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

Typical processing time is 10-15 business days for initial review, varies by project complexity.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 541-963-1014.

County Building Permits

Union County, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Oregon Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Union County, Oregon.

Department: Union County Building Division (Planning Department)
Address: 1001 Fourth Street, Suite C, La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: 541-963-1014
Website: https://unioncountyor.gov/planning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Oregon ePermitting System

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

Additional resources:

Code Enforcement

Application Process

Determine permit type required for your project (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.)
Prepare required construction plans and documentation per Oregon Building Code
Submit application through Oregon ePermitting system (BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov) or contact Union County Building Division
Submit plans to Union County Building Division for review
Address any plan review comments or requests for additional information
Pay all required permit and plan review fees
Obtain permit and schedule required inspections

Typical processing time: 10-15 business days for initial review, varies by project complexity

Source: Union County Building Division (Planning Department)

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all new construction, structural alterations, and certain repairs in unincorporated Union County.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Construction plans and drawings
Site plan
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans (if applicable)
Energy compliance documentation (residential projects)
Applicant identification and contact information

Permit validity: Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance. Work must commence within this period or permit voids. If work is suspended for 180 consecutive days, permit becomes void.
Building code: 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) for residential; Oregon State Building Code (OSBC) for commercial; 2022 Oregon Fire Code
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid Oregon Contractors License Board (CCB) license.

Fees

Payment note: Payment can be made online through Oregon ePermitting system or contact Union County Building Division for alternative payment methods.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Union County Building Division (Planning Department) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

541-963-1014 (phone)

Additional Resources

Building code: 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) for residential; Oregon State Building Code (OSBC) for commercial; 2022 Oregon Fire Code
Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Oregon Building Codes Division
Oregon Local Building Department Directory
Oregon DEQ Onsite Wastewater (Septic)
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 Union County Building Division (Planning Department) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Union County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Union County, OR?: Building permits are required for all new construction, structural alterations, and certain repairs in unincorporated Union County.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, OR?: 1. Determine permit type required for your project (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.) 2. Prepare required construction plans and documentation per Oregon Building Code 3. Submit application through Oregon ePermitting system (BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov) or contact Union County Building Division 4. Submit plans to Union County Building Division for review 5. Address any plan review comments or requests for additional information 6. Pay all required permit and plan review fees 7. Obtain permit and schedule required inspections
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Union County, OR?: Typical processing time is 10-15 business days for initial review, varies by project complexity.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Union County, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 541-963-1014.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Union County can be complicated.

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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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