Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Building

When Do I Need a Building (Structural) Permit?

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, or move any one or two-family dwelling or related structure. For example:

  • Add A Room
  • Build, or move a carport, garage, or shed of more than 200 square feet
  • Finish an attic, garage, or basement to make additional living space
  • Cut a new window or door opening, or widen existing openings
  • Move or add walls
  • Apply roofing when all of the old roofing is removed and new sheathing is installed
  • Build a stairway
  • Build a deck more than 30 inches (.76m) above grade

Even if no building permit is required, separate approvals or permits by the Planning Division and Public Works Department may remain required.

When Do I Need a Mechanical Permit?

A permit is required to do the following:

  • Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system that must be vented into any kind of chimney, including unvented decorative appliances
  • Install a woodstove, fireplace insert, pellet stove, or related venting
  • Install, alter, or repair gas piping between the meter and an appliance (indoors or outdoors)
  • Install bath fans, dryer exhausts, kitchen range exhausts, and appliances that are required to be vented

Mechanical work on one- or two-family dwellings includes work on heating, cooling, or ventilation systems, including bath vents and woodstoves. Installation, alteration, or repair of gas piping between the meter and an appliance or other equipment, including all liquefied petroleum gas piping, is also considered mechanical work. Homeowners or a licensed contractor may legally install natural gas piping.

 

Think Safety First!

For your safety, your family's safety, and the safety of future occupants - and to avoid expensive mistakes - do not do any mechanical work that is beyond your skill level.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?

A plan review generally takes less than two weeks for one and two-family dwellings. Time frames can change, depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the information you submit with your application.

Once plans are submitted with an application, plan review fees will be invoiced and can be paid online in ePermitting or in person at the finance department. All remaining fees will be paid at the time the permit is ready to be issued.

When your plans have been reviewed, stamped "approved" and signed, and all fees have been paid, an approved "site copy" of plans will available for pick up to have on the job site.

What Information Will I Need to Get a Permit?

You will need the following information:

  1. The address of the property
  2. A description of the work proposed, including a narrative and/or drawings addressing any applicable land use / planning / zoning conditions of approval
  3. The owner's name, address, and phone number
  4. If a contractor is doing the work, the contractor's name, address, phone number, and state license number
  5. Three sets of plans for new construction of homes or for remodeling that clearly show all work on the building and where the building sits on the property

Mechanical permits generally do not require plans to get a permit to do mechanical work on a dwelling. You will be expected to briefly describe the work proposed. For example, describe the appliance you intend to install and whether you will be installing a new vent, new ductwork, etc. If you are installing new gas piping, know how many outlets for future gas appliances you need.

Mechanical permit fees are based on the number of appliances, chimneys, vents, or gas piping outlets that will be installed. Permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.

 

Where Do I Apply for a Permit?

Both electrical and plumbing permits are applied for through Marion County Public Works (www.co.marion.or.us/PW/BuildingInspection/Pages/ApplicationsandBrochures...), located at 5155 Silverton Road NE, Salem, OR 97305 (503-588-5036). 

Homeowners may submit building and mechanical permits at Woodburn City Hall, 270 Montgomery St  - OR - create an account in Oregon ePermitting and apply online using these instructions

Contractors must apply online via Oregon ePermitting.

When Can Work Start?

When your permit has been issued and an approved set of plans is returned, work can begin. The permit and plans must be on the job site and available to the inspector.

To change your plans from what was originally approved, you must provide revisions on two additional sets of plans and take them to the City of Woodburn Building Division. Do not mark on the approved set.

How Do I Get an Inspection?

If a licensed contractor: to request an inspection, schedule via Oregon ePermitting or call 1-888-299-2821 and use your IVR number.

If a homeowner: to request an inspection, call 503-982-5250 and reference your permit number - OR - use your IVR number and schedule through E-Permitting.

Resources to help schedule inspections can be found here: E-Permitting Inspection Code List       Ways to Schedule Inspections

 

Inspection requests received prior to 7AM will be done on the same day.  Requests received after 7AM will be done the following day.

Unless all of the work is outside and accessible, an adult needs to be at the site to provide access for the inspector.

 

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