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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Wasco County
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.
- Exempt Very small structures in NSA zone (as defined by NSA Act)
- Exempt Pre-1986 approved residential structures in NSA zone (no re-review required)
- Exempt 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.
- 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
- Building code
- Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC), Oregon Electrical and Plumbing Specialty Codes
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Wasco County Planning Department & Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: 3-30+ days depending on plan complexity
- 01 Contact Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) at 541-506-2650 to discuss project scope and requirements.
- 02 Obtain Form 10 (Application for Structural Permit) from WCBCS or download from county website.
- 03 Prepare complete plans and specifications per Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) or Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC).
- 04 Submit application, plans, and fees to WCBCS.
- 05 WCBCS conducts completeness check; applicant contacted if deficiencies noted.
- 06 Plan review: 3 working days for one- and two-family dwellings; 10 working days for simple plans; complex plans may take 30+ days.
- 07 Submit fee for plan review if phased review required.
- 08 Upon approval, WCBCS issues structural permit. Wasco County Planning signs off on zoning/land-use compliance.
- 09 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) ↗
Fee schedule
Wasco County building permit fees
Phased review fees charged per phase. Contact WCBCS for detailed fee schedule: 541-506-2650.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing, final inspection. Inspectors: Donald Cochran (541-506-2692), Justin Thomas (541-506-2694).
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Wasco County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wasco County, OR? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Wasco County, OR? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wasco County, OR? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Wasco County, OR? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wasco County, OR? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wasco County, OR? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Wasco County Planning Department & Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.