1. Building Department Helpful Tips

The Scappoose Building Dept. is located at the Community Development Center.

• OFFICE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:  Monday - Thursday 8am-5pm (closed 12:00-1:15pm).  

• FRIDAYS - LOBBY IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (limited staff available via phone or email)  

The State of Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) administers the Oregon's Statewide Building Codes. 

All building departments within Oregon are responsible for ensuring that new construction, alternations,  remodels and additions are built according to the State of Oregon Building Codes, when a permit is required.  

To visit the BCD website, use "Links" in the menu bar to the right or click this link;   https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/index.aspx

The BCD also offers helpful info about required design criteria on their website called the Oregon Design Criteria Hub.  It provides a helpful interactive mapping tool for site-specific climatic and geographic design criteria for construction projects governed by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) and the commercial Oregon Structrual Specialty Code (OSSC);  https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/pages/design-criteria.aspx

PERMITS PROTECT;

Permits are required to build new residential homes, apartments, additions, sheds/structures (depending on size/height), as well as commercial buildings and structures, including some repairs, renovations, remodels and demos plus Change of Use or Change of Occupancy.

Additional permits are required for;

• plumbing 
• mechanical
• electrical
• fire sprinklers
• fire alarms
• medical gas

For a list of items exempt from Building Permits, see "Chapter 1 Administration" in each code book.  The model code for the State of Oregon has removed several items from the State Building Codes, with an option for local jurisdictions to adopt them in their municipal codes.  The City of Scappoose has adopted those items that have been omitted from the State's Building Code per City of Scappoose Resolution 22-05. 

Please contact the Building Dept. if you have any questions about permits, the building codes, plan reviews or inspections.

NEW COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS- Start with our Planning Dept. page via this link;   www.scappoose.gov/planning

ONLINE APPLICATIONS- EPERMITTING;

In 2003, the Oregon Legislature adopted bills (SB 713 & HB 2405) that created a voluntary statewide ePermitting systems to improve contractor access to building permits and services.

The Oregon ePermitting system builds upon the benefits of statewide code standards by providing a uniform platform for online, access to building services by providing;

• online access for contractors to apply, pay and receive permits 24/7 (residential mech & plum will auto-issue)
• upload plans/documents into ePermit records
• schedule inspections 24/7 via 800#, website or app (we require 24-hr.-48-hr. notice)

ELECTRIC & SEPTIC permits are handled by Columbia County Land Development. 

• https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/LandDevelopment/on-site-program
• Northwest Oregon Septic Repair Replacement Program provides financial assistance for failing septic systems in Oregon through our local Community Action Team;  https://cat-team.org/cat/building

PERMITS INFO - select button below

INSPECTIONS - see menu to the right

VISIT LINK BELOW FOR HELPFUL TIPS FROM THE STATE BUILDING CODES DIVISION (BCD);

https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/Consumer-Tools.aspx     

• Finding a Reliable Contractor
• Avoiding Construction Scams 
• Assistance with written contracts
• Filing a complaint against contractors
• Consumer Publications/Brochures (several tips and tricks for consumers)

NOTE;

PROPERTY OWNERS ARE ALLOWED TO ACT AS THEIR OWN CONTRACTOR IF THEY CHOOSE per ORS.701.325; Oregon Law requires residential construction permit applicants who are NOT licensed with the State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board to sign the following PROPERTY OWNER STATEMENT before a building permit can be issued.   (if link fails see documents below)  https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Documents/information%20notice%20to%20owner%20about%20construction%20responsibilities.pdf

FREE PLANS-DRAWINGS FROM THE STATE:   The State of Oregon Building Codes Division provides plans for Pole Buildings, Garages, Carports, Decks and Patio Covers (Click button below or you can do a web search; "Oregon Ready Built Plans").

CASH INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FROM ENERGY TRUST OF OREGON:  Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home is a great way to save money, energy and improve comfort. Chose from several upgrades to find cash incentives.    https://www.energytrust.org/

ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE:  The State of Oregon Building Codes Division provides forms and links for Energy Code Compliance.

• Commerical Energy Code;   https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/energy-commercial-compliance.aspx
• Residential Energy Code; https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/pages/energy-residential-compliance.aspx

PERMIT HISTORY

LOOKING FOR COPIES OF PREVIOUS-EXISTING BUILDING PERMIT OR CONSTRUCTION PLANS? 

• The Scappoose Building Department did not exist until approximately 1996.
• Permit data prior to 1996 might not exist or data would be very general.
• The Building Department has an old ledger/binder when the county logged permit data between 1979-1990. This data entry is very basic and often times without any description of work and/or with the old 3-digit routing address...
• In the late 1980’s addresses were revised for our area from a 3-digit routing number system to the current 5-digit street addressing system; no data conversion was kept.  Most addresses in the old permit ledger have the 3-digit addressing system.
• Per the State archives, construction PLANS are only required to be kept for 2 years after the final inspection date.

Permits issued < 10 years, use the search tool within e-permitting;  https://aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon/

Plans and/or Permits issued > 10 years, please fill out the "REQUEST FOR PUBLIC RECORDS" form;  https://www.scappoose.gov/cityhall/page/request-public-records

ELECTRIC & SEPTIC PERMITS ARE HANDLED BY COLUMBIA COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT.  

CONTACT INFO FOR THE SCAPPOOSE BUILDING DEPT.;

Phone; 503-543-7184

email; scappoosebuildingdept@scappoose.gov

Community Development Office Administrator

The CDC Office Administrator is available to answer development related questions regarding zoning, land use applications, required permits, and serves as a liaison to the Building Official, Planner and Engineer. If you have any questions please call Elizabeth Happala at 503-543-7184 or email her at ehappala@scappoose.gov

Building Official

The Building Official is available to answer questions related to State of Oregon building codes. If you have code questions please email scappoosebuildingdept@scappoose.gov