Do I need a building permit?

Do I need a building permit?

If you live in Clackamas County, here are the rules of thumb:

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any one or two family dwelling or related structure. You’ll also need a permit to add a room, build, demolish or move a carport, garage or shed of more than 200 square feet. If you are finishing an attic, garage or basement to make additional living space, you’ll need a permit for that as well. If you want to cut a new window or door opening, or widen existing openings, move, remove or add walls, or build a stairway, you’ll need a permit for that.

A permit is required to apply roofing when all the the old roofing is removed and new sheathing is installed. You will also need a permit to build a retaining wall if it is over four feet from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. To build a deck more than 30 inches above grade or to install a wood, chain link or wire mesh fence fore than eight feet high, you’ll need a permit but note; fences that serve as a swimming pool barrier no matter their height, permits are required. If you need to move more than 50 cubic yards of earth or any amount of cut or fill on sites affected by waterways or slope hazards, you’ll also want to get a permit for that.

To learn more about the permitting process, call Development Services at 503-742-4400 or email [email protected] or visit www.clackamas.us/building