Drawings and Permits: When and What is Required

The time has come for you to move forward on that project you've been planning, and you are at the point of deciding if you need construction drawings or not. Many people are uneasy about calling your local building department or contractor with these questions, afraid they may be overloaded with unnecessary restrictions or costs. It helps to know what requires a permit by law, and what is required on drawings as well.

According to Oregon Revised Statutes, any time someone plans to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove or convert a building they will need to submit a set of drawings and specifications for the work proposed. Yet, many things do not require a permit, and therefor, you may not need to submit drawings for review.

Some common projects that are Exceptions from permitting include, but are not limited to :

• Non-habitable one-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) less than 200 square feet in area and less than 10 feet from the finished floor to the roof

• Fences not over 6 ft high.

• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height