Welcome

The Development Services Division is committed to providing excellent customer service. Please let us know how we are doing or where we can improve by taking our quick on-line survey.

Thinking about remodeling?  Building a new home?  The City of Corvallis offers free pre-construction meetings for residents thinking about a building project.  Our professional and courteous staff can help you understand the permit process and estimate permit costs.  We can also provide information about the inspection process and building safety codes.  And, as Corvallis continues to encourage sustainable construction practices, we’ll work with you in exploring the latest green building options for your project.

For more information, or to arrange an appointment, contact Development Services at 541-766-6929.

DO I NEED A PERMIT ?

Contractor's Corner

On-line Permits

Corvallis Offers Electrical & Mechanical Permits, Anytime, 24/7 Learn more...

 
Apply on-line at BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov

New Mechanical Equipment Requirements

The 2006 Land Development Code , which became effective December 31, 2006, provides new requirements for the location and screening of outdoor mechanical equipment such as condenser units and heat pumps. Learn more...

Downloads available:

Contractor's Mechanical Site Plan Worksheet

Mechanical Permit Application

Over-the-Counter Permits

Need a Permit Today ? - We offer an Over-the-Counter permit process for certain types of applications. This means applying for and receiving your permit in one, fast and easy stop at our Development Services counter. Learn more...

News

Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems

Some Facts About Fire Sprinklers in Single-Family Dwellings

Fires in residences have taken a high toll of life and property in the U.S. In 2005 there were 396,000 residential fires, 3,055 civilian fire deaths, 13,825 civilian fire injuries, and $6.9 billion in property damage. A newly published study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), however, reported that out of almost 2,000 fire incidents in residential homes with fire sprinklers during the period of 2002 to 2005, there were no fire related fatalities. Reports also showed that property damage was 9 times lower in fire sprinkler protected properties.

The Future of Fire Sprinklers in Single-Family Dwellings

The proven life and property saving benefits of residential fire sprinkler systems has been discussed at Code Development Hearings for several years. As a result, in September 2008, a mandate to require fire sprinkler systems in every new home was voted into the International Residential Code. This means the sprinkler mandate has a real potential of going into effect in Oregon by April of 2011.

How is This Done and What Will It Cost Me ?
Residential fire sprinkler systems come in different forms but they are typically designed to be added to the plumbing cold water lines in your home. For home owners and designers, it should be noted that unobtrusive ceiling and sidewall sprinkler heads are now available in a range of colors and sizes to blend in with your home decor.

According to the Fire Protection Research Foundation, the cost of residential sprinkler systems average around $1.75 per square foot. This is comparable to what many people pay for flooring upgrades or a spa tub. A fire sprinkler system can, however, lower insurance rates by 5 to 15 percent (check with your insurance provider).

The biggest advantages of a fire sprinkler system in your home is the assurance of a safer environment for your family and the protection of your investment and irreplaceable family possessions.

Click here for archived news articles . . .

Updated November 7, 2008

Inspection scheduling
A new interactive voice response (IVR) system is being activated March 31, 2008. Inspection requests after this date will be required to use the new system. Call 766.6745 to schedule an inspection. 

• Click here for the IVR brochure - easy to follow steps for requesting inspections.
• Click here for the letter to interested parties.
• Click here for a handy one-page list of IVR codes. 

Updated March 28, 2008

Thinking GREEN ?
The following City web page is dedicated to providing information and resources for green materials and sustainable construction practices : http://www.ci.corvallis.or.us/cd/greenbuilding

Updated March 28, 2008

Green Scene News - International Code Council (ICC)
Get up-to-date monthly information regarding greening of our adopted building codes. Look for the section titled "Green Scene" : http://www.iccsafe.org/news/ePeriodicals/eNews/

ICC's Green Building Page - a wealth of information : http://www.iccsafe.org/news/green/

Green construction brochure : http://www.iccsafe.org/safety/BSW/2008/2008BuildingGreen.pdf

Updated March 28, 2008

Green Newsletter - International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
Monthly newsletter from the publishers of our State adopted Plumbing Code : http://www.iapmo.org/Pages/GreenNewsletter.aspx

Updated March 28, 2008

2007 Solar Decathlon - US Department of Energy
Highlights of 2007 competition held in Washington DC, attended by staff.  Lot’s of interesting and innovative solar design approaches : http://www.solardecathlon.org

Updated March 28, 2008

Residential Certificate of Occupancy
Effective April 1, 2008, new residential structures are required to have a “Certificate of Occupancy” issued by the City of Corvallis as part of final approval. A Certificate of Occupancy indicates the project has completed all required inspections, is safe to move in, and is ready for occupancy. This new requirement is part of recent rule changes from the State Building Codes Division.

Click here for additional information.

Updated March 28, 2008