On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hillsboro
New buildings, additions, repairs, renovations, demolitions, occupancy changes, fire alarm and fire suppression work, manufactured dwelling work, and other regulated construction.
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.
- Exempt Oregon residential permit exemptions for minor work, small detached nonhabitable structures, limited reroofing triggers, and similar low-risk work may apply.
- Exempt Exempt work can still require planning, erosion control, utility, or fire review depending on location and project effects.
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.
- Building code
- State of Oregon building specialty codes as enforced by the city.
- Permit validity
- Oregon 180-day baseline applies unless extended locally.
- Owner-builder
- Owners can submit applications directly; Oregon homeowner acknowledgement rules still apply where relevant.
- Contractor requirements
- Oregon contractor and trade licensing requirements apply.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Download the correct permit application and checklist for the project type.
- 02 Submit the application in person or by email to permits@hillsboro-oregon.gov.
- 03 Pay fees through the payment link sent by city staff.
- 04 If review is required, city staff send the applicant a link to begin the review process and upload plans.
- 05 Resolve any review comments and satisfy planning, utility, fire, or South Hillsboro area submittal requirements if applicable.
- 06 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hillsboro building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Use current permit fee tables and estimate forms; the public summary page does not restate one universal minimum.
02
Plan check fee
Yes. Fire and life safety plan review is listed in the citywide fee schedule at 40% of permit fee.
03
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.
04
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
05
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
Staff send payment links after intake
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Preliminary erosion control where applicable, foundation or footing, rough construction and utilities, planning or water review where required, and final building inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Hillsboro permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hillsboro, OR? ▸
Building permit fees in Hillsboro, OR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hillsboro, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Hillsboro, OR, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Hillsboro, OR? ▸
Building permit processing times in Hillsboro, OR typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Hillsboro, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hillsboro, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hillsboro, OR via: Online inspection scheduler or IVR line at 503-681-6244.
last verified April 2026
source City of Hillsboro Development Services and Permitting Center, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/oregon/washington/hillsboro
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Hillsboro Development Services and Permitting Center, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.