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

The minimum permit fee is $75.21. Plan check fee: 10% of building fee, capped $1,500 per phase.

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

Typical processing time is 3-30+ days depending on plan complexity.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Very small structures in NSA zone (as defined by NSA Act); Pre-1986 approved residential structures in NSA zone (no re-review required); Minor repairs and maintenance per Oregon statute. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land-use, or Scenic Area review requirements. Confirm with county planning before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Wasco County Building Codes Services. Contact WCBCS or assigned inspector directly to schedule..

County Building Permits

Wasco County, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Oregon Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Wasco County, Oregon. Properties within incorporated cities (The Dalles, Dufur, Maupin, Mosier, Shaniko) are subject to city jurisdiction.

Department: Wasco County Planning Department & Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS)
Address: Wasco County Courthouse, The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: 541-506-2560 (Planning) / 541-506-2650 (WCBCS)
Website: https://www.co.wasco.or.us/planning

Online Permit Portal

Open Oregon ePermitting

Platform: Oregon ePermitting • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) at 541-506-2650 to discuss project scope and requirements.
Obtain Form 10 (Application for Structural Permit) from WCBCS or download from county website.
Prepare complete plans and specifications per Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) or Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC).
Submit application, plans, and fees to WCBCS.
WCBCS conducts completeness check; applicant contacted if deficiencies noted.
Plan review: 3 working days for one- and two-family dwellings; 10 working days for simple plans; complex plans may take 30+ days.
Submit fee for plan review if phased review required.
Upon approval, WCBCS issues structural permit. Wasco County Planning signs off on zoning/land-use compliance.
North Central Public Health District reviews sanitation/septic requirements and provides signoff.

Typical processing time: 3-30+ days depending on plan complexity

Source: Wasco County Planning Department & Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS)

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, interior wall removal/addition, exterior structural modifications, demolition, change of use, manufactured homes on individual lots.

Required Documents

Form 10 (Application for Structural Permit)
Complete construction plans and specifications
Site plan with property boundaries and utilities
Proof of legal lot (deed or property records)
For NSA zone: Scenic resource impact evaluation if applicable

Permit validity: 180-day work commencement deadline from issuance. Suspended work > 180 days requires new permit. Permit expires if no inspection is passed within 180 days of inactivity.
Building code: Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC), Oregon Electrical and Plumbing Specialty Codes
Owner-builder: Owner-built single-family residence on owner-occupied property may self-perform; homeowner exemption applies.
Contractor requirements: Oregon CCB contractor license required for most construction work. Verify license at ccb.oregon.gov.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $75.21
Plan check fee: 10% of building fee, capped $1,500 per phase
Payment note: Phased review fees charged per phase. Contact WCBCS for detailed fee schedule: 541-506-2650.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Wasco County Planning Department & Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Wasco County Building Codes Services (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Contact WCBCS or assigned inspector directly to schedule.
Inspection hours: Standard business hours; contact for specific availability.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing, final inspection. Inspectors: Donald Cochran (541-506-2692), Justin Thomas (541-506-2694).

Additional Resources

Building code: Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC), Oregon Electrical and Plumbing Specialty Codes
Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Columbia River Gorge Commission - NSA Guidelines
Oregon DEQ - Stormwater 1200-C Permit
Oregon DSL - Removal-Fill Permit
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 Wasco County Planning Department & Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wasco County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wasco County, 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, interior wall removal/addition, exterior structural modifications, demolition, change of use, manufactured homes on individual lots.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Wasco County, OR?: The minimum permit fee is $75.21. Plan check fee: 10% of building fee, capped $1,500 per phase.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wasco County, OR?: 1. Contact Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) at 541-506-2650 to discuss project scope and requirements. 2. Obtain Form 10 (Application for Structural Permit) from WCBCS or download from county website. 3. Prepare complete plans and specifications per Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) or Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC). 4. Submit application, plans, and fees to WCBCS. 5. WCBCS conducts completeness check; applicant contacted if deficiencies noted. 6. Plan review: 3 working days for one- and two-family dwellings; 10 working days for simple plans; complex plans may take 30+ days. 7. Submit fee for plan review if phased review required. 8. Upon approval, WCBCS issues structural permit. Wasco County Planning signs off on zoning/land-use compliance. 9. North Central Public Health District reviews sanitation/septic requirements and provides signoff.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Wasco County, OR?: Typical processing time is 3-30+ days depending on plan complexity.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wasco County, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Very small structures in NSA zone (as defined by NSA Act); Pre-1986 approved residential structures in NSA zone (no re-review required); Minor repairs and maintenance per Oregon statute. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land-use, or Scenic Area review requirements. Confirm with county planning before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wasco County, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Wasco County Building Codes Services. Contact WCBCS or assigned inspector directly to schedule..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Wasco County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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