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 will 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.

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Contractor's Corner

On-line Permits

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

 
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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...

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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

Turning Areas Into Habitable Space & Sleeping Rooms

Customers often ask Development Services staff what kind of issues would affect them if they turn their existing garages, basements, or attic spaces into habitable space and/or sleeping rooms. The following is a summary of many issues which should be taken into consideration for this type of project:

Building Permits: A building permit is required to convert the use of any existing area into habitable space or sleeping rooms, even if no structural work is anticipated. Two sets of plans must be submitted, showing the scope of work and address issues like the ones below. These plans are checked for these considerations before issuing your building permit. After the permit is issued, any work conducted or completed must be inspected by a City Building Inspector before covering such work.

• Structural provisions: Structural changes cannot cause any structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building. This would mean new door or window openings which can decrease the resistance of the structure to seismic and wind forces have to be evaluated to current code. New or replaced headers, joists, rafters, etc. must also be evaluated to current code allowances.

• Smoke alarms: When interior work requiring a permit occurs the entire building shall be provided with smoke alarms.

• Egress requirements: Every sleeping room shall have at least one egress window or exterior door for emergency escape and rescue. Every dwelling must have at least one 3' by 6'-8" side swinging door directly to the exterior and all habitable areas of a dwelling must have access to this door without going through a garage or carport. Ceiling heights can not be less than 7 feet, hallways must be not less than 3 feet in width, and floor level changes must be by the means of a code compliant stair or ramp.

• Energy code compliance: Any alteration without any changes to the existing components regulated by energy code are exempt from the requirements for energy efficiency. However, any components which are affected by the alteration must meet current energy efficiency requirements to the maximum extent practical.

• Combustion air for gas appliances: Wherever gas appliances are located in a home, adequate combustion air shall be provided for it to work properly and safely. Gas appliances are typically prohibited from being located in sleeping rooms and bathrooms. There are methods to address these requirements and the specific situation should be addressed on the plans.

• Ventilation: Ventilation may be required to be provided for new or altered bathrooms, kitchens, attic spaces, and underfloor spaces to remove moisture which can cause mold and mildew.

• Electrical requirements: Electrical panels are required to maintain a clear space of not less then 30-inches wide by 36-inches deep. Habitable spaces are required to have outlets spaced at no more than 12-foot intervals along the walls and sleeping room outlets must be protected by an arc-fault circuit-interrupter.

• Parking requirements: If garage parking is reduced or eliminated, provisions must be provided for the required off-street parking requirements.

• Planning issues: Many planned developments have specific requirements which must be addressed for compliance with the Land Development Code requirements. Buildings which are on the Historic Registry or in a Historic District also have specific requirements which must be addressed as well.

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Updated February 2010