Outline
- Introduction
- Summary – What to know about building in Oregon
- Permitting
- Where to find relevent information about permitting.
- How to apply for permits.
- Definition of a site plan.
- How to find and choose a builder in your area.
- Building in the winter season.
- Helpful Websites
- Appendix
- Detailed list of potential land assessments and reports
- Detailed list of professional services that may be required to conduct assessments and reports on your land.
Introduction

Oregon state is a region of diverse beauty and varying terrains. Since we started delivering barn packages down the west coast in the late 1980s we’ve come to learn how the Oregon mountains, rainforests, coastlines, rivers, lakes, and desert land shape not only the landscapes and scenery, but also how they influence construction projects.
Old growth rain forests of the west reach from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade mountains, before dry desert and high plains cover the east of the state. Each of these things influencing site plan details, build schedules and permitting needs. Our goal here is to share what we’ve learned so you know what to expect from the journey, and how to make your project as efficient as possible
As with all things construction related, every project cost and timeline are unique no matter where you are building, but we’ve identified some common trends as we have engineered and shipped our structure kits throughout recent decades.
Summary: What Are the Main Things to Know About Building in Oregon?
- Permitting requirements are determined on the local level, either by county or city. Explore the Oregon ePermitting portal for all your permitting needs.
- Leverage your network with word-of-mouth referrals and social media to find reputable builders in your area.
- Depending on where you live, winter weather may impact your material delivery schedule and project timelines.
Permitting: How to Obtain Building Permits in Oregon
Where to find permitting information for your area.

Your county or city building department will be your best resource for all information pertaining to permitting and site planning needs.
The Oregon ePermitting portal is a very helpful tool for finding permitting information. Find resources about the permitting process, search building department directories and track the progress of your permits once your application has been submitted. Explore the Oregon ePermitting Portal here.
Some jurisdictions offer pre-application meetings and permit expediting services. These are great resources to navigate the planning process and learn exactly what kind of assessments and details your project will require. Ask your county building department if services like these are available to you.
How to apply for your building permits.
- Review zoning and land use regulations for your location.
- Speak with your local building department to confirm the project details and information needed to apply for building permits.
- Conduct any necessary surveys or assessments of your land.
- Prepare your site plan.
- Submit building permit application with site plan details and all necessary project information.
- Review, address comments and make revisions as needed.
Definition of a site plan
Once you have contacted your building department and confirmed your land can support your desired structure, the next step is to work with the necessary professional services to gather any required land assessments or reports and create a site plan. At this time Barn Pros will work with you to confirm the layout, size and details of your structure and prepare to engineer your blueprints.
When your site plan contains all the needed land assessments and reports, Barn Pros will account for these details in your blueprints and you’re ready to submit your building permit application.
See the appendix for example site plan details and professional services that you may need to pursue.
Types of assessments and reports that may be required in your site plan.
No two site plans will be the same thanks to Oregon’s varied terrain. With this in mind, common assessments and reports for your site plan may include the following:
- Property information including lot size and shape, property lines and boundaries.
- Existing topography, vegetation, structures, utilities, and bodies of water.
- Proposed structure information such as footprint, dimensions, and setbacks, building height, floor plans and elevations.
- Necessary site improvements including driveways and access, landscaping, grading, drainage, fences, and walls.
- Utility and services connections, septic systems, and stormwater management.
- Regulatory compliance of zoning and easements.
- Environmental considerations around wetland mitigation, erosion control, environmental impact assessments and critical area reports.
Reference the appendix for more details around potential land assessments and reports and contact your local building department to confirm which are needed for your specific site plan.
Professional services that you may need to work with to gather required land assessments and reports.
- Land surveyor
- Civil engineer
- Landscape architect
- Environmental consultant
- Geotechnical engineer
- Septic System designer/ installation
- Traffic engineer
- Utility consultant
- Land use attorney
- Permit specialist
Reference the appendix for more details on what these professional services do and how they apply to your site plan.
How to Find and Choose a Builder.

Word-of-mouth referrals or local social media groups are a good place to search for qualified contractors in your area. Online websites such as Home Advisor, Porch, Angi and Houzz are also great online resources to leverage. You can learn more about things to think about and what to ask when searching for a builder in our resource article here: How to Find & Choose a Barn Builder.
Building During the Winter.
While winter can bring delays to material deliveries and construction timelines, you don’t necessary need to pause your progress until the spring time. In fact, the winter can be a great opportunity to take advantage of shorter turn-around times at permitting offices. Plus, builders may have more availability on their calendars outside of the busy summer months. So as you begin creating your project schedule, don’t rule out winter construction.
Helpful Websites
Oregon ePermitting
This portal allows you to apply for and track permits online, including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. It also provides inspection scheduling and fee information.
Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD)
The Oregon BCD oversees statewide building codes, licensing for contractors, and permits. This site provides access to building code requirements, permit information, and forms for construction projects.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
The DEQ website provides information about environmental regulations related to water quality, stormwater management, septic systems, and wetlands. It’s essential for understanding how your project may impact the environment.
Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD)
This site offers resources on land use planning, zoning regulations, and urban growth boundaries. It’s useful for understanding how land use laws may affect your construction project.
Oregon State Fire Marshal
Provides fire code information, wildfire mitigation resources, and fire safety regulations that may impact residential construction, especially in areas prone to wildfires.
Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD)
Offers resources for planning water use in construction, such as well permits, water rights, and information on water availability. Useful for rural projects or properties dependent on private wells.
Oregon Contractor Licensing (Construction Contractors Board)
This site provides information on how to verify a contractor’s license, report unlicensed activity, and find consumer protection resources. It’s vital for homeowners hiring professionals for their construction project.
Appendix
Details That May Be Required in Your Site Plan
Property Information
- Property Boundaries: Accurate depiction of property lines, with dimensions and bearings.
- Lot Size and Shape: Detailed measurements and shape of the lot.
Existing Conditions
- Topography: Contour lines to show the slope and elevation of the land.
- Vegetation: Existing trees, shrubs, and other significant vegetation.
- Structures: Existing buildings, fences, and other structures on the property.
- Utilities: Location of existing utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electric lines.
- Water Bodies and Wetlands: Streams, rivers, ponds, and wetland areas.
Proposed Construction
- Building Footprint: Outline of the proposed buildings and structures.
- Dimensions and Setbacks: Distance of the proposed structures from property lines, roads, and other structures.
- Building Height: Proposed height of the new buildings.
- Floor Plans and Elevations: Detailed floor plans and elevation views of the proposed structures.
Site Improvements
- Driveways and Access: Location and dimensions of driveways, access roads, and parking areas.
- Landscaping: Proposed landscaping plans, including trees, shrubs, lawns, and other plantings.
- Grading and Drainage: Proposed grading changes and drainage systems to manage runoff.
- Fences and Walls: Location and type of any proposed fences or retaining walls.
Utilities and Services
- New Utility Connections: Location of proposed connections to water, sewer, gas, electric, and communication lines.
- Septic Systems: If applicable, design and location of septic systems.
- Stormwater Management: Plans for managing stormwater runoff, including detention/retention ponds, swales, and other features.
Regulatory Compliance
- Zoning Information: Zoning classification of the property and compliance with zoning regulations.
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Location of any easements, rights-of-way, or other encumbrances.
- Permits and Approvals: List of required permits and approvals from local, state, and federal agencies.
Environmental Considerations
- Wetland Mitigation: Plans for mitigating any impact on wetlands.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: If required, a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the project.
- Erosion Control: Measures to prevent erosion during and after construction.
Additional Documentation
- Survey: A professional land survey showing existing conditions.
- Architectural and Engineering Plans: Detailed architectural and engineering plans for the proposed structures.
- Title Report: Current title report for the property.
- Neighbor Notifications: Evidence of notification to adjacent property owners, if required.
Professional Services You May Need to Work With
Land Surveyor
- Role: Conducts detailed surveys of the property to establish precise property boundaries, topography, and existing conditions.
- Why Needed: Accurate surveys are essential for creating a reliable site plan and ensuring compliance with zoning and setback requirements.
Civil Engineer
- Role: Designs site infrastructure, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, and utility connections.
- Why Needed: Ensures the site is properly prepared and that infrastructure meets local regulations and environmental standards.
Architect
- Role: Develops the building design, including floor plans, elevations, and architectural details.
- Why Needed: Creates the visual and functional aspects of the structures, ensuring they meet building codes and aesthetic requirements.
Landscape Architect
- Role: Designs landscaping elements, including vegetation, hardscapes, and outdoor amenities.
- Why Needed: Enhances the site’s appearance, provides environmental benefits, and ensures compliance with local landscaping regulations.
Environmental Consultant
- Role: Assesses environmental impacts, identifies wetlands, and advises on mitigation measures.
- Why Needed: Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and minimizes the project’s ecological footprint.
Geotechnical Engineer
- Role: Evaluates soil conditions and provides recommendations for foundations and earthwork.
- Why Needed: Ensures the site can support the proposed structures and that earthwork is done safely and effectively.
Traffic Engineer
- Role: Analyzes traffic flow and designs access points, driveways, and parking areas.
- Why Needed: Ensures safe and efficient access to the site and compliance with local traffic regulations.
Utility Consultant
- Role: Plans the connections to water, sewer, gas, electric, and communication services.
- Why Needed: Ensures all utility services are properly integrated into the site plan.
Land Use Attorney
- Role: Provides legal advice on zoning, land use regulations, and permitting processes.
- Why Needed: Helps navigate legal requirements and addresses any legal challenges or disputes.
Permit Expediter
- Role: Assists in preparing and submitting permit applications and coordinates with regulatory agencies.
- Why Needed: Streamlines the permitting process and helps ensure timely approvals.
Process for Approval
- Consultation: Meet with the local planning department to understand specific requirements.
- Preparation: Hire professionals such as land surveyors, architects, and engineers and prepare the site plan as needed.
- Submission: Submit the site plan along with any required applications and fees to the local planning department.
- Review: The planning department and other relevant agencies review the plan for compliance with regulations.
- Revisions: Make any necessary revisions based on feedback from the review.
- Approval: Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before beginning construction.
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