construction valuation using ICC Building Valuation Table methodology per OAR 918-050-0100
Payment note: Payment methods available through ePermitting system or at Pendleton field office

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Varies by permit type; see BCD Pendleton office).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Accessory structures: nonhabitable, detached, one-story, <200 sq ft or <15 feet to roof average
Decks/patios: <200 sq ft, <12 feet roof height, >3 feet from property line
Decks/porches: floor <30 inches above adjacent grade
Fences: <7 feet height (wood, wire, chain link)
Concrete slabs/driveways: <30 inches above grade, no basement below
Interior finish work: paint, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops

Important: Local jurisdictions may impose more stringent requirements. Verify with county Planning Division before proceeding with exempt work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov (ePermitting) (online)
541-276-7814 (BCD Pendleton Field Office) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Available 24/7 online and by phone
Inspection hours: Inspector availability: Morning inspections 9:00 AM, afternoon inspections 1:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, framing, final, plus specialty code inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical)

Additional Resources

Building code: Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Oregon Structural Specialty Code, Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, Oregon Electrical Specialty Code, Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code. New codes effective October 1, 2025.
Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Oregon CCB Licensing Information
Oregon DEQ Stormwater Permits (1200-C)
Oregon DSL Removal-Fill Permits
License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) & Umatilla County Community Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Umatilla County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?: Building permit required for all structural additions, new structures, certain remodels, manufactured home placement, and accessory structures 200+ sq ft. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits required.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?: Fees are calculated as: Based on construction valuation using ICC Building Valuation Table methodology per OAR 918-050-0100.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?: 1. Obtain Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) from Umatilla County Community Development, Planning Division (541-278-6252). 2. After zoning approval, submit structural plans to Oregon BCD via BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov or in person at Pendleton field office. 3. BCD reviews plans for code compliance; contact office with questions. 4. Upon permit issuance, schedule inspections 24/7 via ePermitting system or by phone. 5. Conduct required inspections: footing, framing, final, and specialty code inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical). 6. Pass final inspection to complete permit process.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?: Typical processing time is 2-4 weeks for standard residential permits. Plan review typically 15 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures: nonhabitable, detached, one-story, <200 sq ft or <15 feet to roof average; Decks/patios: <200 sq ft, <12 feet roof height, >3 feet from property line; Decks/porches: floor <30 inches above adjacent grade; Fences: <7 feet height (wood, wire, chain link); Concrete slabs/driveways: <30 inches above grade, no basement below; Interior finish work: paint, wallpaper, tile, carpet, cabinets, countertops. Note: Local jurisdictions may impose more stringent requirements. Verify with county Planning Division before proceeding with exempt work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Umatilla County, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov (ePermitting), 541-276-7814 (BCD Pendleton Field Office). Available 24/7 online and by phone.

Need help with your project?

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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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