How do I apply for a building permit in The Dalles, OR?

1. Submit application and required documents to Community Development Department, City of The Dalles. 2. City staff determines completeness within 21 days (extendable by mutual agreement). 3. For minor permits (non-commercial, no city utilities): Minor Permit Packet process. 4. For standard permits: May require ministerial or administrative review. 5. City approval issued. 6. Submit structural permit application to WCBCS for state BCD structural permit review and issuance. 7. City permits effective upon signature by authorized city official.

How do I schedule a building inspection in The Dalles, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: City of The Dalles Community Development. Contact city for inspection scheduling procedures..

City Building Permits

The Dalles, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Oregon Wasco County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of The Dalles. Structural permits coordinated with Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS).

Department: Community Development Department
Address: The Dalles City Hall, The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 296-5481 ext. 323
Website: https://www.thedalles.org

Online Permit Portal

Open City of The Dalles

Platform: Paper or in-person submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Community Development Department

Application Process

Submit application and required documents to Community Development Department, City of The Dalles.
City staff determines completeness within 21 days (extendable by mutual agreement).
For minor permits (non-commercial, no city utilities): Minor Permit Packet process.
For standard permits: May require ministerial or administrative review.
City approval issued.
Submit structural permit application to WCBCS for state BCD structural permit review and issuance.
City permits effective upon signature by authorized city official.

Typical processing time: 21 days for completeness determination; structural permit handled concurrently by WCBCS

Source: Community Development Department

General Requirements

Building permit required for: new construction, additions > 200 sq ft, structural modifications, carports/garages/sheds > 200 sq ft, attic/garage/basement conversion to living space, demolition, change of use.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan and construction plans
Project scope information
Proof of property ownership or authorization
Applicant/owner acknowledgements

Permit validity: 180-day work commencement deadline from issuance. Expires if no inspection is passed within 180 days of inactivity.
Building code: Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), and specialty codes
Owner-builder: Owner-builders must sign and submit required disclosure forms per city ordinance.
Contractor requirements: Oregon CCB contractor license required for most construction work. Verify license at ccb.oregon.gov.

Fees

Payment note: Contact City of The Dalles Community Development Department at (541) 296-5481 ext. 323 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

City of The Dalles Community Development (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Contact city for inspection scheduling procedures.
Inspection hours: Standard business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing, final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), and specialty codes
Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Community Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dalles Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in The Dalles, OR?: Building permit required for: new construction, additions > 200 sq ft, structural modifications, carports/garages/sheds > 200 sq ft, attic/garage/basement conversion to living space, demolition, change of use.
How do I apply for a building permit in The Dalles, OR?: 1. Submit application and required documents to Community Development Department, City of The Dalles. 2. City staff determines completeness within 21 days (extendable by mutual agreement). 3. For minor permits (non-commercial, no city utilities): Minor Permit Packet process. 4. For standard permits: May require ministerial or administrative review. 5. City approval issued. 6. Submit structural permit application to WCBCS for state BCD structural permit review and issuance. 7. City permits effective upon signature by authorized city official.
How long does it take to get a building permit in The Dalles, OR?: Typical processing time is 21 days for completeness determination; structural permit handled concurrently by WCBCS.
How do I schedule a building inspection in The Dalles, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: City of The Dalles Community Development. Contact city for inspection scheduling procedures..

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Navigating permits in The Dalles 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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