How much does a building permit cost in Hillsboro, OR?

The minimum permit fee is Use current permit fee tables and estimate forms; the public summary page does not restate one universal minimum.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Permit fees, plan review fees, construction excise tax, SDCs, TDT, and other site-related charges may apply depending on project scope.. Plan check fee: Yes. Fire and life safety plan review is listed in the citywide fee schedule at 40% of permit fee..

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

1. Download the correct permit application and checklist for the project type. 2. Submit the application in person or by email to permits@hillsboro-oregon.gov. 3. Pay fees through the payment link sent by city staff. 4. If review is required, city staff send the applicant a link to begin the review process and upload plans. 5. Resolve any review comments and satisfy planning, utility, fire, or South Hillsboro area submittal requirements if applicable. 6. Receive permit issuance and schedule inspections online or by IVR.

What work is exempt from building permits in Hillsboro, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Oregon residential permit exemptions for minor work, small detached nonhabitable structures, limited reroofing triggers, and similar low-risk work may apply.; Exempt work can still require planning, erosion control, utility, or fire review depending on location and project effects..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Hillsboro, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online inspection scheduler or IVR line at 503-681-6244.

City Building Permits

Hillsboro, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Oregon Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Hillsboro issues building permits inside city limits and coordinates planning, site development, utilities, and fire review. Fire and Rescue states all new construction permits are issued by Hillsboro Building Division.

Department: City of Hillsboro Development Services and Permitting Center, Building Division
Address: Hillsboro Civic Center, Fourth Floor, 150 E Main Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: 503-681-6153
Email: permits@hillsboro-oregon.gov
Website: https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/services/permitting-center/developers-contractors/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Email intake plus online review and inspection scheduler

Platform: Email intake plus online review and inspection scheduler • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the correct permit application and checklist for the project type.
Submit the application in person or by email to permits@hillsboro-oregon.gov.
Pay fees through the payment link sent by city staff.
If review is required, city staff send the applicant a link to begin the review process and upload plans.
Resolve any review comments and satisfy planning, utility, fire, or South Hillsboro area submittal requirements if applicable.
Receive permit issuance and schedule inspections online or by IVR.

Typical processing time: Hillsboro states permits that can be issued within 24 hours will be issued shortly after payment; projects requiring review follow the plan review process and timing varies by scope.

Source: City of Hillsboro Development Services and Permitting Center, Building Division

General Requirements

New buildings, additions, repairs, renovations, demolitions, occupancy changes, fire alarm and fire suppression work, manufactured dwelling work, and other regulated construction.

Required Documents

Application form
project valuation
plans
and checklist items for the project type. South Hillsboro projects may need architectural review compliance and related district-specific documents at submittal.

Permit validity: Oregon 180-day baseline applies unless extended locally.
Building code: State of Oregon building specialty codes as enforced by the city.
Owner-builder: Owners can submit applications directly; Oregon homeowner acknowledgement rules still apply where relevant.
Contractor requirements: Oregon contractor and trade licensing requirements apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Use current permit fee tables and estimate forms; the public summary page does not restate one universal minimum.
Plan check fee: Yes. Fire and life safety plan review is listed in the citywide fee schedule at 40% of permit fee.
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Permit fees, plan review fees, construction excise tax, SDCs, TDT, and other site-related charges may apply depending on project scope.
Reinspection fee: After-hours inspections cost $75 per hour plus 12% state surcharge, with minimum hour requirements; other added fees may apply for special conditions
Penalty (no permit): After-hours inspections cost $75 per hour plus 12% state surcharge, with minimum hour requirements; other added fees may apply for special conditions
Payment note: Staff send payment links after intake

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Oregon residential permit exemptions for minor work, small detached nonhabitable structures, limited reroofing triggers, and similar low-risk work may apply.
Exempt work can still require planning, erosion control, utility, or fire review depending on location and project effects.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Online inspection scheduler or IVR line at 503-681-6244 (other)

Inspection hours: Inspections are performed Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; inspection scheduler notes standard field windows of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Time windows: Inspections are performed Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; inspection scheduler notes standard field windows of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Preliminary erosion control where applicable, foundation or footing, rough construction and utilities, planning or water review where required, and final building inspection

Additional Resources

Building code: State of Oregon building specialty codes as 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 Hillsboro Development Services and Permitting Center, Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hillsboro Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hillsboro, OR?: New buildings, additions, repairs, renovations, demolitions, occupancy changes, fire alarm and fire suppression work, manufactured dwelling work, and other regulated construction.
How much does a building permit cost in Hillsboro, OR?: The minimum permit fee is Use current permit fee tables and estimate forms; the public summary page does not restate one universal minimum.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Permit fees, plan review fees, construction excise tax, SDCs, TDT, and other site-related charges may apply depending on project scope.. Plan check fee: Yes. Fire and life safety plan review is listed in the citywide fee schedule at 40% of permit fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Hillsboro, OR?: 1. Download the correct permit application and checklist for the project type. 2. Submit the application in person or by email to permits@hillsboro-oregon.gov. 3. Pay fees through the payment link sent by city staff. 4. If review is required, city staff send the applicant a link to begin the review process and upload plans. 5. Resolve any review comments and satisfy planning, utility, fire, or South Hillsboro area submittal requirements if applicable. 6. Receive permit issuance and schedule inspections online or by IVR.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Hillsboro, OR?: Typical processing time is Hillsboro states permits that can be issued within 24 hours will be issued shortly after payment; projects requiring review follow the plan review process and timing varies by scope..
What work is exempt from building permits in Hillsboro, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Oregon residential permit exemptions for minor work, small detached nonhabitable structures, limited reroofing triggers, and similar low-risk work may apply.; Exempt work can still require planning, erosion control, utility, or fire review depending on location and project effects..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Hillsboro, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Online inspection scheduler or IVR line at 503-681-6244.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Hillsboro 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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