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.

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 :

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:

Mechanical Site Plan Example

Mechanical Permit Application

Contractor Guide - Determine Property Setbacks

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...

Are you prepared for Disasters or Natural Hazards?

Benton County is implementing a Disaster Mitigation Plan that includes: 

• Floods
• Fires
• Earthquakes
• Landslides
• Wind
• Winter Storms
• Other Natural Hazards

Important Links:
Video: Tips for Homeowners
Hazards in Benton County/Corvallis
Partnership for Disaster Resilience
Building Safety Month

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE

2011 RESIDENTIAL CODE

The 2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) became effective July 1, 2011.  To ensure that your next project is code compliant, the following abbreviated list of significant changes is being provided. Hyperlinks are included to each referenced code section:

• Energy Conservation. All conditioned spaces within residential buildings must comply with Table N1101.1(1) and two additional measures from Table N1101.1(2)
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors are required in all new construction, additions, remodels, and when a new source of carbon monoxide is introduced (i.e. fuel burning appliance). ORSC section R315.
• Braced Wall Lines and all pertinent information including location, length and method chosen, shall be identified on the construction documents. ORSC section R106.1.1.
• Braced Wall Line design criteria and methodology has been entirely revised from previous code editions. ORSC section R602.10.
• Concrete foundations and garage slabs. The minimum compressive strength of concrete has increased in seismic category D1 to 3,000 psi at 28 days. All reinforcing steel shall have minimum yield strength of 60,000 psi (Grade 60). ORSC Table 402.2, R404.1.2.3.1, R404.1.2.3.7.1.
• Wood Structural Panel thickness has increased slightly. The minimum thickness when installed over studs at 16”o.c. is 3/8”. Studs at 24”o.c. may use 7/16”.  ORSC Tables R602.10.2 and 602.3(3).
• Dryer Duct Length has increased to a maximum equivalent length of 35 ft. Formerly it was only 25 ft. ORSC M1502.4.4.
• Deck Ledger Connections shall now conform to the requirements of Table R502.2.2.1 or be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. ORSC R502.2.2 thru R502.2.2.3.
• Kick-out Flashings shall be installed at all wall and roof intersections. ORSC R703.8(6) and Figure R703.8(1).

Land Use Application Fee Changes for 2012

City Council adopted an annual update to land use application fees at its November 7, 2011, meeting. Click here for more information.

E-Permitting

Did you know the City of Corvallis Development Services Division participates in the E-Permitting program through the State of Oregon at BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov? The BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov web site is designed to make the permitting process easier and faster for contractors to obtain permits. The E-Permitting program allows contractors to apply and pay for simple, non-plan review electrical, mechanical, and now plumbing permits online, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.

E-Permitting is easy to use:
• Locates the address
• Determines who is responsible for the permitting
• Allows you to apply for the permit online if you are a licensed contractor
• Provides the “Authorization to Begin Work” document via email to post at the job site until you receive the official permit

The E-Permitting program helps expedite the permit process, enhances customer service, all the while encouraging sustainable business practices.

Apply online at: https://buildingpermits.oregon.gov/

Link to E-Permitting user guide: http://www.oregon-epermitting.info/user_guide.pdf

Updated July 6, 2011

Floodplain Development Permit Requirements -

EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2011

As of June 2, 2011, a Floodplain Development Permit (FLD) will be required for any work conducted within the 100-yr Floodplain boundary.

The Floodplain Development Permit will require a separate permit application that will be reviewed concurrent with your development application or as a stand-alone application if the development activity does not require an additional permit. FEMA requires the City to issue this FLD permit and there is no fee associated with it. 

It is important to note that a Floodplain Development Permit is not just required for structural permits, but includes electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and excavation work being conducted within the 100-yr Floodplain. All work within the floodplain requires the new work to be constructed to floodplain design standards, including elevating to the design flood elevation. This includes "in kind" or "like-for-like" replacement of mechanical units.  A licensed surveyor may be required to conduct a site survey and complete an elevation certificate that gets submitted to the City. 

As an aside, if you currently obtain plumbing, mechanical or electrical permits online through the state's e-permitting system, obtaining a permit online for these specialty disciplines does not eliminate the obligation to verify the status of the 100-yr Floodplain as it relates to your project site.  If applicable, you must obtain a Floodplain Development Permit.  An inspection cannot be conducted until the FLD permit is approved.  

Please click here for a Floodplain Development Permit application and supplemental checklist.  Please contact Development Services at (541) 766-6929 if you have questions regarding the floodplain development process.

The Floodplain Development Permit process is one component of the recently completed amendments to the Land Development Code, which address National Flood Insurance Program regulations that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has mandated. These regulations and new FEMA floodplain maps must go into effect on June 2, 2011. Click here for more information about the Land Development Code amendments.

Updated June 1, 2011

Why go through the trouble of installing Erosion Control measures on your Building Site?

If the EPA and DEQ mandates are not enough to convince you, consider this. Every year, 600 million tons of soil erodes from U.S construction sites. This affects us in some of the following ways:

• Excessive sediments in streams can smother the bottom fauna, seal stream beds, and destroy fish spawning habitat.
• Turbidity from sediment can reduce in-stream photosynthesis, which leads to reduced food supply and habitat.
• Turbidity can also increase the amount of sunlight absorbed in water, raising stream temperatures.
• Excess sediment creates cloudy or turbid water conditions, interfering with recreational uses.
• Local governments and their tax payers must pay for removing sediment from streets, sewers, ditches, sumps and culverts, and for dredging sediment from navigation channels.

Sediment pollution is cumulative, the ultimate results and costs may not be evident until years later. Do your part today for a better tomorrow. To learn more about this subject, view our Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control information.

Updated June 1, 2011