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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tualatin
Regulated building, plumbing, and mechanical work. Tualatin also warns that work performed before obtaining a permit will be charged an additional investigation fee.
Oregon residential permit exemptions for small detached nonhabitable structures, low fences, and limited minor work may apply.
Exterior work can still require Planning Division review even when no building permit is required.
- Exempt Oregon residential permit exemptions for small detached nonhabitable structures, low fences, and limited minor work may apply.
- Exempt Exterior work can still require Planning Division review even when no building permit is required.
Required documents
- Application
- plans
- and project-specific forms and worksheets. Tualatin publishes permit guides for ADUs
- fences and retaining walls
- and design criteria.
- Building code
- State of Oregon building specialty codes enforced by the city, with electrical through Washington County.
- Permit validity
- Permit extension requests are available on the city page; Oregon's 180-day baseline applies unless extended.
- Owner-builder
- Owners can apply through eTrakit; state homeowner acknowledgement rules still apply where relevant.
- Contractor requirements
- Oregon contractor and trade license rules apply.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Tualatin states current turnaround on complete applications is 4 to 5 weeks for residential, 6 to 8 weeks for commercial tenant improvements, and 7 to 9 weeks for new commercial permits.
- 01 If the project includes exterior work, contact the Planning Division before applying for the building permit.
- 02 Create an eTrakit account and submit the permit application online.
- 03 Upload plans and supporting materials.
- 04 Pay fees and respond to review comments.
- 05 Receive issued permit and approved plans online; city states issued permits do not need to be picked up.
- 06 Request inspections through the inspection voicemail or online system. Contact Washington County directly for electrical permit applications and questions.
Typical processing time: Tualatin states current turnaround on complete applications is 4 to 5 weeks for residential, 6 to 8 weeks for commercial tenant improvements, and 7 to 9 weeks for new commercial permits.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Tualatin building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Use current city fee schedule; the landing page does not restate a single building minimum.
02
Plan check fee
Applies
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Building fees, city development fees, SDCs, erosion control fees, and Washington County electrical fees may all apply depending on scope.
04
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fees and special investigation fees are listed in the current city fee schedule; work started before permit issuance also triggers an investigation fee
05
Penalty (no permit)
Reinspection fees and special investigation fees are listed in the current city fee schedule; work started before permit issuance also triggers an investigation fee
Fees are handled through eTrakit and city fee procedures
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection Request voicemail at 503-691-3040 and online permit system (other)
- Inspection hours
- Building office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Time windows
- Building office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Standard footing, framing, rough plumbing and mechanical, cover inspections, and final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tualatin permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Tualatin, OR? ▸
Regulated building, plumbing, and mechanical work. Tualatin also warns that work performed before obtaining a permit will be charged an additional investigation fee.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Tualatin, OR? ▸
Building permit fees in Tualatin, OR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Use current city fee schedule; the landing page does not restate a single building minimum.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Building fees, city development fees, SDCs, erosion control fees, and Washington County electrical fees may all apply depending on scope.. Plan check fee: Applies.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Tualatin, OR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Tualatin, OR, follow these steps: 1. If the project includes exterior work, contact the Planning Division before applying for the building permit. 2. Create an eTrakit account and submit the permit application online. 3. Upload plans and supporting materials. 4. Pay fees and respond to review comments. 5. Receive issued permit and approved plans online; city states issued permits do not need to be picked up. 6. Request inspections through the inspection voicemail or online system. Contact Washington County directly for electrical permit applications and questions.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Tualatin, OR? ▸
Building permit processing times in Tualatin, OR typically run Tualatin states current turnaround on complete applications is 4 to 5 weeks for residential, 6 to 8 weeks for commercial tenant improvements, and 7 to 9 weeks for new commercial permits.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Tualatin, OR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Tualatin, OR. The following work is generally exempt: Oregon residential permit exemptions for small detached nonhabitable structures, low fences, and limited minor work may apply.; Exterior work can still require Planning Division review even when no building permit is required.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Tualatin, OR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Tualatin, OR via: Inspection Request voicemail at 503-691-3040 and online permit system.
last verified April 2026
source City of Tualatin Building Division ↗
entry id permits/oregon/washington/tualatin
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Tualatin Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.