How much does a building permit cost in Forest Grove, OR?

The minimum permit fee is Forest Grove publishes current building fee tables and estimated fee sheets, but the minimum fee was not clearly summarized on the main page.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Building permits use valuation-based tables and separate trade fee tables for mechanical and plumbing work.. Plan check fee: Applies.

How do I apply for a building permit in Forest Grove, OR?

1. Review the Forest Grove permitting process and submittal requirements for the project type. 2. Submit the permit application and plans electronically or by the method directed by the Building Division. 3. Contractors may pull qualifying permits online through Oregon e-permitting. 4. Pay plan review and permit fees. 5. Resolve correction notices if issued during review. 6. Receive the permit and schedule inspections through the inspection request line.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Forest Grove, OR?

Typical processing time is No general turnaround promise posted on the building page reviewed..

What work is exempt from building permits in Forest Grove, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Oregon residential permit exemptions for small detached nonhabitable structures, certain fences, minor finish work, and limited like-for-like repairs may apply.; Local zoning, planning, or site constraints can still require review even when a building permit is exempt..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Forest Grove, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspection Request Line at 888-299-2821.

City Building Permits

Forest Grove, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Oregon Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Forest Grove's Building Division handles structural, mechanical, and plumbing permits and inspections for Forest Grove and Cornelius. Contractors can pull qualifying permits online through the state e-permitting system.

Department: City of Forest Grove/Cornelius Building Division
Address: 1924 Council Street, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone: 503-992-3229
Email: via staff directory on the Building page
Website: https://www.forestgrove-or.gov/158/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open Forest Grove electronic permitting and state e-permitting

Platform: Forest Grove electronic permitting and state e-permitting • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Review the Forest Grove permitting process and submittal requirements for the project type.
Submit the permit application and plans electronically or by the method directed by the Building Division.
Contractors may pull qualifying permits online through Oregon e-permitting.
Pay plan review and permit fees.
Resolve correction notices if issued during review.
Receive the permit and schedule inspections through the inspection request line.

Typical processing time: No general turnaround promise posted on the building page reviewed.

Source: City of Forest Grove/Cornelius Building Division

General Requirements

Structural, mechanical, and plumbing work regulated by the Oregon building codes; related planning approvals also apply where required.

Required Documents

Application
plans
site plan
and project-specific checklists. The Building page links residential plan requirements
site plan requirements
solar checklist
and other guidance.

Permit validity: Oregon 180-day baseline applies unless extended by the building official.
Building code: State of Oregon building specialty codes enforced by the city.
Owner-builder: Owners can apply directly; contractor online pulling is available for qualifying permits.
Contractor requirements: The city points applicants to the Oregon Construction Contractors Board license search and requires valid contractor licensing where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Forest Grove publishes current building fee tables and estimated fee sheets, but the minimum fee was not clearly summarized on the main page.
Plan check fee: Applies
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Building permits use valuation-based tables and separate trade fee tables for mechanical and plumbing work.
Reinspection fee: Confirm current fees with the Building Division; inspection failures may require additional trips
Penalty (no permit): Confirm current fees with the Building Division; inspection failures may require additional trips
Payment note: Confirm with the Building Division during intake; public landing page does not summarize card or portal processing rules

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Oregon residential permit exemptions for small detached nonhabitable structures, certain fences, minor finish work, and limited like-for-like repairs may apply.
Local zoning, planning, or site constraints can still require review even when a building permit is exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection Request Line at 888-299-2821 (other)

Inspection hours: Building Division hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Time windows: Building Division hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation or cover, and final inspections depending on scope

Additional Resources

Building code: State of Oregon building specialty codes enforced by the city.
Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Resource
Resource
Resource
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 City of Forest Grove/Cornelius Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Forest Grove Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Forest Grove, OR?: Structural, mechanical, and plumbing work regulated by the Oregon building codes; related planning approvals also apply where required.
How much does a building permit cost in Forest Grove, OR?: The minimum permit fee is Forest Grove publishes current building fee tables and estimated fee sheets, but the minimum fee was not clearly summarized on the main page.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Building permits use valuation-based tables and separate trade fee tables for mechanical and plumbing work.. Plan check fee: Applies.
How do I apply for a building permit in Forest Grove, OR?: 1. Review the Forest Grove permitting process and submittal requirements for the project type. 2. Submit the permit application and plans electronically or by the method directed by the Building Division. 3. Contractors may pull qualifying permits online through Oregon e-permitting. 4. Pay plan review and permit fees. 5. Resolve correction notices if issued during review. 6. Receive the permit and schedule inspections through the inspection request line.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Forest Grove, OR?: Typical processing time is No general turnaround promise posted on the building page reviewed..
What work is exempt from building permits in Forest Grove, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Oregon residential permit exemptions for small detached nonhabitable structures, certain fences, minor finish work, and limited like-for-like repairs may apply.; Local zoning, planning, or site constraints can still require review even when a building permit is exempt..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Forest Grove, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspection Request Line at 888-299-2821.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Forest Grove 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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